ABSTRACT
In this chapter, Murty says that there are two bases for Hindu metaphysics, Brahman and Ānanda—from these two all beings are born, and to them, all beings return. The knower of Brahman attains the Brahman. Special knowledge about this originates in the Śāstras and is provided by ācāryas. Śama, calmness of mind, dama, restraint, truthfulness and detachment are the necessary qualities to prepare the mind for the teaching of the Śāstras. Brahman is the Supreme Person (the Godhead) and we ought to strive to become like Him.
As citizens, it is our duty to abide by the Constitution of India. Anything that is found in the traditional codes of morals or ethics that is opposed to it must not be adhered to. The varṇāśrama scheme, which was not meant to apply to all Hindus, cannot be integral to Hinduism and must therefore be abandoned. What is conducive to the welfare of all beings and treats all in a friendly fashion is sanātana dharma. True worship of God consists in practicing śāśvata dharma—consisting of adroha (harmlessness) towards all beings in our actions, and anugraha (compassion) and dāna (generosity) with bhakti (devotion).
