Thiruvanathapuram: Places of spirituality, must also be centres of welfare to humanity, according to Vice President Hamid Ansari.
Ansari was inaugurating the 90 birth anniversary celebrations of Santhigiri Ashram founder Karunakara Guru on the premises of the ashram at Pothencode, near here, on Tuesday.
Hamid Ansari also stressed the role of spiritual strength in overcoming hardships. Through spirituality, one can make introspections and provide highest priority for the welfare of others around him, he has said.
Pointing out that spirituality had helped many in overcoming trauma, Mr. Ansari said it could make people evaluate their lives and gradually change them for the better. “There is growing acceptance that spiritual and contemplative practices are associated with better health and wellbeing. Many spiritual traditions have a long history of using contemplative practices to increase compassion, empathy, attention as well as mental and physical wellbeing,” he said.
He drew similarities among various religions with respect to the practice of meditation. The parallelisms were striking even if rituals or modalities of enunciation might vary, he pointed out.
Mr. Ansai also emphasised the importance of practicing yoga in reducing stress, regulating blood pressure and increasing wellbeing. Many spiritual traditions, he added, also encouraged participation in a community. “Spiritual fellowship, such as going to a temple, attending church, collective prayers or a meditation group can be sources of social support, which may provide a sense of belonging, security and community.”
The Vice President commended the efforts undertaken by the ashram in the sectors of health care and education, particularly in the development of traditional Ayurvedic practices. Several community welfare projects, including those for rainwater harvesting and sanitation improvement, carried forward the legacy of Karunakara Guru. It promoted transcendental spiritual values and the ideals of its founder such as universal love, world peace and religious harmony, he said.
Governor P. Sathasivam delivered the presidential address.
source: thehindu