Page 108 - Hinduism

Freedom becomes meaningless to a soul that has need of solace and peace. This peace is granted by God and one feels free in His presence freed from the pains and struggles and conflicts of his personality and community. Temples and Maths offer this atmosphere, but then these must have men who have devoted themselves and are devoting themselves to their self-discovery and God- realisation. Love or sympathy pervades the atmosphere of the aśramās, the retreats of the good men of spirit. These too serve mankind. Though a Yogin or religious man is one who retires from the world, yet does he serve those who need his company by his very peace, the inward peace which no State can ensure for him. Hinduism realises that all types of men should have freedom for this realisation. It does not believe in one universal panacea for all diseases of the body and brain and heart or soul. The religious man or spiritual saint and mystic is an important person, who, though not of the world lives and moves and has his being in God, casts peace on all mankind, gives to those who can listen the nectar of spiritual peace, and a sanctuary for the haunted soul, afraid and sorrowing. Love begins to be available to all whoever feels that the world is a terrible place to live in. He shows the new way of transformation of a world diseased. Wherever he Is, because of his universal nature, he begins to inspire all with faith and love and hope.
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