In human society there are various religious conceptions characterized as Hindu, Christian, Hebrew, Mohammedan, Buddhist and so on, for without religion, human society is no better than animal society. The first step in human civilization consists of occupational engagements performed according to the scriptural injunctions. The higher intelligence of a human being should be trained to understand basic dharma. All occupational engagements or dharma are certainly meant for ultimate liberation. They should never be performed for material gain. Furthermore, one who is engaged in the ultimate occupational service should never use material gain to cultivate sense gratification.
Religion conveys the idea of faith and faith may change. One may have faith in a particular process and he may change this faith to adopt another. But true religion or Sanatana dharma refers to that which cannot be changed. For example: Just like the 'liquid' property cannot be taken from water, not can heat be taken from fire. Similarly the eternal function of the living entity cannot be taken from the living entity.
That eternal function is engaging in loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord. Religion conveys the idea of faith and faith may change. One may have faith in a particular process and he may change this faith to adopt another. But true religion or Sanatana dharma refers to that which cannot be changed. For example: Just like the 'liquid' property cannot be taken from water, not can heat be taken from fire. Similarly the eternal function of the living entity cannot be taken from the living entity. That eternal function is engaging in loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord.
Religion is meant for attaining emancipation, not for earning name, fame, social status and earning false prestige or wealth. Sometimes human society manufactures a system of so-called religion aimed at material advancement, but that is far from the purpose of true dharma. Religion entails understanding the laws of God because the proper execution of these laws ultimately leads one out of material entanglement. That is the true purpose of religion. Unfortunately people accept religion for material prosperity because of an excessive desire for such prosperity. True religion, however, instructs people to be satisfied with the bare necessities of life while cultivating spiritual consciousness. Even though we require economic development, true religion allows it only for supplying the bare necessities of material existence. The real purpose of life is to inquire about the Absolute Truth. If our endeavor is not to inquire about the Absolute Truth, we will simply increase our endeavor to satisfy our artificial needs. A spiritual aspirant should avoid mundane endeavor.
Human life is meant for God realization, and the humanbeing is given higher intelligence for this purpose. Those who believe that this higher intelligence is meant to attain ahigher state should follow the instructions of the Vedic literatures. By taking such instructions from bonafide higher authorities, one can actually become situated in perfect knowledge and give real meaning to life. That is true religion.
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