Reason, Faith, Religion and Spirituality

    The present day modern development is moving towards a crisis in the evolutionary process. This has taken place earlier, too, but of a different type of crisis each time in the animal kingdom. We know the extinction of many animals in the past. But, the present crisis is one of a different dimension affecting people all over the world. It is one of inner conflicts in man, society and nations leading to mass exodus. It is sad that people die in the course of this struggle for existence. Clash of ideologies and economic interests may not be the real culprits. The die out. But, the threat of religious conflicts, one of emotional outbursts and killings in the heat of passion for one's faith and reasoning has failed. In fact, reasoning always fails for the simple reason. Hilaire says, "When reason applies itself to life and action it becomes partial and passionate and the servant of other forces than the truth."

  Progressive people have now revolted against predominance of religion. It is also true that many accredited religions have opposed progress. there are people who support oppression. Anyways, brutal killing in the name of religion and faith are not admissible since religion is opposed to 'killings' including animals and birds; not even trees are allowed to cut in many religious systems. Religion is considered opposite to progress. But the problem of religion is that it is not a sufficient guide to life, besides, there are innumerable paths and create diversity rather than unity. What is the answer?

   Spirituality is the only answer. However, this, too, is against worldly life and material progress. This is the crisis. The  true religion leads to spiritual development that takes one inward toward the Self. Again, Hilaire says, "In spirituality then, restored to its true sense, we must seek for the directing light and harmonizing law." This leads to a pertinent question- "Whether man has developed a healthy relation with community, society, and even the Government he himself has created?"  The answer is very simple 'no'. He has always been in conflict not only with the outside world, but with himself, his family and society!  It is here the question of spirituality arises. Any spiritually developed person overcomes the inner and outer conflicts and lives amicably, peacefully and happily in society. But spiritual development needs a through exercise in control of the mind, that leads to yoga, renunciation and living in isolation. These seem to be a contradictory path, one leading away against life, society and material progress. But, it is not so. It is the surest path of cleansing ones mind. Spiritual progress cleanses the mind of all pollutants such as selfish interests, pride, ego, superiority complex, jealous and criminal tendency in the heat of defending one's religious faith, etc. It gives persons to contemplate on higher goals of life, develops divine qualities and kill all animal propensities that are harmful to the welfare of fellow living beings.
   "The present evolutionary crisis comes from a disparity between the limited faculties of man - mental, ethical, and spiritual - and the technical and economical  means at his disposal.  Without an inner change man ca no longer cope with the gigantic development of the outer life.  The exaltation of the collectivity, of the state, only substitutes the collective ego for the individual ego. If humanity is to survive, a radical transformation of human nature is indispensable." (ibid,)  

   Thus, the future of mankind lies in spiritual development that involves total withdrawal from all external materialistic adventure for some time, or balance the external and the internal forces- one calling for the upliftment of man and another, a materialistic life of comfort and sensuous life. This is not a big problem that calls for running away from life! It is judicious way of living. This can be done by meditation at least a few minutes regularly every day, and contemplation on larger interests of community, welfare of society, understanding of the true purpose of life, and work for a peaceful and progressive society- one of equity and justice, dharma. This will erase corrupt practices in public life.    All the present-day problems of our society are due to exploitation of the poor and the gullible for want of human values and proper education. People are living like barbarians and this has to stop.