अध्यात्म की कसौटी

Summary

The text discusses the current state of religion and spirituality in society, noting that questions are being raised about them due to the aggressive and sectarian face of religion and the increasing prevalence of rituals. This has weakened the social structure's natural restraint, leading to social disintegration, lack of conduct, and chaos. The need for serious discussion on these issues is growing. The Anuvrat Movement, initiated by Acharya Tulsi shortly after India's independence, is presented as an example of such discussion. It helped fill the void left by Mahatma Gandhi's death and gave courage to speak on these topics. Acharya Mahapragya, Tulsi's successor, furthered this through the Ahimsa Yatra, which is seen as a timely campaign to revitalize the Anuvrat Movement's goals. The text emphasizes that the process of change is slow and full of struggle, but its continuity ensures its vitality. It highlights that the Terapanth sect, founded by Acharya Bhikshu, is the source of these movements. The month of Ashadh (July) is significant as it marks the founding of Terapanth, the birth of Acharya Bhikshu, the death of Acharya Tulsi, and the birth of Acharya Mahapragya. The text argues that morality is the true test of spirituality, citing Mahatma Gandhi's view that ethics followed with spiritual awareness is religion. It suggests that moral habits depend on thought and can be cultivated through environment and education. Moral self-education is key to building ethical individuals and a moral social structure. Acharya Mahapragya views moral self-education as spiritual science, leading to self-realization, as exemplified by Mahavira and Gandhi. The text concludes that spiritual experiments can succeed in public life, and the four significant occasions in Ashadh should inspire this pursuit.