Sri Bharatamata

Ashtottaram 97

 

97) OṀ MAṪONMĀḊA RAHIṪA BHŪMYAI-

                                                        NAMAH:

 OṀ (AUM) -MA-ṪO'N-MAA-DA-  RA-HI-ṪA-

                          BHOO- MYAI- NA-- MA- HA

 

(Maṫonmādam: means-Religious fanaticism, religious frenzy;

         Rahita: means-Separated from, deprived of, abandoned, deserted)

 

 

 

Unmādam (fanaticism) is a dangerous physical and mental disease. A fanatic not only can bring danger to himself but also to the society, country and even to the world. When a dhārmic spiritual mind progresses, it not only helps that person as well as the entire community. When the religious madness grows as a virus in a person or group of people, it will lead to the destruction of the mankind. That's why, our ancient ṛishis have included the 'santi mantras' (peace hymns) in our daily prayers and by constantly reciting those mantras, our minds will be peaceful. They have also preached tolerance and non-violence against other religions and religious followers. They taught us to nurture the 'sāttvic' virtue in us, out of the three qualities (sattva, rajas and tamas). They have also conveyed detailed instructions about our diet which promotes that sāttvic quality in us, so that, we can live in harmony with people of other faiths and religions.

 

Of all the fanaticisms, religious fanaticism is the most dangerous one and we see now, what's happening to the world, the terrorism and the chaos across the globe due to religious fanaticism and extremism? Everyone has religious beliefs of his or her own; and is taught by the religious authorities that their religion is the only true religion and theirs is the only one guarantees heaven. These are all ignorant talks and they really don't have an understanding of what the real meaning of religion is, 'that is to be realized'. God is to be realized and not to be believed in. So, we can see the fundamental problem in other religions, which preach supremacy, and hatred against other religions.

Because of tolerance to other fellow religions, we were invaded by every major religion and we lost our wealth, independence for centuries and many of our patriots had lost their lives  to get our freedom back in 1947. We are still recovering from that loss and are trying very hard to prosper economically. Because of our religious tolerance, we have invited Islam and Christianity on our Hindu land. The other dangerous quality these religious fanatics have is 'proselytization'. The missionaries go to other countries which are economically at disadvantage position, and they target the poor people and offer them food, shelters, schools, health care; and convert them in to their religion, thinking that they are going to heaven for sure.

 

From the ancient times, our ṛishis are very open minded and preached us religious tolerance; and to avoid religious fanaticism and zeal. 

 

Our land is 'Maṫonmāda Rahita Bhūmi'.