Ninth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

Religion is an important source of values and beliefs that influence the way of living in any society. The relationships between religious values and ethics in modern society, policies and practices are complex and often troubled. Still, religion continues to influence people’s attitudes, beliefs and practices, and to play a critical role in politics and society globally, nationally and locally. India has been land of religion, faith, tradition and cultural values. The great religious masters of India have time and again revived their glorious culture. In no other philosophical system in the world have these values been so beautifully exhaustively dealt with as in the sacred book of India, Veda. Along with the 4 sub-vedas,, 6 branches and 3 sub-divisions, Vedas speaks about the knowledge of worldly science and spirituality both. The Vedas points out the purpose of human life, which is to know and realize the absolute truth. In order to do so, mind must be prepared. So, it defines through karma kanda, upasana and Gyan Kanda (Vedanta). Vedanta addressed the conflict and ground issues with universal ethical attitude. The article defines twenty values, which define harmonious frame of mind where knowledge can occur. Each value highlights a certain attitude, attitude which is discovered personally and become natural aspect of mind. In Vedantic culture, the main aim is formation of character. The discussion concludes the significance and relevance of ancient values in modern society.