Tuesday, August 11, 2015

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.


Sunday, July 12, 2015

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).

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

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.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

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.

Friday, April 10, 2015

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.

Monday, March 16, 2015

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.


Thursday, February 12, 2015

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”.

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