We’re all aware of the turmoil around the globe – whether it is political turmoil, economic upheaval, environmental disasters, social issues, human rights issues, or the unequal distribution of resources and wealth. Sometimes we may even feel exasperated by the turmoil; sometimes we may feel utterly helpless to do anything about it. Some of us may even bury our heads in the sand and pretend it is not there! The root cause of all this turmoil and unrest can be traced back to the violation of one basic spiritual principle.
This spiritual principle is at the core of the teachings of Hinduism. Today I would like to bring to you this most important teaching from our Hindu scriptures. That message, that teaching, is about Unity.
UNITY or ONENESS.
The essence and meaning of true unity is beautifully described in the 6th shloka (verse) of Isha Upanishad (one of the sacred Hindu scriptures). The essential message is as follows: “Whoever sees all beings in the SELF, and the SELF in all beings, hates no one.”
Continuing this thought further, the 7th shloka (verse) of Isha Upanishad says in essence: “For one who sees ONENESS everywhere, how can there be delusion, and how can there be grief?”
So, we should see our Self (with a capital S) – which is the atman, in every other living being. How can we do this? Please join me in a simple exercise, even as you’re reading this article.
When I tell you to close your eyes, please do that for one minute, and think of one person in your life that you love so much, that when you think of that person, you feel warm inside, you feel warm in your heart, you feel uplifted. By the way, that person does not necessarily have to be your spouse (this just for a chuckle). It could be a favorite uncle, or aunt, or niece, etc., or it could even be your dog (smile).
OK, let us close our eyes now, and for one minute, think of that one person; focus on that one person.
Let us open our eyes. Did you get that warm, wonderful feeling?
What if we could feel this way about every living being? Including people we don’t care about, people we despise, people with ideas and actions in opposition to our own. The homeless, the disabled, people of a different faith, people of a different social (or economic) class.
I would like you to remind yourself of this spiritual message from Hinduism every day.
Practice it, from the small circle of love you already have, and then start spreading your circle of love little by little.
Teach this message to the youngsters in your life (through stories with moral lessons).
Mahatma Gandhi has said, “Someone who practices complete non-violence cannot harbor uncharitable thought, even towards those who consider themselves his enemies”. Gandhi believed that “we should deliver our lives and honor into the hands of our enemies who want to harm us.”
The Dalai Lama has said, “instead of cultivating enmity towards the Chinese leaders responsible for the ruthless suppression of the Tibetan people, I prayed for them to become friends; may they abide in the glory of friendship and love.”
By putting into practice the powerful spiritual message from the Upanishad, wouldn’t we – each one of us – be able to reduce, by whatever amount, big or small, the turmoil in the world?
Suresh Basrur practises the Hindu faith, participates in inter-faith activities in Victoria, and speaks to audiences about Hindu religion, philosophy and practices.
You can read more articles on Spiritually Speaking HERE
* This article was published in the print edition of the TImes Colonist on Saturday, March 5 2016
