Preaching about protecting
the Nation and Dharma as per the need
of the times is the present day duty of a Guru
From times immemorial, whenever Hindu Dharma and the Nation have faced threats, the Guru-disciple tradition has shouldered the responsibility of their protection. The most recent and brilliant example of this is of Samartha Ramdas Swami and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is because of the valorous mission of this ‘Guru-disciple’ pair that today Idols of Deities in Hindu temples, verses in the Vedic Holy texts, Holy threads of the Brahmans, cows etc. have remained intact.
Just as it is the Dharma of a Guru to advise spiritual practice to the seekers for God-realisation during the present times, it is also the Dharma of a Guru to awaken the society to protect the Nation and Dharma during the adverse times.
1. Remember the missions of Gurus who have
given us teachings on protecting the Nation and Dharma !
- When Arya Chanakya was appointed acharya (Professor) at Takshshila University, He was not satisfied with mere academic teaching, but taught worship of the warrior attitude to a number of His disciples such as Chandragupta, and with the help of these student-disciples, He repulsed the attacks of invading Greeks and made Bharat a united country.
- Samartha Ramdas Swami, who had actual darshan (Vision) of Deity Shriram, did not merely remain satisfied with chanting the Name of Shriram, but established temples of Deity Maruti at many places to motivate the society to enhance its physical strength. He also graced Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and got ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ established through him.
- Swami Varadananda Bharati and Mahayogi Gurudev Kateswamiji have been great Saints and Gurus in the recent years. Besides enlightening people on Dharma and Spirituality, the writings of these great souls helped awaken the Hindu society, which is inert towards its duties towards the Nation and Dharma.
There are many Gurus, who through their thoughts and actions, have set ideals for the Holy task of protecting the Nation and Dharma not only for their disciples but the society too.
2. Present period of calamity befalling the Nation and Dharma
Regular readers of newspapers need not be told separately about the nature of the present times.
- Looking at the rising scams of the corrupt politicians, Bharatmata must be saying to Herself, ‘Even British did not loot me so much’.
- Sixty-five percent of the Bharatiyas, who live under the poverty line, must be tearfully pleading to God, ‘O God ! Please do not give me a rebirth in this country’.
- Upon looking at Idol-breaking incidents and destruction of temples, Deities must be asking, ‘Are we in Bharat or Mughalistan ?’Innumerable examples of calamities such as terrorist attacks on the Nation, cow-slaughter, religious conversions, etc. can be quoted.
3. In the present times, why should Gurus
instruct people on protecting the Nation and Dharma ?
- Just as it is the Dharma of a Guru to advise spiritual practice to the seekers for God-realisation during the present times, it is also the Dharma of a Guru to awaken the society to protect the Nation and Dharma during the adverse times.
- A Guru teaches a disciple spiritual practice for liberating him from the cycles of birth and death. However, if both, the Nation and Dharma are not secure, how can we perform spiritual practice ? Therefore, it is the duty of a Guru to develop patriotism and love towards Dharma not only in His disciples but in His fellow countrymen too.
- By performing spiritual practice while in Maya (Great Illusion), a Guru realizes the Brahman Principle in Himself, meaning, attains God-realisation. The next stage in His spiritual journey is to see the God Principle in others, that is, see God Principle in Maya. Therefore, will He not feel anything for the one in whom He sees the God Principle ? Will He not get distressed when His brethren belonging to the same religion are facing atrocities ? Can He lead a calm life if His Nation is suffering ?
In short, it is the duty of every Guru to realise the need of the hour and tell His disciples and the society to perform spiritual practice to protect the Nation and Dharma. To protect the Nation and Dharma is the essential spiritual practice of the Guru, His disciples and the society as per the times.
Reference : Sanatan Sanstha’s Holy Text on ‘Importance of the Guru, types and Gurumantra’