GOD-CENTRED RELIGION

GOD-CENTRED RELIGION W HAT are the things that people live for... Money? ... Power? ... Fame? The goals vary with the individual, some being immediate, frivolous, and easily interchangeable, while others appear as remote possibilities, difficult to attain and to be struggled towards over a long period of time, with an unwavering sense of urgency and commitment. In the latter case, whatever the actual goal, and no matter whether pursued in a spirit of egoism or altruism, the whole-hearted dedication of oneself to its attainment is akin to undertaking a religious mission. The man who derives immense satisfaction from the simple fact of having grown a very beautiful rose is no less dedicated than his neighbour who strains every fibre of his being towards becoming a millionaire. The opportunists and profiteers of this world are no less dedicated than the philanthropists who uplift the downtrodden and give generously to the poor. No goal should ever be so placed above religion that the Godhead becomes eclipsed. A man’s whole life is conditioned by the goal he sets for himself. It becomes the pivot of his ideas and emotions, his actions and preoccupations, his dealings with friends, family and the rest of society. No aspect of a man’s life remains unaffected by it, and he clings fast to his ‘religion’ all twenty-four hours of the day, be he conscious of this or not. The point which is missed by so many people nowadays is that whatever our goals in life, and whatever the zeal with which we pursue them, our ultimate goal should be to prostrate ourselves before God. No goal should ever be so placed above religion that we forget God. And no matter what kind of religion we choose for ourselves — God-centred, pantheistic or Godless — we should never lose sight of the fact that in this world we are all on trial. There is a common but erroneous belief that a Godless religion coupled with material success should be the beall and end-all of existence. But success achieved without God being an all-pervasive factor is a