TWELFTH CHAPTER

In this chapter, swamiji has criticised three more religions, which developed in Aryavartt like Hindu religion, but, which are not counted in Hindu religion. Out of them, one is Charvak. Charvak’s beliefs are-there is no God, there is no need of accepting God and life originate in this universe by mixing of one element with the other. The followers of this religion believe that as alcohol produces sedative effect, in the same way, when different elements of prakriti or nature combine with one another, life originates. These people, although very less in numbers do not believe in souls and God. They are of the view that as long as one lives, he should arrange for maximum of his pleasures, in one way or the other, since, after death, one loses his existence forever. This can be called atheism.

Morals need a strong base like existence of souls and God. It is a fact that simple day to day affairs cannot be accomplished without a certain degree of ethics. All the worldly affairs will come to a halt, if, people behave untruthfully in their matters. For example, let’s consider a case of hiring a rickshaw. In this simple case of our day to day affair, hire charges fixed are adhered to by both the parties without any hitch. These simple ethics are nothing but a part of dharam. As such, we can say that individuals cannot live without accepting the existence of God. 

2          Budhism- This religion does not believe in God and His words. Though, this religion took birth on this land, but today, the number of its followers in India is very less. In Myanmar, Thailand, China et cetra we find followers of this religion. As such, Swamiji has given only a glimpse of the principles of this religion.

3          Jainism-Both Bodh religion and Jain religion took birth in India almost at the same time. Like Bodh religion, this religion, too, does not believe in God and His words. This religion has not moved out of this land like Bodh religion but its followers in India are very few. The followers of this religion do not make available their literature to the persons of other religions. The base of Jain religion is considered to be ‘Ahinsa’ (not bringing pain to anyone). Actually ‘अहिंसा’ refers both not to give pain to others and, also, not allowing others to give pain to oneself. Vedic concept of अहिंसा is creating an atmosphere, wherein no one intends to give pain to others. But punishing the guilty is not considered against ‘अहिंसा’ in vedic culture. Taking incomplete meaning of the term ‘अहिंसा’ has been one of the major causes of deterioration of Hindus. With respect to Jainism, too, Swamiji has given only a glimpse of the principles of this religion.