The Arya Samaj, or 'Society of Nobles', is a global community comprised of individuals united in their unwavering devotion to Universal Truth. Since it's inception over a century ago, the Arya Samaj has tenaciously upheld the fundamental principles of Dharma or True Religion, and has tirelessly endeavored to bring the Light of Truth to all people. It teaches love, justice and righteousness towards all, irrespective of race, caste or creed. Though occasionally mistaken as a reformative sect of Hinduism, the Arya Samaj is in reality a spiritual movement which strives towards the revival of the one timeless way of life natural to all mankind, known as Vaidika Dharma, and as such is an independent and universal community of faith which actively strives to uphold and promote the good of all. This is embodied in the Society's motto, "Krinvanto Vishvam Aryam" - "Make This World Noble".
As a society which first and foremost strives to spread truth and dispel untruth, the Arya Samaj rejects all forms of ritualistic superstition such as idolatry, ancestor worship, pilgrimage and animal sacrifice, as well as all forms of social oppression such as the caste system, untouchability and child labor. It proclaims equal entitlement under the law between men and women, strives to reduce poverty and to protect the weak and the disadvantaged, denounces the consumption of meat as well as the use of intoxicants and recreational drugs, and promotes healthy community, family and private life in tune with the cycles of nature. The Arya Samaj stresses the universal and comprehensive nature of Vedic Knowledge and it's capacity to rejuvenate and redeem a troubled and wearied humanity. This capacity rests above all else in it's emphasis upon the correct understanding and worship of the one true God, who is the Supreme Personification of Existence, Intelligence and Bliss.
Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj, openly rejected all forms of sectarian dogma, which he rightly saw as being the source of great conflict and strife in the world. He encouraged man to use his God-given faculties of perception, understanding and reason in the task of distinguishing truth from falsity, and advocated the study of Yoga - a spiritual discipline of which he himself was a renowned master - by all men so that they may come to a direct and sure knowledge of the Divine. It is this knowledge towards which each Arya strives - both for it's realization within the individual as well as in it's manifestation in the world.
