World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 418

is religion. Moral principles are to regulate human life and human behaviour. But either ethics or religion cannot act by themselves. "Good behaviour can be acquired if one has right understanding and can also be acquired by following the teachings of religion. Good behaviour is however, only means or the way of attaining the real object of religion, but it is not the ideal or the object of religion."
Adherence of the ethics and religion separates man from rest of the animal world. He is considered as the highest product of the evolutionary process. "An evolved human being is an awakened spirit, with a sound mind in a sound body, and endowed with wisdom, intelligence and health. For the development of such a personality, it is necessary to train the body, mind and spirit properly". Without inculcation of ethical and moral values, one cannot be considered as a complete person in the true sense. Mere development of intellect or physical strength is simply not sufficient.
In ancient Indian Society Varnasrama dharma was maintained. Initially Initially, this division was on the basis of their inborn gunas or attributes, and vrithis i.e., tendencies. It was believed that the three gunas viz., sattva, rajas and tamas - were present in different proportions in different individuals, resulting in different vrithis or tendencies i.e. Satvika, Rajasika and tamasika. It was a capability based division of labour in early society. But, in due course, the membership of each varna came to be determined by the lineage of the child rather than by his special attributes. Gradually, it led to rigid caste system.
In the ancient period, there was not only division of labour but also division of attributes or values. Thus, different values were confined to different varnas. But, in the present times of democracy, the ancient model of personality is unsuitable, not only on socio-political grounds, but also from the ideological perspective. Now, it is not irrelevant to mention about the concept of superman of the Radhasoami satsang of Dayalbagh - (Religion of · Saints) a well suited need of the hour. It is the personality that imbibes the best qualities of all the four varnaas, i.e. Brahmins, kshatriyas, vaisya and sudras, in an integrated manner. He should be physically fit, mentally alert, and well skilled in some vocation and should feel proud in performing any manual work with the dignity of labour. He is the one who is able to discriminate between right and wrong, who is able to take right discussion in different circumstances leading to his own good as well as that of others. This can be done only through ethical integration in the human being.
Now, humanity is passing through the age of science and technology. This age requires the explanation of religion on scientific lines. A change of a very marked character is taking place now and there is universal demand that everything be reduced to practicability and definition. Proper reason should be adduced in support of all matters - temporal or religious.
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