Matru Devo Bhava.
Pitru Devo Bhava.
Acharya Devo Bhava.
Treat the mother as God.
Treat the father as God.
Treat the teacher as God.
This is Indian Culture. This is the first pillar of Indian culture: devotion and obedience to mother, father, andGuru.
Next, in what manner must a child born of such parents conduct himself in society? Speak the truth, he is advised. Never yield to falsehood out of selfishness. Never follow unrighteousness for self-interest. To uphold our respect in society, we should speak the truth and follow Dharma. Indian Culture says:
Satyam vada, Dharmam chara
Speak the truth, Follow Dharma.
This is the second identifying feature of Indian Culture. Not just this. If we want to experience unsullied reputation, we must strengthen the faith that Divinity is imminent in everyone. These days, scientists claim that a microcosmic power pervades the universe. They conduct complex experiments to convince the world of their findings. There are only two components present in this world: matter and energy. One cannot exist without the other. Science investigates into the interactions of matter and energy, into the physical world accessible to the senses.
Spirituality teaches the same concept: People may be different. Names and forms may differ, cultures may differ, but the force within everyone is the One Atma. Scientists took thousands of years to discover this truth. Since when? Not just in the modern era. The first scientist, the greatest scientist, was Hiranya Kashyapa, who existed thousands of years ago. Hiranya Kashyapa investigated into the five elements that constitute creation. He even brought the elements under his control!
But despite his towering accomplishments in the physical realm, Hiranya Kashyapa could not limit his own bad qualities. For this reason, what did our ancients teach? Science is preoccupied with describing the forces within an atom. Our ancient Vedanta says, ‘O foolish scientists! First of all, everything is in You!’ The external world has been described by scientists.
The inner cosmos is the subject of Vedanta. Scientists are reluctant to develop inner vision. And Vedanta has neglected the external world. But which of these is more important? Students should recognize one fact. You can see the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits of a tree. But the bases for their existence are the unseen roots. Which are more important, roots or branches? Without roots, branches cannot exist. However, you may chop off the branches and the roots will make them grow again. Those who are content understanding the branches, venturing no further, are scientists. The ones who go to the roots are Vedantins.
Scientists describe the branches, the effects, not the cause. Therefore, the Muladhara—Primal Cause—is very important. Once we find the Primal Cause behind everything, we can build a foundation upon it and live in the world as we please.
Students know that two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen produce water. Scientists pride themselves on this discovery. Yes, you can produce water. But if we ask, ‘Who created hydrogen and oxygen?’ there is no answer. When confronted by such questions, scientists evade them by saying, ‘Law of Nature’. Fine. From where did Nature emerge? Who is its basis? When we inquire in this fashion, the Muladhara is God alone. No one can grasp Divinity. We can only attempt to describe it as a power that is changeless, indestructible, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient.
The study that reveals to us our innate Divinity has been termed vidya (education). Worldly studies do not measure up to this qualification. However, worldly studies have got their importance. Today man studies, gets a job, goes overseas, accepts positions of authority—all for money alone. Dhana Mulam Idam Jagat—Money is the basis for the world. Money is the basis for worldly existence. But Vedanta does not give it such importance.
Dharma mulam idam jagat
Dharma is the basis for the world. This is the declaration of Vedanta. This is Indian Culture. You find planets revolving around the Sun, stars in distant galaxies shining brightly, the Moon orbiting the Earth, rivers flowing into the ocean, the sea rising and ebbing with tides, and so on. All these phenomena occur within the limits of Dharma. When Dharma is transgressed, all is destroyed. All these activities are possible only by adherence to Dharma.
These are proofs of God’s existence. Yearn for true knowledge To discover the existence of God is within everyone’s capability. You do not need degrees, education, skills, or proficiencies for this achievement. All that is required is an effort to understand the secrets of Creation. Look at this world. It is so vast, so full of wonders. From where has it emerged? There are 5,700 million people in the world. Are any two identical? Are there no distinctions even between identical twins? Every individual is unique. Who designed such a wondrous creation? This act of creation is not possible for anyone. The mind cannot gauge its wonders. thus, the unseen Divinity underlies the visible world. Some people think, ‘I have attained this,’ ‘I have made this discovery through my experiments.’ They gloat over the smallest of achievements. What the man of today knows is close to nothing. But the pomp is huge. One who knows does not indulge in publicity. The vessel full of water remains steady. The half-full vessel rocks back and forth noisily. Those who yield to self-praise have half understanding.
Inquire, inquire, inquire. Make a determined attempt. Don’t relax your spiritual efforts in any way. What we need to recognize is the Muladhara principle. This principle is not visible through a telescope and cannot be captured through a camera. You only need yearning in your heart, which gets transformed into spiritual inquiry. Without yearning, the search for God cannot be sustained. Every student should cultivate yearning, ‘I should know, I should know.’ Then you will realize the fruits of your search for God, sooner or later. (SSB 1995 p.204-206)