OUR CULTURE

                                                                           

The word Culture is defined by people in different ways and there is confusion regarding the true or exact meaning of the word. The Sanskrit word for culture is “Samskriti”which represents civilization also. This word is derived from ”Samskara”which means refinement or removal of vice and ' planting of the virtues of Satya, Dharma, santhi and prema. It means that one has to remove the dirt from the mind. Our culture is based on the bedrock of Dharma or righteousness laid down by great sages like Narada and Valmiki who taught equanimity in sunshine and storm. It is the duty of the individual to not gloat over success or be depressed over failure or defeat. The secret of Peace is assured when we love and render service to our fellow beings. According to Bhagawan Sri Sri Stya Sai Baba “ The culture of this land proclaimed that the best form of service is to promote the growth of the practitioners of the good life—the sages and sadhakas.” (SSS Vol X) India is famous for the triple sadhana of Discipline, Devotion and Duty!

Our India was called Hindustan indicating an area where the Hindus lived. The word has association with the river Indus in the north of India. Many interpretations are given regarding the origin of the word India. But the interpretation by Bhagawan Sri Sri Satya Sai Baba is spiritual and stunning! “ The word  ‘Hindu' has been interpreted in various ways, but the real meaning is 'Him' ( himsa in violence), 'Du' (dur in far from); thus, a people who keep away from violence. Their conception of the immanence of God is strong and  unshakable. The rituals, ceremonies, vows and rites prescribed in Hinduism are all directed to the promotion and well-being of all the worlds. This is the reason why Hinduism is still alive and active!” (SSS Vol 7).Swami points out that the word Bharat means one involved in Divine pleasure. In other words all people in the country seek pleasure and happiness established in God.
Love is the fundamental teaching of the ancient culture of India! From time Immemorial the ‘youth have been advised, encouraged and taught by precept and example to love the poor, the helpless, the handicapped and the disabled, for the same spark of Divinity that is in us, is also active in them. (SSS Vol X) The culture of India, all through history, has tenaciously followed the four goals or 'Purusharthas' in life. They are Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.The essential meaning is that one has to live righteously, earn in the same manner and satisfy his desires before he deserves emancipation or salvation. Thus the word Hindu is one devoid of violence, sympathetic and helpful to others.

Indian culture is called in general as Sanatana Dharma -the age old way of life prescribed by the Vedas, scriptures and other Puranas and Itihasas. There is nothing in the Sanathana Dharma that does not touch the daily material and spiritual life of people.The significant aspect of Sanathana Dharma and our culture is the rare quality of tolerance and assimilation of various other cultures that affected India during the invasion by foreigners! The Afghans, the Moghuls, various other dynasties, the Portuguese the French and finally the English vied with one another to establish their authority over our land! Indian culture, like the great ocean, assimilated them all without losing her identity and culture! That is the greatness of our Culture!
Of late, Indian society, in its fascination for Western fashion and culture, has started aping them in many respects! It is of Paramount importance that we should have faith in our own culture that lays stress on the spiritual path of self control and discipline. We should not be distracted by the charm of foreign cultures. “ Indian women Bob their hair and discard the kunkum dot, in order to be fashionable, but, every Indian custom has deep significance. A whole container of sweetness can be spoiled by a drop of Kerosene. Accept good things from other cultures, the things that help you to control the vagaries of the senses and the Mind, to investigate and discriminate more clearly.” Warns Bhagawan Sri Sri  Satya Sai Baba.