World Religions Conference November 1957

Author(s): Sushil Muni
Publisher: Achal Singh Seth

Page 20

Background
same-to wit, to purify religion. On the one hand, we, while blindly attached to tradition, are opposed to science, yet on the other, we are so ateracted by the passing pleasures resulting from day to day scientific inventions that we are gradually losing our interest in religion. Neither of these two things is commendable; for by opposition to science, we shut our eyes both to the reality and to our own self, and by ignoring religion, we lose contact with the very vital springs of life, viz. the human touch and feelings and the bliss of salvation. The root-cause of the trouble is that we pin our faith to only one thing at a time. If instead we were to evaluate every thing, science, culture and religion, each by its own values, we can have a peaceful life. You will agree that detachment is not incompatible with selfless service of others, nor is non-injury and non-violence with protection and defence, or nonaccumulation of wealth with charity, nor self-confidence with humility. In this way, one ought to rise above the pairs of opposites and learn to look with equanimity on the universe and here-in lies the very core of religion.
The men of realisation shout with the clarion call---
"Vasthu-Sahavo Dharma" (The very nature of creation is Dharma)
'Dharma' does not need any scriptures and texts for its exposition. The essence of Dharma lies in Man. It is only the Life Force or Elan Vitae or the Sound Current in Man that gives a glimpse of Dharma. The light in the fire is its vital principle without any extraneous aid and water has the innate property of quenching thirst, a dog has a feeling of faelty to his master and a cat that of drinking milk stealthily and a lioness of protecting its own cubs. All these illustrations go to show that Dharma or anes' own inner feelings or true naturę springs from the Inner Voice in each, and that is Dharma pervading equally in all.
Right Angle of Vision
When Man leaves off all scriptural lore and listens to the Voice of Silence within the depths of his own soul, it is then that he rises above attachments and detachments--all falling off like withered autumn leaves. A Jain Acharya (Teacher) tells us in this context :
Neither do I favour Mahavira Nor do I disfavour Kapil & others, I adore One who knows the Way, Is courageous and speaks the truth.
Thun with all differences in beliefs and faiths, we can yet be one in şearsk for bliss.