Page 24 - Ramanuja and Equality Book.pmd
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caste, creed, and background. It enables us to rise above the
difficulties we face in life, to ultimately understand the true
concept of Equality. It unites and accepts all of us with our unique
characteristics, to help each other, to love each other, and to in
turn make the world a better place.
Let the Statue reverberate within you with the echoes of
Equality. Let these echoes become a yearning for improvement
and upliftment. Let this feeling be translated into actions
improving the world at large throughout our lives.
Practicing equality in daily life
How can we imbibe the ideals of Ramanuja? Because equality
is a Universal concept, there are infinite ways in which it can be
practiced by each of us in our daily lives. Here are some examples.
Remember the Body-Soul relationship at all times: When
noticing any being, we can remind ourselves that it also has a
soul inside of it and inside that soul, there is God. That Supreme
Being is the same one inside of all of us. Thus, we should treat
that being with respect and care.
If any other being, whether an animal, tree, insect, or person
needs help – respond appropriately. We are connected through
that all-pervading super soul. If we see another being in pain,
recognize that pain as your own and do your best to alleviate that
pain in any way possible.
When irritated by another person (or animal, bird etc.): try to
remember that they are essentially, at the core, the same as us
– a soul, with God inside of that soul. This will help us moderate
our irritation towards the person and enable us to focus on the
circumstances that caused the irritation, rather than the person.
When, for any reason, we feel superior to anyone else:
remember how Ramanuja blessed people who had kindness and
compassion, rather than simply the rich and elite - remember
how Ramanuja blessed a deaf and dumb person that had a
sincere heart. Remember that everyone is equal in the eyes of
great people like Ramanuja, and of course the Supreme Being,
regardless of their ‘achievements.’
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