Page 76 - Wisdom Unfurled

fundamental questions which philosophy attempts to address, science has rather tried to displace religion from the consciousness of man by proclaiming virtually that it has the key to the truth of all phenomena ranging from the terrestrial to the cosmic and man need not search for anything beyond science for conducting his sojourn on this earth successfully. However convincing the position of the atheist, man has always had a need to worship and the multitude of religions is the result. Religion in its most fundamental aspect consists in, the belief in and reverence for a supreme power regarded as creator, sustainer and destroyer of the universe and a personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship. Looking from its essential point of view, it is a cause, principle or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
Thus even the atheist has to worship in the sense of holding in reverence and awe the most celebrated atheist who inspires all atheists and the very principle of atheism to which the sincere atheist must dedicate himself to be a consistent and steadfast atheist! Science which took upon itself the mantle of ridding the human mind of the deleterious effects of religious superstition and dogma, has itself become somewhat of a dogmatic religion whose adherents, enjoying a position of power and influence in shaping public opinion as never before in human society, display a fanatic zeal in propagating skepticism especially with regard to the existence and possibility of experiencing suprasensual Reality.
Religion and Reality – Saguna and Nirguna Brahman
The Master says, ‘The quest of mankind, ever since its birth has been to worship God, to unravel the mysteries behind the outward appearances and to grasp the fundamental truth. This is the genesis of religion.’ (DR p1). The word religion derives from a Latin root meaning to be ‘bound to God’, by the bond of piety. Every religion has arisen based upon the personal practical experiences of its founder with its own notions of God, His creation and prescribed forms and rituals. The religions of the world differ markedly in such notions of God, forms and rituals. But after the passage of thousands of years, the same old forms and principles are being adhered to despite profound changes in the entire surroundings and in the way of life. The vehicle of religion has become hackneyed as the Master says, and it is only a relic of the past, a mere shell with the real spirit having ebbed away, as it stands today. Outward forms and rituals are followed with extreme orthodoxy and tenacity in almost every religion without even the touch of Reality, which has been twisted into forms and rituals alone. Blind adherence to the outward forms with total disregard of the inner Reality, begets prejudice and bigotry characterizing present day religion. Ignoring Reality which is the common