TENTH CHAPTER

In this chapter, swamiji has discussed general behaviour of man like what should be eaten, what should not be eaten, how one should behave with others et cetra. In this chapter, there is a mention of generally those bad habits, which were prevalent in Hindu society, in that time. This chapter does not deal with any deep philosophical issues but many bad traditions have been talked of. Swamiji has mentioned that only healthy things should be eaten. Unhealthy things earned through rightful means and healthy things earned by unrighteous means should not be eaten. Taking of meat, whisky et cetra have been discussed. In those times, Hindus used not to go in foreign countries for business et cetra because of the notion that if, Hindus take food, cooked by non-Hindus, they fall from their religion. Swamiji has mentioned that such a notion is wrong. He cited that history evidences that in olden times ‘aryas’ used to go to other countries for businesses. The only thing to be taken care of is cleanliness.

WORDS OF SWAMIJI

-It is wrong to say that Hindus (natives of Aryavartt) fall from their religion by going to other countries. If ethics like speaking the truth et cetra are followed, then one does not fall from his religion, wherever he may stay but if ethics are not followed,then, one does fall from his ‘dharam’,  even while being in this country.

Generally, swamiji is criticised for speaking against other religions but in the first section of his book consisting of ten chapters, he has done nothing but shown the true ‘swaroop’, that is, nature of vedic religion. Sects, prevalent in those times had covered the truth of vedic religion. As such, it became essential to talk of them, too. The analytical criticism of other religions prevalent in Aryavartt has been done in the second section of this book, which comprises four chapters only.