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Everyone together, equally – For Peace and Progress

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We all have so much love in our heart that we can shine eternally and make others too shine eternally.

Only by working together can there be peace and progress. There can be happiness only in togetherness. For this to happen we need to develop empathy and love for all living beings.

Rules and laws cannot bring happiness and creativity. They cannot enrich our life. Life achieves its goal voluntarily through cooperation. It has to happen naturally.

Inspiring each other, we need to learn to evolve and rise.

When we love and cooperate there will be no inequality, there will be stability, there will be safety, there will be justice without force, there will be progress and there will be no corruption.

Love and cooperation gives rise to trust and ethics. There will be freedom, choice and well being. Then we need not thrust morality and moral rules.

Everyone together, equally, that should be what should be imparted from a young age.

Children should be taught to work together, collectively for a specific good.

Look at the honeybees and learn the value of cooperation. Through teamwork they produce the sweetest thing on earth.

www.hindu-blog.com
Abhilash

This phrase encapsulates a profound philosophy that resonates with Hinduism's core teachings of unity, equality, and the transcendence of sorrow. The ideas of collective harmony and the futility of sorrow are deeply embedded in Hindu philosophy, literature, and practices.

Unity and Equality in Hinduism

1. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam:

  • The ancient concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" from the Mahopanishad embodies the idea that "the world is one family." It emphasizes the unity of all beings and the importance of living in harmony, transcending boundaries of caste, creed, and nationality. This principle encourages us to treat everyone equally, fostering peace and progress for all.

2. The Bhagavad Gita on Equality:

  • The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hinduism, speaks extensively about equality. In Chapter 5, Verse 18, Lord Krishna says:
    • "The wise see no difference between a learned and humble Brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and a dog-eater (outcaste)."
    • This verse highlights the essential unity and equality of all beings, encouraging us to look beyond external differences and recognize the divine essence in everyone.

3. Karma Yoga and Collective Welfare:

  • The concept of Karma Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita teaches that one should perform their duties selflessly, for the welfare of others, without attachment to the fruits of their actions. This idea of selfless service underpins the philosophy of working together for the common good, promoting peace and progress in society.

Transcendence of Sorrow

1. The Role of Sorrow in Human Life:

  • Hinduism acknowledges sorrow as a part of the human experience but encourages individuals to rise above it. The Upanishads, especially the Katha Upanishad, discuss the transient nature of worldly joys and sorrows, urging seekers to focus on the eternal truth and not be bogged down by temporary afflictions.

2. Story of King Harishchandra:

  • The story of King Harishchandra is a poignant example of enduring sorrow with dignity and faith. Harishchandra, a righteous king, faced tremendous suffering and loss but remained steadfast in truth (Satya) and duty (Dharma). His story teaches that while sorrow is inevitable, it should not deter us from upholding our values and working towards the greater good.

3. The Bhagavad Gita on Sorrow:

  • In Chapter 2, Verse 14 of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna:
    • "O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed."
    • This verse teaches that sorrow and joy are temporary and inevitable, but one should remain steady and not be overwhelmed by them.

Importance of Collective Harmony for Peace and Progress

1. The Concept of Dharma:

  • Dharma, often translated as duty or righteousness, is central to Hindu ethics. It emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the cosmic order and fulfilling one’s responsibilities to family, society, and the world. When everyone performs their dharma, society functions smoothly, leading to peace and progress.

2. Sangha and Collective Welfare:

  • The concept of Sangha (community) in Hinduism, especially in Buddhism and Jainism (which are deeply influenced by Hindu thought), highlights the importance of collective practice and mutual support. By working together as a community, individuals can support each other in spiritual growth and contribute to societal progress.

3. Ashrama System and Social Stability:

  • The Ashrama system, which divides life into four stages (Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa), emphasizes the importance of each stage in contributing to individual and collective welfare. For example, the Grihastha (householder) stage focuses on fulfilling one’s duties to family and society, laying the foundation for social stability and progress.

Lesser-Known Insights

1. Sama Veda’s Call for Unity:

  • The Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas, contains hymns that call for unity and collective worship. One such verse is:
    • "Come together, speak together, let your minds be all of one accord, as the gods of old, being of one mind, accepted their share of the sacrifice."
    • This verse underscores the importance of unity and harmony in rituals and daily life, highlighting the collective strength that arises from unity.

2. The Story of the Four Brothers in the Ramayana:

  • In the Ramayana, the four brothers—Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna—work together harmoniously, each fulfilling their role without jealousy or conflict. Their unity and mutual respect are instrumental in maintaining peace and stability in the kingdom of Ayodhya.

The phrase "Everyone Together, Equally – For Peace and Progress" reflects Hinduism’s deep-seated beliefs in unity, equality, and the transcendence of sorrow. By embracing these principles, individuals and societies can work towards a harmonious and progressive world, where sorrow is seen as a transient experience, not a permanent state. Hindu teachings encourage us to focus on collective welfare, uphold our dharma, and remain steadfast in the face of life's challenges, fostering a world where peace and progress are attainable for all.