All problems confronting us can be placed under two categories. One category consists of problems arising out of unbridled materialism- people thinking that the only goal of life is to amass wealth and enjoy all the pleasures of life. These people think that money is the be all and end all of human existence and that while earning money the end justifies the means. Someone rightly remarked that those who believe money is everything would do everything for money. Thus we have corruption, extortion, murder, rape and exploitation.

The other category represents problems arising out of religious fundamentalism and factionalism-people claiming exclusive rights over god and forcing their concept of god on others and people who for some reasons believe that they are unique and need a place only for themselves and cannot coexists with others.

Violence taking place is the name of religion is most unfortunate as all religions preach peace, love, compassion and brotherhood of man. In this context, the message of ancient Indian scriptures is particularly relevant. Since time immemorial the ancient scriptures have been proclaiming that Truth is one but wise men call it by many names. But some people think that they can patent God and this attitude leads to intolerance and conflicts.

The Indian scriptures have laid down the goals of human life. They are Dharma-moral code of conduct Artha-material prosperity, Kama-fulfillment of desires and Moksha-self realization. But today’s man has almost forgotten Dharma and Moksha and is busy pursuing Artha and Kama.

There is nothing wrong in earning money through legitimate means and enjoying the pleasures of life. But man should not forget the ultimate goal of human life, which is self-realization. The richest people in the world are not necessarily the happiest people. When someone told Yogananda (an Indian Guru who stayed in the USA for a long time) that he is disgustingly wealthy and disgustingly healthy Yogananda shot back and said “but you are not disgustingly happy”. Many rich people ruin their lives by turning into bad habits to get the maximum “kick” out of life.

That money by itself cannot guarantee happiness is evident by the fact that many rich people flock to ashrams and gurus going through many hardships instead of staying in air-conditioned rooms. The fleeting sensual pleasures cannot satisfy the longing of the human soul, which is seeking lasting happiness. Human mind is always restless and when it gets something it longs for something else. It is clear that man cannot be happy by trying to satisfy his senses and mind. Indian scriptures categorically state that real happiness can be attained only by stilling the mind through meditation and experiencing our true nature. Yogananda has written several books pointing out the similarities between the BHAGAVADGITHA AND BIBLE. He has also written a course containing various lessons, which explain how to meditate. His teaching has influenced countless number of people in all the continents cutting across barriers of caste, culture, religion and nationality. His teaching is universal and is acceptable to people with a scientific bent of mind. He explains using scientific and medical words the effects of correct meditation.

In order to fight the monsters of religious fundamentalism and uncontrolled materialism it is necessary for followers of different religions to come together. It is also essential to modify the educational system in every country to incorporate spirituality into the curriculum. True spirituality is about discovering ourselves and has nothing to do with the rites and rituals of various religions. While there is no need to oppose any particular ritual that is harmless, it is important to teach young children that it is absolutely foolish to fight in the name of God and religion. Using many examples we can convince them that there is a greater power responsible for creating this world and that people of different countries and religions call it by different names. We should teach tolerance and acceptance of all religions while encouraging everyone to continue in his religion. It is futile to try to convert others to our religion when we do not follow it ourselves. It is enough if every person becomes a true follower of his religion.