The development of the productive
forces of science and technology has come to our rescue for ensuring material
prosperity and improving the quality of life. The standard of living of the
people has risen along with multiple amenities of a comfortable living. Science
has achieved astonishing progress. But, in spite of all the achievements, man
can no longer rest upon secure foundations. There is something beyond the
scientific positive knowledge, and no thinking person can ignore it. Modern
man, in trying to pursue science, ignores its linkage to humanism and his
tendency is to judge even values-moral, aesthetic and spiritual- in terms of
science and its modes. Here he forgets the fact that science and humanism are
two complementary aspects of human endeavor for the fulfillment of human
aspirations. Hence, an attempt for their proper integration is the most urgent
need of mankind today. In order to know how to use science properly, there is a
need for the development of the philosophy of humanism.
Humanism is the philosophy in which
man occupies a central place. It is a total commitment to fulfillment of the interest
of human beings, wherever they live and whatever be their status. Hence we can
say that it is not only a constructive philosophy but also a healthy attitude
towards fellow beings. In modern Indian Humanism we find a synthesis of ancient
Indian values and modern Western science. It appears to be an attempt to bridge
the gulf between faith and reason, between spirit and matter. An integral
humanism is possible only on the basis of the spiritual insights of the
traditional Indian thought. This is an identity of humanity with divinity,
spirituality is complementary and contributory to human development and many
people consider it as the remedy to the particular unrest felt by man even when
he is fully equipped with all the best in his life.
The modern Indian thinkers looked
upon the traditional value system as the foundation to build up a well
integrated scientific super structure for the entire human family. This harmony
between scientific and spiritual temperament was capable of solving most of the
human problems. Thus, these thinkers labored for the reawakening of the Indian
mind in order to activate a genuine humanistic outlook to meet the needs of the
time. Universalism, secularism and spiritualism are the three important
characteristics of the contemporary Indian humanists. They tried to unveil the
hidden spirit of Indian religion and philosophy to the west. Their
re-interpretation of Indian humanism dispelled the false picture of Indian
value system. They asserted that the human race could survive only by living
together in a common bond of brotherhood. This spiritual experience of the
divinity inherent in all living beings is the basis of universal brotherhood.
An important task of philosophy is to
discover, justify, and uphold the genuine and sublime moral values which will
enable man to realize his inner spiritual essence. This will help man to
achieve healthy progress. This was made clear by Swami Vivekananda when he
said, “each soul is potentially divine and the aim of life is to realize the
divinity”. His assumption of human purity elevates the place of man in society
and universe.
Man possesses in himself infinite
power because of his divine nature and so we can say that each individual is a
postulate of spiritual humanism. It transcends all spheres of life and thus
leads to a great vision of oneness of all existence. It is because of this fact
that humanism assumes that man is by nature good. According to it, evil rests
in society in the condition which surrounds man and if these are removed man’s
goodness will emerge and progress will be achieved.
“At the dawn of the 21st
century we can see four major trends in the human situation all over the world.
One of these is the tremendous influence of science and technology on human
life. Another is the globalization of economy. A third trend is enlightened
humanism, in the form of awareness of rights of deprived people and protest against
all forms of exploitation, injustice, tyranny and suppression. The fourth trend
id gradual awakening of the spiritual consciousness of humanity.”Signs of this
spiritual awakening may be seen all over the world in the forms of interest in
spiritual life, popularity of spiritual teachers and the coming to the
existence of many spiritual centers and organizations. There is a growing
awareness that the problems of the society can be solved only through spiritual
life.
Spiritual knowledge is the only thing
that can destroy our miseries for ever. Any other knowledge satisfies wants only
for a time. It is only with the knowledge of the spirit that the faculty of
want is annihilated for ever. So helping man spiritually is the highest help
that can be given to him. Until there is spiritual strength in man even
physical needs cannot be satisfied.
Spiritualism is the outlook that
prevents the mind from ending in despair and generates its final optimism. This,
when combined with humanism which is an attitude that attaches primary
importance to man and his faculties, affairs and aspirations, becomes spiritual
humanism. Here we can see that the third and fourth trends mentioned above
merges together and it elevates man above everything else and over the rest of
the creation. It recognizes the infinite potentialities of man. This is an
attempt to explore ways and means to bring about common welfare and progress of
mankind. Thus the practical outcome of spiritual humanism may be summed up in
the ideals of social service, divinity in man, universal religion and gospel of
love and peace. Hence it can be held as a panacea for all the evils in society
as it spreads the message of international friendship and essential brotherhood
of mankind.
Dr.
P. I. Devaraj & Dr. Syamala.K
pidevaraj@rediffmail.com
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