Addressing an elite audience of the Bharatiya Vichara Kendram at Thiruvanantha-puram on September 6, on the topic of ?Rishi Vision?, India'srole in the global millennium in the context of krinwanto viswamaryam, His Holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said that in Bharat, there has never been a clash between science and religion. This is because we give preference to experience and then to faith whereas in the west, it is vice versa, he added.
?Despite technology converting world into a global village, the relations between people are plagued by tension, stress and frictions. Only spirituality can bond and harmonise them. Bharat being the spiritual superpower should research into our ancient knowledge and interpret it in a scientific tempo. In the US, in 150 universities, Indian studies take place, but they are all taught by westerners who have no idea of our customs, values and civilisation.?
?We should research on Ayurveda and Panchakarma, which Bharat has preserved for thousands of years and which have universal appeal today. Similar is the case of tulsi, neem and turmeric. We should develop self-confidence, scientific temper and avail of opportunities to emerge as a powerful nation. Through yoga we can combat modern ailments like stress, violence, etc. Moreover, spirituality, Ayurveda, tourism, IT, diverse food habits, gem and jewellery and garments can take us to the top of the world. We have to root out corruption by developing commitment. Education certainly increases our broad-mindedness,? he emphasised.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar further said, M.F. Husain'snude paintings of gods and goddesses, which insult religious beliefs, are wrong. He asked people to ignore such acts of foolish persons.
Earlier speaking on the topic, Bharatiya Vichara Kendram Director Padmashri P. Parameswaran said criminalism, consumerism, communalism and communism are the major threats which Kerala?a Hindu society face. Earlier it was Sri Narayana Guru and Vidyadhiraja Swamiji who saved Kerala from mass conversion to Christianity and Islam, now Mata Amritanandamayi and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar are doing the task of preserving and promoting the Hindu samaj in Kerala,? he added.
Dr. K.U. Devadas, district president of BVK, welcomed the Maharishi. Distinguished guests including Shri. O. Rajagopal, senior BJP leader, participated in the glittering function.
