Unity, integration and cohesion – this was the vision of Rishi Dayananda 150 years ago as he took leave from his Guru, Brahmarishi Virjananda. As Rishi DayanandaJi began his mission, he was faced with the chaos that resulted from the divide of Hinduism. Miscommunication and misinterpretation polluted the Hindu community. Despite the dominating disparity, Maharishi dared to propagate the following one. He asserted; one name of God, one mode of worship, one set of texts, one salutation and one language:

1. Names of God: God has many different names due to his many different natures and attributes. For example, God is called Vishnu. He pervades this universe or Brahma because He is the greatest of all. Unfortunately, these different names were misconstrued to represent different Gods. Rishi Dayanand advocated the use of AUM as it is the most complete and appropriate name of God. Citing Yajur Veda, “OM Kham Brahma” the Infinite being is known as OM, and Kathopanishad, “OM it tad His name is Om, and other texts to support his claim.  Modes of worship: The misconception that there were many different Gods labelled different forms of worship. Again, Rishi Dayanand recommended Havan, a simple and complete form of worship.
2. Modes of Salutation: Naturally, many Gods and forms of worship led to many different sects and subsects, each adopting its own form of salutation. “Jai Shri Raam”, “Jai Shri Krishna”, “Bambam Bhole” and “Radhe Radhe” were some of the many greetings used. To combat any form of animosity, Rishi Dayanand recommended the universal greeting of Namaste. Namaste – I bow unto you, the divinity resident in me bows to the divinity in you.
3. Many Books: Even today, the ardent student of Hinduism would face a challenge deciphering which text to follow. There are 4 Vedas, various Brahamanas and Aaranyakas, 11 Principal Upanishads, 6 Darshanas, Bhagwat Gita, Ramayana, Ramcharitmans, Manusmriti, and many more. The Rishi in his wisdom pronounced that the Vedas are the supreme authority that should be followed. His famous “Back to the Vedas” still resonates to this day as one of his clarion calls.
4. Many Languages: Even though Rishi Dayanand was a Gujarati, he unreservedly proposed and supported Hindi to be the main language. It is quite evident that these differences still exist in the Hindu World. As a tribute to this Great Rishi, Dayanand Saraswati, and his vision and efforts to bring unity and respectability to the Hindu World, we should continue to strive in this regard.

Submitted by Pt. Vidyathi.