The philosophy of Arya Samaj is rooted in the teachings of its founder, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, and the principles derived from the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures. Arya Samaj seeks to promote the ideals of truth, righteousness, and social reform.
Here are some key aspects of the philosophy of Arya Samaj:
Monotheism:
Arya Samaj advocates for the belief in the existence of one supreme and formless God. It rejects idol worship and emphasizes the worship of God through the study of the Vedas, meditation, and performing noble actions.
Authority of the Vedas:
The Vedas are considered the ultimate authority in Arya Samaj. They are regarded as the revealed knowledge and contain the principles for leading a righteous and meaningful life. Arya Samaj focuses on the study, interpretation, and dissemination of Vedic knowledge.
Rejection of Superstition and Polytheism:
Arya Samaj rejects superstitious beliefs and practices. It promotes a rational and scientific approach to religion and discourages the worship of multiple deities. The movement advocates for a monotheistic understanding of God.
Social Reform:
Arya Samaj emphasizes social reform and the eradication of social evils. It actively opposes caste discrimination, untouchability, child marriage, and other social injustices. The movement strives for equality, social harmony, and the upliftment of marginalized sections of society.
Education:
Arya Samaj places great importance on education. It encourages the spread of knowledge, both spiritual and secular, to empower individuals and foster intellectual growth. The movement has established educational institutions to promote education for all.
Moral and Ethical Values:
Arya Samaj emphasizes the practice of moral and ethical values in daily life. It promotes honesty, integrity, self-discipline, and the pursuit of righteousness. The movement believes that adherence to these values leads to personal and societal well-being.
Swadeshi (Nationalism):
Arya Samaj promotes nationalism and advocates for self-reliance and the progress of the nation. It encourages individuals to work for the welfare and development of their country.
Arya Samaj's philosophy focuses on the unity of all humanity, the pursuit of truth, the eradication of social injustices, and the promotion of moral and ethical values. It aims to create a society based on Vedic principles, free from superstitions and social inequalities.