Development of Kshatra Dharma

(The following is the gist of the message given to the members of the R.S.S., at the rally organised by the Sangh to pay homage to His Holiness, at the Sanskrit College, Mysore.)

Each country or Rashtra has its distinctive culture, which is rooted in its religious traditions. These are, both in the East and in the West, heads of religious institutions who are the custodians of the country’s culture and traditions. For example, His Holiness the Pope is the custodian of Catholic traditions. The Caliphate was the institution which symbolized the Islamic traditions. So far as South India is concerned, there are four main schools of Hindu religious thought, and there are also four main Mutts to represent these denominations.  I regard this evening’s function as a homage paid not only to myself but to all the heads of Mutts upholding Hindu dharma and culture.

The Rashtreeya Swayam Sevak Sangh is an organisation owing no allegiance to any political party, but dedicated to service. They render real service. You should uphold truth and dharma, on the one hand, and eschew fear, on the other. Fearlessness does not imply violence or himsa. The tradition of true fearlessness is found embodied in Anjaneya, Samartha Ramadass (regarded as an incarnation of Anjaneya), and Shivaji. It is a virtue born out of physical prowess, wedded to ahimsa, which enables one to rush to the succor of the weak and the oppressed, unmindful of personal consequences. This is signified by the expression Kshatra Dharma (kshataat kila traayate iti kshatram क्षतात् किल त्रायतॆ इति क्षत्रम्). The quality of a kshatriya is rescuing the oppressed.

But unfortunately we have developed the trait of fearing the bully and oppressing the meek. This is the sign of fear complex. This weakness of the people is found reflected in the Government also. If this weakness is to go and if we are to hold our heads erect and walk as fearless citizens of a free country, we must once again develop Kshatra Dharma. This implies the development of individual strength, disciplined unity and will to resist evil and oppression. We should bear in mind the maxim paropakaartamidam sareeram  परोपकारार्थमिदम् शरीरम् . The human body should be developed to protect and help others. Our strength is not to be utilized to oppress others – to do himsa. Our aim should be the welfare of all – Loka kshemam, लॊकक्षॆमम् .If the individuals in the society rise to such high moral stature, the Government of the country will also rise to a similar stature.

You, the members of the R.S.S. must make use of your organizational unity to develop physical and moral strength and to lead a pure life based on the eternal dharma of the land, as expounded by Hindu religion. Let each member try to convert at least one other person to his point of view. In that way, let the message of the Sangh spread throughout the land. Let your dedicated service lead to the prosperity of the country and to purity in administration.



Courtesy: http://www.kamakoti.org/kamakoti/stotra/acharyascall/bookview.php?chapnum=12