Belief Not in Tune with the Innermost Being of Humans Is the Cause of Conflicts in the World - Ancient Hindu Wisdom for Modern Life
The idea that a belief not aligned with the innermost being of humans is the cause of conflicts finds deep resonance in ancient Hindu wisdom. This concept speaks to the discord that arises when external ideologies, beliefs, and dogmas are imposed on individuals or societies without regard for the inherent nature of human beings and their spiritual journey. According to Hindu philosophy, every human being is fundamentally divine, with an innermost self that is pure, wise, and blissful. When beliefs or practices conflict with this core, it leads to suffering, misunderstanding, and ultimately, conflict.
The Nature of the Self in Hindu Philosophy
In Hinduism, the concept of the Self (Atman) is central. The Atman is considered the innermost essence of every individual, which is identical with Brahman, the ultimate reality or cosmic spirit. The Upanishads, ancient philosophical texts, emphasize the importance of knowing and aligning with this innermost Self. The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (1.4.10) states, "Aham Brahmasmi" (I am Brahman), pointing to the non-duality between the individual soul and the universal spirit.
According to the Upanishads, ignorance (Avidya) of one's true nature as the Atman leads to all forms of suffering and conflict. When people identify themselves with their egos, material desires, or external beliefs, they act in ways that are not aligned with their true nature, causing discord both within themselves and in their interactions with others.
Stories and Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
The Story of Yudhishthira and Duryodhana:
A classic example from the Mahabharata illustrates how misalignment with one's innermost self leads to conflict. Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, was known for his adherence to Dharma (righteousness). Duryodhana, on the other hand, was driven by jealousy and hatred. Despite being cousins, their beliefs and actions were in conflict, not because of any external ideology but because Duryodhana was not in tune with his true nature. His ego and desires led him to a path of deceit and ultimately, a war that caused immense destruction.
Yudhishthira's beliefs, aligned with his innermost sense of Dharma, led him to make choices that were in harmony with his true self. This contrast between the two characters illustrates how being out of tune with one's innermost being can lead to profound conflict.
The Bhagavad Gita's Teachings on the Self:
The Bhagavad Gita, another key text in Hinduism, discusses the nature of the self and the importance of being true to one's innermost being. In Chapter 2, Verse 20, Krishna tells Arjuna:
"For the soul, there is neither birth nor death. It has never been created, nor will it be. Unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and primeval, it is not slain when the body is slain."
This verse underscores the eternal and unchangeable nature of the self, suggesting that true peace and conflict resolution can only come from recognizing this deeper reality. When people forget this and become attached to their physical existence or transient beliefs, conflicts arise.
The Story of Prahlada:
Another story that highlights this concept is the story of Prahlada, a young devotee of Vishnu. His father, Hiranyakashipu, was a demon king who believed in his own supremacy and demanded that everyone worship him. Prahlada, however, was in tune with his innermost being and continued to worship Vishnu, despite his father's threats. This led to a direct conflict between them, rooted in Hiranyakashipu's ego and false beliefs versus Prahlada’s alignment with his spiritual truth.
Ultimately, the story illustrates that any belief system that goes against one's true nature and the fundamental principles of love, devotion, and surrender to the divine is bound to create conflict and suffering.
Importance of Aligning Beliefs with the Innermost Being
Personal Harmony and Peace: When beliefs are in tune with one's innermost self, there is a sense of peace and harmony. This inner peace naturally extends to one’s interactions with others, reducing the likelihood of conflict.
Collective Well-being: On a societal level, when beliefs and values are aligned with the fundamental nature of humanity—characterized by compassion, empathy, and a sense of unity—societies tend to be more harmonious and less prone to conflict.
Understanding and Tolerance: Recognizing the divinity within each individual fosters a sense of respect and understanding. This perspective encourages tolerance for different viewpoints and reduces dogmatic insistence on a single way of thinking or believing.
Reduction of Ego-driven Conflicts: Much of the world's conflicts arise from ego, greed, and desire for power—elements that are external to the true self. Aligning with the innermost being reduces the hold of the ego and these desires, leading to fewer conflicts.
Lesser-Known Facts and Insights
The Concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: This Sanskrit phrase, meaning "the world is one family," is an ancient Vedic idea emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life. When beliefs are aligned with this understanding, they promote harmony rather than conflict. This concept appears in the Maha Upanishad (Chapter 6, Verse 72) and highlights the importance of seeing others as extensions of ourselves.
Ahimsa (Non-violence) and Satya (Truth): Key principles in Hinduism, Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truth) are natural outcomes of aligning with one's innermost being. Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence was deeply rooted in this understanding, and he often cited Hindu scriptures to illustrate that violence and falsehood are results of ignorance about the true self.
The Role of Meditation and Self-Inquiry: Practices like meditation and self-inquiry (Atma Vichara) are emphasized in Hinduism as methods to align with one's innermost being. The Mandukya Upanishad and the teachings of sages like Ramana Maharshi advocate self-inquiry as a way to go beyond superficial beliefs and understand the true nature of the self, thus preventing inner and outer conflicts.
Karma and Dharma: The concepts of Karma (the law of action and reaction) and Dharma (duty/righteousness) also play crucial roles. Actions (Karma) not aligned with one's Dharma, or innate sense of righteousness, cause internal conflict and external repercussions. For example, Arjuna’s initial reluctance to fight in the Kurukshetra War was due to his emotional attachment and fear, which were not aligned with his Dharma as a warrior.
Aligning beliefs with the innermost being is not just a philosophical or spiritual idea; it is a practical approach to life that can significantly reduce conflicts, both personal and societal. Ancient Hindu wisdom teaches that true understanding and harmony can only be achieved when one’s beliefs are in tune with their deepest self, leading to a life of peace, compassion, and unity with all existence.