Religion is a way of life. Religion always preaches humanity and the welfare of mankind. There are numerous organizations that are doing great philanthropic work in the name of the religion. These organizations are branded as religious units, but the fact is that they try to serve people in the name of religion. For such organizations there is no restriction, they welcome all kinds of people, from all religious backgrounds with open arms. Their motive is to do service and help the needy.
In this new series called Religion & Welfare, we look at different organizations that are helping the people across the globe with their noble acts. These organizations deserve a pat of their shoulders for their exemplary work. This series, without any kind of prejudice, will profile the religious organizations that have concentrated on the welfare of the people.
Arya Samaj: Breaking Human Barriers for Humanity
The name Arya Samaj reminds of pre-Independent India and how this has taken on the mighty Britishers, as well as helped people. Though it follows the Hindu traditions, there is no restriction on any kind of people accepting Arya Samaj philosophy of life. In fact, the name is popular with everyone since our school days.
Arya Samaj is the Sanskrit word for the Society of Nobles. It was founded by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. The main aim of Arya Samaj was to re-establish the Vedas, the earliest Hindu scriptures, as revealed truth. He rejected all later accretions to the Vedas as degenerate but, in his own interpretation, included much post-Vedic thought.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati initially introduced 28 principles in Mumbai on April 10, 1875 AD. Later on June 24, 1877, in Lahore he amended them, and thus finally 10 basic principles of Arya Samaj were framed as the guiding force. These principles not only simplified the life of a common man but also gave him a comprehensive, moderate, and realistic view of life.
The Arya Samaj opposes worship of murtis (images), animal sacrifice, shraddha (rituals on behalf of ancestors), basing caste upon birth rather than upon merit, untouchability, child marriage, pilgrimages, priestly craft, and temple offerings. It upholds the infallibility of the Vedas, the doctrines of karma (the accumulated effect of past deeds) and samsara (the process of death and rebirth), the sanctity of the cow, the importance of the samskaras (individual sacraments), the efficacy of Vedic oblations to the fire, and programs of social reform.
The motto of Arya Samaj, taken from the Vedas, is “Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam” (Rig Veda) – Make All men Arya (noble and cultured).” Hence, by being a part of a Noble Society (Arya Samaj), you enjoin with a commitment of becoming an Arya (noble person), who gathers in religious assemblies to propagate the teachings of the Vedas, so that you can ennoble (make noble) those who aren’t noble – Making the Universe Noble.
It has worked to further female education and inter-caste marriage; has built missions, orphanages, and homes for widows; has established a network of schools and colleges; and has undertaken famine relief and medical work. From its beginning, it was an important factor in the growth of Indian nationalism. It has been criticized, however, as overly dogmatic and militant and as having exhibited an aggressive intolerance toward both Christianity and Islam.
The Ten Principles of Arya Samaj
1.God is the primary cause of all true science and of all that can be known through it.
2.God is Existent, Intelligent, and Blissful. He is Formless, Almighty, Just, Merciful, Unborn, Infinite, Unchallengeable, Beginning-less, Incomparable, the Support and Lord of all, Omniscient, Imperishable, Immortal, Fearless, Eternal, Holy and the Maker of the universe. To Him alone worship is due.
3.The Vedas are scriptures of true knowledge. It is the duty of all Aryas to read them, hear them being read and recite them to others.
4.We should always be ready to accept the truth and give up untruth.
5,All actions should be performed in conformity with Dharma, that is, after due consideration of right and wrong.
6.The primary aim of the Arya Samaj is to do good for all, that is, promote physical, spiritual, and social well-being.
7.We should treat all people with love, fairness, and due regard for their merit.
8.We should aim at dispelling ignorance and promoting knowledge.
9.One should not only be content with one’s own welfare but should look for it in the welfare for others also.
10.One should regard oneself under restriction to follow altruistic rulings of the society, while all should be free in following the rules of individual welfare.
Arya Samaj is not a religion. It is a society that was formed, not as a new religion, but as a coming together of men and women of noble thoughts and actions who (irrespective of their social, ethnic or racial origins) believe in the underlying principles of Vaidik Satya Sanatana Dharma (commonly called “Hinduism”). In simpler terms, Arya Samaj is a society of Hindus that propagates selfless action for the development of humanity and congregates for the common purpose of preserving the pristine values of Hinduism.
Views of Arya Samaj on world things explain the philosophy of the organization.
On Society: Arya Samaj believes that every individual shall be judged by his character and actions and not by his birthright. Arya Samaj fought against these injustices against the untouchables and embraced them, educated them, and welcomed them in their satsangs and religious gatherings.
Women: According to the Vedas, women of all races should be given an equal opportunity to education as men. Arya Samaj fought against all of these injustices then and continues to champion the rights of women all over the world. In many societies, you will find that only Arya Samaj women are given the opportunity to become Hindu priests.
Education: Arya Samaj pioneers education for all. In India, many institutions of learning (schools, colleges, gurukuls) were established for men, women, and children.
Social Welfare: Arya Samaj plays an active role in the welfare of the needy. Many orphanages, homes for abused women and widows, and homes for the elderly have been established in India and other parts of the world.
Politics: Arya Samaj propagates patriotism and dedication to serving the interest of one’s nation and motherland.
Religion: Arya Samaj propagates the motto “Back to the Vedas” and promotes these scriptures as the one true source of all knowledge.
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