RE-DISCOVERING CHIVALERY IN ARYA SAMAJ
(Part of our History)
September issue of the Navrang Times, a bilingual monthly
It raises two important questions of historic significance. Number One: How did Bhagat Singh, an ardent Sikh, got involved with Arya Samaj, a 19th century reformist movement of Hinduism? Number Two: What and where lies the magic of Arya Samaj that it transformed far greater number of Hindus into eminent scholars, orators, public servants, and fierce freedom fighters in a short span of its founding since 1875? They are important questions for the new generations of the Hindus to be aware of so that the mission of Arya Samaj is rightly served in the 21st century.
questions first stirred my mind six years ago, while researching in the
1930’s, a British CID (Central Investigation Department) report clearly
established that nearly 100% of the Hindu freedom fighters were influenced by
Arya Samaj. It puzzled them as to how Arya Samaj teachings were instilling
courage and unity amongst the Hindus, known for centuries as divided and most
timid people. The British knew the Sikhs as a martial race, so the
Sikh militancy never surprised them. In fact, the Sikhs wanted to regain
the Sikh Empire, stretching beyond present
For finding answers to these questions, I went back to the basics. While teaching a mathematical topic, I often tell my students, that whenever you have absolutely no idea about solving a problem, then go to the definitions involved in that problem. On my part, I studied the Ten Principles of Arya Samaj (Just Google/Yahoo Arya Samaj) carefully and early crusades of its founder, Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824-1883). At times, I felt like writing a Reflection on each principle both from their historical context and present relevance.
The first five principles of Arya Samaj are addressed for the individual development, but the last five are for the community development. That is a fundamental departure in the practice of Hinduism. Arya Samaj temples are designated places for Sunday morning prayers. There are regular dues for the members, like in a club. The funds are used for community welfare. The genius of Swami Dayanand saw that how the Muslims worshipped together every Friday, and Sikhs and Christians on Sundays. Collective prayers alone bring unity at the deepest levels. No research is known to have been undertaken into any organized aspect of Hindu religion before 1000 AD, but certainly, it has been completely absent till the advent of Swami Dayanand.
explains why the Hindus of Arya Samaj leanings became courageous and patriotic.
Though, the Hindu community was the poorest and most divided of all other
communities, yet even the modest buildings of Arya Samaj temples, schools and
colleges played crucial roles in supporting the freedom fighters in all
respects besides providing the nationalistic education. With
With emphasis on the formlessness of The Supreme, there are no worship idols in Arya Samaj temples. However, the Sunday prayer gatherings in the temples are usually followed by a broad update on community affairs. It keeps the community into the mainstream of life and helps in the development of histrionic and leadership skills of the congregation. Again, Swami Dayanand seems to have borrowed this practice from the Christians, Muslims, and the Sikhs. Historically, Arya Samaj is characterized by public debates in the backdrop of the Vedas (Shastrartha) for settling and sorting out any differences - religious, political, or social.
The unity of minds comes only when people assemble at one place on a regular basis. It never takes place by only wishing for it, or working alone. However, willingness to sacrifice a bit of personal interest for the larger welfare of the community, sits at the heart of Hindu unity today. It is enshrined as one of the ten principles of Arya Samaj.
Sep 24, 2009