“Apni ‘sanskriti’ aur ‘sabhyata’ par garva karo …”

Swamiji says …

” Our ‘Sanskriti’, our culture is steeped in the idea of ‘service’. In ‘prakriti’, Nature – the ‘law of the jungle’ prevails, wherein, the strong rule; and, the timid, the weak perish. But Indian culture ; our ‘sanskriti’ – reminds us not to develop a nature, a temperament; as base, as selfish as this. It encourages us to serve those in need, to assist those who are less fortunate than us; thereby, enabling a sense of equality to be experienced, to a certain degree, by society at large.”

“Humari sanskriti vishwa mein sabse oonchi hai aur hamesha hi humari sanskriti ne sabko achcha hee sikhaya hai ! Humari ‘sanskriti’ hum mein seva ki bhavna ko ujaagar karti hai ! Sabki seva ki oer lejaati hai ! Jo kamzor hain unki seva karo…Badon ke prati aadar, sammaan rakho, yeh sikhaati hai ! Humari ‘sanskriti’ ne har kissi ko maan diya hai ! Insaano ko bhi aur baaki jeev ko bhi ! ‘ ‘Gau’ ko mata ka darja diya hai !
Har chotey jeev ki raksha karna sikhayi hai!’ “

“The age old practice of touching the feet of elders in the house and seeking their blessings, instill a sense of deep respect for elders in children. This respect is evident later, too, during their interaction with their seniors, at their workplace, when these children grow into adults.”

“Our ‘sanskars’ teach us to look upon flora and fauna too with reverence.There are not many traditions or belief systems that give humans the perspective to look at animals through such a humane lens. It is because our ancient texts and scriptures have given animals and plants, a Godly status, that many among us feed strays near our homes, give donations to cow shelters and remain strictly vegetarian. But most importantly, such practices develop in us a deep sense of empathy towards all living creation around us.”

” In a society that is growing more Westernised every day, it is important not to lose sight of preserving and having belief in our ancient and glorious culture. The world around us witnesses war, hatred and violence at sporadic intervals. It is important for us to realise that such sections of society have gone back to the ‘jungle law’ where only might is right; and everyone is concerned only about themselves.
However, it is due to the strong values of our heritage, our culture, our ‘sanskriti’ – that our beliefs are uniquely different from the rest, and unlike others, we believe in bridging hate with love ; war with peace and violence’ with ‘ahimsa’. It is our ‘sanskriti’ that teaches us the principle that service to others is service to God, thus aligning our spiritual and material life beautifully.”

“Can a person who is selfish, desirous of fulfilling only his personal wants, uncaring of others around him – ever be a pleasant person to be acquainted with? Yet modern culture tends to celebrate the ‘individual’ who has amassed wealth, speaks in an unabashedly uncouth manner, and seems to be focussed only on his growth. Wouldn’t the mere thought of knowing such a person make us feel uncomfortable?”

” It is here that our ‘sanskriti’ saves us ! Anyone who is raised in the old traditional way, will always be kind, caring and respectful. In other words – ‘Woh ek ‘sabhya’ insaan hoga!’ – a decent, polite, respectful person. And a society that stresses upon,and, gives importance to its ‘sanskriti’ ensures that such ‘sabhyata’- decency, is always present in its people ; thereby, making it a Shangrila to live in !”