We were at Shri Padigaru Puttige Mutt of Udupi on a quiet Sunday evening. The ambience was a perfect testimony for the atmosphere of piousness we expected. We knew that we were not here for a debate on ideologies; but to gain those gems of wisdom from this internationally renowned Guru that would help us improve our spiritual side. In the next hour we got a glimpse of this multifaceted personality, with all round improvement of humanity at heart! Presenting you with indulging insights on religion, spirituality, service and youth from a Philosopher himself, revered author, blessed orator, and one who has presided over numerous religious summits in India and all over the world, Pontiff of Shri Puttige Mutha, His Holiness Shri Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji. (Read Shri Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji Biography)
Pontiff, Paryaya and Udupi Krishna Pooja at 15…
I was initiated into sanyasa (asceticism) at the age of 13. Unfortunately, my elderly pontiff Sri Sugnanendra teertha attained Samadhi unexpectedly and the entire burden of managing the Mutt and the Sri Krishna temple fell on me when I was 15. The Divine force guided me to successfully complete this paryaya. Other elderly pontiffs showered their support. I believe that I am only a mere driver with steering wheels, for this emotionally dedicated devotee system. I never take credits for the success as I know that our institutions are firmly driven by our devotees.
(Paryaya is a religious ritual which takes place every alternate year in Krishna Mutt (Krishna Temple) of Udupi. The puja and administration of Krishna Mutt is distributed among the Swamijis (seer or monk or pontiff) of Ashta Mutt’s established by Dvaita philosopher Sri Madhvacharya.)
Relevance of Epics
Definition of well-being in today’s materialistic life is pre-dominantly attributed to the money we earn and the lush lifestyle we dream to live. Man with wealth is respected and every kid aspires to become one. On this context, moral values are being thoroughly neglected- be it in our society, our education or in our goal of life. We are evaluated with marks we get in exam hall. Goal in modern day education is earning a well-paid collar-job. Behavioral improvement of a person is least concentrated on. Permanent peace, happiness and contentment are never perceived fit for a goal. We have constantly and continuously insulted our vedas and other epics irrespective of religions in the process and unknowingly, each one of them are an ocean of knowledge for self-improvement and collective development of a society set up. Epics can only become more and more relevant!
Spirituality and Religion…
Today, we see that these topics are misunderstood. Each of us has a spiritual factor. God is not the solution to be remembered when we face problems. We have to try and serve humanity and in turn God will help us grow spiritually. Spiritual studies should be encouraged even amongst the children who join schools, which might at a later point of time turn into one of his/her interests. Like Science, Languages and other subjects that are taught in our schools, spirituality or voluntary work should be made part of our curriculum. Current Indian education system was designed by the invaders for their own convenience and their own benefits. It is inclined towards being anti-cultural and anti-spiritual. We should change for the better.
Ideas: Ideals: India
Impression of religion has been modified at a tender age. It’s considered as conservative or outdated. We need to rectify that. Education should be for a better living or a better way of life. Each work that we do shouldn’t be conflicting.
Our values were very rooted and the behavior of a person was of utmost importance. But our current Indian education has ruined the structure and lacks the lessons for individual growth and betterment. The goal of our education system should not be aimed at earning certain lakhs per annum, instead it should be aimed to bring out the humanity, civilized manners and respect towards the culture, religion, art and diversity that we see.
Foreigners have already started understanding the greatness of our ancient lifestyle. I have seen many of them coming to me with their profound doubts on Indian philosophy when I was abroad. We have to stop sending many wrong messages like we have done before. All of us should first read and understand our ancient epics- be it the Vedas or the Geetha, be it the Quran or the Holy Bible. There is no point fighting among ourselves on the basis of religion, cast or creed. We need to get rid-off of our Intellectual vacuum.
While the Swamiji’s love for our ancient culture is phenomenal, he does not ignore modern views and thinking. It is his fond hope that we can achieve wonders if the old and new are harmoniously blended. KnowYourStar.com (KYS) thanks Swamiji for his thought-provoking views, valuable time and divine blessings.