Authentic Religiousness – In Gita Verse 17.4 Men in the mode of goodness worship the demigods; those in the mode of passion worship the demons; and those in the mode of ignorance worship ghosts and spirits.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 17.4, it depicts that individuals align their worship with their prevailing modes of being: those in goodness venerate demigods, individuals in passion worship demons, and those in ignorance pay homage to ghosts and spirits. Faith is highlighted as an intrinsic aspect of the human psyche, shaping one’s beliefs based on the nature of their mind – manifesting in sāttvic, rājasic, or tamasic colours. The journey towards self-realisation commences from one’s current state and ultimately reflects in their faith. Reflecting on this verse and its significance in guiding daily life towards Authentic Religiousness, Universal Fragrance, and Religiousness As A Path, I have sought a deeper understanding of human nature.
In a previous blog post on Bhagavad Gita Verse 16.18 from the Bhagavad Gita, I emphasised that religion should not be mere ritualistic practices but an inner transformation that shapes your being. True religion transcends external acts and involves embodying gratitude towards existence for its countless blessings.
It is essential to move beyond rigid religious labels such as Hindu, Muslim, or Christian and embrace a more inclusive spirituality that embodies all teachings – creating a Universal Fragrance. By amalgamating the core essence of diverse spiritual philosophies, we can nurture a sense of harmony and completeness.
Crucially, humanity must transcend all barriers of nationality, religion, and institutional divisions. This embodies the vision of the Enlightened One – to blend the diverse spiritual teachings spanning centuries into one collective essence. Just as Lao Tzu, Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammed all symbolise unique facets of spiritual wisdom, we are called to fuse these fragrances into one universal blend. This unity will enable individuals to embrace their religious identity while remaining undivided. At that moment, the church, mosque, temple, Gita, Koran, Vedas, and the Bible – all teachings and sacred texts become universally embraced, enriching and broadening the individual’s spiritual scope and identity.
Religiousness, as a path, is not just about theoretical knowledge but about actively living its principles. Participating in rituals driven by passion or ignorance signifies belief rather than genuine trust.
Belief, often rooted in superstitions and conditioning, can hinder authentic self-discovery. Truth is sought through inquiry and exploration, not blind faith. Avoiding this quest may make us vulnerable to exploitation by those who seek to manipulate our beliefs.
While finding comfort in belonging to large religious communities, we must recognise that true religiousness is a personal journey of love and connection with the universe. It is about inner transformation, not blind adherence.
A shift towards authentic religiousness, free from dogmas and hierarchies, can lead to a more peaceful and harmonious world. Embracing individual spiritual growth, rather than rigid institutional beliefs, can pave the way for a humanity united by love, truth, and sincerity.
By prioritising inner development over external rituals, humanity can transcend divisions and conflicts caused by organised religions. A world where individuals embody qualities of meditation, truth, and love, without the need for labels or structures, holds the potential for true harmony and peace.
In the words of Krishna, the call is to embrace religiousness as a personal and transformative journey towards inner growth and enlightenment.
Tags: Authentic Religiousness
