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As far as the Indian nation is concerned, it is essentially spiritual. In olden days,
everywhere there used to be Ashrams pulsating with divine ideals and replete with venerable
Acharyas who were intensely practical and realized. Even their Sishyas were highly evolved and
receptive in their very nature in regard to their Guru’s teachings. The degradation in the present
era is mainly due to the aping of Western manners and the copying of the Western modes of life
without doing even a modicum of justice to how far they are conducive to one’s moral, physical,
mental and spiritual growth and how far they are helpful in achieving the ultimate perfection
known as Moksha which is the be-all and end-all of life. The modern individual is apt to ignore
to imbibe what is best in others, but he is quite willing to accept that which debases him in moral
evolution. Such being the case, Ashrams should grow in plenty in every nook and corner of the
world, particularly in India. Spirituality is the birthright of India, though it is not barred from any
other country. Hence, India should take a lead in this direction and illuminate the dark corners of
the world where materialism is predominant.
Secondly, religious education should be made compulsory on a common basis without
any partiality towards any particular faith. Religious intolerance is partly the cause of so many
wars, feuds, dissensions, etc. Education should be imparted free to one and all and it should even
be enforced on all age, boy or girl, adult man or woman. Sastra and Dharma, science and
religion, should go hand in hand like twin sisters without any detriment to progress in current
worldly affairs.
People should be made to understand that Karma of any nature, provided that it is not
against Dharma, does not stand in the way of realizing the goal of Moksha and they should be
freely allowed to follow their own respective choices so as, to shine well in their inclined fields.
The age-old traditions, provided they are not a hindrance to graded evolution, should be kept up
by all means so as to remind us of the ancient glory of Bharata Varsha. In the name of scientific
advancement, old methods of industry and livelihood should not be set at naught; but they should
continue to proceed as usual, as rejuvenation of life lies in their survival alone. The Ashrams
that manufacture ideal Dheeras in the field of spirituality should undertake to disseminate the
knowledge of the Self or Atma-jnana through periodical tours and pilgrimages by their
Ashramites.
Periodical spiritual conferences should be held and the methods of Sadhana or
Anushthana should be imparted. Such reformatory activities should go on, not only in India but
everywhere throughout the world. The lead is willed by the Lord to fall to the lot of India. It is
her onerous duty to take it up immediately.
From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda