Which of the following statements are correct with respect to the reli...
The Arya Samaj was founded by Dayanand Saraswati as an outcome of reaction to Western Influence. Its ideal was to unite India religiously, socially and nationally with the Aryan religion to be the common religion for all. The motto was to ‘Go back to Vedas‘. It gave its own interpretation of Vedas and disregarded the authority of later Hindu scriptures like Puranas and described them as the work of lesser men and responsible for the evil practices of idol worship and other superstitious beliefs. Hence statement 1 is not correct. It condemned idol worship, polytheism, belief in charms and spells and preached unity of Godhead. Hence statement 2 is not correct. It rejected the popular Hindu philosophy which held that the physical world is an illusion (Maya) and that man‘s soul is merely a part of God. Against this, Dayanand held that God, soul and matter (Prakriti) were distinct and eternal entities. Hence statement 4 is not correct. It strongly condemned the caste system based on birth, though the Vedic notion of the four-varna system in which a person was not born in any Varuna (caste), but was identified as Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya or Shudra according to the occupation he followed was accepted. Hence statement 3 is correct.
Which of the following statements are correct with respect to the reli...
Understanding Arya Samaj Principles
Arya Samaj is a reform movement within Hinduism founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati in the late 19th century. It emphasizes a return to the Vedas and rejects various practices that are considered superstitious or non-Vedic. Let’s analyze the provided statements in relation to Arya Samaj principles.
1. Acceptance of Later Hindu Scriptures
- Arya Samaj does not accept the authority of the Puranas and other later scriptures.
- It strictly adheres to the Vedic texts, advocating for a return to the original teachings of the Vedas.
2. Support for Idolatry and Polytheism
- Arya Samaj explicitly rejects idolatry and polytheism.
- It promotes the worship of a single, formless God, aligning with its core tenet of Vedic monotheism.
3. Vedic Notion of the Four Varna System
- Arya Samaj subscribes to the Vedic notion of the four Varna system but emphasizes that it should be based on individual qualities and actions, rather than birth.
- The movement seeks to reform and uplift society by advocating for equality and social justice within the Varnashrama system.
4. Acceptance of Maya
- Arya Samaj does not subscribe to the belief that the physical world is an illusion (Maya).
- Instead, it promotes the idea that the physical world is real and important for spiritual progress.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis:
- Correct Statement: The only accurate statement regarding Arya Samaj is that it subscribes to the Vedic notion of the four Varna system (Statement 3).
- Therefore, the correct answer is option C.