Rationalism

Q & A

Questions and Answers This section deals with various aspects of Savarkar’s life, thought, actions and relevance in a question and answer format. Questions are raised regarding Savarkar and his place in Indian history. Some of these questions stem from genuine curiosity and willingness to understand. Some questions take the form of accusations born out of outright ignorance or sheer malice. This section aims to address some of these questions...

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Essay 1: Conceptualising “God”:

Essay 1: Conceptualising “God”: The “God of Humans” v/s The “God of the universe”If we were to hit a rod onto the surface of a flowing stream, the undivided flow of water seems momentarily divided into two streams. In the evening sky, the moment the first star appears and twinkles, the otherwise unending sky appears to have acquired a point of reference, quadrisected into four cardinal directions. This material world too, in all its eternity, gets divided into two parts as soon as the star of ..

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Religious vows and observances

Given below is an English translation of Savarkar’s assorted views on religious vows and observances.How should vows and observances be selected?The objectives of vows and observances are self-purification, reaping the fruits of actions and obtaining blessings for the hereafter. All these objectives can be met by service to humankind. If one were to select those vows and observances which directly benefit humankind, our society and nation and which instead of reinforcing ignorance and superstition ..

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Cow-protection and cow-worship

Given below is an English translation of Savarkar’s assorted views on cow-protection and cow-worship. Gratitude to the cow is consistent with the Hindu trait of compassion towards all living beings …That we should look upon that extremely useful animal (cow) with the same affection as for a family member is no doubt in keeping with humanism. To protect and sustain the cow is our personal and familial duty. At least in the case of Hindusthan, it is also our national duty...

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Ethics-truth-nonviolence

Given below is an English translation of Savarkar’s assorted views on ethics, truth and non-violence Once we descend from the outer space of non-dualism onto the firm ground of dualism then it is impossible to accept that the principle of welfare of all living beings literally means welfare of every living being…The expression ’Sarvabhootahite rataha’ (lit: ‘to strive for or engage in the welfare of all living beings’) merely states the broad principle but mainly means ‘to strive for or engage in ..

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Religion, religious scriptures

Given below is an English translation of Savarkar’s assorted views on religion and religious scriptures The different connotations of the word ‘dharma’ Like the English word ‘law’, the word ‘dharma’ has taken on different connotations. Its original wider meaning is ‘law’. The dharma of any object upholds its existence and regulates its behaviour. It is in this sense that we refer to the dharma of nature, the dharma of water, the dharma of fire and so on…This wider meaning led to use of the term while ..

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