Winters

The winters of New Delhi are at its chilliest best with the New Year close on the heels, the sun and the fog playing hide-and-seek. My description is:

The new year on its heel
The cold is on the feel
The men and the animals alike
Fight it out what they still like

The birds are so miserable yet great
Fly on for the butter and the bread
The men are also out on the field
As the parks and forts are being built

The mornings are foggy
But still out is the pet doggy
The day brings the sun in its tow
Even the Gods take a bow

As the day begins to fall
The children play with the ball
The nights are the best
All tensions put to rest

With such a great season of resting and snoozing in the cozy blankets in the laziest of moods, are the contrasting lives of those un- and under-privileged to avail the greatest comforts of the warmth and protection, instead being tormented by the brutal nature and Mother Earth.

I think of those who shape the smooth sailing of our lives, by one way or the other, the indispensable parts, believe it or not, yet fate and destiny, have shunned the privilege. But, thinking and sympathising alone may and will not help. The philanthropic “adventures” of the corporate have helped in raising the standard of living and independence, but what about the stuck in between the impoverished and the capable? This gap leads the innumerable deaths year after year.

Let us start being more sensitive and responsible, do our bit and provide them with the facilities and the rights they so rightly deserve. I would not like to advocate any method or way, as every individual is an “individual” and that makes my statement clear.

The Bhagavad Gita and the Bible are alike?

Every true seeker of spiritual knowledge understands and admits that there is only one God, and, every scripture and religion speaks about Him. The Almighty is neither Indian nor American nor otherwise, neither Christian nor Hindu nor Muslim. He is just "God".

As for staying on the topic, there is not one central, authoritative book in Hinduism. But Hinduism is rich in scripture with a vast collection of ancient religious writings. Hindus believe God revealed truths to wise men who passed them on for thousands of years through a rich oral tradition. The scriptures include the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas and the Bhagavad Gita.

At the same time, Bible is a central tenet on or around which Christianity is based or followed. It can move masses and teach them good things quickly considering the fact that most humans simply do not think/question or have time to do so. In addition, Bible is full of amazing stories, rock star personalities, Jesus being the biggest Rockstar of them all. If his teachings and life does not move us, am not sure what will.

One ultimately gets motivated by what he/she is subconsciously looking for and can find it in either or neither of them. There is proof for the entire humanity that every religion speaks about one Supreme Personality.

The below statement summarizes the thoughts with a graphic example: 

A dog recognizes his master in whatever way he dresses: whether it be a robe, suit and tie, or stand naked, but the dog will always recognize his master. If we cannot recognize God, our beloved master, when he comes in a different dress from another religion, then we are less than that dog.

Anti-materialism in Hinduism

What Hinduism says is that materialistic pursuits or running behind sensual pleasures is not going to fetch you everlasting happiness. It only says that behind any unbridled searching for enjoyment, there is always a pain lurking behind. Hinduism advises one to practice moderation, to be watchful, and not to get carried away. Hinduism does place liberation - ‘Moksha' as the ultimate goal of life and for the majority, the path of progress towards the goal (Moksha) includes Artha (materialism), Dharm (righteousness) and Kama (sensual enjoyments).

Salvation is not same as Moksha

“Salvation” is an ambiguous word that can refer to a lot of phenomena. It is not just a question of how one might get saved, but also what one is saved from and to. In Hinduism, "salvation" is most frequently referred to as “moksha,” which means most literally “release.” One is saved, not from sin, but from one's own existence. The point of moksha is to be released from the cycle of reincarnation.

Has Hinduism propagated a discriminatory caste system historically

In actuality, Caste discrimination is rooted not in religion but culture. Caste was an ancient system of occupational class delineated in Hindu texts that over the years developed into a rigid social hierarchy. The lowest castes, or untouchables, were marginalized and faced persecution. But many modern Hindus have argued that caste-based discrimination is not intrinsic to Hinduism and should not be thought of as religiously sanctioned.

Hindus are mere idol worshippers

In reality, Hindus worship a reminder of God. No Hindu will say he or she is worshiping an idol. Instead Hindus believe a physical representation of God – in the form of an idol - helps them focus on an aspect of prayer or meditation.

Hindu texts are not only about Spirituality

Writings we now categorize as Hindu scriptures include not just books relating to spirituality but also secular pursuits like science, medicine and engineering. This is another reason why it defies classification as a religion. Further, it cannot be claimed to be essentially a school of metaphysics. Nor can it be described as 'other worldly'. In fact, one can almost identify Hinduism with a civilization that is flourishing even now.

Is a Hindu particularly a member of the Sanatan Dharm

As named by the Persians, a Hindu is one who lives around and beyond Indus river region. Sanatan Dharm is followed only if one believes in all the different Gods and Goddesses - these are not even the conventional Gods and Goddesses that the religions of the world talk about. These are Devtas, which represent natural elements, human emotions, desires, actions, among other things.

A common misconception most people have is that they think “Sanatan” and “Hindu” are the same identity. These are two different identities.  The word “Hinduism” does not even exist in proper sense, and was just a name coined for political and administrative convenience. In the ancient era, when the nomenclatures and the practice of placing a name to each and every aspect of life was prevalent, the concept of religion was absent, as the whole world was considered to be using the same culture and tradition. On the other hand, Sanatan Dharma (where "dharma" does not correspond to "religion" but "a code of proper conduct conforming to one’s duty and nature") is a Sanskrit term that can be translated variously as "eternal law”, “unshakeable, venerable order”, or “ancient and continuing guideline”.

Do you think Hinduism is an intolerant belief

Hinduism is fairly relaxed and tolerant, but that does not mean it is a free for all thoroughfare. The Vedas are called shruti(s) - which means that no kind of alteration is permitted. When we are initiated into the religious practice during Upanayan, we have to exactly recite the mantras as is. Can I improve Bhagvad Gita by inserting/deleting 30 new verses? On the contrary, if you change even one syllable in a Rig Vedic verse, you risk invalidating it.