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On life, death and celebration || Acharya Prashant, on Jesus Christ (2018)
Bharat
65 views
2 years ago
Jesus Christ
Christmas
Advaita
Kabir Saheb
Sant Raidas
Spirituality
Non-doership
Divinity
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses a question regarding the celebration of Christmas within a predominantly Hindu and Indic environment. He explains that the foundation does not emphasize any particular organized religion but rather values the universal essence of truth found in all spiritual traditions. He clarifies that the celebration of Christmas is not an endorsement of a specific religious identity but a celebration of divinity and the manifestation of truth. He notes that while many saints like Kabir Saheb or Sant Raidas are deeply loved, their specific birth dates are often unknown to the general public, whereas Christmas is widely recognized due to cultural and market influences. Therefore, the celebration is dedicated to the principle of sainthood and the human aspiration to be one with the truth, rather than to the 'Christian' Jesus Christ. He further discusses the concept of 'dying' as taught by Jesus Christ, interpreting it as the discontinuation of one's existing mental life and core beliefs. He argues that true life is psychological and mental, and for something new and godly to emerge, one's old valuations and identifications must be challenged and defeated. He emphasizes that love and joy are transcendental and cannot be reduced to mere chemical reactions or hormones. He critiques the common tendency to value material things over spiritual development, urging a shift in how individuals perceive worth. Finally, Acharya Prashant emphasizes the importance of action over mere observation or the mechanical recitation of mantras. He uses the metaphor of a caged bird to explain that simply reciting the names of the sky will not bring freedom; instead, one must fight for change with total commitment. He defines true non-doership as acting with the intention to perish in the battle for truth rather than for personal gain. He concludes by stating that one's life and actions must demonstrate the depth of their love and their desire for liberation.