Manava Sarira is Madhavalaya - which means the Physical Body represents the Temple of Lord Vishnu.
This statement is given by none other than a renowned saint of Karnataka, Basaveshwara. We all hear that Brahmins have suppressed other weaker sections of the society during earlier times. This statement cannot be completely true. When we do not know the truth, we get influenced by speakers who articulate and manipulate few cases of suppression happened at remote places and magnify the opinion.
This is a real story of a Brahmin saint, Basaveshwara, who was born in 1131 at Bagewadi in Bijapur District. This story will reveal how during early times Brahmins with their wisdom interpreted the society around them.
Basaveshwara met his Guru Sangameswara and undertook severe sadhana for 12 long years. He showed unique talents in learning, particularly his incredible memory. He is known for his dedication, sharp intelligence and a broad and liberal outlook. From the beginning, Basaveshwara showed strong resistance towards ritualism. King Bijjala, who learned greatness of Basaveshwara appointed him as his Minister. With his wit and wisdom, Basava, soon became a respected and trusted member of the King's court. Basaveshwara established "Anubhava Mantapa", which is known as a Spiritual Parliament, which encouraged discussion on varied aspects of Religion and Philosophy.
Here we have to note that, during those times, the Kings encouraged discourses and discussions in a fair manner. Anyone was allowed to debate on religion and philosophy. However, today, if debate on Hindu religion is practiced, then few sections of society will cry and make a big mess of the situation. India, called as Bharat is Sanatana. Our Dharma is Sanatana. Our Vedas are as old as the existence of the mankind. Westerners have done extensive research on our sacred texts and declared India as Motherland of all Religions. Even the Greeks, find their roots from Land of Bharat. Yet, today, India, is struggling to convince that Hinduism is not just religion but - "A way of Life, which is Divinely Motivated". It takes time for all to accept, but, for time being, Hinduism is most complained, neglected and tarnished concept in India.
Let us come back to the story. Basaveshwara propogated the truth of one supreme God irrespective of caste, creed and colour. Basava shaped a literary genre called Vachanas easily understood by the common man. He dined with people of the so-called lower castes and defied the rigidities of caste.
Source: https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiBvcr2sebgAhWCknAKHe-GByoQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7VeYEkG41W8&psig=AOvVaw0fqOa1-gEmWtkS3tnYMfev&ust=1551716755920875
Basava taught the great ethical and spiritual truths common to all religions. He emphasized the oneness and unity of all Gods. He advocated the human being as the greatest living temple of God and service to him as the most practical spirituality. However, in the name of serving the poor and downtrodden, now-a-days, some sections of culture are involved in un-necessary caste conversions. As the poor cannot understand the importance of their religion, they succumb to Verbal Influence and get converted for the sake of Monetary Benefits. I have a question for all those who are converting the poor people into their religion. If service is your goal, what is the use of Conversion? If the so called faith said to convert people, then there should strong doubts on the faith for its genuineness. Either the Faith is misleading its followers or Followers are mis-interpreting the faith. In any case, forceful conversion is not healthy in any given society. In this situation, I firmly believe that a strong awareness of Hinduism and how it survived 5000 years should be explained to its people of country. It the responsibility of every home to know their history not just the recent history but remote history of their caste and religion and understand without any bias or judgement the essence of spirituality. Sanatana Dharma always accepted diversity. The perfect example is Jaimini, who was the disciple of Sage Veda Vyasa. Vyasa, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, has organized the Vedas appropriately. He categorized Vedas into two - a part which contemplates on Gyana and another which focuses on Karma. Jaimini, even though did not accept the Supreme Lord, accepted Vedas and propagated the Karma Philosophy. Here we have to understand that - in the remote past, there were differences about which methodology should be followed. Some believed in their theory after great personal exposure and experience and advocated their philosophy. However, Jaimini did not reject the greatness of Vedas. He accepted Vedas as the ultimate authority for disciplining our lives for reaching the purpose of our existence.
This generation should also know how even though differences of opinion were there earlier yet the differences were in harmony. This generation should understand the greater purpose of earlier differences. Today, some sections say that God is not there. Agreed, let us for some time agree this statement. If so, what message they say to the common man? How should a common man live? What activities should he pursue and how? In case of any dilemma between what is right and wrong, how should a common man decide? Can Atheist help a common man address these problems? Certainly "No". Because, the so called Atheist do not have experience as Buddha. They were never into self analysis. They were never into experience of deep inner understanding of Truth. Yet they claim that God is non-existent. Truth can only be found by being non-judgmental. Logic cannot be the answer to know he Truth, because Truth is beyond Logic and Reasoning. Can you give me a logic when a Dog is feeding a baby goat through its milk glands? Is it acceptable? Should Dog feed Dog only? From where do the Unconditional Motherly Love emerged for the Dog to understand the hunger of the baby Goat. Hence, many a times we fail in understanding the Creativity and Creator of this Universe.
Our Shastras say - "Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti" which means - There is only One Truth, the Wise call it by Different Names should be understood in letter and spirit by this generation.
There is no need for another Religion, because, since times immemorial, Bharat is known for a land where there is a greater purpose in Co-existence. India has the world's largest Muslim Community and the India is the Cradle for great religions like Buddhism and Jainism. All these religions are off-shoots of Hinduism as I can proudly say - Hinduism is not just religion but teaches us the Sacred Way of Meaningful Life here and Life After. The new generation of students should recognize the greatness of our Civilization and know from its roots.
Sarve Sujana Sukhino Bhavantu!!!!
