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Appendix VIII
Perfection of Man-Aim of Religion*
The main aim of all religions is to make man perfect to the extent possible and to ensure that he leads a disciplined life conforming his worldly activities to the moral law. Obedience to holy men, uttering truth and acquiring spiritual knowledge knowing the purpose of his birth, are common to one and all. There are differences only in the procedures for achieving the goal. But all of them warn man of the evil forces, which lurk within, ready to ruin him.
There are broadly four types of men - those who may not externally look pious but who never swerve from the path of righteousness, some put on the robes of a monk but their conduct may be questionable, some forsake both while a few renounce neither. Among the categories of children, some may turn out to be more virtuous than their parents, some evenly matched, some worthless, while a few may bring only disgrace to their families.
Likewise, meetings are of four kinds. With some, an encounter may be pleasant but their company may not be good, with some, the meeting may not be so palatable but their association may be enriching, in some both the company and meeting will be rewarding while in the last category are those whose very friendship and presence may be harmful.
Deception, fraud, falsehood and malpractices in trade are the four animal instincts, which drag the soul to sub-human existence. Simplicity, humility, compassion and serenity are the four virtues, which enable the soul to acquire human birth.
* The Hindu, 6 December 1997
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