Indian Culture and Tradition

Guru of Nations

Bharat has produced many great sages and saints who have taught profound truths. It is a land of heroes who fought for the freedom of the country. It has been the leader in the knowledge of various arts and sciences, in music and literature. It is most unfortunate that many born in this sacred land are unaware of its unique greatness. Love of the mother is a nectarine quality. What a pity that love of the Motherland should be absent! Strive to make India strong and happy so that it may not be a drag on other countries, or even a temptation; she was once the guru of Humanity. Let her assume the role again. Live therefore the life that will make you respected and revered as a child of Bharath, the life that will be an example and inspiration for all. My country is India. My religion is the religion of India. My ideals and traditions have been born in India - you must develop such thoughts in your minds. You must develop great respect and attachment to the culture that has flourished in this country from time immemorial. Our culture is ancient and immortal. You will have to dedicate your life for the future of this country. Accepting love as the essence of divinity, you have to engage yourselves in loving service to society You have to restore the glory of Bharat. Bharat has been in the past the preceptor for all nations. All other people are coming to acquire peace and enlightenment. In this situation, it is a great misfortune that Bharatiyas themselves are not conscious of their greatness. Bharatiya history reflects the achievements of Bharat in the realms of the physical, the mental, the spiritual and all other aspects of life; we have to fill our hearts with this heritage.

Foundation of Indian Culture

"Yanna bharathe, thanna bharatha" is an old saying. What is not Indian is not knowledge; all knowledge is the domain of the Indian intellect. And all knowledge is synthesised, harmonised and summarised into the Highest Wisdom, so that its alchemy can be experienced. And what is that wisdom? Every individual is a spark of the effulgence of God; God is dancing in every cell of every being. Do not doubt this or ignore this, or dispute this. This is the Truth. When one lamp lights many lamps all shine with equal brilliance. The Param jyothi( the One Supreme Effulgence) is the origin and source of all the Jeevan jyothis (particularised effulgences) is only 'ONE' without a second. The same wind is referred to as breeze, whirlwind, storm, typhoon, hurricane etc. the same God is referred to by different Names. This is the very foundation of our culture. So, your duty is to emphasise the One, to experience the One in all that you do and speak. Do not give any importance to difference of religion or sect or status or colour. Have the feeling of Oneness permeating every act of yours. We talk about culture and spirituality. Culture was defined as "a way of life". In Sanskrit parlance, it is called "Samskriti" or the refinement of behaviour. It was declared that for this refinement of behaviour spirituality is the means. Samskriti (culture) is derived from the word, samskara, which means the dual process of removing the dust and dirt of vice and planting the virtues of Sathya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema. Bharat is a land of plenty. Bharat (India) is a naturally well-endowed country .It is the primary source of all morality, spirituality and worldly wisdom. It is Annapoorna (a land of plenty). To regard such a sacred land as a poor country is madness. We are not a destitute nation. It is a richly endowed country. If this had not been a wealthy country, why did the Mughals, the Europeans and others invade this country?.In spite of being born in such a land of wealth, it is a pity that people do not take pride in their country Wherever you turn, you see only swaartham (rampant selfishness). Eschew selfishness. Promote unity Enjoy the bliss of harmony. It is high time you realised what a sacred country Bharat is. In this holy land, nothing is lacking. "What cannot be found in Bharat cannot be found elsewhere" is an ancient saying. In spite of these multifarious endowments, this country is being regarded as poor and backward. This is born of delusion. Only when we free ourselves from this delusion, we can experience Atmic bliss. We can experience Brahman only when we can get rid of bhrama (delusion). When everything is available within Bharat, why go begging to other countries? Everything has originated from Bharat. Hence, having taken birth in Bharat, strive to promote the glory of Bharat. Every devotee should take a pledge to protect and promote the greatness of Bharat. Like an elephant that does not know its own strength, Bharatiyas are unaware of their power Despite their myriad capacities, they are behaving as weaklings like an elephant before its mahout. You have to get rid of this weakness.