Page 112 - Hinduism
P. 112

them to go on, even as it has striven to keep the theoretical and investigating scientists free from the common gaze. The realisations of saints would not be, as the past history of culture has shown, less influential and beneficent than the contributions of scientists to society. Protection then of the religious spirit, even an ardent effort to keep the seekers from the daily interference in their lives on one plea or other, would greatly help the very nature of the individuals. But its violation ultimately would threaten the solidarity of the society. The greatness of the State lies in its serving the diverse interests of the individuals, and religion is as profound and basic impulse and need for each individual at some period or other as any other.
Hindu Religion is a force that makes for culture and social cohesion based on love and not on brute might or social coercion. It is something that makes life livable. It is not an escapist phenomenon, but a profound influence or tendency which makes man strive to know what he is. Helped by philosophical thought which it sets into action, it seeks clarity and fulness for all. But it is necessary to weed out its extra-religious activities, which could well be attended to by the State. Religion can influence the State only through the lives of its members, or the persons who constitute the Government, who imbued with religions principles would put into practice these principles through the social
apparatus and organisation. The State by itself 112
































































































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