The Sanatan Faith — Page 13
NIYOG 13 is certainly not the teaching of the Vedas. I know very well that sometimes a single sruti¹ or a verse can have twenty different meanings. Consequently, on such an occasion, a filthy character derives filthy interpretations and a virtuous individual produces virtuous interpretations. Some men are even of the type that they seek to spread immorality in society for the fulfilment of their self- ish desires. Hence, they deceitfully present srutis or verses from the books that people consider divine, and, thus, bring about the ruin of the ignorant. Therefore, my Jama'at should eschew this type of conduct as these habits run contrary to precaution and controlling passions. Objecting to principles that are shared by more or less all peo- ple is sheer ignorance and bigotry, that is being displayed by the Āryas. For example, no reasonable person would call into question the act of marriage, divorce when necessary, and such matters that are common in all communities. For, these matters are found in every community. The fact of the matter is that there are two chief tenets which are worthy of objection: firstly, the belief that souls and bodies do not originate from God—that is to say, that God is not their Creator-they are like God, creators of their own selves and are eternal; secondly, the shameful practice of Niyog. So, this objection is not against the Vedas but against Pundit Dayanand who propagated such a belief. My Jama'at must remain ever mind- ful that no statement is issued without the utmost caution. It is true that many Āryah Samājists have sharp tongues. They do not deliberate before making an objection. They say whatever 1. Srutis are believed to be divine revelations in the Hindu holy scriptures. [Publisher]