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आग बनो, सम्मान मिलेगा || आचार्य प्रशांत, वेदांत महोत्सव ऋषिकेश में (2021)
249K views
4 years ago
Spirituality
Dharma
Renunciation
Social Perception
Action vs. Inaction
Saffron (Gerua)
Maya
Upanishads
Description

A questioner asks why society perceives spirituality as something that leads to renunciation and leaving the world, causing people to react negatively when he mentions attending a spiritual camp. Acharya Prashant responds that this image has been formed because people have indeed acted that way. Society has seen individuals who, in the name of spirituality, become completely idle, believing the world is an illusion and there is nothing to do. They use spirituality as an excuse for inaction, claiming that God is the doer and any action on their part would be ego. This has led to the association of spirituality, and even the saffron color, with idleness and drug use. Acharya Prashant clarifies that, on the contrary, Dharma should be the center and fuel of society. A truly religious person should lead a life more energetic and dynamic than anyone else. He emphasizes that the saffron color is not a symbol of defeat, old age, or the setting sun, but rather the color of fire, victory, youth, and the rising sun. Its name has been tarnished and it needs to regain its glory and prestige. To change this perception, he urges that spiritual individuals must first demonstrate the power of spirituality through their actions and then actively and loudly promote it. Just as people credit their loved ones for worldly success, they should proudly credit spirituality and scriptures like the Upanishads for their achievements, whether in business, overcoming addictions, or conquering personal weaknesses. He calls for people to become true promoters of spirituality to counter the pervasive promotion of Maya (illusion). When society sees the tangible benefits, people will no longer question attending spiritual camps but will see them as a source of great benefit and respect.