Anuvrat is a path to become global citizen

By Ashok Jain 

I believe that ‘Anuvrat’ was the birth of ‘Civilization’, it is the sense of ‘Humanity’, it is the realization of respecting every form of life including plants and small creatures like insects) and promoting the fundamental rights of all living organisms. The philosophical framework might have evolved centuries before the word ‘Anuvrat’ was used. It enlightens the inner consciousness (inner flame) and accepts that all human beings are born free and equal and should be treated with dignity and equal rights.  

Therefore, without suspicion we can say that ‘Anuvrat’ expresses thousands of years of philosophy for a non-violent lifestyle, which is also the key for sustainable human and ecological life for all of us. Many other humans with diverse backgrounds (irrespective of their religion or faith) have expressed many similarities with their own thoughts and philosophy, which are in line with the concept of ‘Anuvrat’. Therefore, the ‘Anuvrat’ movement of 1949 launched by Acharya Tulsi was to engage in the noble task of uplifting human life, self-awakening and revitalizing the rapidly collapsing moral and spiritual values among people of the world irrespective of their caste, beliefs, colors, or religion. 

The ‘Anuvrat’ is made up of two words Anu and Vrata means small vow; therefore, ‘Anuvrat’ concept was made for common people not for famous ‘Rishis’ or ‘Sadhus.’ Anuvrat pledges do not require one to do Aradhana (glorifying God or worship) or Tapasya (cpiritual meditation). Anuvrat simply makes small (five) promises to respect life and recognize human rights. The beauty of ‘Anuvrat’ is that it is not related to any religion, race, skin color, or culture and warmly welcomes all sections of people (and society). Anuvrat is easy to follow. There are five vows, which I consider like pillars, to uplift anyone to respect other life forms, self-awareness about doing wrong things (such as telling the truth and not stealing), self-control on desires and possessing what is necessary. Other seven vows strengthen ‘Anuvrat’ towards spirituality.  

Someone who is not familiar with ‘Anuvrat’ or teenagers who want to know – ‘What is Anuvrat?’  I really like the explanation (quotes taken from Acharya Tulsi’s daily diary) described by ‘Anuvrat Vishva Bharati’ (anuvibha.org/anuvrat-philosophy/), which is really eye opening (personally to me) in the following sentences:  

  • ANUVRAT is the name of the minimum ethical code of conduct.

  • ANUVRAT is the name of a religion free from sectarianism.

  • ANUVRAT is a step raised towards the direction of changing our value system.

  • ANUVRAT is the name of a condition, which recognizes no gap between words and deeds.

  • ANUVRAT is the name of the campaign for human solidarity.

  • ANUVRAT is the name of a plan that reduces the gap between knowledge and conduct.

  • ANUVRAT is a campaign for transforming human propensity for crime.

  • ANUVRAT is a project for character-building.

  • ANUVRAT is a technique of self-introspection.

The current global environment, which is not much different from 1949, when the ‘Anuvrat’ movement started. We can add a few more sentences to the above sequence. I would like to encourage other readers to add their own expression to this list. At the same time, I would like to express please forgive me, if anyone thinks otherwise that I am disrespecting Acharya Tulsi’s philosophy. I believe that God has given wisdom to humankind to add new links (or meaning) to the existing chain so philosophical ideas become stronger with added value.    

         ANUVRAT is way to respect humanity

         ANUVRAT is a path to become a global citizen

         ANUVRAT is the solution to tackle the issues of human rights 

if everyone, common citizen to the president follows ANUVRAT – human rights will be protected and respected automatically. 

(This is second article of a three part series)

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Ashok Jain is a professor of Biology at Albany State University (ASU), GA, USA, and program coordinator for Biotechnology program. Recently, the University System of Georgia selected four faculty members as ‘Leadership Fellow’ and Dr. Jain is one of them to receive this honor. Dr. Jain has secured 13.6 million in grants from various federal agencies such as NIH, DOD, and Congressional funding, which helped develop an epigenetic breast cancer research program and biotech core research facility. He is the recipient of ‘Researcher of the Year’ twice in 2012 and 2018. Dr. Jain also served on ASU-Darton College consolidation committee and as Director, Center for Undergraduate Research. 

Image courtesy of Provided

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