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NEEDS OF PRESENT BHARATHAM:-

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1.CULTIVATING THE MIND:- ---------------------------------------------------------/ Since globalisation heat, physical, materialistic prosperity, the country men totally lost them in the current flood. New discoveries, Invention and the latest technology, are blessings to the mankind, Nobody objects, when development goes on like this, another side equally misuse these blessings to the fall of the character of the people. To get them out of this,cultivation of mind is the immediate need of the hour. To control and develop the minds of these persons and bring them to correct path is the prime aim of the Rulers of this great nation. People are ignorant of their all-perfect omnipotent, omniscient nature! To make them aware of their spiritual identity, Rulers must know the mind themselves and take the cure first for them, before prescribing to the wrong-doers of this country, what you  think ? [to be cot----d]

CULTURAL REVIVAL PLAN:-2.

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TRAINING OF CHILDREN:- With parents support, school children are trained in spirituality when they are young. Instead of loading the children with the subjects with heavy texts, teach them how to live in this world, carrying morals,cultural values. Once you start you can watch the progress of the little ones. The development and growth in their general enthusiasm, mental habits, intellectual efficiency and physical discipline could have staggeringly spectacular, if only we could give these little ones a healthier school atmosphere and a more satisfactory home--environment. But these two are not now as they should be. That in spite of these hurdles they have all come up so beautifully well disciplined at all levels, is a fact which declares the intrinsic cultural stamina in the Hindu race. This sort of a national  re-building  programme may sound today as a far off cry but when the world emerges out of its own day's wilderness it shall, in the saner eras that are yet t

CULTURAL REVIVAL PLAN:-1

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NOTHING TO DESPAIR:- Plan must have necessarily a minimum three schemes: Schemes to revive- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------/ 1.The manhood, 2.The womanhood, 3.The childhood. Men and Women are taken up for reeducation  and rehabilitation together and separately. Children are being trained, all over country, by the Cubs,Scouts,Guides,N.C.C., and so on. 2.Children of today are to be inheritors of tomorrow and the future world is to be guided on proper lines. Unless we train them up properly to take up the great responsibility they too fail as our fathers had failed and many of us are failing today. 3.The subjects: Our Upanishads, Bhagavadgita, Ramayanam, Mahabhagavadam, puranas, and so on---through these scriptures, men,women,children minds are purified,cleaned, taught on Values, character, discipline, meditation, etc. 4.Nation can take the help of our present spiritual leaders and  teachers from v

FUTURE OF BHARATHAM:-1

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PRESENT GENERATION, THE  GARDENERS:- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HORTICULTURE CREEPERS, THE FUTURE GENERATION- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In Horticulture creepers are trained to grow and spread themselves in the required direction, and slowly fill up the given trellis by the intelligent gardener. The young seedlings grow in the direction in which the gardener guides them, and ere long the dream vision of the gardener is fulfilled in all details by steadily growing plants. SCULPTOR AND THE INERT STONE:- ------------------------------------------------------------- A Sculptor with a vision-of beauty works steadily on a piece of stone and carefully chips off, bit by bit, the rough granite masses that are concealing the beauty, proportion and harmony of the form that he had conceived in his mind and had actually visualised in the stone. Finally the

THE AGE WHICH SAW SANKARA-2

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Bharatham (India) was thus through great intellectual, spiritual and social turmoil. Vedik religion had become mere performance of elaborate rituals as advocated by the Purva-Mimamsa, which took into consideration only Brahmana portion of the Vedik lore. Buddhism was past its heyday of freshness and purity, and had degenerated into innumerable philosophical schools and as many corrupt  religious practices. Jainism was getting a lot of royal patronage and Hinduism had developed a number of intolerant sects. Squabbles, dissensions and corruption prevailed in the name of religion. It was into such an age of fuming confusion, chaotic intellectual anarchy and social decadence that BHAGAVAN  SANKARA  was born to destroy the wicked and the crooked ways of thinking, establish Sanatana Dharma, and impart to it the life-giving  philosophy of the Non-dual Brahmam of the Upanisads. [to be cont---d] By Swami chinmayananda.

THE AGE WHICH SAW 'SANKARA':-

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The age which saw the advent of Sankara was the dark period of unrest and strife. The country was divided into number principalities which had very little in common between them. There were literalists and ritualists, on the one hand, who held to the letter of the scriptures missing their message, while on the other, there were powerful nihilists and iconoclasts ready to tear and destroy all that was sacred and ancient. Clinging to narrow conceptions of godhood and swayed by fanaticism, they used religion as weapon of aggression instead of finding in it the solace of life. The society was infested with heinous practices which were given religious sanction by the culturally decayed populace. This was brought  about by the uncultured uneducated mass of people who had embraced Buddhism but who could not appreciate or live up the great and noble ideals preached by the Buddha. The land had no religious Master, and the population drifted without a goal, stagnating in innumerable sects, e

SANKARA:-

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About the middle of the 7th century A.D. Buddhism was in a state of decline. Its final defeat is attributed to Kumarila Batta and Sankaracharya. Kumarila was the founder of the Bhattapada school of Karma-mimamsa and was a great opponent of Buddhism. For his hand, he took the Vedas and vedik rites as the basis. Sankara who lived in the later part of the 8th century and the earlier part of the 9th century completed the work started by Kumarila, and much more.  Sankara assimilated some of the good points of Buddhism. Never deploring the Vedik rites and rituals , he purified them by removing those parts which are misused. He erected the edifice of Advaita and established  four monasteries  as centres of religious teaching and missionary work. These mathas,to this date, are the sources of light and wisdom to millions of Hindus.

THE STATE OF HINDUISM :- 3.

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EPICS AND PURANAS:- The subsequent years saw the growing popularity of the Epics and Puranas. They were the most valuable for the common people and formed the source of half of the vernacular literature. One of the significant  developments in the advance of the religious thought in the Puranas was the doctrine of  Avataras  and the concept of  Sakti  personified as the Mother Goddess.   Saktism gave rise to a mass of religious literature known as Tantras. Unlike the Puranas  they contain more of ritualistic matter and less of legend and history. The period up to above 7th century A.D. may be called the period of the puranas and dharshans. This period saw the compilation of eighteen great puranas, the famous dramas of Bhasa and Kalidasa and other commendable masterpieces like the mathematical treatise of Aryabhatta, the  astronomical  treatise of Varahamitra, etc. The Silpa sastra is also ascribed to this period.

THE STATE OF HINDUISM :-2.

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There were many significant developments upto about the 3rd century A.D. the most important being the code of Manu. The Mahagana scripture of this period ( Saddharma Pundarika) is known to be a parallel to the Bhagavad-Gita.  A number of Puranas  were written. The religion of Upanisads was thus made simple for the understanding of the common people and was more widely accepted. This can be seen as a reaction to the Buddhist fanaticism . The six schools of philosophy emerged distinctly. The famous literature of this age include Patanjali's Mahabhasya  and Bharata's  Natyasasta.( to be cont------d).    

THE STATE OF HINDUISM:-1.

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Both Jainism and Buddhism claimed large followers from time to time, but the majority of the Hindus still clung to Brahmanical Hinduism. The significant development around 200 B.C.; were the development of the creeds of Saivism and Vaishnavism. This period, from the birth of the Buddha to 200 B.C., may be considered as the age of the systematic development of Vedangas, the Sastras, Kautilya's Arthasastra, Jataka tales, etc.[to be cont-----------d] BY Swami chinmayananda 

BUDDHISM:-

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The Buddha only restated the thought of the Upanisads. He spread only the ideals of the orthodox religion, but repudiated the ascendancy of the priests  and the elaborate ritualism. Consequently, more emphasis was placed on morality. Dr. Radhakrishnan rightly claims : 'He was the wisest and greatest and best of the Hindus' Thus the emergence of Buddhism may be regarded as the second renaissance of Hinduism. The Buddhas teachings were more practical in the sense that they were more concerned with providing a remedy for the ills of life than with discussions on the metaphysical questions. This had a serious consequence. His later followers had considerable difference of opinion about the basic doctrines emerged, such as  theories of  anitya, anatma, and nirvana. The negative side of life was over-emphasised with no corresponding emphasis against Upanisadik meaning of liberation from the thralldom of finitude The Buddha's teaching consists of the four Aryan Tru

JAINISM.

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This, a very old non-Vedik religion, arose in the later Vedic period and was revitalised by Vardhamana Mahavira in the 6th century B.C. On the practical side Jainism up held asceticism and non-violence. According to it the goal of life is to attain Omniscience. The Jain--way to Nirvana is:- 1.Right faith; 2.Right knowledge; and 3.Right conduct. These are called the ratnatraya or tri-ratna (three jewels).  For a house-holder the right conduct consists of: 1.Ahimsa; 2.Satya; 3.Asteya; 4.Brahmacharya; 5.Aparigraha. These are the anuvratas. But for a monk the right conduct consists of five mahavratas. Brahmacharya and aparigraha for a house-holder mean only chastity and non-attachment, but for a sanyasi, they mean absolute celibacy and complete renunciation.[to be cont---d] by swami chinmayananda.

PERIOD OF TRANSITION-2.

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 Some historian hold that the Brahmi script of forty six letters, arranged scientifically, was developed in this period. The popular religion of this time is pictured in the kalpa, srauta, Grhya  and Dharma sutras. The insistence on sacrifices and rituals continued and was further developed ; conducting of rituals became a profession. The vedik sacrifices became elaborate and complicated. As a consequence, sprang up, more emphasis was placed on varnas and asrams. A number of theories on metaphysics were put forth. It was then Jiainism and Buddhism came up as reforming sects. [to be cot-------d]   

THE PERIOD OF TRANSITION

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The time separating the vedik period from the period of emergence of the system of Indian thought may be called the period of transition. In this period, the different currents of vedik thought flourished, and new schools of religion and philosophy emerged. It was also a period of literary importance. The end of the Upanisaadik age--i.e.,about 6th century B.C., saw the nucleus of the great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha.  The grammars of  Yaksa and Panini  were written. [to be cont-----d] BY SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA.

THE AGE OF THE UPANISHADS:-2.

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Philosophy:- The eternal impersonal  absolute is the ultimate reality; this the Upanishads call Brahman. Of this we have no conceptual knowledge. MAYA is the power by which that Reality  appears to us as the changing Universe under conditions of time and space without actually undergoing any changes in itself. The cause and effect  relationship cannot be applied to the Absolute and the created universe. The Spirit in man is identical with this absolute Supreme Spirit. Our suffering is due to our  not realising this identity. Moksha [ Moha  kshayam/ reduction of desires] or Liberation from suffering can be had through Jnanam; realisation as a result of DYANAM on the Absolute. KARMA and UPASANA ARE VITAL AIDS IN THE PROCESS.[ TO BE CONT---D] By Swami Chinmayananda.
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THE AGE OF THE UPANISHADS:-1. Literally meaning  "secret teaching,"the Upanishads embody a number of treatises which represent the cream of vedic thought. In broad terms their teaching marks a reaction against the ritualism of the Brahmans. The first Hindi renaissance is seen in the age of the Upanishads. It was in this age that the foundation of Hinduism were truly laid; all the later developments wee only superstructures built on the foundation. The childish delight in power and possession of the place of Yjnas. Karma was given a wider meaning than mere  ritual. Varnas and ashrams were pushed into the background. But by its very nature this religion was severely individualistic; hence, it could be only the religion of few.    
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THE PERIOD OF VEDAS:-3. THE MANTRAS AND BRAHMANAS:- An important  development in this age was the conception of the cosmic order --rta. Later the cosmic order was identified with a moral order. It was believed that the rta was maintained by the offering of sacrifices. This is the period of the Mantras (hymen or religious songs contained in the Vedas). Gradually sacrifices gained prominence, and the period of Brahmanas ( section of the Vedas dealing with rites and rituals) saw a purely sacrificial religion of mechanical nature and a special class of professional priests who alone could officiate at them. This period marks the emergence of Varnas ( classes)m and ashramas ( stages of life). It was only natural that in this period the priests became supreme and powerful in society.[ to be cont---d] By Swami Chinmayananda.   
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THE PERIOD OF VEDAS:-2. We cannot precisely estimate the age of vedas; yet some scholars estimate it to be anywhere around 4,000 to 2,500 B.C. It will be of interest to look briefly into the various developments that took place from the vedic age up to the time of SANKARA who, according to general acceptance by scholars, was born in A.D. 788. A truly religious mind does not bother much for the history of religion, but an imperfect historical treatment of a subject has its own value. For purpose of analysis, the earlier period consisting of about 1,500 years i.e, from 2000 to 500 B.C., may be called as the vedic age. In the period of early hymens there was nothing other than the forces of nature to be worshipped. This led to the personification of these forces. Nevertheless, there was a resolute search for a unity behind these forces; hence, we find so many idols created during this time that one god shades away into another. Some of the popular names include Visvakarma, the chief
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THE PERIOD OF VEDAS:-1. The vedas are the earliest source of information on Indian thought. They are supposed to have emerged out of "OM". They contain the most astonishing record of the march of the human mind from the worship of the forces of nature to the realization of the absolute spirit. This is indeed, a happy pilgrimage. In the the Rig Veda  we find inspiration in the strength of action; in the Yajur Veda, the power will; in the Sama Veda, that knowledge; and in Atharva Veda, that of the mental functions of life. [to be con----d] BY SWAMI CHINMAYANANDA. 
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OUR MODERN GENERATION:-6. The flood of human enthusiasm gushing down the wrong channels is dangerously eroding the peace and joy, equanimity and tranquillity , sincerity and self confidence, tolerance and forgiveness from the human bosom. We can, as an item of the spiritual festival  conduct an attempt some well known pundits of Hinduism,Christianity, Islam, etc; on the same platform. But the function go well off and the its benefits are nil. Unless the very champions  of the various religions themselves are convinced of the glory of their religion and unless such convinced saints and sages have ample compassion for the despairing world, such meetings cannot be helpful to the ordinary citizens.  
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OUR MODERN GENERATION:-5. In a recent review it is estimated that few percent of the world population are today suffering from mental diseases while relatively in our own poverty--stricken nation the percentage of people suffering from similar illness is only less. Not that we are religious; and yet, even the confirmed atheist in Bharat unconsciously lives some religious and philosophical values of life. It is time that philosophy and religion walked out of our libraries and temples to serve the age. Even in this age, there are very many unhealthy trends today. The confusions of the era seem to have contaminated even the viewpoint of the various religious followers. Sometimes one is surprised to see the fanaticism, competition, jealous ies, and rivalries  between the champions of different religions, than among the leaders of the nation or proprietors of firms or even among the members of the community.  It is time that the heads of religions come together into a better understa
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OUR MODERN GENERATION:-4. To realize  this condition of the modern men and women in the modern world is indeed a disheartening reflection, and many are the intelligent persons who had turned cynical in their attitudes-sans courage, sans faith,. The corruptions,  immoralities, cruelties, and general heartlessness of the age, are symptoms of the benumbing influence the educated class. This is a time when all the true saints, and priests, who have the necessary sense of detachment to stand apart from the mad crowd and their weltering sorrows --must plan out a path of redemption for the misguided, suffering humanity. Today Bharatheeyar needs, more than their food,clothing, or shelter, a truer way of life based upon a better understanding of the ultimate purpose in life. Where this knowledge is not available, even though  there is sufficient material progress  the incidence of mental illness is mounting up.  
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OUR MODERN GENERATION:-3. Religion , as an institution, serving society through a healthy and wise priest-class, accomplished this essential education of the individual members of the society once upon a time. Those were the golden era of the world, when the benefits of a healthy view of life lived honestly had amply rewarded the communities, even though they had not modern scientific knowledge and its comforts or luxuries. In those days, we can say, a cruder world was peopled by a cruder generation and they lived, perhaps, a cruder life; but they were more cheerful and more happy, less disturbed and less restless. We may boast ourselves to be a more civilized people living in a more beautiful world of greater comforts and joys but, the nobler men and women of the day live in the modern improved world, weeping in their neurotic sorrows, inexpressible agitations and voiceless fears.       
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OUR MODERN GENERATION:-2. VIEWING THE WHOLE PROBLEM OF MAN AND WOMAN IN ONE QUIET SWEEPING GAZE, ANY SERENE INTELLECT, IF UN CLOUDED BY PREJUDICES, CAN EASILY PERCEIVE THAT THE WORLD IS PUTTING ITS CART BEFORE ITS HORSE. WITHOUT RECREATING HUMAN'S PERSONALITY THE CREATION OF WEALTHY SOCIETY OF HUMAN CANNOT EVER BE DREAMT OF. HUMAN IN THEIR MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP CREATE THE COMPOSITE WEB OF SOCIETY. IF THE TEXTURE THE THREAD USED IS LOW THE CLOTH WOVEN SHOULD  CERTAINLY BE COURSE; AS THE RAW MATERIAL, SO THE POLISH OF THE FINAL PRODUCT.  IF INDIVIDUAL MEN AND WOMEN ARE PHYSICALLY DEMONIC, MENTALLY SHATTERED AND INTELLECTUALLY CONFUSED, OUT OF THEM, IN THEIR MAL-ADJUSTED INTERRELATIONSHIPS, AN UNHEALTHY AND SELF DESTRUCTIVE  CROWD ALONE CAN ARISE -NEVER CAN WE HOPE TO MEET THEREIN A WELL BALANCED HEALTHY SOCIETY, EVER ASPIRING TO GROW TOWARDS A PROSPEROUS AND PEACEFUL LIFE.