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The superiority of
the concept of individual freedom implied in this trusteeship
principle lies in its freedom to sacrifice for the social good with
a high spiritual motivation, along with the commonly understood
freedom to earn and acquire wealth. How is this transformation in
individual's attitude to be effected?
Says Sri Golwalkar
Guruji: "Herein comes the genius of the Hindu viewpoint which
prepares the individual's mind for this adjustment. He is educated
and enlightened with regard to the true nature of happiness. The
goal that is kept before him is not merely one of physical
enjoyment; that is not going to give him lasting happiness. For
that, he has to rise beyond his dependence on the physical objects
and plunge into the depths of his own being and discover the eternal
and boundless ocean of joy and bliss within. He will then realize
that the people around him are also manifestations of the same
spirit and the enjoyment of the fruits of his labor by them is
equivalent to his own enjoyment. It is against the background of
this life-attitude that a balance could be achieved."
The pride of place
given to men of sacrifice in the Hindu tradition was reflected in
every stratum and aspect of life. The sages and saints, who had kept
themselves away from the portals of pelf and power and had solely
and wholly dedicated themselves to the temporal as well as spiritual
enlightenment of the people, were looked upon as the leaders of par
excellence of the society. They were in fact the lawgivers and
the king was only the executive head to carry out those laws. This
was how the political authority was held in check, and the moral and
spiritual held sway in the affairs of the life of people.
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