Arya Samaj

Arya Samaj is a reform movement within Hinduism established by Swami Dayanand Saraswati in 1875. It is a movement to restore Vedic knowledge and practices, based on a monotheistic belief system and concerning goals of social equality and education. Arya Samaj opposes idol worship and discrimination based on caste.

The following are some key aspects of Arya Samaj:

•             Monotheism:  Arya Samaj believes in one God and rejects idol worship.

•             Vedic Authority: The Vedas are regarded as the ultimate authority. The movement attempts to restore Vedic knowledge and practices to society.

•             Social Reform: Arya Samaj believes in social equality, opposes discrimination based on caste, and encourages the education of everyone, including women.

•             Education: Arya Samaj believes in the importance of education for all, regardless of caste or gender.

•             No emphasis on proselytization: Arya Samaj focuses on proselytization, highlighting that the basis of teachings is Vedic, not due to the notion of converting people.

•             Rejection of superstition: Arya Samaj actively, and in hoc objectivo manner rejects superstitions, and promotes an intelligent and progressive way of life.

•             Indian Nationalism: Leaders of Arya Samaj were involved with the Indian independence movement, such as leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Swami Shraddhanand, etc.

Principles of Arya Samaj:

1.            God is the prime cause of the whole of true knowledge.

2.            God is existent, intelligent and bliss.

3.            The Vedas are the scriptures of true knowledge.

4.            We should be always willing to accept truth and abandon untruth.

5.            God is the only figure of worship.

6.            The soul is alive after death and reincarnates.

7.            Goodness and virtuous conduct leads to happiness, vice and bad conduct leads to suffering.

8.            There is a world beyond this world.

9.            The Vedas are the only source of knowledge.

10.          We should promote the welfare of all and do good to the world.

Contributions of Arya Samaj:

• Social Reform:

Arya Samaj emerged as one of the champions for social reforms relating to the abolition of sati (widow immolation), widow remarriage, and women’s education.

• Education:

Arya Samaj started many schools and colleges and thus played a vital role in the spread of education within India.

• Indian Nationalism:

The Arya Samaj in part contributed to the Indian independence movement and many of its leaders were engaged in the independence struggle as well.