'SPIRITUAL SHOPKEEPERS'

The prominence of ' spiritual Gurus ' in to days times is no indication of the Nation's enlightenment. Contrary though is true. With the rise in 'spiritualismis ever on increase. Truthfully 'spiritualism' today does not fall in the religious-mysticism-occultism' related market the material hunger of the Nation enlightenment/higher goals/Nirvana basket, but in the 'shopping basket'. this trend brought up as I was in a very congenial religious atmosphere. My Paternal Grand father ( Dadaji) was a Sanskrit Acharya from Varanasi and believed in 'Vedanta' . Therefore he encouraged us to understand 'Upanishads' , 'Gita', 'Yog vashishta' etc, in fact his knowledge of other religions was profound, many of his contemporaries sought his regular advice on interpretations of texts . Whilst in Jail as a prominent freedom fighter of I have difficulty in communicating and understanding, in fact dealing with

Garhwal he imparted lessons on 'Gita' to his inmates. He was indeed a Grand old man and purposefully utilized his spiritual insight in 'journalism' and the weekly newspaper he edited lifelong. My Maternal Grand father (Nanaji ), was 'Arya Samaj', Shastri , highly learned and proficient in ' Shastrarth' ( religious him and possessed a distinct streak of renunciation. His rendition of Sanskrit debate), he was a true 'Rishi' of our time. There was no material attachment in 'shloks' was so perfect that his subordinates and peers were very careful not to

utter any incorrect pronunciation in his presence for fear of being checked. I am indeed grateful to my Grandfathers for the many blessings. The fact that i can read Sanskrit without any formal learning is credited to them. My close 'Havans' ( yaghya / yaghna) has been immensely beneficial in my outlook. childhood association and having participated in numerous discussions and Spiritualism ( self realization) has always been a lofty ideal in society. What

is essential to spiritualism is ' renunciation '. A sense of detachment from the worldly pleasures, lack of materialism. The offshoot of materialism such as marketing, glamour, follower ship, sycophancy ,flattery, Hero-worship do not

fit-in the picture of 'spiritualism'. And, yet spiritualism today is all about Heroworship,glamour, marketing,money, gold and glitter. Spiritual leaders like politicians and film stars need constant attention and

support of people for sustenance. The increase in dedicated channels on advancement in science the ties with commercial spiritualism have only

'Religion-spiritualism' is one strong indicator. Unfortunately, even with much strengthened. Media upsurge has significantly contributed to the rise of these also been exposed on media but it has made no dent to their popularity.

leaders. Baba Ramdev, Murari Babu, Sudhanshu Maharaj, Asa Ram Bapu have 'demand' of these spiritual gurus has only enhanced despite media tearing some of them apart goes to the credit of these 'spiritual shopkeepers' who have presented themselves so pleasingly and seduced the most rational ,prosperous wily and wicked in their fold. The

Stories from our mythologies which are permeated in our subconscious however portray 'Gurus' and 'Rishis' as people much above the ordinary, simply clad with no attachments to worldly goodies. Vashist- Guru of Ram-Laxman, Vishvamitra- one who taught Ram and Laxman weaponary, Bharadwaj, Aatri

are few names with which we are familiar. In adoption of spiritual path practices such as 'tapasya'( austerity),and 'tyaag'( sacrifice) are frequently referred to, and indeed are essential for its success. 'Dronacharya', the much revered Guru of 'Kaurava' and 'Pandava', princes,

who taught the young princes the Art of weaponry was perhaps the earliest 'Guru' who formally asked for remunerations which though was accepted their own residence as part of their 'Dharma',(Duty) without asking or

willingly was considered an act 'out of character', as 'Gurus' offered learning at expecting anything in exchange. Dronacharya, though was compelled by circumstances to seek economic compensation as he did not have resources even to feed his little son whom he loved dearly. A customary Guru Daksina ( offering to Guru) was given by the disciple at the end of the learning period

which varied based on the status and station of the disciple ( shishya) and was not necessarily monetary. However disciples were never under constraint for payment. The spiritual leaders of today live in the lap of luxury and though apparently

no loud announcement is made for the remunerations but from their picture of wellness it can easily be discerned that only the rich and famous can afford such Gurus. I have no means to verify the depth of their knowledge of their subject, the intensity of their enlightenment but as 'actions speak louder than words', their deeds do undermine their intentions if not their authority. What publicity or money? Why has Baba Ramdev entered politics? Why has he

was the need of Swami Agnivesh to visit the T V serial 'Big Boss 5' ? Was it for entered the business of medicine manufacturing? Could he not merely teach was Sudhanshu Maharaj caught on camera recommending means to bring in money to India through illegal route? Why has Sri Sri Ravi Shankar built a palace like structure in Bangalore ? Why was he so keen to broker a deal with in land litigations? Why was so much Gold discovered from the Ashram of Sai vehemently is that they are expected to stay away from limelight but their

pranayam and prescribe medicines if the desire was to heal the people ? Why

Anna Hazare recently? Why have Bapu Asaram and Murari Babu been involved Baba? Why was Sai Baba so fond of Gold? Why I oppose such spiritual leaders attraction to spotlight is similar to that of any 'page three' gentry . They are like any salesmen; the only difference is that some are mere hawkers, others have their shop by the road side while some sit pretty in malls! Should a sacred path such as spiritualism be left to such tricksters? In

reputed University's abroad it is given much primacy and professors such as Dr Radhakrishnan ( the second President of India) taught regularly on Indian religion at Oxford. It is therefore the duty of the state to enlighten people and to open learning of our heritage. The 'Patanjali Sutra' and other texts on Yog to restrict the emergence of such Showmen. Self learning should also be and related matters should be formally imparted in our University if we intend encouraged. Publication houses such as Gita Press , publications of Ramkrishna mission specially on Upanishads are good, so are the publications of Chinmaya mission. Responding to the ever increasing interests of readers in spiritualismmysticism-religion-occultism, the leading newspapers regularly carry out a Sunday supplement- ' The Speaking Tree' which seems quite popular. columns by scholars and Swamis on the subject. The Times Of India brings out However the impact of the 'spiritual corporates' and soothsayers seems not

to ebb. We can only reduce it by providing citizens with alternate avenues of learning and enlightenment. Lenin's words still resound even though he is buried far away for long-

' Religion is the opiate of the masses'.