JAMMU: Peethadhishwar of Shri Hari Kripa Peeth, Swami Shri Hari Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ji, said that India will once again be established in the exalted position of Vishwaguru (World Teacher). He said that various invaders looted gold, silver, diamonds, jewels, the Kohinoor and enormous treasures from India, but they could never take away the country's spiritual wisdom and knowledge, which still resides in the minds of India's sages and intellectual traditions.
He said that if even a few dedicated people come together and sincerely work for the propagation of India's spiritual knowledge—not as a commercial enterprise but with a selfless spirit—India can once again become Vishwaguru.
Swami Ji emphasized that Dharma is based on scientific principles and is not superstition or a hollow ritual. He said that vested interests have attempted to reduce Dharma to mere ritualism. Dharma and science are complementary to each other. When science is separated from Dharma, superstition, hypocrisy, blind faith, orthodoxy and social evils find a place; similarly, when science is separated from ethical and spiritual values, scientific progress can become a cause of destruction rather than development.
He said that the entire world is passing through a painful period marked by the possibility of conflicts and wars. Therefore, humanity must rise above all forms of narrow-mindedness and differences and preserve mutual love, unity, harmony and communal brotherhood.
Swami Ji expressed concern that India, which has historically been a messenger of world peace, is today witnessing disturbing instances of unrest. He appealed to everyone not to become a contributor to disorder, but instead to play an important role in establishing peace. He said that peace must first prevail in India, and from this sacred land the message of peace should once again reach the entire world.
“India has always been a Vishwaguru. The shortcomings are not in India, but have emerged among Indians themselves. If we thoughtfully identify and remove these shortcomings, India will once again regain its rightful position as Vishwaguru,” he said.
Pakistan Must Abandon Its Anti-India Designs
Warning Pakistan, Swami Ji said that it must abandon its “nefarious intentions.” He said that for several decades India has been subjected to an undeclared war through infiltration, terrorist attacks, training camps and inhuman treatment of soldiers.
He warned that Pakistan should desist from such acts, otherwise, as in the past, it would have to face the consequences and suffer defeat.
He also cautioned China, saying that “this is not the India of the past.” India's military strength today is among the strongest in the world. He said that India has never sought war; rather, wars have repeatedly been imposed upon it. India believes in the ideals of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, and wishes for peace not merely on Earth but throughout the entire universe.
Strict Action Against Cow Slaughter and Female Foeticide
Swami Ji said that in a sacred nation like India, where incarnations such as Lord Shri Ram and Lord Shri Krishna revered and served the cow, the plight of cows and cow slaughter are deeply shameful and there should be a complete prohibition on cow slaughter.
He also expressed serious concern over female foeticide. He said that in a country where girls are worshipped during Navratri and on various auspicious occasions, the practice of female foeticide is a heinous and shameful crime.
The declining sex ratio is a matter of serious concern for the future, he said, adding that stringent laws must be enforced against female foeticide along with sustained social awareness campaigns.
He further appealed to citizens to remain conscious not only of their rights but also of their duties towards the nation and society. Complex social problems should not be politicized; instead, they should be addressed through mutual understanding, dialogue, harmony and a spirit of cooperation.
Commercialisation of Spirituality and Education Is Unfortunate
Swami Ji said that the increasing commercialization of religious discourses, spiritual programmes, yoga, Ayurveda, healthcare and education is unfortunate.
He observed that while religious rituals such as katha, pravachan, yajnas and pilgrimages have increased, the corresponding improvement in conduct and character has not taken place to the same extent.
“Dharma is not merely a matter of rituals; it is a matter of conduct and character,” he said.
He stressed that Dharma should become an integral part of life and reflect itself in every action. If this happens, social evils, distortions and undesirable tendencies will not be able to gain entry into human life.
The continuous decline of humanity, morality and character is a matter of serious concern, he said, adding that spirituality alone can help society overcome these challenges.
Dharma Unites Humanity, It Does Not Divide
Swami Ji said that Dharma unites people rather than dividing them. He expressed regret that certain people attempt to divide society in the name of religion through narrow and malicious designs.
He said that different faiths, sects and traditions may have different forms of worship, but the ultimate Divine is one. The paths and methods of worship may differ, but humanity is one family and all people are children of the same Supreme Being.
He once again reiterated that Dharma is scientific and not superstition. According to him, when science and spirituality are separated from each other, hypocrisy, superstition, ostentation, blind faith, orthodoxy and social evils emerge.
He said that the primary objective of a saint should be to eliminate the gap between words and actions, inculcate good values among people and inspire them to become responsible and worthy citizens of the nation and society.
Saints Must Preserve the Dignity of Their Institution
Swami Ji said that the position of a saint is extremely high and dignified. However, those who become actively involved in the pursuit of political power and positions, driven by personal ambition, themselves diminish the dignity of the institution they represent.
He said that the growing gap between preaching and practice has unfortunately made some preachers and their teachings objects of ridicule.
Referring to disputes among religious leaders, he said that the public statements and legal battles among those claiming positions of spiritual authority do not present a positive image and should be avoided.
Global Unity Needed to Defeat Terrorism
Describing terrorism as a global challenge, Swami Ji called upon all countries of the world to unite and make a collective effort to eradicate terrorism.
He said that terrorism and terrorists have no religion or faith; they are enemies of humanity. Terrorism must be condemned in the strongest terms and the law should provide for the strictest possible punishment for those involved in such acts.
A Life Dedicated to Spiritual Awareness and Social Reform
It is noteworthy that Swami Shri Hari Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ji has undertaken thousands of miles of padyatra across the country to create awareness among people against river pollution, cow slaughter and the poor condition of cows, drug and alcohol addiction, harmful habits, hypocrisy, superstition and blind faith.
He represented India at the World Parliament of Religions and Universal Peace Conference held at Seoul Olympic Stadium, Seoul, South Korea, where representatives from 102 countries, several heads of state and around 125,000 people participated.
Swami Ji has been honoured with distinctions including Best Spiritual Leader of India, International Best Spiritual Leader in Hindu Mythology, Paryavaran Ratna, Bharat Gaurav at the House of Commons of the British Parliament, and the International Excellence Award in Peace and Devotion at Tashkent.
It is also stated that lakhs of people have given up alcohol and other harmful addictions after coming into contact with Swami Ji and continue to do so.
A scholar of more than a dozen languages and a spiritual guide to millions, Swami Shri Hari Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Ji is not a commercial preacher. He has travelled across India and abroad through the support and affection of people and has dedicated his life to spreading the message of Indian spirituality.
Having undertaken extensive padyatras across India and travelled to different parts of the world for the propagation of Dharma and spirituality, Swami Ji continues to carry the message and glory of Indian spiritual wisdom across the globe.
