Humanism — the true worship of God

Humanism — the true worship of God

          Tagore has best described the term humanism when he says that God can not be realized through renunciation but through oneness with humble humanity and participation in their humble activities. In one of his lyrics he expresses his faith in these words.
          "Leave this chanting & singing and telling of beads! whom dost thou worship in this lonely dark corner of a temple with doors all shut? Open thine eyes & see thy God is not before thee!"

          Tagore admonishes the priest who tries in vain for deliverance. Deliverance does not mean renunciation. It is to be found in toiling with the poor and sharing their labour. Religious practice does not lie in ritualism as most of us have come to believe. For ages man has been in quest of the discovery of ideal form of religious practice. To some knowledge of scriptures is the best form of worship. Still there are those who consider establishing personal relationship with Him, the highest form of worship. This is the path of a mystic.
          However, there is another class of lovers of God. They would accept service to society or mankind as the best kind of worship. The different methods have been preached by different religions causing chaotic conditions even in the field of realization of God. Conflicting religious opinions have caused violence and unprecedented bloodshed in the name of God. Which religion is superior to which? This is the fundamental question which has deviated man from the true path of religion. Such questions are the seeds of discord that will never blossom into harmony.
          The religions may be numberless; God is one & so are the ideals of every religion. God can at best be realized by following the basic truth — ' God is one and He has created every one alike. That is why great thinkers have come to the conclusion that complete realization of God can come only through love of man, service to man and general welfare of man. Man comes closest to God because He created every one alike. There is no other way to establish our contact with God than serve his creation.

          Therefore, humanism is a doctrine that is rooted in the earth— a deep concern for a number of human problems & sufferings. Road to heaven lies through service, selfless service. The lines quoted from Gitanjali at the outset is the core of humanism. God is among those who sweat & toil, suffer and starve. The highest kind of worship is what makes universe a better place for living. Humanism is the form of worship that leads to the betterment of human life on earth. Realization of God through service of man is undisputed tenet of every religion. Once we realize this imperishable truth we can establish heaven on earth.
          One is disgusted to see mass of humanity leading existence that is below dignity, not worth a breathing soul. There is a gruesom sight of children engaged in picking rags, organized begging and child labour. Is it not the best kind of worship to alleviate their sufferings? There are poor young girls ever in danger of being lured to prostitution. Should we not minimize their sufferings? There are millions and millions who suffer from fatal & terminal diseases. Should we allow them to groan in pain and wait for their end? Remember, only private benignity pays in life. The united effort of all directed to service of man can alone mitigate sufferings of mankind. No religion, no society & no government can help man get rid of sufferings. Concern for those sufferings in the world order is true humanism that, in turn, is true worship of God.