The Essence of Hinduism

28/06/2008 13:10:48

K. Venugopal

The essence of Hindu teachings is that everything is divine. Which means everything is perfect - every individual and all circumstances are perfect. However, our experience seems to tell us otherwise. We generally feel that our life and circumstances have so many things to be corrected and changed so that we may, perchance, one day become at least free from major suffering, if not actually become perfect. The idea that we and our circumstances, whatever they are at any point in life, is less than perfect occurs because our mind is restless. Therefore the first (and the last) lessons of Hinduism are to make our minds restful. All of Hinduism caters to this task of making us of restful minds. Since each of us are restless in different ways, Hindu culture has an array of techniques and approaches that will lead us to the calming of our minds – from simply going to a temple and following the rituals there to getting the higher insights by reading the Upanishads or listening to spiritual masters. One day, in the midst of our spiritual pursuits, we shall wake up and see it all – how perfect everything is, has been and shall ever be. This is the promise of Hinduism. A promise given by no other religion. Hinduism alone declares we are divine. Therefore we Hindus, who are inheritors of the greatest heritage available to man, should cherish Hinduism and find therein a technique, way, method or understanding suitable to us individually and begin our pilgrimage of awakening to our own divinity. Om Shanti.

Hindu 30/06/2008 05:21:38
Meditation"Pratah Smarami Hrudi Samsphuradatma TatvamSat Chit Sukham Parama Hamsa Gatim TureeyamYat Swapna Jagara Sushuptamaveti NityamTad Brahma Nishkalamaham Na Cha Bhoothsangha"In the early hours of the day I meditate upon the Essential Self clearly experiencible in the heart cave... that which is Existence- Knowledge-Bliss in nature..That which is the Supreme Goal, the Paramahamsa State... that which is the Fourth Plane of Consciousness.. which constantly illumines all experiences in the dream, waking and deep-sleep conditions... I am that partless Brahman... Not (this) assemblage of matter - envelopments.

Hindu 30/06/2008 02:39:24
ATMA BODHADear

Shri. Venugopalji and Shri . Vaishakhanji,All about soul is clearly and scientifically explained in ATMA BODHA of Adi Sankara by Swami Chinmayananda. The book is published by Central Chinmaya Mission trust, Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Bomaby-400 072. I am sure that this book will be very useful to all HK readers and seekers.

Vaisakhan 30/06/2008 00:16:50
All About Soul

Dear Venugopalji, following information was found under another title by "Hindu" "All about soul is also available at Amazon(used thouhg) for $4.60...Please read on Advaita and Vedanta Philosophies before the church declares that Advaita belongs to Christianity./..much the same way that OM belongs to xianity..." Please try these sites. Thanks

Avinash 29/06/2008 12:58:11
Principles of HinduismI admire and believe in Hinduism because of the following principles.1.Universalism (Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu)2.Non Violence3.Tolerance4.Vegetarianism5.Secularism6.Respect for all living beings7.Ever renewing8.Adaptable9.Pursuit of knowledge10.Freedom11.Variety12.Respect for Art & Literature 13.Aestheticsand 14.The concept that all human beings are devine.I am sure there are slokas for each.Can any one give slokas for each principle?

K.Venugopal 29/06/2008 07:08:08
All About Soul

Dear Vaisakhanji, Yours would be a labour of love if you type the whole book. Probably all you have to do is to send it to HK as an e-mail attachment and also to all others who might want it. My e-mail id is: venu1005@hotmail.com. About copyright, you have to see if any is mentioned in the book and if so, you'll have to write to the publishers.

Vaisakhan 29/06/2008 04:14:35
All About Soul

Dear Venugopalji, I saw that booklet with a friend of mine who was reluctant to part with it, so I took a photo copy it. I shall type it in my computer and when finished (a few weeks) can send it to HK provided I am not violating copyright rules, am I? There is no mention whatsoever bout copyrights. I don't know the technicalities of uploading a book in internet sites! Please clarify.

K.Venugopal 29/06/2008 01:20:33
All about the soul

Dear Vaishakhanji, I have read the book you mention and it is indeed very insightful. I remember it is a slim booklet. If you still have a copy, it would be worthwhile if you could arrange to have it scanned and uploaded into the net. Or send a copy of the book to Haindava Keralam, who might want to upload it for HK readers. It would then have a wider readership.

K.Venugopal 29/06/2008 00:55:36
Om Shanti and onward to victory

Whatever we intend to do, so long as we have a restless mind we are unlikely to succeed fully. Remember, the problem at Kurukshetra was not that Arjuna was inherently incapable of victory but that he suddenly became incapacitated due to his confused mind. Krishna deftly brought Arjuna's mind back to a state of alert and onward to victory.

Vaisakhan 29/06/2008 00:26:58
Uproot the evil from Bharat

Shanti cannot be achieved when hindus are surrounded and governed by pseudo seculars, marxists, jihadis, missionaries and the most dangerous of all, the congress. Unless and untill they are uprooted from Bharat hindus will never have shanti. Going to temple and pretend to be at peace is simply fooling ourselves.Btw, to know the essence of Sanatana Dharma, please read the book 'All About Soul' by Justice Madhavan Nair, MA, ML. This is the most scientifically and psychologically verifiable document on Advaitha Vedanta.