Rishi Dayananda clearly stated that he did not found a new
religion or sect. His aim was the re-establishment of the teachings and primacy
of the Vedas as explained and taught by the ancient seers and sages. If he ever
advocated for a new religion, he categorically pointed out to a religion that
is based on universal principles, which according to him, eternally would find
acceptance as true by mankind. Such religion is one that is above the hostility
of all human creeds. Introducing his philosophy in the Satyarth Prakash, Rishi
Dayananda proclaimed that his aim was to further the advancement of mankind and
to help all to ascertain what is right, thereby enable them all to accept truth
and reject falsehood. According to Dayananda, truth must be pursued
analytically.
He and all Vedic seers have shown that Vedic ideology and thought
is inclined to pursuit of truth, and is best suited for our highly analytical
modern and changing world that is dominated by science and technology. The inhabitants
of the modern world, especially the young minds (youth) do not seek for truth
and reality from the traditional understanding as presented by religious
dogmas. The modern mind is inclined and oriented to an experiential approach in
seeking balance and reality of life. This was what Dayananda saw in the Vedas,
a way of life that is not inclined to dogmas, but a way of life that is
practical and even that is scientifically verifiable. It is this approach which
he personally advocated for, making the philosophy of Arya Samaj of great
relevance to the youth of the modern time.
Being the extended hand of
Dayananda, Arya Samaj must thus device all possible means to expose the youth
to this Vedic way of life, and empower them spiritually, which would shape
their self awareness in tune with the reality of existence. Self-awareness and
spiritual empowerment hold the key to raising the status of the youth in
society. It would inspire in them the virtue of independence in thought thereby
imparting in them the spirit of self-confidence. If the youth are not well
equipped with self-awareness and spiritual power, it would be difficult to
sustain confidence based only on good academic education and a good job. That
is the reason why it is common to find well qualified and educated youth losing
their self esteem when faced with difficult and challenging situations.
Spiritual empowerment would thus specifically mean the awakening of
consciousness that enables one to know the true relationship between souls and
God, and souls and matter. This simply means the ability to recognize the truth
about self, about the relationship of self with the people and the nature
around, and with the divine phenomena. This awareness is empowering because it
is the beginning of taking care of own self as well as understanding others in
a better way. One thus begins to appreciate the needs of others in a genuine
manner. The youth should at an early age be encouraged to embrace the qualities
of self expression.
One fact is undeniable that our youth are our future. Our present
commitment and contribution to their upliftment shall largely mould the future
world. We must simply understand that by shaping the young minds today, we are
designing the nature of our future generations and world. It is our sacred duty
to supply the youth with vision and ethical values to save the Vedic cultural
heritage and the traditions that our forefathers stood as uncompromised
trustees, and ably passed on to us.
As the Arya fraternity, we ought to inspire in the youth
sentiments of a life of balanced development. We must therefore utilize the
vessel of Arya Samaj to give the content of our Vedic Shastras to the youth,
and guide them to embrace sharing, from which they would learn to be generous.
We must guide them to embrace honesty and fairness, so that they can learn what
truth and justice are. If they would know how to live with serenity, they learn
to have peace of mind, which would contribute to peace in society.
If we want our youth to be positive, progressive and pragmatic, we
must not forget that every coin has two sides. This means that we must inspire
in them the knowledge that material development and spirituality must go hand
in hand, as is ordained in the Yajur Veda that very different are the fruits
obtained from Avidya and Vidya, and that one who knows both Vidya and Avidya
together, overcomes death by Avidya and attains emancipation, immortality and
bliss by Vidya. If they are made to understand the practical reality of such
ordinance, they would be able to discriminate between right and wrong, false
and truth, and good and bad. In this way, they would truly learn to appreciate
the meaning of life. Arya Samaj and its philosophy therefore hold significant treasures
for the evolution of the youth and the world.
They must be encouraged to think about who they are, and what they
really enjoy doing. They should also be encouraged to study works that would
inspire in them the attitudes of rising above cheap personal ambitions
(selfishness) to socially beneficial endeavours.
The greatest and the most persistent problem has
been the comprehension and interpretation of the insights of these rishis. This
is because of the language they used to pass knowledge seemed mystical and
coded to the common person. Vedic rishis were no different. The greatest
advantage is that, they recorded their insights in the form of Vedic Shastras.
Our greatest obligation is to study, interpret, and uncover the messages they
desired to communicate. It was because of these reasons that Swami Dayanand
Saraswati called the Aryas to go back to the Vedas and the Vedic Shastras. He
proclaimed that the insights found therein have all the potential of
transforming the world into a noble place. Many have attempted to uncover the
spiritual, social, economic, and scientific messages embedded in the insights
of the rishis. However much still remains. A challenge was left behind by Rishi
Dayanand that the prime duty of all Aryas is to study the Vedas and Shastras
and to teach them. This way, we would capture the meaning of the insights of
the rishis and employ them for further human evolution. The challenge is still
valid.
Dhanya hai tujh
ko ha Rishi toonay hamany jaga
diyaa
So so kay lut rahy thay
ham, too nay hamany bachaa diyaa
A brief bio of Shastri Mwangi Arya
Born 1973, named Francis Mwangi,
in Nyeri in Central Kenya.
Mother, Milkah Wambui
Father, Abraham Mwaniki,
both belonging to the Kikuyu ethnic group.
Married with one daughter.
Mother is very religious and devoted Christian (Catholic). Father
died when he was only three days old, so his mother brought him up together
with his elder brother.
At age of 11years, he ran into trouble with a local priest who
slapped him for questioning certain doctrine in the Bible, as a result he hated
church, and never went back there. Rather started personalized study of the
Bible and many other religious writings. After completing secondary education,
he met a friend from whom he borrowed a book on yoga which changed his mental
orientation, and increasingly sought to read more and more of Oriental
literature.
Later he came in touch with Arya Samaj through Pt. Krishan Sharma Ji and was very
impressed with the philosophy of Arya Samaj. When Arya Samaj Nairobi celebrated
its 100th Anniversary,
he volunteered to serve. Prof. Ram Prakash Ji of India and Dr. O.N Gangoo Ji of Mauritius and many
others, who were impressed with him and encouraged him to take deeper study of Vedic Philosophy. He was invited to
Mauritius where he undertook studies on Vedic philosophy under the guidance of
Dr. O. N Gangoo Ji. During
his visit to India in the course of his studies he visited various destinations
of Maharishi Dayanand and other places of religious
significance.
Presently, he preaches, teaches religious studies to secondary
school students in Arya schools and delivers regular Vedic discourses. He is
also currently taking further studies in philosophy, religious studies and
sociology at the University of Nairobi.
Forwarded - Courtesy Kewal Ahluwalia.
