If
we call ourselves Hindus we must bear certain external marks,
outward symbols.
The
boy scouts have a uniform of their own. Army and navy men are
distinguished by certain insignia. There are number of divisions
in police force. Even though their functions will not change if
they wear one another's uniforms or badges, there is a strict
rule with regard to their dress and insignia. The policeman's cap
must not be worn by the sailor. There is a certain discipline and
orderliness among all these forces.
This
discipline as well as orderliness is essential in religion also.
That is why different jatis and different asramas have different
functions and signs. According to the dharmasastras we must wear
the dhoti or the sari in such and such a way or apply the mark to
the forehead in a particular manner. All this is not meant for
social discipline alone. There is a high purpose, that of
purifying our inner life.
The
court attendant has a tavali. The officials do not have it. Is it sensible to
why? But we do not take the same attitude with regard to the
different signs and marks assigned to the people according to
their vocations and family customs. We make a noise in the name
of equality. Even though we remain divided in the matter of
vocations-which indeed is for the welfare of the entire
community-we are of one heart. This is the ideal behind the
social arrangement in which different jatis are assigned
different rites and external symbols, these in keeping with their
natural qualities and callings. There is no high or low in all
this. But we keep fighting among ourselves imagining that there
is.
Now
we have come to such a pass that nobody wears any of the external
marks of our religion. At the same time, we are not ashamed of
wearing other types of signs or badges. To wear those marks that
bring uplift of the Self we are ashamed. We dismiss all religious
marks and symbols as part of superstition. But those who want to
proclaim themselves to be reformers don a particular type of cap
or upper cloth and these external trappings are given greater
importance than symbols of a divine nature.
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"Hindu Dharma" is a book
which contains English translation of certain invaluable and
engrossing speeches of Sri Sri Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi MahaSwamiji (at
various times during the years 1884 to 1994).
For a general background, please see here
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