GANDHI for RELIGIOUS HARMONY

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Permalink Reply by Balamurali Balaji on February 5, 2010 at 7:32am

Thanks, my friend for this info..

Religious harmony is a much needed ingredient in todays society and I would like you to suggest the fact that many people misunderstand Religion with Spirituality. Is spirituality the same as religion or it is an organ of the religion? Can spirituality exist with out any religion?

-BB

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Permalink Reply by Dipak Dholakia on February 11, 2010 at 1:10pm

I think religion is a moral code. Spirituality is not a code. This is a very complex issue but I think,Spirituality is mental attitude that covers (and also goes beyond) a moral code. spiritualism is an 'ism' and, therefore, different from spirituality. Now moral codes may differ on some social issue but spirituality can overcome that difference. It is not important whether the teachings of all religions are the same or not. Because, when we talk about it, we are actually talking about non-worldly aspects of all religions. This kind of approach sometimes blocks our vision and we cannot plan an action. for example, Burqa or veil or head scarf is not an issue of spirituality. It is a moral code. Eating beef or ham is not an issue of spirituality, but a moral code. The same is the case with polygamy and monogamy.
It is not spirituality that can divide people. It is these moral codes and beliefs that divide people. Stressing the oneness of all religion is a great ideal and there have been people who have really acted on that line.But, the people have remained divided.
i think now new approach is needed. Instead of stressing the oneness we should directly address the differences and ask people to accept them, telling them to live with it and not make an issue.

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Permalink Reply by Balamurali Balaji on February 16, 2010 at 5:38am

Dear DD,

Your views on spirituality(ism) seems to be acceptable. I am concerned with the evolution of the religious ethics that would tarnish its originality and eventually meeting with the spiritual context. Little ambiguity here!

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Permalink Reply by Dipak Dholakia on February 16, 2010 at 8:15pm

Shall we say, one can be spiritual without being religious? Religions as we practise them now, are the result of our habits taught us at the age of 4-5 years. and we just follow it.Now, a religion can be great but not just because I am following it! This is the serious matter. Ask any follower of any religion and the answer would be that his religion is the greatest. Now this is an idea inculcated in us when our mental faculties were not developed. Over a period of time it becomes our habit and a part of our ego.
The best religious ethics would be to accept others as genuine. Every religious practice will have some form of idiosyncrasies. Some irrationality. Let us accept it. Let us not rejoice as if we found something special to target the other fellow. let us trust the evolution of thought. These things will vanish one day.This tolerance is the first step of spirituality.

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Permalink Reply by GOPI KANTA GHOSH on February 15, 2010 at 7:43am

Thanks...this is right message when communal forces are gaining ground...let us replicate for peace...

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Permalink Reply by GOPI KANTA GHOSH on March 11, 2010 at 1:24pm

It is absolutely necessary...can it start from his state Gujarat where communal forces are gaining strength...

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Permalink Reply by Dipak Dholakia on March 11, 2010 at 4:55pm

Yes, there are many people in Gujarat, especially Gandhians, who are focusing on the issue. Recently, Gandhians are engaged in defending rights of villagers against Nirma company who has been allotted check-dam area by the state government and is determined to transfer it at any cost. Nirma wants to set up a cement plant there.

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Permalink Reply by GOPI KANTA GHOSH on April 5, 2010 at 5:26am

He remained secular even while believing religion...it is greatness.

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