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Chapter V - Impact
of Politics and Social Reform
The 'peace' that prevails today is the peace of fear and the
peace of preparation. Ignoring the sincere advice of men of
wisdom, the great nations of the world are intent upon
demonstrating their destructive strength. That way lies war,
not peace.
No political 'ism can ever solve the problem and bring about
peace. All 'isms are only different hoods of the hydra-headed
monster of selfishness-cum-egoism. When autocratic monarchs
ruled over the nations, people thought that democracy would
shower peace, plenty and prosperity upon earth. They dethroned
the kings. Democracy also failed to yield the fruit of peace.
Some people tried totalitarianism, socialism, communism - so
many 'isms. Each man thought that his solution alone was best
for the world ! And each new 'ism created only more problems
and more quarrels.
Many are working today for the promotion of world peace,
without having peace in themselves. Their loud propaganda, big
talk, and lectures cause more confusion, conflict, and
discord.
All over the world, great conferences are held for bringing
about universal peace, universal brotherhood, and universal
religion. It is the vanity of man that goads him to reform
society without first reforming himself. Vanity rules the
world. When two vain people meet, there is friction and
quarrel.
So also is the case of social reform. Self-styled enlightened
men started interfering with the customs and manners of
people, in an effort to civilize them. The people lost their
old moorings, and the reformers could not offer new, sound
ones. Masses of people drifted away into chaos. How can blind
men lead other blind men ? You must first acquire the Supreme
Knowledge of the Reality. Then, and then alone, can you lead
another in the right path.
You can elevate others only if you have elevated yourself.
This world can be saved only by those who have already saved
themselves. A prisoner cannot liberate other prisoners. One
realized sage can do more for the promotion of peace than a
thousand missionaries preaching and disputing, day in and day
out.
Politics has its basis in sociology; sociology has its basis
in individual personal development; individual personal
development is governed by the philosophy and the religion
that each man follows. The philosophy of the East considers
man as the unit. Man is asked to perfect himself.
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