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129th Arya Samaj Message
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MESSAGE FROM NEW JERSEY VEDIC SOCIETY By MITRA GIRDHARI
I bring you greetings and best wishes from the New Jersey Vedic Society on the 129th anniversary of the founding of the Arya Samaj Movement by Swami Dayanand on April 10, 1875. At this time it is appropriate to reflect, examine and comprehend some of the positive impact that this movement has made on us especially in the troubled world of today where wars, terrorism, egotism and general instability seems to be the order of the day. Vedic teachings, lectures and sermons are as relevant today as they were when this noble movement came into being. The prescriptions of this great movement would go a very long way to making life more congenial, pleasant and meaningful for all mankind. As some of you would recall, this movement came into existence at a critical period in the history of India. Chaos reigned supreme and ignorance was the order of the day. Religious equality was suppressed and spiritual freedom was non-existent. Spiritualism, defined as that which is morally and ethically right, was on a decline of massive proportion. The entire social fabric was in decay when a young visionary scholar, confused and bewildered, decided to step to the battle front to resuscitate and rejuvenate the doctrine of Truth and Ethics as prescribed by the holy Vedas, the source of all true knowledge. This bold and energetic Maharishi was Swami Dayanand. In this glorious era of change was born a noble and revolutionary movement, the Arya Samaj.
Swami Dayanand was a firm and fearless revolutionary who defied and repelled the false “spiritual masters” whose practice of deceit, superstition and hypocrisy was paralyzing the social infrastructure of the Hindu Religion and Culture. This Yogi fought vehemently to expand the teachings of the Vedas and transport the teachings into a life-nourishing formula to guide our daily lives. He has restored equality to the masses regardless of their caste or status. His writings and active participation in the process of regeneration and rejuvenation of India became a source of inspiration to his countrymen in their struggles for national emancipation and cultural advancement. Delving into the Vedas, he worked with tenacity, zeal and great fervor, unmasking their complexities. Today we are lucky to be the recipients of his long and tireless efforts. His efforts were based on the assumption that all human beings constitute one family for we are not reckoned with the bodies but souls and the souls are the children of God.
A man of even temperament and noble ideas, he took it upon himself to dispel evil and ignorance wherever they lurked. He introduced and transcended truth in his thought processes, speech and goals. He was a true champion and a divine missionary who relished peace, happiness and harmony for others. Eradication of evil, egotism and spiritual illiteracy were his primary goals. He would be remembered for having a smile on his face on his deathbed and for his universal message to the world. Let love and forgiveness be your guide. Breathe and assimilate clean, pure and righteous thoughts. Spending our energies in mutual feuds and disagreement would undermine our mission. Remember, TO LOVE IS TO FORGIVE, TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE AND DIVINITY IS GOD. LONG LIVE THE ARYA SAMAJ MOVEMENT FOUNDED BY MAHARISHI SWAMI DAYANAND. OM SHANTI, SHANTI, SHANTI. |
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