Article 1. Provided by Sri Surujpaul Ramjas.
The Role of the Arya Samaj in Contemporary Australian Society
The broad humanitarian appeal of the Arya Samaj, as reflected in its basic beliefs and tenets, will ensure that the movement continues to be relevant in the contemporary world of the twenty-first century. Members of the movement believe in the concept of God as the all-pervasive, eminent cause of the universe, that everyone should seek knowledge and wisdom, and use this wisdom in the upliftment of oneself, our society and the world at large. The Arya Samaj motto, Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam (Make the World Noble), will continue to inspire generations to come.
Followers and supporters of the Arya Samaj movement are part of the wider community of followers of the ancient religion called Hinduism. Hinduism in this context is more aptly known as Satya Sanathan Vedic Dharm the way of life based on the eternal universal truths.
In Australia, migrants with Indian heritage have come from India, other parts of Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, bringing with them a wide spectrum of religious beliefs and traditional practices. These beliefs and traditions have been continually evolving, gaining further impetus from the information technology revolution. This transformation, together the apparent change in the norms of moral and ethical standards, the powerful influence of the modern media, and
the influence of the Bollywood industry, are creating a new brand of so-called Indian Culture in Australia, a phenomena that is being reflected worldwide.
This new brand of Indian culture, in Australia and elsewhere, has profound ramifications for the furtherance of the ideals of the Arya Samaj movement. Whilst our ancestors were happy to unquestioningly follow rituals and traditional practices, the youth of today want to understand why they should continue to do the same. They are not interested in dogmas and mythologies for the sake of religious conformity. Instead, they are often more interested in sports, TV shows, computers, movies, drama, health and fitness, just to name a few. The youth want to know the origin and symbolism of their parents actions; and what value can be derived from continuing these practices.
Simultaneously, in this changing cultural environment, certain aspects of Indian philosophy and culture are gaining more wide-spread recognition from both youth and adults. The virtues of meditation, yoga, ayurvedic medicine, fasting and the synergies from these practices in physical and mental healing are being actively pursued across the world. It is not unreasonable to expect that Vedic philosophy will one day be accepted universally as the basis of all progressive religions.
The approaches of social and religious reformers of the mid to late twentieth century need to be re-examined and reformed to ensure the universal message of the Arya Samaj is effectively espoused to current generations. By actively practicing Satya Sanathan Vedic Dharm, we have a great chance to demonstrate and share this most precious formula for happiness (Aanand) and emancipation (Mokasha), with the rest of the world
May your find strength and inspiration to live noble lives…
The Ramjas Family
Article 2.
Writt
en by Mr Sunil Prasad
Brie
f Reflection on Arya Samaj movement
(
Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj on 10th April 1875. The venue was Doctor Manik Chand's Garden in
Bombay,
India. Thus, Arya Samaj movement was formed a decade before the British Colonisers lured my forefathers to
Fiji under the guise of indenture system. This year we celebrated one hundred and twenty ninth anniversary of Arya Samaj movement.Arya Samaj has been in
Fiji for 100 years now.
Swami Dayanand laid out ten universal principles which reflected the Vedic way of life i.e. society based on truth, love, justice and righteousness for all without distinction of color, caste, creed or race.
The goal of Arya Samaj has been: 'Krinvanto Vishwam Aryam' which means make this world noble. This can be attained by physical, spiritual, social and moral development of the self which in turn will lead to doing good to others, respecting others and denouncing evils of human society like racism, inequality and injustice.
Arya Samaj was formed to carry out social and religious revolution. It aimed to reform the doomed Hinduism and restore it to originality i.e. to the teachings of the Vedas.
At the time of Arya Samaj formation,
India, the land of once proud Hindus had been in the grips of foreign rulers for many many centuries. The once proud Arya-Verta or land of Aryans like Ram, Sita, Krishna and the Pandos was reduced to a lowly society entrenched with numerous evils of caste, dowry, untouchability, child marriage, and other forms of evil and gender abuse burning a widow on the funeral pyre of her deceased husband. True knowledge had given way to fictitious believe system that was laughed upon by the colonial rulers. Hindus had taken solace in idol and poly-god worship which was contrary to Vedic scriptures. Without doubt Vedic knowledge was distorted, largely forgotten and destroyed by those responsible for preaching it to the masses. Hinduism had receded to its lowest ebb. Women and children had become vulnerable to evil forces of abuse, prostitution and ridicule.
Millions of Hindus became converted to other religions under force or compelling social circumstances in that era.
Swami Dayanand's Arya Samaj took it as a great challenge to reform the Hindu society and restore it to its original radiance. Arya Samaj gave hope and direction in restoring dignity and pride to millions of people. Radicle changes against the existing norms of the society was never easy for the Maharishi. His food was poisoned numerous times before he succumbed to the forces of evil. This was not before he had hoisted the flag of truth and shone the light of Vedas in millions.
One can look back at some of the achievements of Arya Samaj like
* Rise to political awareness and freedom fighters in
India
* Social equality for all by not recognising caste system and its evil practises.
* Eradiating child marriage and the dowry system.
* Provision of education for the masses.
* Equal status for females in society. Girls could go to schools, re-marry and work.
* Religious opportunity for everyone. Any educated person can be a Priest.
Today, Arya Samaj is a proud organization. It has spread to nearly every part of the globe preaching its universality amongst all human beings. Its activities have benefited millions of people. In modern time it is at the forefront with its universal principles on humanity.
Arya Samaj as a part of Vedic Sanatan Dharma runs many schools, colleges, universities, orphanages around the globe.
