- Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj.
“True freedom is experienced when the mortal form which is entangled by lust, greed and anger is emancipated from those qualities that inevitably paint a false picture of the true purpose of this temporary life” - Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj
By Sarada Singh
GUYANA, even though blessed with political freedom which includes freedom of speech, the right to vote and religious persuasion among others, is still not enough for the true enlightenment for its populace.

This view was expressed by Spiritual Director of the Cove and John Ashram Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

He explained that true freedom is experienced when the mortal form which is entangled by lust, greed and anger is emancipated from those qualities that inevitably paint a false picture of the true purpose of this temporary life.

These qualities of false pride the Spiritual Director noted have reduced great kings, leaders, millionaires and even religious aspirants from the platform of success to the dungeon of hopelessness.

According to the Swami, the freedom Guyana enjoys is a gift from God that came through great sacrifices of disciplined leaders and ought to be preserved for the benefit of its children who are the future leaders.

He contended that the beauty and freedom of any country rest upon its young people who must be engaged in programmes conducive to augment their leadership skills.

Leadership roles
He asserted that the secrets of this imperative quality is enshrined in the teachings of great personalities like Swami Acharaya Pranavanandaji Maharaj (1896-1941), a life long celibate who advocated that educational and marriage institutions play a pivotal role in molding a disciplined society.

But this he underlined could only be achieved through the inculcation of the principles of abstinence and obedience in the child at an early age.

“Those who persevere in achieving the human ideals through preservation of semen and abstinence are dearer to me than my life itself. Whenever, wherever and in whatever situation they may be, my help shall always be due to them: my soul-force shall ever shield them like talisman,” Acharaya Pranavanandaji has declared.

Abstinence
According to him, abstinence in a broad sense means to control the senses. More specifically, it refers to chastity and contended that illicit sex is the one that is the most depleting pleasures to the human psychic and nervous system.

“Most people do not like to hear this but, everyone should practice self-control to the best of their ability. Many eminent spiritual leaders like Sankara Acharya, Jesus, Lakshman, Hanuman, Bishma were lifelong celibates. Emperors like Pritviraj, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and in our time a character like Swami Purnandaji Maharaj (1906-1986) founder of the famous Hindu College Cove and John Ashram are also exemplary personalities,” the Swami said.

Benefits of Abstinence
The spiritual leader emphasised that there are many benefits to be derived from this practice such as good health, peace of mind and long life.

He noted it invigorates the mind, nerves and helps to conserve physical and mental energy which are essential elements for strength and vitality.

Swami Vidyanandaji posited that those who practice abstinence are endowed with lustrous eyes, sweet voices and beautiful complexions. The spiritual leader pointed out that great leaders of religion, politics or science world over have observed self-discipline to some extent for freedom and liberty in order to make the world a better place.

Role of the educational institution
The Swami is of the view that educational institutions play an integral part in nation building and advocated a vibrant teacher-disciple relationship.

“For a disciplined society, the foundation of education must be in the hands of disciplined teachers from nursery to higher institution of learning. The bitter truth is that lack of self-control by some teachers and irresponsible behaviour of some parents at home are to be blamed for violent and rebellious behaviour of children in and out of school. Students look up to their teachers, parents and leaders as role models and emulate them”, he noted.

Views on the introduction of sex education in schools
According to the celibate priest, sex education in schools without the discipline of self control by students will create more criminals and violence in society.

“The uncontrollable sex drive in an individual is responsible for the different dimensions of crime and violence everywhere,” he lamented.

He stressed that in an already diseased society; the use of condom will only prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but will not prevent the magnitude of crime in society. The benefits of self-discipline must be embedded in the lives of every boy and girl. The use and abuse of condoms will prevent the spread of HIV but will continue to deplete the energy of the young and old, the priest underscored.

Self Control in marriage
On the completion of student life, youths are ready for marriage and householders must practice self control in all aspects of life. They must have proper family planning to take care of their children. The home is the cradle of civilisation, the religious leader declared.

Behavioural pattern of parents
He pointed out that the foundation of an ideal society begins before birth, that is, during the embryonic stage of the child’s development. The negative or positive behaviour of the parent significantly impacts the behavioural pattern of the child thereafter he said.

Swami Vidyanandaji disclosed when parents are free from self abuse, drug-abuse, mutual quarrel and prayer is part of their life style, the mental faculty of the child becomes more conducive to positive learning.

“It is true that there are ups and down in a home but parents must exercise caution. Remember children imitate their parents. A boy imitates his father and a girl imitates her mother. It is important that the husband and wife must be devoted to each other for a harmonious life. Irresponsible behaviour and abusive language of the husband and wife at home will bring forth delinquent children in the future,” he cautioned.

The Swami asserted that it is everyone’s responsibility to help to solve contemporary problems by exercising control over their emotions particularly greed, lust and anger.