Modern biology describes man not only as an inter-breeding species, the only such species in nature, but also as an inter-thinking species. Man thinks and thinks together and, through such interpenetration of minds, achieves great heights of culture and civilisation.
Our ancient culture is a product of such profound thinking and inter-thinking. But the rote in our civilisation today is due to the disintegration and misinterpretation of our thought processes. With change in time, the thinking processes (without a check) have changed the whole scenario of the mankind.
Earlier, thought processes were controlled, well-judged and a process of discarding the un-wanted and irrelevant ones were practiced in such a way that mankinds’ every action was rated according to a prescribed thought and named within the two-fold of dharma or religion. Dharma or religion was understood as Vedanta.
Vedanta is an integrated philosophy of a two-fold dharma, namely, pravrtti or outward directed action and nivrtti or inward-directed meditation, which together form the means for the maintenance of the world on even keel; for they are, verily, the means of the abhyudaya, social welfare, and nihsreyasa, spiritual growth and fulfillment of all beings.
But, with the passage of time we have gradually deprived ourselves of the great discipline of thought and its great energy resources. We became complacent. With complacency, neglect of dedication and growth of lack of vision took place which resulted in degradation of humanity and human values.
{{/usCountry}}But, with the passage of time we have gradually deprived ourselves of the great discipline of thought and its great energy resources. We became complacent. With complacency, neglect of dedication and growth of lack of vision took place which resulted in degradation of humanity and human values.
{{/usCountry}}Today, a man engrossed in sense-objects, knows neither himself nor the Supreme Self, but vainly lead a vegetative life and ultimately vanish. He remains ignorant throughout his life and as ignorant as he was when he first entered this world.
It is only knowledge and control of thought processes that show us the true path and true meaning of life. One must strive hard to shun ignorance and light the lamp of knowledge.