The Free Press Journal, 27 October 2015
Indore : The founder of Art of Living Sri Sri Ravishankar has said that secularism is unfortunately taken in the wrong sense. It has taught us to keep away from dharma, which has ultimately given rise to crime and disappointment. All this has risen just because due importance to dharma is not given.
Sri Sri was addressing the valedictory function of a 3-day-long 3rd International Dharma-Dhamma Conference here on Monday at the Brilliant Convention Centre. The theme of the conference was ‘Harmony of Religions Welfare of Humankind’. Over 100 spiritual leaders and scholars of different religions participated in the conference, where over 50 research papers were presented in 6 parallel sessions.
Addressing the mammoth audience of over 5000 Sri Sri Ravishankar said, ‘The greatest killer of mankind is trust. Statistics say that every 2 seconds 7 people die just because of stress. With lack of faith, people start to break down from within. When this happens he is no more of any use and this leads to a path of crime. Hence, if we want to feel enthusiasm among people, dharma is essential. Man can achieve anything. A weak body can be carried by a strong mind, but a weak mind cannot carry even a strong body. Dharma gives strength to the mind, to the spirit, adds flavor to ones consciousness. You all should not keep quiet, but spread the message of dharma loud and clear in society for a one world family –‘Vasudev Kutumbkam’.”
Compassion is the ladder of religion
-The feeling to serve others is religion. Everyone should have such feelings. Beautification of our inner self is the essence of religious talk. Affinity, the feeling of affinity for others is a religion.
-In the first instance, compassion looks like strangeness, but compassion for others is the beauty of India. That’s why compassion is the ladder of religion.
-The concept of ‘expo’ was given by ‘Kumbha’. Kumbha was the place where people of different thoughts, sects and religions contemplated.
-We need to spiritualize politics, secularize religion and socialize business. This is today’s need in the world. Secularize politics in the sense that I would say every religion should pray for all people, entire humanity and not just for the people of their followers or their religions. Be guardian of the entire human race. Spiritualise politics means that politicians and people in authority will have to have feelings for people, connection with people, a feeling of righteousness. Spiritual flavour in social activities, social work, this is essential in politics.
-Socialize the business, means that every corporate house should take responsibility to serve society, not just to make money, but for the welfare of society.
-The purpose of religion is purity in heart, clarity and quality in mind and sincerity in action. Our education system can bring this. Let noble thoughts come from inside.(Rigveda).
India is the Guru of Tibet
Dr Lobsang Singe, guest of honor of the conference and head of Central Tibetan Administration, earned the audience’ appreciation when he said that he came from the land of Mansarovar, an abode of Kailashpati Shankar. He elaborated the importance of 4C’s in life-Compassion, Clarity, Co-operation and Co-existence. This is the essence of religion. India is Guru of Tibet. People should understand other religions and develop tolerance.