From Theory to Practice

By Staff

Friday, July 31, 2009, 14:48

Spiritually speaking, humanity can largely be divided into two: preachers and practitioners.

Preachers preach, advise, counsel, caution and sermonise. They are not bothered about how much they themselves are willing to or are able to practise what they preach. They just like to preach. It is a matter of habit with them. Practitioners, on the other hand, want to practise what they have understood and are convinced about spirituality. They are not necessarily silent on preaching but their focus is on practice, on putting into life what they consider spiritually beneficial.

Mere preachers are basically theorists. They revel in theorizing. They admire the intellectual intricacies of a theory but do not (sometimes cannot) care about ways to practise it. A theory illustrates a set standard and lays down the ways and means of materializing it. Preachers feel enchanted by theories and also feel that they must give it to others for their benefit. They like to give, without realizing that they too need what they are giving away! All their sincere intentions notwithstanding, preachers do not serve the core purpose of religion in its true sense. They are the proverbial spoon which distributes honey without knowing its sweetness.

Religion is not a set of dogmas and beliefs but a set of practices aimed at transforming humanity from whatever state one decides to take it up. Through these practices or activated principles, the practitioners of religion march ahead in their spiritual journey. Religion without 'practice' has no meaning. A true follower of religion is not the one who preaches but the one who practises. Religion is born of practices; principles are formulated later. Principles are the guideposts that a traveller leaves behind for others' benefit; travelling is primary.

We are what we practise. We always practise what we deeply believe, not necessarily what we publicly subscribe to. Our practices originate from our beliefs. When we take up an ideal, to begin with it may be just a theory for us but as we practise, and gain insight, our beliefs deepen and get strengthened. What is required is the willingness to take pain and undergo all the hardships involved in practising our beliefs. To the extent we are able to practise our beliefs, so much religious we become. Just that much; no more, no less.

Preaching is, however, a noble pursuit. At least a person thinks of a lofty ideal. He speaks of it. But most preachers become insensitive (thanks to self-conceit and mechanical repetitions) to the life-giving message contained in what they preach. Preaching, then, becomes a business for them. It earns them money, fame and reputation. Having thus been caught in the cycle of applause and rewards, a preacher may, in time, even become sceptical of what he preaches. Like a talking machine, he may just prattle on without end and without really meaning it.

Swami Vivekananda points out this grim fact through the following illustration which forms a part of 'Matter for serious thought', written by him in Bengali. (CW, 6:193)

'I say, Ram Charan, you have neither education nor the means to set up a trade, nor are you fit for physical labour. Besides, you cannot give up indulging in intoxications, nor do away with your wickedness. Tell me, how do you manage to make your living?'

Ram Charan: 'That is an easy job, sir; I preach unto all.'

That is how preaching becomes a lucrative business and is abhorred by sincere practitioners of religion. Elsewhere in his writings, Swami Vivekananda further says, 'I have no fear of talkers of religions.' Empty words, devoid of sincere practice, cannot cause any fear to the sincere practitioners of religion.

Adi Shankara, the illustrious exponent of Hindu scriptures (8th century AD), in his comprehensive introductory remarks to his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita says that dharma declines on account of its non-practice, because of preponderance of (other) desires in the minds of religious people. In other words, when the practitioners of religion cease practising religion, and indulge in (i.e. practise) non-religion, dharma declines. Indeed a religion declines, and takes a downward plunge when the number of its practitioners dwindles. The state of religion and number of practitioners are directly proportional to teach other. Why do people not practise what they preach? There are several reasons for it. Let us discuss some of them.

To be continued To be continued