Social Development

on the part of the individual for various reasons, for instance, feelings of jealousy, arrogance, violence, greed, revenge, etc. Religion is actually a scheme of spiritual uplift, which puts an end to all kinds of negative behaviour in individuals. In consequence, the process of social development is set in motion without any obstacle in its way. In this respect, the role of religion in social development is to remove the trapdoor which acts as a barrier to social development. In this connection I will make three references from the three religions to make my point clear. Once the Prophet of Islam was seated at a place in Madinah. A funeral procession passed by: The Prophet stood up in respect. A companion of the Prophet remarked: O Prophet it was the procession of a Jew. The Prophet replied: ‘Was he not a human being?’ From this incident we learn that every religion teaches its believers to accord respect to one and all alike. Everyone is equal. Everyone deserves due respect from others as a human being. Therefore, by ignoring differences, one should regard one another as brothers, irrespective of religious persuasions. Another principle in this connection is that which we learn from a sermon by Jesus Christ. Enjoining his followers, Christ said: “To him who strikes you on the one cheek offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.” (Luke, 6:29) This gives us a lesson, in symbolic language, of unilateral adjustment. This means that one should be willing to resolve controversial matters unilaterally, so that a normal atmosphere may be maintained between all parties. We learn another important point in this connection from an incident relating to Swami Vivekananda. Once a friend of the Swami wanted to test his mettle. So he placed on a table in his