The
Challenge of the Present Age
All true spiritual teaching aim at the realization of Truth in our own consciousness,
which is the unification of the individual with the universal Reality. This is the
ultimate goal of both science and religion. This truth is clearly and directly presented
in the teaching of Vedanta.
All of the problems in the world today arise from an inability to grasp the underlying
oneness of life. The division of nations, religions, and cultures comes from this
fundamental ignorance, as does our exploitation of the Earth and her resources. Only if we
perceive another person as fundamentally different from ourselves can we harm or exploit
them. Only if we see the natural world as mere raw
material for our convenience can we damage it for our own gratification. If we see our
Self-reflected in all beings, which is the real truth, we cannot wish any harm to anyone
and we treat all things with respect, finding all life to be sacred.
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