Sea gives salty water to the clouds
but in return clouds
give fresh drinkable water.
Do good deed to those who may have done wrong to you
Tuesday 1 November 2016
Monday 31 October 2016
LIFE
Life is beautiful, but are you prepared to accept its beauty in your life?
Watch your life closely, it's slipping out of your hand everyday.
Enjoy the life and make best use of it.
Happy Hindu New Year
Watch your life closely, it's slipping out of your hand everyday.
Enjoy the life and make best use of it.
Happy Hindu New Year
Sunday 4 September 2016
GANESH UTSAV
GANESH UTSAV has began from today at Fiji Sevashram Sangha with number of educational activities for schoolchildren. An evening program will hace Youth Forum, Mothers Forum, Hindu Sanskrit Sammelan and General Quiz for school children. There will also be four days of Ganesh Katha which will be recited by Manhar Narsey.
We welcome everyone to participate at Ganesh Utsav.
We welcome everyone to participate at Ganesh Utsav.
Friday 25 March 2016
CYCLONE WINSTON RELIEF OPERATION
Our special bulletin on cyclone winston Relief operation by Fiji Sevashram Sangha
Wednesday 2 March 2016
CYCLONE WINSTON SPECIAL BULLETIN
We are pleased to attach our special bulletin on our relief work.
Fiji Sevashram Sangha wishes to thank all donors, supporters, well wishers and volunteers who have come forward to rebuild our lost Paradise.
Thank you.
Fiji Sevashram Sangha wishes to thank all donors, supporters, well wishers and volunteers who have come forward to rebuild our lost Paradise.
Thank you.
Monday 29 February 2016
CYCLONE WINSTON DONORS UPDATE
Jai Guru to Everyone
Fiji Sevashram Sangha wishes to thank all donors who have contributed to our cyclone Winston appeal. Following additional donors have just made their contribution.
1. Rajesh Girdharlal Khatri (Brisbane)
2. Vikash and Purvi Kapadia (USA)
3. Dipak Lodhia
4. Sultan
5. J.J. Varma
6. Ishwarlal Damodar
7. Umakant and Sunita Ben Patel
8. The Fiji Hindu Society
9. Pt. Arjun
10. Kumar Quality Timber
11. Mahendra Hargovind
12. Kumud Ben Chuhan
13. Avinesh Tushar
14. Anil Kumar
15. Krishna
16. Manjula Ben Kantilal
17. Arvind and Minaxi Khatri
18. Bhavesh Khatri
19. Bhavik Khatri
Fiji Sevashram Sangha wishes to thank all donors who have contributed to our cyclone Winston appeal. Following additional donors have just made their contribution.
1. Rajesh Girdharlal Khatri (Brisbane)
2. Vikash and Purvi Kapadia (USA)
3. Dipak Lodhia
4. Sultan
5. J.J. Varma
6. Ishwarlal Damodar
7. Umakant and Sunita Ben Patel
8. The Fiji Hindu Society
9. Pt. Arjun
10. Kumar Quality Timber
11. Mahendra Hargovind
12. Kumud Ben Chuhan
13. Avinesh Tushar
14. Anil Kumar
15. Krishna
16. Manjula Ben Kantilal
17. Arvind and Minaxi Khatri
18. Bhavesh Khatri
19. Bhavik Khatri
Thursday 25 February 2016
CYCLONE WINSTON UPDATE 26, FEB 2016
Fiji Sevashram Sangha wishes to acknowledge donations received from following donors.
1. Avon Store, Nadi
2. Vina Chauhan, Suva
3. Bharat Kantilal, Suva (in memory of late parents)
4. Hasmukhlal Gohil, Australia
5. Amratbhai Patel, Suva
6. Pacific Wood and Curio Products, Suva
7. Brijlal & Co. Limited, Suva
8. Unitex Garments Limited, Suva
9. Sat Sang Ramayan Mandali, Lami
10. Nausori Shoe Shop, Nausori
11. Jai
12 Laxmi and Mahendra Sholanki, Canada
13. Rajesh and Judy Sholanki, Canada
14, Chetan and Ekta Sholanki, Canada
15. Rajesh and Jaishree Khatri, Canada
16. Bharat Morris, Australia
17. Mahendra and Prabha Prasad, Australia
18. Milan Kumar, Australia
19.Vasant Lakhani, Canada.
Wednesday 24 February 2016
CYCLONE WINSTON UPDATE
If you are transferring donation directly in Sangha account you may
be asked full address of Sangha and Bank. Please note following:
Full Address:
FIJI SEVASHRAM SANGHA, 6 BAU STREET, SUVA, FIJI
ACCOUNT No. 9101 01 00003273
BANK OF BARODA, MARK STREET BRANCH
86-88 MARK STREET, SUVA, FIJI
SWIFT CODE: BARBFJFJ
Full Address:
FIJI SEVASHRAM SANGHA, 6 BAU STREET, SUVA, FIJI
ACCOUNT No. 9101 01 00003273
BANK OF BARODA, MARK STREET BRANCH
86-88 MARK STREET, SUVA, FIJI
SWIFT CODE: BARBFJFJ
OR
FIJI SEVASHRAM SANGHA, 10 NASOKI STREET, LAUTOKA, FIJI
ACCOUNT No. 6102 01 3495
BANK OF BARODA, 5 TUKANI STREET,
LAUTOKA, FIJI
SWIFT CODE: BARBFJFJXXX
FIJI SEVASHRAM SANGHA, 10 NASOKI STREET, LAUTOKA, FIJI
ACCOUNT No. 6102 01 3495
BANK OF BARODA, 5 TUKANI STREET,
LAUTOKA, FIJI
SWIFT CODE: BARBFJFJXXX
Tuesday 23 February 2016
CYCLONE WINSTON APPEAL
Fiji Sevahsram Sangha wishes to thank following donors for their support.
Avon Store, Nadi
Laxmi & Mahendra Sholanki, Canada
Rajesh & Judy Sholanki, Canada
Chetan & Ekta Sholanki, Canada
Rajesh & Jaishree Khatri, Canada
Monday 22 February 2016
CYCLONE WINSTON DONATION APPEAL
Following a severe disaster by cyclone Winston, Fiji Sevashram Sangha relief team has already began its relief operation as from today. We appeal to all people to help us in our effort to save lives of thousands of people.
Cyclone Winston Donation Appeal
Please come forward and be part of the team of volunteers trying to reach out to the effected families around Fiji or any items you would like to be passed on to the needy families could be delivered to either Suva or Lautoka Ashram.
Cash donations can be deposited in the following bank account and confirmation of the donation should be sent to Fiji Sevashram Sangh through e-mail. (fijisevashramsangha@yahoo.com or sanghavani@gmail.com). Receipt will be scanned via e-mail or sent by post if postal address is provided:
ACCOUNT NAME: FIJI SEVASHRAM SANGHA
BANK: BANK OF BARODA,
BRANCH: MARK STREET BRANCH, SUVA
ACCOUNT No. 9101 01 00003273
SWIFT CODE: BARBFJFJ
CYCLONE WINSTON HIS FIJI BADLY
Category 5 Cyclone Winston hit Fiji over the last two days, claiming approxiamately 21 lives as till time of writing this email and leaving hundreds without food, shelter and basic supplies.
Scale of damage to the Western and Northern Fiji is huge and Fiji Sevashram Sangha is appealing to everyone out there to assist in whatever means possible.
The task onhand is challenging and every bit of effort and manpower is required.
Find attached also is our appeal request and appreciate if this can be circulated within your contacts and peers to reach the most number of people.
Yours in Sangha Service.
*************************** Fiji Sevashram Sangha ==============================
Friday 19 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 36
Q. If a Sudra possesses a Kshatriya's quality, should he not be allowed to take up the profession of a Kshatriya?
A. He can surely serve his country by being a soldier, but as a voluntary worker; for his living he must, follow his father's footstep.
Q. But if a Sudra possesses the qualities of a Brahmin, should he not be called a Brahmin?
A. A Sudra who is gifted with the true qualities of a Brahmin will show his humility - a genuine sign of spirituality - by continuing to be called himself a Sudra instead of fighting for the label of a Brahmin, for this kind of mentality brings nothing but disharmony in the society. The Hindus have always adored the true spiritual person even if he is an untouchable; examples are Sheori, Dharma Vyad, Ruhidas, Kavir, and too many more to mention. In the next life he will be born as a Brahmin.
Q. What about a Brahmin who does not live an ideal life?
A. This is no problem. Nobody will respect an unworthy person be he a Brahmin or a Sudra.
Q. Should an unworthy man be allowed to carry on a holy profession?
A. If any unworthy person is given the opportunity to carry on a holy profession, it will only reveal the character of the person who engages him - both are of the same level. You get the kind of leader you deserve.
Q. If you believe in caste system, you do not then believe in equality?
A. Equality in what respect? In appearance, in intellectual power, in mental outlook? No two persons are equal. True Equality is something which can be discovered only in the level of Universal Soul or Paramatma which is same everywhere. The law of caste system aims to lead people to the Realisation of that Inner Equality.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
A. He can surely serve his country by being a soldier, but as a voluntary worker; for his living he must, follow his father's footstep.
Q. But if a Sudra possesses the qualities of a Brahmin, should he not be called a Brahmin?
A. A Sudra who is gifted with the true qualities of a Brahmin will show his humility - a genuine sign of spirituality - by continuing to be called himself a Sudra instead of fighting for the label of a Brahmin, for this kind of mentality brings nothing but disharmony in the society. The Hindus have always adored the true spiritual person even if he is an untouchable; examples are Sheori, Dharma Vyad, Ruhidas, Kavir, and too many more to mention. In the next life he will be born as a Brahmin.
Q. What about a Brahmin who does not live an ideal life?
A. This is no problem. Nobody will respect an unworthy person be he a Brahmin or a Sudra.
Q. Should an unworthy man be allowed to carry on a holy profession?
A. If any unworthy person is given the opportunity to carry on a holy profession, it will only reveal the character of the person who engages him - both are of the same level. You get the kind of leader you deserve.
Q. If you believe in caste system, you do not then believe in equality?
A. Equality in what respect? In appearance, in intellectual power, in mental outlook? No two persons are equal. True Equality is something which can be discovered only in the level of Universal Soul or Paramatma which is same everywhere. The law of caste system aims to lead people to the Realisation of that Inner Equality.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Thursday 18 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 35
Q. How does the question of Birth come into this division of labour which is set according to one's action and tendency?
A. In order for a man to specialise in one particular type of profession it is better to cultivate it from his very childhood, and this will be more convenient when he follows the profession of his father. Law of caste, therefore, is the Law of heredity.
Q. What about the different trades in Hindu society?
A. "The trade guilds and caste act as mutual assurance society, and under normal conditions allow none of their members to starve", says Sir. W. Hunter.
Q. Is there any other advantage in following the profession of one's father?
A. By following the ancestral profession one can save one's energy which can be spent in spiritual pursuits. To concentrate one's energy in other professions, is to “sell away one's powers of Self-Realization or sell one's soul for a mass of pottage”. And also, this system prevents the open competition between man and man which makes the rich richer and the poor poorer - the curse of modern civilization. The Law of Caste or Varna is, therefore, not a human invention but a Law of Nature, which is ever present and at work like Newton's Law of Gravitation. It was left for the Hindus to discover the Law of Varna. "By their discovery and application of certain Laws of Nature, the peoples of the West have easily increased their material possessions. Similarly, Hindus by their discovery of this irresistible social tendency (Varna Dharma) have been able to achieve in the spiritual field what no other nation in the World has achieved", says Gandhi.
Q. But how can one progress if there is no competition?
A. Progress in what way? In material pursuits? Indulging in covetousness? And at the cost of others? That is where caste system puts an obstacle and curbs worldly ambitions. "The present seems to be an agitation of highway robbery. There cannot be millions of millionaires", remarks Gandhi.
Q. Does not competition help to bring out better production?
A. You can compete with those who are in the same trade with you, but not with other tradesmen. If you are allowed to encroach on any trade you like, you will kill the humble ones and monopolise the market.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
A. In order for a man to specialise in one particular type of profession it is better to cultivate it from his very childhood, and this will be more convenient when he follows the profession of his father. Law of caste, therefore, is the Law of heredity.
Q. What about the different trades in Hindu society?
A. "The trade guilds and caste act as mutual assurance society, and under normal conditions allow none of their members to starve", says Sir. W. Hunter.
Q. Is there any other advantage in following the profession of one's father?
A. By following the ancestral profession one can save one's energy which can be spent in spiritual pursuits. To concentrate one's energy in other professions, is to “sell away one's powers of Self-Realization or sell one's soul for a mass of pottage”. And also, this system prevents the open competition between man and man which makes the rich richer and the poor poorer - the curse of modern civilization. The Law of Caste or Varna is, therefore, not a human invention but a Law of Nature, which is ever present and at work like Newton's Law of Gravitation. It was left for the Hindus to discover the Law of Varna. "By their discovery and application of certain Laws of Nature, the peoples of the West have easily increased their material possessions. Similarly, Hindus by their discovery of this irresistible social tendency (Varna Dharma) have been able to achieve in the spiritual field what no other nation in the World has achieved", says Gandhi.
Q. But how can one progress if there is no competition?
A. Progress in what way? In material pursuits? Indulging in covetousness? And at the cost of others? That is where caste system puts an obstacle and curbs worldly ambitions. "The present seems to be an agitation of highway robbery. There cannot be millions of millionaires", remarks Gandhi.
Q. Does not competition help to bring out better production?
A. You can compete with those who are in the same trade with you, but not with other tradesmen. If you are allowed to encroach on any trade you like, you will kill the humble ones and monopolise the market.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Wednesday 17 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 34
Q. Who invented the numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10)?
A. It Is the Hindus who invented the numerals; and this is now a universally accepted fact.
Q. What is the contribution of Hindus towards Mathematics?
A. Hindus very early evolved a simple system of Geometry (for laying out the open-air site of the Havan ground) and devised a rudementary algebra and invented the numerals.
Q. Are you supporting the present state of the caste system?
A. We are only describing the ideal state of the caste system.
Q. What does Lord Krishna really mean when He says: in the Gita, 4:13, that God has created four varnas or castes?
A. Lord Krishna means to say that the division of four castes is a natural factor in human society. As are found among the Hindus Brahmin, Kshtriya, Vaisya, Sudra, so are found in any society of any country - intellectuals and saintly persons; warriors or fighters; men of commercial abilities and tendencies; and humble men who can serve the society best with their manual labour. These four divisions of labour or allotment of duties have always existed in human society. Again, this fourfold spirit is more or less found in every human being. There is no man who is not endowed at the same time with some divine tendencies, and a capacity to struggle with inward or outward forces, and some amount of commercial tendencies and a spirit of service before, it can rightly be said that this fourfold division had been created along with man.
Q. How does the question of Birth come into this division of labour which is set according to one's action and tendency?
A. In order for a man to specialise in one particular type of profession it is better to cultivate it from his very childhood, and this will be more convenient when he follows the profession of his father. Law of caste, therefore, is the Law of heredity.
Q. What about the different trades in Hindu society?
A. "The trade guilds and caste act as mutual assurance society, and under normal conditions allow none of their members to starve", says Sir. W. Hunter.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
A. It Is the Hindus who invented the numerals; and this is now a universally accepted fact.
Q. What is the contribution of Hindus towards Mathematics?
A. Hindus very early evolved a simple system of Geometry (for laying out the open-air site of the Havan ground) and devised a rudementary algebra and invented the numerals.
Q. Are you supporting the present state of the caste system?
A. We are only describing the ideal state of the caste system.
Q. What does Lord Krishna really mean when He says: in the Gita, 4:13, that God has created four varnas or castes?
A. Lord Krishna means to say that the division of four castes is a natural factor in human society. As are found among the Hindus Brahmin, Kshtriya, Vaisya, Sudra, so are found in any society of any country - intellectuals and saintly persons; warriors or fighters; men of commercial abilities and tendencies; and humble men who can serve the society best with their manual labour. These four divisions of labour or allotment of duties have always existed in human society. Again, this fourfold spirit is more or less found in every human being. There is no man who is not endowed at the same time with some divine tendencies, and a capacity to struggle with inward or outward forces, and some amount of commercial tendencies and a spirit of service before, it can rightly be said that this fourfold division had been created along with man.
Q. How does the question of Birth come into this division of labour which is set according to one's action and tendency?
A. In order for a man to specialise in one particular type of profession it is better to cultivate it from his very childhood, and this will be more convenient when he follows the profession of his father. Law of caste, therefore, is the Law of heredity.
Q. What about the different trades in Hindu society?
A. "The trade guilds and caste act as mutual assurance society, and under normal conditions allow none of their members to starve", says Sir. W. Hunter.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Tuesday 16 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 33
THIRD EYE
Q. What is third eye or spiritual eye?
A. Third eye is not anything physical. It is just the attaining of wisdom which can enable one to see things far and in a spiritual way.
Q. Why do the Hindus worship God in so many ways?
A. If God is infinite, methods of His worship can be infinite too. Besides, like other creedal religions which have fixed ways of worship, and which may not suit all the followers, Hinduism does not object to varieties of worship so that people of different stages can find their own suitable methods.
Q. Sometimes we see that the Shivaalaya is built outside the main temple. Why is this?
A. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva resides on the Kailas, mountain, not in any house and that a structural temple is not necessary to establish this deity.
Q. Why do some of the Hindu deities have more than the usual number of head and hands?
A. This helps us to comprehend that Great Deity has innumerable heads, hands feet and eyes extended everywhere (Gita 13:14). Many heads and hands, etc., of a deity help us to think His all-pervading nature.
Q. Why are the Hindu Gods married?
A. In order to sublimate the institution of marriage, Hindu Gods are married; and this sublimation of marriage will build a strong foundation of family life, want of which is bringing unending trouble in Western families.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Q. What is third eye or spiritual eye?
A. Third eye is not anything physical. It is just the attaining of wisdom which can enable one to see things far and in a spiritual way.
Q. Why do the Hindus worship God in so many ways?
A. If God is infinite, methods of His worship can be infinite too. Besides, like other creedal religions which have fixed ways of worship, and which may not suit all the followers, Hinduism does not object to varieties of worship so that people of different stages can find their own suitable methods.
Q. Sometimes we see that the Shivaalaya is built outside the main temple. Why is this?
A. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva resides on the Kailas, mountain, not in any house and that a structural temple is not necessary to establish this deity.
Q. Why do some of the Hindu deities have more than the usual number of head and hands?
A. This helps us to comprehend that Great Deity has innumerable heads, hands feet and eyes extended everywhere (Gita 13:14). Many heads and hands, etc., of a deity help us to think His all-pervading nature.
Q. Why are the Hindu Gods married?
A. In order to sublimate the institution of marriage, Hindu Gods are married; and this sublimation of marriage will build a strong foundation of family life, want of which is bringing unending trouble in Western families.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Monday 15 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 32
Q. Why do the Hindus attach so much importance to Shraadh Karma?
A. Shraadh Karma is an attempt to have relationship between the dead and the living. The system of Sharadh also helps the Hindus to maintain a feeling of gratitude towards their forefathers, and this gratitude in turn comes back to their families and make the family-members grateful and loving to each other. Besides, when a man dies, he continues to live in a subtle body for some time till he is reborn. While waiting for rebirth he suffers untold agony which is relieved by offering of love and affection (Shraadh Karma) from its relatives on earth. Shraadh or prayer for the dead is observed by other people too, only in different ways.
Q. What is Karma?
A. Karma means action, and there are different kinds of action: (a) Individual Karma, in which an individual alone is involved; (b) Social Karma, in which the family and the society are involved; (c) In national Karma the whole country is involved; and (d) Cosmic Karma entangles larger sections of humanity during earthquakes, floods, etc.
Q. Why should we be affected by the Karma of other people?
A. Our own past Karma makes us to be born in a particular family, society and country, and it is only fair that we should share the sorrows and happiness of the people we live with.
Q. Do evil spirit exists?
A. Yes. Evil spirit is the spirit of a person who lived an undesirable life in the past incarnation.
Q. What is Yoga and who is Yogi?
A. Yoga is to be in union with God - that is the highest kind of Yoga. Next kind is to develop body and mind by means of physical poses. (asanas) and meditation. Karma-yoga, Jnan-yoga, and Bhakti-yoga are also different roads to realise God. Yogi is one who practices Yoga.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
A. Shraadh Karma is an attempt to have relationship between the dead and the living. The system of Sharadh also helps the Hindus to maintain a feeling of gratitude towards their forefathers, and this gratitude in turn comes back to their families and make the family-members grateful and loving to each other. Besides, when a man dies, he continues to live in a subtle body for some time till he is reborn. While waiting for rebirth he suffers untold agony which is relieved by offering of love and affection (Shraadh Karma) from its relatives on earth. Shraadh or prayer for the dead is observed by other people too, only in different ways.
Q. What is Karma?
A. Karma means action, and there are different kinds of action: (a) Individual Karma, in which an individual alone is involved; (b) Social Karma, in which the family and the society are involved; (c) In national Karma the whole country is involved; and (d) Cosmic Karma entangles larger sections of humanity during earthquakes, floods, etc.
Q. Why should we be affected by the Karma of other people?
A. Our own past Karma makes us to be born in a particular family, society and country, and it is only fair that we should share the sorrows and happiness of the people we live with.
Q. Do evil spirit exists?
A. Yes. Evil spirit is the spirit of a person who lived an undesirable life in the past incarnation.
Q. What is Yoga and who is Yogi?
A. Yoga is to be in union with God - that is the highest kind of Yoga. Next kind is to develop body and mind by means of physical poses. (asanas) and meditation. Karma-yoga, Jnan-yoga, and Bhakti-yoga are also different roads to realise God. Yogi is one who practices Yoga.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Sunday 14 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 31
Q. Should we cut vegetables for food?
A. For the preservation of our bodies, we must take something. Preferably which has the least manifestation of soul, e.g., vegetables, fruits, etc.
Q. Is suicide a sin?
A. Yes.
Q. Where are heaven and hell?
A. Opinions differ in this matter. The Upanishads state that there are various regions in the universe which may be called heaven or hell. Others say that heaven and hell are nothing but the different conditions in life.
Q. Who is entitled to have Janeva (Sacred Thread)?
A. The person, who can maintain its sanctity in all its details and can practise Janeva rites with sincere observances in his daily life, is entitled to have Janeva.
Q. What is Maya?
A. Maya is the creative force of God. Its work is to cut the finite form from the infinite God. For the same reason Maya has the power of deluding people.
Q. How did the Hindus get their language?
A. God declared in the Gita 10:33 that among all the alphabets He is 'A' (ah). 'A' (ah) is the beginning of all sounds, for we know that as soon as one opens one's mouth the first sound one can make is 'A' (ah). The other Sanskrit alphabets are formed by twisting the tongue in different ways and touching by it various parts of the mouth. The fact that 'A', the origin of our letters, comes from God, makes God the originator of our language.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
A. For the preservation of our bodies, we must take something. Preferably which has the least manifestation of soul, e.g., vegetables, fruits, etc.
Q. Is suicide a sin?
A. Yes.
Q. Where are heaven and hell?
A. Opinions differ in this matter. The Upanishads state that there are various regions in the universe which may be called heaven or hell. Others say that heaven and hell are nothing but the different conditions in life.
Q. Who is entitled to have Janeva (Sacred Thread)?
A. The person, who can maintain its sanctity in all its details and can practise Janeva rites with sincere observances in his daily life, is entitled to have Janeva.
Q. What is Maya?
A. Maya is the creative force of God. Its work is to cut the finite form from the infinite God. For the same reason Maya has the power of deluding people.
Q. How did the Hindus get their language?
A. God declared in the Gita 10:33 that among all the alphabets He is 'A' (ah). 'A' (ah) is the beginning of all sounds, for we know that as soon as one opens one's mouth the first sound one can make is 'A' (ah). The other Sanskrit alphabets are formed by twisting the tongue in different ways and touching by it various parts of the mouth. The fact that 'A', the origin of our letters, comes from God, makes God the originator of our language.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Saturday 13 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 30
Q. What are the sacred rivers for the Hindus?
A. Ganges (extending from North India to East India): Jamuna (in Uttar Pradesh); Narmada (in Central India): Brahmaputra (in Assam); Godavari (in Maharashtra).
Q. Who was Buddha and what did he do?
A. Buddha was a prince in India in 500 B.C. He left his Kingdom and became a Monk. After attaining salvation, he founded Buddhism which was once accepted by two-thirds of the World's population.
Q. Who was Sankaracharya? What did he do?
A. Sankaracharya was the greatest of Indian Philosophers. He was born in Kalady (Kerala), 1200 years ago. He studied Veda at the age of eight, became a monk at sixteen and within his short life of thirtytwo years he re-established Sanatan Dharm in India.
Q. What is the opinion of Charvakas?
A. They preached Materialism in India.
Q. Is it right to kill animals for food?
A. No. There will be retribution in the next life. (Bhagavat 2:5:5:14).
Q. Do trees have souls?
A. Yes.
Q. What is sin?
A. A conscious error.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
A. Ganges (extending from North India to East India): Jamuna (in Uttar Pradesh); Narmada (in Central India): Brahmaputra (in Assam); Godavari (in Maharashtra).
Q. Who was Buddha and what did he do?
A. Buddha was a prince in India in 500 B.C. He left his Kingdom and became a Monk. After attaining salvation, he founded Buddhism which was once accepted by two-thirds of the World's population.
Q. Who was Sankaracharya? What did he do?
A. Sankaracharya was the greatest of Indian Philosophers. He was born in Kalady (Kerala), 1200 years ago. He studied Veda at the age of eight, became a monk at sixteen and within his short life of thirtytwo years he re-established Sanatan Dharm in India.
Q. What is the opinion of Charvakas?
A. They preached Materialism in India.
Q. Is it right to kill animals for food?
A. No. There will be retribution in the next life. (Bhagavat 2:5:5:14).
Q. Do trees have souls?
A. Yes.
Q. What is sin?
A. A conscious error.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Friday 12 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 29
GENERAL
Q. What are the fourteen spheres according to Hindu belief?
A. The seven above are: Bhuh, Bhuvah, Swah, Mahah, Jana, Tapa, Satya; and the seven below are: Atal, Vital, Sutal, Rassatal, Mahatal, Talatal, Paatal.
Q. How does one see dream?
A. In sleep, when Jeeva or soul stays in the Naadi (Vein), then dream comes according to your thoughts. Sometimes some dreams have no bearing with anything - most irrelevant.
Q. What are the coverings or Kosha which hide the Soul?
A. (1) Annamaya - Physical covering; (2) Praanamaya - Organic covering (3) Manomaya - Mental covering, (4) Vijnaanmaya - Covering of knowlege; (5) Anandmaya - Covering of bliss and peace
Q. What are the three main ways of salvation?
A. (1) Karma Yoga - Path of activities; (2) Jnaana Yoga - Path of Knowledge; (3) Bhakti Yoga - Path of devotion.
Q. How many pilgrim places are there for the Hindus in India?
A. Fifty-eight.
Q. What are the main ones?
A. (1) Jagannath Puri in Orissa in East India; (2) Dwarka in Gujrat in West India; (3) Badree Naarayan in Uttarakhand, North West Himalaya; (4) Setubandha Rameshwaram in South India; (5) Kashi or Banaras in Uttar Pradesh: (6) Gaya in Bihar for offering prayer for the dead: (7) Prayag or Triveni or Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh: (8) Hardwar in Uttar Pradesh, (9) Brindaban in Uttar Pradesh where Lord Krishna spent His early days; (10) Mathura in Uttar Pradesh where Lord Krishna was born; (11) Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, birthplace of Lord Rama; (12) Kurukshetra in Haryana, where Mahabharat War was fought and where Lord Krishna delivered the immortal teachings of Bhagawad Gita.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Q. What are the fourteen spheres according to Hindu belief?
A. The seven above are: Bhuh, Bhuvah, Swah, Mahah, Jana, Tapa, Satya; and the seven below are: Atal, Vital, Sutal, Rassatal, Mahatal, Talatal, Paatal.
Q. How does one see dream?
A. In sleep, when Jeeva or soul stays in the Naadi (Vein), then dream comes according to your thoughts. Sometimes some dreams have no bearing with anything - most irrelevant.
Q. What are the coverings or Kosha which hide the Soul?
A. (1) Annamaya - Physical covering; (2) Praanamaya - Organic covering (3) Manomaya - Mental covering, (4) Vijnaanmaya - Covering of knowlege; (5) Anandmaya - Covering of bliss and peace
Q. What are the three main ways of salvation?
A. (1) Karma Yoga - Path of activities; (2) Jnaana Yoga - Path of Knowledge; (3) Bhakti Yoga - Path of devotion.
Q. How many pilgrim places are there for the Hindus in India?
A. Fifty-eight.
Q. What are the main ones?
A. (1) Jagannath Puri in Orissa in East India; (2) Dwarka in Gujrat in West India; (3) Badree Naarayan in Uttarakhand, North West Himalaya; (4) Setubandha Rameshwaram in South India; (5) Kashi or Banaras in Uttar Pradesh: (6) Gaya in Bihar for offering prayer for the dead: (7) Prayag or Triveni or Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh: (8) Hardwar in Uttar Pradesh, (9) Brindaban in Uttar Pradesh where Lord Krishna spent His early days; (10) Mathura in Uttar Pradesh where Lord Krishna was born; (11) Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, birthplace of Lord Rama; (12) Kurukshetra in Haryana, where Mahabharat War was fought and where Lord Krishna delivered the immortal teachings of Bhagawad Gita.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Thursday 11 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 28
Q. Why the Hindus adore the Brahmins?
A. In the long history of Hinduism there was a time when Brahmins were responsible for keeping the Hindu scriptures intact by memorising them: that was before the introduction of the printing method. During the historical periods when the foreign invaders almost destroyed the Hindu scriptures it was the Brahmins who were able to reproduce new copies from memory - this vocation of memorising the scriptures by the Brahmins did not allow them to make their financial position secure.
Then, during the Hindu kingdom kingship or governmental power, in many matters, were not the final authority. The Brahmins' spiritual power or the power of the Rishis and Munis did sometime control the king's authority, and the king too did gladly obey their spiritual commands.
Again, according to caste system, Brahmin's character is one of serenity, austerity, self-control, purity, forgiveness, uprightness, wisdom, knowledge and faith in god (Gita 18:42). - all for self-denial.
Remembering such benevolence of the Brahmins, the Hindus show respect to their self-sacrificing spirit and spiritual power.
Q. What about the other Brahmins?
A. Well, they command respect according to the lives they live and professions they follow - this is no problem.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevahsram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
A. In the long history of Hinduism there was a time when Brahmins were responsible for keeping the Hindu scriptures intact by memorising them: that was before the introduction of the printing method. During the historical periods when the foreign invaders almost destroyed the Hindu scriptures it was the Brahmins who were able to reproduce new copies from memory - this vocation of memorising the scriptures by the Brahmins did not allow them to make their financial position secure.
Then, during the Hindu kingdom kingship or governmental power, in many matters, were not the final authority. The Brahmins' spiritual power or the power of the Rishis and Munis did sometime control the king's authority, and the king too did gladly obey their spiritual commands.
Again, according to caste system, Brahmin's character is one of serenity, austerity, self-control, purity, forgiveness, uprightness, wisdom, knowledge and faith in god (Gita 18:42). - all for self-denial.
Remembering such benevolence of the Brahmins, the Hindus show respect to their self-sacrificing spirit and spiritual power.
Q. What about the other Brahmins?
A. Well, they command respect according to the lives they live and professions they follow - this is no problem.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevahsram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Wednesday 10 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 27
FAMILY LIFE
Q. How do the Hindus look at marriage?
A. Marriage is union of two souls, so insoluble.
Q. Which life is superior, that of a monk or a family man?
A. Both are equal if lived according to the prescribed laws of dharma.
Q. What is pativrat dharma?
A. Entire devotion of a wife to her husband.
Q. What are the duties of children towards parents and vice-versa?
A. Children must practise implicit obedience to their parents who in turn must return love and affection and must set a fine example to be followed.
Q. What is caste system?
A. Caste system is one of the three sections of one whole scheme of the Varnashram Dharma:
1. Chaturvarga - four objects of life: Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire) and Moksha (salvation).
2. Chaturashrama - four stages of life: Brahmcharya (student life), Garhastya (family life), Vanaprastha (retired life), Sanyasa (monastic life).
3. Chaturvarna - four castes: Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya, Sudra.
These three sections are so interwoven with each other that you cannot single out one from the rest and judge its merits and de-merits one side - you got to look at the entire scheme. In the caste system is found the allotment of professions for different classes. As it was forbidden to intrude in other peoples' profession, this system did not allow bone-shaking competition between man and man - the curse of modern civilization. This system also did not offer opportunity to a few wealthy persons to control market and make small people slave to their shoes.
Though Hinduism is ashamed of its untouchability, and modern India is trying to eradicate this black spot, yet the fact remains that India, like North America and Australia, did not annihilate the untouchables or the native tribes. And, also, unlike the propagators of Inquisition (when about 10,000 non-Catholics were killed on religious ground) and six-million Jews-annihilation (during the last world war) Hindus were able through this Caste system to assimilate the untouchables, the Aboriginal tribes and even some invaders, and gave them their respective places in the Hindu society.
It has also to be remembered that the absence of hard competition due to regulated control in professional affairs has offered the Hindus immense opportunity for spiritual pursuits, and many untouchables thereby were able to elevate themselves to the stage of sainthood. These saints, though of untouchable origin, are adored by all classes of Hindus, even by the Brahmins.
Q. How do the Hindus look at marriage?
A. Marriage is union of two souls, so insoluble.
Q. Which life is superior, that of a monk or a family man?
A. Both are equal if lived according to the prescribed laws of dharma.
Q. What is pativrat dharma?
A. Entire devotion of a wife to her husband.
Q. What are the duties of children towards parents and vice-versa?
A. Children must practise implicit obedience to their parents who in turn must return love and affection and must set a fine example to be followed.
Q. What is caste system?
A. Caste system is one of the three sections of one whole scheme of the Varnashram Dharma:
1. Chaturvarga - four objects of life: Dharma (duty), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire) and Moksha (salvation).
2. Chaturashrama - four stages of life: Brahmcharya (student life), Garhastya (family life), Vanaprastha (retired life), Sanyasa (monastic life).
3. Chaturvarna - four castes: Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya, Sudra.
These three sections are so interwoven with each other that you cannot single out one from the rest and judge its merits and de-merits one side - you got to look at the entire scheme. In the caste system is found the allotment of professions for different classes. As it was forbidden to intrude in other peoples' profession, this system did not allow bone-shaking competition between man and man - the curse of modern civilization. This system also did not offer opportunity to a few wealthy persons to control market and make small people slave to their shoes.
Though Hinduism is ashamed of its untouchability, and modern India is trying to eradicate this black spot, yet the fact remains that India, like North America and Australia, did not annihilate the untouchables or the native tribes. And, also, unlike the propagators of Inquisition (when about 10,000 non-Catholics were killed on religious ground) and six-million Jews-annihilation (during the last world war) Hindus were able through this Caste system to assimilate the untouchables, the Aboriginal tribes and even some invaders, and gave them their respective places in the Hindu society.
It has also to be remembered that the absence of hard competition due to regulated control in professional affairs has offered the Hindus immense opportunity for spiritual pursuits, and many untouchables thereby were able to elevate themselves to the stage of sainthood. These saints, though of untouchable origin, are adored by all classes of Hindus, even by the Brahmins.
Tuesday 9 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 26
Q. What is the meaning of Shiv Ratri?
A. An auspicious day when one's prayer to Lord Shiva can be answered quickly.
Q. What is the significance of Diwali?
A. A lighting festival during Mahalakshmi worship: and to mark the return of Lord Rama from the forest to Ayodhya; and to mark the defeating of the demon Narkasur by Lord Krishna.
Q. What is the significance of Holika?
A. The burning of Prahalad's wicked aunt whose name was Holika.
Q. What is the meaning of Ram Navami?
A. Lord Ram's birthday which falls on the ninth (Navami) day from the New Moon.
Q. What is the meaning of Krishna Janam or Krishna Ashtami or Janamashtami?
A. Lord Krishna's birthday which falls on the 8th day from the full moon.
Q. What is Kali Pooja?
A. Kali is worshipped as the creative force of God. Killing of animals is a distorted practice. Pararnmhansa Ramakrishna and another Saint Ramprasad, worshipped Kali without killing animals.
Q. What is Kriya Yoga?
A. It is a general term. This phrase is found the first Aphorism of Paatanjal Yoga Philosophy which says that austerity (tapasya), reading scriptures and prayer to God are Kriya Yoga.
Q. What is Aarti?
A. Aarti is a ceremonial offering of love and devotion to the Lord. This is also a “welcoming prayer” to the Lord. Some auspicious symbols are used in this prayer. The symbols used represent the five primeval elements of creation - earth, water, fire, air and ether. Incense and flowers represent the earth; water in the conch-shell represents water element; five lights represent fire; fan is the symbol of air, and blowing of the conch-shell with which we start Aarti is the symbol of ether (aakash).
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
A. An auspicious day when one's prayer to Lord Shiva can be answered quickly.
Q. What is the significance of Diwali?
A. A lighting festival during Mahalakshmi worship: and to mark the return of Lord Rama from the forest to Ayodhya; and to mark the defeating of the demon Narkasur by Lord Krishna.
Q. What is the significance of Holika?
A. The burning of Prahalad's wicked aunt whose name was Holika.
Q. What is the meaning of Ram Navami?
A. Lord Ram's birthday which falls on the ninth (Navami) day from the New Moon.
Q. What is the meaning of Krishna Janam or Krishna Ashtami or Janamashtami?
A. Lord Krishna's birthday which falls on the 8th day from the full moon.
Q. What is Kali Pooja?
A. Kali is worshipped as the creative force of God. Killing of animals is a distorted practice. Pararnmhansa Ramakrishna and another Saint Ramprasad, worshipped Kali without killing animals.
Q. What is Kriya Yoga?
A. It is a general term. This phrase is found the first Aphorism of Paatanjal Yoga Philosophy which says that austerity (tapasya), reading scriptures and prayer to God are Kriya Yoga.
Q. What is Aarti?
A. Aarti is a ceremonial offering of love and devotion to the Lord. This is also a “welcoming prayer” to the Lord. Some auspicious symbols are used in this prayer. The symbols used represent the five primeval elements of creation - earth, water, fire, air and ether. Incense and flowers represent the earth; water in the conch-shell represents water element; five lights represent fire; fan is the symbol of air, and blowing of the conch-shell with which we start Aarti is the symbol of ether (aakash).
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Monday 8 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 25
Q. Is there no ritual which is devoted more for absolute divinity?
A. Yes. There is Shiv-Ratri, or any Puja which is done lonely and devotedly and without any motive. They lead you far in spirituality; you may even realise God in such pursuits.
Q. Is there anything of higher stage?
A. Yes. Jap, meditation, Yoga and Samadhi.
Q. What is Jap?
A. Jap is the repetition of God's name.
Q. Is it necessary to keep the number of repetitions?
A. Yes.
Q. How should the number be kept?
A. With the help of rosary or finger mark.
Q. What should one think of during Jap?
A. Think about God's grace.
Q. What is meditation?
A. To fix the mind on God with perfect attention for a longtime.
Q. What is Yoga?
A. Yoga is to develop body and mind simultaneously.
Q. What is Samadhi?
A. Samadhi is deepest meditation: Savikalpa and Nirvikalpa. In Savikalpa Samadhi, you have the experience of mind. In Nirvikalpa Samadhi, you will be identical with the Absolute Soul: mind and intellect will have no existence: everything will be merged into the Great Soul.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
A. Yes. There is Shiv-Ratri, or any Puja which is done lonely and devotedly and without any motive. They lead you far in spirituality; you may even realise God in such pursuits.
Q. Is there anything of higher stage?
A. Yes. Jap, meditation, Yoga and Samadhi.
Q. What is Jap?
A. Jap is the repetition of God's name.
Q. Is it necessary to keep the number of repetitions?
A. Yes.
Q. How should the number be kept?
A. With the help of rosary or finger mark.
Q. What should one think of during Jap?
A. Think about God's grace.
Q. What is meditation?
A. To fix the mind on God with perfect attention for a longtime.
Q. What is Yoga?
A. Yoga is to develop body and mind simultaneously.
Q. What is Samadhi?
A. Samadhi is deepest meditation: Savikalpa and Nirvikalpa. In Savikalpa Samadhi, you have the experience of mind. In Nirvikalpa Samadhi, you will be identical with the Absolute Soul: mind and intellect will have no existence: everything will be merged into the Great Soul.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Sunday 7 February 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 24
FESTIVALS, CEREMONIES
AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES
Q. What are the main festivals of the Hindus?
A. The main festivals of the Hindus are: Holi, Dipavali, Ramnavami, Shiv-Ratri, Durga Pooja, Janmastami, and the main ceremonies are Mahabir Jhanda, Suryapooran, Hawan, Satya-Narayan Katha.
Q. All are the ceremonies for one Supreme God?
A. Yes. They are directed to one Supreme God.
Q. Are these festivals purely spiritual?
A. These festivals can be called socio-religious functions, for you invite some families and friends who must be looked after, and that takes much attention.
Q. Are not these festivals taken up with non-essential parts of ritualism?
A. That is festival! In festivals and ceremonies it is expected to be so. Again, what is non-essential for one may be essential for others. It depends upon your nature and what kind of rituals you choose. Different things are meant for different stages.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
AND RELIGIOUS PRACTICES
Q. What are the main festivals of the Hindus?
A. The main festivals of the Hindus are: Holi, Dipavali, Ramnavami, Shiv-Ratri, Durga Pooja, Janmastami, and the main ceremonies are Mahabir Jhanda, Suryapooran, Hawan, Satya-Narayan Katha.
Q. All are the ceremonies for one Supreme God?
A. Yes. They are directed to one Supreme God.
Q. Are these festivals purely spiritual?
A. These festivals can be called socio-religious functions, for you invite some families and friends who must be looked after, and that takes much attention.
Q. Are not these festivals taken up with non-essential parts of ritualism?
A. That is festival! In festivals and ceremonies it is expected to be so. Again, what is non-essential for one may be essential for others. It depends upon your nature and what kind of rituals you choose. Different things are meant for different stages.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Thursday 21 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 23
Q. What do Puraanas deal with?
A. The Puraanas deal with creation, destruction Genealogy of gods and Patriarchs, and the history of Manus and some royal dynasties.
Q. How many Puraanas are there?
A. There are eighteen, viz., Brahma, Padma, Brahmanda, Agni, Vishnu, Garuda, Brahmavaivarta, Shiva, Linga, Naarad, Skanda, Markandeya, Bhavishyat, Matsaya, Varaah, Kurma, Vamana and Bhagavat.
Q. What are the Dharma Shastras, and how many are there?
A. There are 20 in number. The most important is Manu Samhita which is the basis of Hindu law; others, too, deal with Canons worked out by different sages.
These are the names of Dharma Shastras: Manu, Vishnu, Yaajnavalkya, Angiras, Apastambhas, Kaatyaayana, Paraasara, Sankha, Daksha, Satapatha, Atri, Harita, Usanas, Yama, Samavarta, Brihaspati, Vyasa, Likhita, Gautama and Vasishta.
Q. Have all these texts been written in Sanskrit?
A. Yes, All, besides the Tulsidas Ramayana which is in Hindi.
Q. Is the Sanskrit language very old?
A. Yes. It is the mother of all Indo-European languages.
Q. Why do Hindus have so many scriptures?
A. From time to time different sages and wise persons have recorded their spiritual experiences in these scriptures. Those spiritual records collected from the time of antiquity have increased the number of religious texts. The varieties of Hindu scriptures are able to meet the needs of people of different tastes and stages.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
A. The Puraanas deal with creation, destruction Genealogy of gods and Patriarchs, and the history of Manus and some royal dynasties.
Q. How many Puraanas are there?
A. There are eighteen, viz., Brahma, Padma, Brahmanda, Agni, Vishnu, Garuda, Brahmavaivarta, Shiva, Linga, Naarad, Skanda, Markandeya, Bhavishyat, Matsaya, Varaah, Kurma, Vamana and Bhagavat.
Q. What are the Dharma Shastras, and how many are there?
A. There are 20 in number. The most important is Manu Samhita which is the basis of Hindu law; others, too, deal with Canons worked out by different sages.
These are the names of Dharma Shastras: Manu, Vishnu, Yaajnavalkya, Angiras, Apastambhas, Kaatyaayana, Paraasara, Sankha, Daksha, Satapatha, Atri, Harita, Usanas, Yama, Samavarta, Brihaspati, Vyasa, Likhita, Gautama and Vasishta.
Q. Have all these texts been written in Sanskrit?
A. Yes, All, besides the Tulsidas Ramayana which is in Hindi.
Q. Is the Sanskrit language very old?
A. Yes. It is the mother of all Indo-European languages.
Q. Why do Hindus have so many scriptures?
A. From time to time different sages and wise persons have recorded their spiritual experiences in these scriptures. Those spiritual records collected from the time of antiquity have increased the number of religious texts. The varieties of Hindu scriptures are able to meet the needs of people of different tastes and stages.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Wednesday 20 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 22
Q. What is Bhagavata Gita?
A. Bhagavata Gita is the teachings of Lord Krishna written by Vyasa Deva and is a part of the Mahabharat.
Q. What is Mahabharat?
A. Mahabharat is the life story of two Indian royal dynasties by the names of Pandvas and Kauravas and also of Lord Krishna.
Q. What is Ramayana?
A. Ramayana is the life story of Sri Ramchandra written by Valmiki and later by Tulsidas.
Q. What is Bhagavata?
A. Bhagavata is the life story of Lord Krishna.
Q. How many Upangas are there?
A. There are four, viz., (1) Puranas, (2) Nyaaya, (3) Mimansa and (4) Dharma-Shastras.
Q. How many Indian schools of philosophy or Darshana are there?
A. There are six, viz:, Yoga by sage Pantanjali for development of body and mind, (2) Nyaya by sage Gautama, dealing with logic, (3) Sankhaya by sage Kapila, dealing with Nature and Spirit, (4) Vaishesika by sage Kanada, dealing with atomic theory, (5) Purba Mimaanshaa by sage Jaimini, dealing with rituals and (6) Uttar Mimaanshaa or Vedaanta or Brahma Sutra by the sage Baadraayana, dealing with Upanishads.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
A. Bhagavata Gita is the teachings of Lord Krishna written by Vyasa Deva and is a part of the Mahabharat.
Q. What is Mahabharat?
A. Mahabharat is the life story of two Indian royal dynasties by the names of Pandvas and Kauravas and also of Lord Krishna.
Q. What is Ramayana?
A. Ramayana is the life story of Sri Ramchandra written by Valmiki and later by Tulsidas.
Q. What is Bhagavata?
A. Bhagavata is the life story of Lord Krishna.
Q. How many Upangas are there?
A. There are four, viz., (1) Puranas, (2) Nyaaya, (3) Mimansa and (4) Dharma-Shastras.
Q. How many Indian schools of philosophy or Darshana are there?
A. There are six, viz:, Yoga by sage Pantanjali for development of body and mind, (2) Nyaya by sage Gautama, dealing with logic, (3) Sankhaya by sage Kapila, dealing with Nature and Spirit, (4) Vaishesika by sage Kanada, dealing with atomic theory, (5) Purba Mimaanshaa by sage Jaimini, dealing with rituals and (6) Uttar Mimaanshaa or Vedaanta or Brahma Sutra by the sage Baadraayana, dealing with Upanishads.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Tuesday 19 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 21
Q. What are the final words (Maha Vakyam) of Vedas?
A. They are: "Tat Twam Ashi" means, Thou are that.
"Aham Brahmasshmi" means, I am Brahma.
"Ayam Aatmaa Brahma" means, This Soul is Brahma.
"Prajnaanam Aanandam Brahma" means, 'Brahma is Knowledge and Bliss.,'
Q. What are the Upavedas?
A. They are four, e.g., Ayurveda composed by Rishi Dhanwanttari for science of medicine. Dhanurveda by Rishi Viswaamitra for archery. Gandharvaveda by Narad for art of music and Artha Shastra for arts and crafts.
Q. How many Vedaangas are there?
A. There are six Vedaangas viz.
(1) Shiksha - Phonetics.
(2) Vyakaarana - Grammar.
(3) Nirukta - Vedic Glossary.
(4) Kalpa - Ritual.
(5) Chhanda - Metre.
(6) Jyotisha - Astrology.
Q. What is the Upanishad?
A. Upanishad is the knowledge portion of Vedas.
Q. How many Upanishads are there?
A. There are 108, but 11 are main: Isa, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Aitiriya, Taitiriya, Shwetashwatar, Chhaandodgya, Brihadaaranyaka.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
A. They are: "Tat Twam Ashi" means, Thou are that.
"Aham Brahmasshmi" means, I am Brahma.
"Ayam Aatmaa Brahma" means, This Soul is Brahma.
"Prajnaanam Aanandam Brahma" means, 'Brahma is Knowledge and Bliss.,'
Q. What are the Upavedas?
A. They are four, e.g., Ayurveda composed by Rishi Dhanwanttari for science of medicine. Dhanurveda by Rishi Viswaamitra for archery. Gandharvaveda by Narad for art of music and Artha Shastra for arts and crafts.
Q. How many Vedaangas are there?
A. There are six Vedaangas viz.
(1) Shiksha - Phonetics.
(2) Vyakaarana - Grammar.
(3) Nirukta - Vedic Glossary.
(4) Kalpa - Ritual.
(5) Chhanda - Metre.
(6) Jyotisha - Astrology.
Q. What is the Upanishad?
A. Upanishad is the knowledge portion of Vedas.
Q. How many Upanishads are there?
A. There are 108, but 11 are main: Isa, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Aitiriya, Taitiriya, Shwetashwatar, Chhaandodgya, Brihadaaranyaka.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji.
Monday 18 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 20
SCRIPTURES
Q. What is the main scripture of the Hindus?
A. Vedas.
Q. Is it an ordinary book?
A. No, it is a revealed scripture.
Q. To whom was it revealed?
A. To devas named - Agni, Aditya, Vayu, Angiras.
Q. What is the meaning of Veda?
A. The word Veda means knowledge, and literally it is a book of wisdom.
Q. How many Vedas are there?
A. There are four Vedas, viz., Rig, Saam, Yajur and Atharva.
Q. In what language the Vedas were written?
A. Sanskrit.
Q. What do the different Vedas contain?
A. All. the four Vedas contain high philosophical and divine knowledge; still Rig Veda is mainly for Hymns, Yajur Veda is for sacrificial formulas, Saam Veda is for sacrificial songs and Atharva Veda is for scientific formulas.
Q. What is the age of Vedas?
A. The position of the Vedas is quite different from that of other revealed scriptures. Saayanaachaarya, the great commentator of the Vedas, says, "Yo Vedebhyah akhilam jagat nirmaame", that is, God created this world with the wisdom and knowledge of the Vedas. That is to say that the knowledge found in the Vedas is eternal. Yet, in the beginning of each cycle of creation the knowledge of the Vedas is revealed. In this cycle the Vedas were first revealed to the Devas - Agni, Aditya, Vayu and Angiras. After that the knowledge was revealed to the Rishis, who are called 'Mantra-drastaa', like Vishwaamitra, Vaibaswata Muni, Vashishtha, Baama Deva (all revealation did not take place at the same moment) in the beginning of man's creation, that is during the Vaibaswata Manvantar, age of which is 120,533,030 years. This implies that 120,533,030 years is the age of the literary form or present word-form of the Vedas, though in knowledge-form it was revealed in the beginning of 'Aadi sristi' (1,972,940,030 years ago) to the deities - Agni, Aditya, Vaayu and Angiras. Of course, this is the orthodox view of Arya Samaj, Swami Vivekananda and ourselves; while the view of other Indian scholars vary from two lacs of years to ten thousands years. But, western scholars whose attempts have always been to bring down the age of Indian civilisation say that the age of the Vedas cannot be older than 1500 B.C.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Q. What is the main scripture of the Hindus?
A. Vedas.
Q. Is it an ordinary book?
A. No, it is a revealed scripture.
Q. To whom was it revealed?
A. To devas named - Agni, Aditya, Vayu, Angiras.
Q. What is the meaning of Veda?
A. The word Veda means knowledge, and literally it is a book of wisdom.
Q. How many Vedas are there?
A. There are four Vedas, viz., Rig, Saam, Yajur and Atharva.
Q. In what language the Vedas were written?
A. Sanskrit.
Q. What do the different Vedas contain?
A. All. the four Vedas contain high philosophical and divine knowledge; still Rig Veda is mainly for Hymns, Yajur Veda is for sacrificial formulas, Saam Veda is for sacrificial songs and Atharva Veda is for scientific formulas.
Q. What is the age of Vedas?
A. The position of the Vedas is quite different from that of other revealed scriptures. Saayanaachaarya, the great commentator of the Vedas, says, "Yo Vedebhyah akhilam jagat nirmaame", that is, God created this world with the wisdom and knowledge of the Vedas. That is to say that the knowledge found in the Vedas is eternal. Yet, in the beginning of each cycle of creation the knowledge of the Vedas is revealed. In this cycle the Vedas were first revealed to the Devas - Agni, Aditya, Vayu and Angiras. After that the knowledge was revealed to the Rishis, who are called 'Mantra-drastaa', like Vishwaamitra, Vaibaswata Muni, Vashishtha, Baama Deva (all revealation did not take place at the same moment) in the beginning of man's creation, that is during the Vaibaswata Manvantar, age of which is 120,533,030 years. This implies that 120,533,030 years is the age of the literary form or present word-form of the Vedas, though in knowledge-form it was revealed in the beginning of 'Aadi sristi' (1,972,940,030 years ago) to the deities - Agni, Aditya, Vaayu and Angiras. Of course, this is the orthodox view of Arya Samaj, Swami Vivekananda and ourselves; while the view of other Indian scholars vary from two lacs of years to ten thousands years. But, western scholars whose attempts have always been to bring down the age of Indian civilisation say that the age of the Vedas cannot be older than 1500 B.C.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Sunday 17 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 19
WHETHER MAN'S RETROGRESSION
IN ANIMAL LIFE IS POSSIBLE
Q. After passing through different stages and births when one has been able to rise to the human life can he go back to lower birth again?
A. If he does low actions he will have to go back.
Q. Will he go back as low as to the animal stage?
A. Yes. He is already animal, as he behaves like an animal. Only his outward appearance remains as human; this, too, will change into an animal in the next birth.
Q. Does it not sound illogical that man will become animal?
A. It may. But man's behaviour like animal sounds illogical too.
Q. What are the other factors which can make man animal?
A. When one is busy with sensuous things, he ordinarily breeds more and more desires which also need to be fulfilled. The only possible way that one can experience that extremely lustful and sensuous state is through an animal body.
Q. Is it not too hard a punishment?
A. Yes, but not so hard as eternal hell.
Q. Is not this kind of retrogression against the theory of evolution?
A. No. This retrogression is only a temporary arrangement; though the sinner will be under penalty, yet he will be marching on the road of evolution.
Q. How long has one to remain in an animal life?
A. It depends upon the nature and degree of sin which one has committed.
Q. Coming out from animal life once, can he become animal again?
A. If he is not careful, he may. Why animal? He may become worse! Everything depends upon his actions.
Q. In that kind of animal life, can he pray to God?
A. Popular belief is this that animal life is for experience only. For higher activities like praying, etc., he has to wait for human life; still, there might be exceptions.
Q. Can a man be reborn as a woman or vice-versa.
A. Yes.
Q. Can man or animal become a tree in a future life or vice-versa.
A. Yes, according to Karma.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
IN ANIMAL LIFE IS POSSIBLE
Q. After passing through different stages and births when one has been able to rise to the human life can he go back to lower birth again?
A. If he does low actions he will have to go back.
Q. Will he go back as low as to the animal stage?
A. Yes. He is already animal, as he behaves like an animal. Only his outward appearance remains as human; this, too, will change into an animal in the next birth.
Q. Does it not sound illogical that man will become animal?
A. It may. But man's behaviour like animal sounds illogical too.
Q. What are the other factors which can make man animal?
A. When one is busy with sensuous things, he ordinarily breeds more and more desires which also need to be fulfilled. The only possible way that one can experience that extremely lustful and sensuous state is through an animal body.
Q. Is it not too hard a punishment?
A. Yes, but not so hard as eternal hell.
Q. Is not this kind of retrogression against the theory of evolution?
A. No. This retrogression is only a temporary arrangement; though the sinner will be under penalty, yet he will be marching on the road of evolution.
Q. How long has one to remain in an animal life?
A. It depends upon the nature and degree of sin which one has committed.
Q. Coming out from animal life once, can he become animal again?
A. If he is not careful, he may. Why animal? He may become worse! Everything depends upon his actions.
Q. In that kind of animal life, can he pray to God?
A. Popular belief is this that animal life is for experience only. For higher activities like praying, etc., he has to wait for human life; still, there might be exceptions.
Q. Can a man be reborn as a woman or vice-versa.
A. Yes.
Q. Can man or animal become a tree in a future life or vice-versa.
A. Yes, according to Karma.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1. Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Friday 15 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 18
Q. Where do sinners go?
A. They are destined to suffer either taking low birth or going in some dark region after death.
Q. How do people feel during death?
A. Seers realize God, and the virtuous leave the body with comfort and happiness.
Q. What about the material people and the sinners?
A. They have no end of suffering during the time of death. No suffering of the life-time can be compared with death-time suffering. They are as it were, squeezed in the iron wheel, or thrown into the fire, or torn as under, or lost sight, or carried in the sky and thrown in the sea or turned in the whril pool like straw (Vasist Ramayan 3:54).
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1 Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
A. They are destined to suffer either taking low birth or going in some dark region after death.
Q. How do people feel during death?
A. Seers realize God, and the virtuous leave the body with comfort and happiness.
Q. What about the material people and the sinners?
A. They have no end of suffering during the time of death. No suffering of the life-time can be compared with death-time suffering. They are as it were, squeezed in the iron wheel, or thrown into the fire, or torn as under, or lost sight, or carried in the sky and thrown in the sea or turned in the whril pool like straw (Vasist Ramayan 3:54).
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1 Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Thursday 14 January 2016
MIRACLE
A small idea can create a miracle.
- Unknown
World's most inventions are born from a small idea..
- Unknown
World's most inventions are born from a small idea..
HINDUTVAM SERIES 17
Q. How does the next life start?
A. When causal body breeds desire, the next life starts then and there. But the desire needs fine body and a physical body in order to make itself effective. So, according to the nature of the desire, the fine body and the physical body, must be constituted. Though the seed for the next life is already there, new birth has to be delayed until the required body and mind along with suitable parentage are ready. In other words, when all these above-mentioned bodies are ready, only then a new birth is possible.
Q. What is meant by suitable parentage?
A. Where you will get all opportunities to fulfill the purpose of your present birth.
Q. How does the soul (Jeeva) leave the body during death?
A. The finer portions of the organs, i.e., eye, ear, tongue, etc., merge into the mind, and the mind merges into the Prana or vital energy, and the Prana into the soul, and the soul leaves the body during death.
Q. What road does the Jeeva or fine body take after death?
A. There are two roads, one leading to the Supreme, and the other brings you back to the world. The Bhagavad Gita in 24th and 25th verses of the eighth chapter says: "The seer takes the path to the realm of fire, light, daytime, bright fortnight, the Sun's northern passage and eventually reaches the Supreme. And the path of smoke, night-time, dark fortnight and the Sun's Southern passage leads the Yogi and the virtuous people to lunar light where they stay for a certain length of time according to their karma and then return to rebirth."
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1 Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
A. When causal body breeds desire, the next life starts then and there. But the desire needs fine body and a physical body in order to make itself effective. So, according to the nature of the desire, the fine body and the physical body, must be constituted. Though the seed for the next life is already there, new birth has to be delayed until the required body and mind along with suitable parentage are ready. In other words, when all these above-mentioned bodies are ready, only then a new birth is possible.
Q. What is meant by suitable parentage?
A. Where you will get all opportunities to fulfill the purpose of your present birth.
Q. How does the soul (Jeeva) leave the body during death?
A. The finer portions of the organs, i.e., eye, ear, tongue, etc., merge into the mind, and the mind merges into the Prana or vital energy, and the Prana into the soul, and the soul leaves the body during death.
Q. What road does the Jeeva or fine body take after death?
A. There are two roads, one leading to the Supreme, and the other brings you back to the world. The Bhagavad Gita in 24th and 25th verses of the eighth chapter says: "The seer takes the path to the realm of fire, light, daytime, bright fortnight, the Sun's northern passage and eventually reaches the Supreme. And the path of smoke, night-time, dark fortnight and the Sun's Southern passage leads the Yogi and the virtuous people to lunar light where they stay for a certain length of time according to their karma and then return to rebirth."
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol.1 Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Wednesday 13 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 16
Q. Does the fine body improve after death?
A. It may improve or retard according to its karma, but from the point of broader principles of evolutionary process, it can be said it
progresses.
Q. What happens to us before death?
A The mind will stay only on a few things for which one has more attachment, and just at the time of death one single dominating thought remains, and as life ends, that last thought will determine the future life (Gita 8:6).
Q. What is fine body or Shukshma Sharira?
A. Fine body comprises mind, intellect, feeling and egotism (four functions of the mind), finer portions of the five working organs (hands, feet, etc.), and five knowledge organs (eye, nose, etc.), and five kinds of winds that work in the body. These nineteen elements comprise the fine body.
Q. What is the real cause of birth?
A. Desire.
Q. If that is so then is birth limitless?
A. Yes, So long as you have desire, you have to take birth again and again.
Q. When will this infinite circle of birth and deaths end?
A. When all desires will terminate. That is the stage of salvation.
Q. What is the casual body?
A. Casual body is ignorance which brings you new birth.
Q. How does casual body leave during death?
A. Since casual body is the cause of birth, it starts functioning by breeding desires which will give a new birth.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1 Published by: Fiji Sevahsram Sangh, Suva, Fiji
A. It may improve or retard according to its karma, but from the point of broader principles of evolutionary process, it can be said it
progresses.
Q. What happens to us before death?
A The mind will stay only on a few things for which one has more attachment, and just at the time of death one single dominating thought remains, and as life ends, that last thought will determine the future life (Gita 8:6).
Q. What is fine body or Shukshma Sharira?
A. Fine body comprises mind, intellect, feeling and egotism (four functions of the mind), finer portions of the five working organs (hands, feet, etc.), and five knowledge organs (eye, nose, etc.), and five kinds of winds that work in the body. These nineteen elements comprise the fine body.
Q. What is the real cause of birth?
A. Desire.
Q. If that is so then is birth limitless?
A. Yes, So long as you have desire, you have to take birth again and again.
Q. When will this infinite circle of birth and deaths end?
A. When all desires will terminate. That is the stage of salvation.
Q. What is the casual body?
A. Casual body is ignorance which brings you new birth.
Q. How does casual body leave during death?
A. Since casual body is the cause of birth, it starts functioning by breeding desires which will give a new birth.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1 Published by: Fiji Sevahsram Sangh, Suva, Fiji
Tuesday 12 January 2016
HONESTY
You cannot expect honesty from everyone. Honesty is the most valuable gift. Not everyone has this gift.
- unknown
- unknown
HINDUTVAM SERIES 15
BIRTH AND DEATH
Q. What is birth?
A. The entering of soul or jeewaatma (soul) in a new body is birth.
Q. What is death?
A. The destruction of the physical body is death.
Q. How many kinds of bodies are there in the human life?
A. There are three kinds, viz., physical body, fine body and casual body.
Q. What happens during death?
A. The physical body of flesh, blood and bone perishes. The fine body coming out from the physical body remains in the atmosphere and moves near the dead body for a length of time due to its attraction towards it. And the casual body takes birth or starts its functions immediately.
Q. Which is better, cremation or burial, and why?
A. As long as the fine body can remember the physical body, it will have attachment towards it. So, the quicker the physical body is forgotten the better for the fine body, for it then can proceed to take a new birth, and for that reason cremation is better than burial. In burial there will be more chances of the soul being attached to the dead body.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1 Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Q. What is birth?
A. The entering of soul or jeewaatma (soul) in a new body is birth.
Q. What is death?
A. The destruction of the physical body is death.
Q. How many kinds of bodies are there in the human life?
A. There are three kinds, viz., physical body, fine body and casual body.
Q. What happens during death?
A. The physical body of flesh, blood and bone perishes. The fine body coming out from the physical body remains in the atmosphere and moves near the dead body for a length of time due to its attraction towards it. And the casual body takes birth or starts its functions immediately.
Q. Which is better, cremation or burial, and why?
A. As long as the fine body can remember the physical body, it will have attachment towards it. So, the quicker the physical body is forgotten the better for the fine body, for it then can proceed to take a new birth, and for that reason cremation is better than burial. In burial there will be more chances of the soul being attached to the dead body.
Courtesy: Hindutvam Vol. 1 Published by: Fiji Sevashram Sangha, Suva, Fiji
Sunday 10 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 14
AUM
Q. What is "Aum"?
A. "Aum" is the Pranava or Word-God (probably, corresponding to the logos of Christian Theology) and the nearest and dearest name of God.
Q. How is the word "Aum" constituted?
A. "Aum" is a Sanskrit word. Though there are three letters in "Aum", it is nothing but the prolonged sound of 'A' (ah). That means 'A' and "Aum" are identical.
The first vowel 'A' (ah) is not only the first letter of the Sanskrit language but of all languages. This primal sound "A" has started before the creation and has been continuing and will continue in all time to come. All sounds from whichever source they come to us, come out from that one primal source "A" but the sounds differ due to different mediums through which they pass, as we/see in the piano, one single sound coming out differently due to its passing through different reeds.
The primal sound can be heard by a perfect Yogi within himself. Everything in this world has a name, and the 'name' and the 'named' (the thing or person possessing the name) are one and the same. Without 'name' you cannot think of anything. This 'name' is wrapped up in that primal sound 'Aum', So the conclusion comes that everything is pervaded by 'Aum', and the all-pervading thing is nothing but God, so 'Aum' is identical with God.
Q. What is "Aum"?
A. "Aum" is the Pranava or Word-God (probably, corresponding to the logos of Christian Theology) and the nearest and dearest name of God.
Q. How is the word "Aum" constituted?
A. "Aum" is a Sanskrit word. Though there are three letters in "Aum", it is nothing but the prolonged sound of 'A' (ah). That means 'A' and "Aum" are identical.
The first vowel 'A' (ah) is not only the first letter of the Sanskrit language but of all languages. This primal sound "A" has started before the creation and has been continuing and will continue in all time to come. All sounds from whichever source they come to us, come out from that one primal source "A" but the sounds differ due to different mediums through which they pass, as we/see in the piano, one single sound coming out differently due to its passing through different reeds.
The primal sound can be heard by a perfect Yogi within himself. Everything in this world has a name, and the 'name' and the 'named' (the thing or person possessing the name) are one and the same. Without 'name' you cannot think of anything. This 'name' is wrapped up in that primal sound 'Aum', So the conclusion comes that everything is pervaded by 'Aum', and the all-pervading thing is nothing but God, so 'Aum' is identical with God.
Saturday 9 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 13
INCARNATION OF GOD
Q. Do the Hindus believe in the incarnation of God?
A. Yes.
Q. What is the idea of this doctrine?
A. God, being all-powerful and merciful, can take form for the good of humanity .in different ways and in different ages (Gita 4:8).
Q. Does God's power not become limited when He takes birth in space and time?
A. No. He remains the same all-powerful God even though He takes human form. It has been stated in the Gita, fourth chapter sixth verse, that He controls the Maya when He takes form so that Maya cannot touch Him.
Q. Why the Hindus do not believe in only one incarnation?
A. There are two reasons for that:
(1) The mission of the limitless infinite God cannot be completed in one incarnation:
(2) Each incarnation of God fulfills the demand of that time. So, when the time changes, some other personality will be needed to fulfill the purpose of the changed circumstances.
Q. Do the Hindus believe in the incarnation of God?
A. Yes.
Q. What is the idea of this doctrine?
A. God, being all-powerful and merciful, can take form for the good of humanity .in different ways and in different ages (Gita 4:8).
Q. Does God's power not become limited when He takes birth in space and time?
A. No. He remains the same all-powerful God even though He takes human form. It has been stated in the Gita, fourth chapter sixth verse, that He controls the Maya when He takes form so that Maya cannot touch Him.
Q. Why the Hindus do not believe in only one incarnation?
A. There are two reasons for that:
(1) The mission of the limitless infinite God cannot be completed in one incarnation:
(2) Each incarnation of God fulfills the demand of that time. So, when the time changes, some other personality will be needed to fulfill the purpose of the changed circumstances.
Friday 8 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 12
Q. Do the Hindus worship many gods?
A. It may appear that the Hindus worship many Gods, but the real position is different. Each god when worshipped, is conceived as the manifestation of the one Almighty God. In philosophical term this may be called Henotheism. Propitiation of these divine manifestations who are in human forms assists the worshipper enormously in acquiring godly qualities like, spirit of sacrifice, patience, concentration and then love for God which are absolutely necessary to realise that One.
Without this sort of gradual process one can hardly think of an Infinite God with a finite mind, or like Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapt.xi) the worshipper will be frightened even if the Great God appears before him with His-all-powerful glamour.
Q. What is Shiva-linga Puja?
A. As the Hindu way of life demands propitiation of each Power of God, so is the worshipping of the Generative Power of God.
Q. Is there any other religion where this system prevails?
A. Oxford Dictionary mentions, "Symbol of generative Power in nature is venerated in various religious systems, specially in the Dionysion Festivals in ancient Greece."
Q. Why then some people criticise Hindus for Shiva-linga Puja?
A. Well, it is not difficult to discover evil anywhere if one is determined to see it. Look to the following remarks of Mahatma Gandhi: "It was in a Missionary (Christian) book that I first learned that Shiva-lingam has any obscenity at all..."
Q. Anyway, Lord Siva is god of Destruction, though Creative Force of God is attributed to Brahma, not to Siva. How in the Siva-linga Puja Lord Siva is reversed? Hindu Religion is really confusing.
A. Yes. Hinduism is already confusing, and it will be more so, if you want to understand everything from a booklet like this.
A. It may appear that the Hindus worship many Gods, but the real position is different. Each god when worshipped, is conceived as the manifestation of the one Almighty God. In philosophical term this may be called Henotheism. Propitiation of these divine manifestations who are in human forms assists the worshipper enormously in acquiring godly qualities like, spirit of sacrifice, patience, concentration and then love for God which are absolutely necessary to realise that One.
Without this sort of gradual process one can hardly think of an Infinite God with a finite mind, or like Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapt.xi) the worshipper will be frightened even if the Great God appears before him with His-all-powerful glamour.
Q. What is Shiva-linga Puja?
A. As the Hindu way of life demands propitiation of each Power of God, so is the worshipping of the Generative Power of God.
Q. Is there any other religion where this system prevails?
A. Oxford Dictionary mentions, "Symbol of generative Power in nature is venerated in various religious systems, specially in the Dionysion Festivals in ancient Greece."
Q. Why then some people criticise Hindus for Shiva-linga Puja?
A. Well, it is not difficult to discover evil anywhere if one is determined to see it. Look to the following remarks of Mahatma Gandhi: "It was in a Missionary (Christian) book that I first learned that Shiva-lingam has any obscenity at all..."
Q. Anyway, Lord Siva is god of Destruction, though Creative Force of God is attributed to Brahma, not to Siva. How in the Siva-linga Puja Lord Siva is reversed? Hindu Religion is really confusing.
A. Yes. Hinduism is already confusing, and it will be more so, if you want to understand everything from a booklet like this.
Thursday 7 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 11
Q. If we are to suffer or enjoy according to our own actions, how can we then benefit by prayer to God?
A. Prayer to God will inspire us towards good actions.
Q. If God is everywhere, why do we not see Him?
A. There are two reasons why we cannot see God:
(1) Due to our ignorance,
(2) The more something is fine the more difficult it is to see it, e.g. air, atom, etc. God being the finest and largest of all is not seen except with the eyes of wisdom.
Q. If God is everything, why do things perish?
A. Only the Mayic parts of things perish:
(1) Naam (Name), (2) Roop (Form), (3) Sat (Existence),
(4) Chit (Consciousness), (5) Anand (Blissfullness).
The first two which belong to Maya, perish while the other three, which are one with God, never change.
Q. Who are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva?
A. They are respectively creative force, preserving force and destructive force of the same Almighty God.
Q. Do the Hindus worship idols?
A. No, Hindus never worship idols. But some Hindus, according to the stages of their spiritual life, use idols as symbols. As a matter of fact, almost everybody, Hindus or non-Hindus, use some kind of symbol during the time of worship. A church is also a symbol. According to Mahatma Gandhi, taking help of symbols in times of worship is almost unavoidable and it is in the nature of every human being.
A. Prayer to God will inspire us towards good actions.
Q. If God is everywhere, why do we not see Him?
A. There are two reasons why we cannot see God:
(1) Due to our ignorance,
(2) The more something is fine the more difficult it is to see it, e.g. air, atom, etc. God being the finest and largest of all is not seen except with the eyes of wisdom.
Q. If God is everything, why do things perish?
A. Only the Mayic parts of things perish:
(1) Naam (Name), (2) Roop (Form), (3) Sat (Existence),
(4) Chit (Consciousness), (5) Anand (Blissfullness).
The first two which belong to Maya, perish while the other three, which are one with God, never change.
Q. Who are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva?
A. They are respectively creative force, preserving force and destructive force of the same Almighty God.
Q. Do the Hindus worship idols?
A. No, Hindus never worship idols. But some Hindus, according to the stages of their spiritual life, use idols as symbols. As a matter of fact, almost everybody, Hindus or non-Hindus, use some kind of symbol during the time of worship. A church is also a symbol. According to Mahatma Gandhi, taking help of symbols in times of worship is almost unavoidable and it is in the nature of every human being.
Wednesday 6 January 2016
HINDUTVAM SERIES 10
Q. What is the age of creation?
A. The Western people according to the Bible believe that creation is only 6,000 years old. But with the scientific discoveries and the unearthing of some ancient relics, people have started to believe that man lived in this world quite a few million years before. The date of creation, according to orthodox Hindu view, is much more ancient. The question still remains open, for something may in future throw some more light on this matter.
GOD (Ishwara / Bhagwan)
Q. Who is God ?
A. God is the creator of this universe. He is the sustainer and in Him the universe will merge after dissolution. He is all-pervading and indivisible.
Q. What are the attributes of God?
A. All existence, all consciousness; all bliss (Sat, Chit, Anand),
Q. Does God know everything?
A. Yes, God knows everything, nothing that comes in our mind can be hidden from Him.
Q. How can we please God?
A. By prayer and by performing our duties.
Q. Where is God?
A. God is everywhere.
Q. How can we know God?
A. By being free from all desires.
Q. When we see immense suffering in this world, can we say God is impartial?
A. Suffering comes according to one's own actions or Karma, and not due to God's partiality.
A. The Western people according to the Bible believe that creation is only 6,000 years old. But with the scientific discoveries and the unearthing of some ancient relics, people have started to believe that man lived in this world quite a few million years before. The date of creation, according to orthodox Hindu view, is much more ancient. The question still remains open, for something may in future throw some more light on this matter.
GOD (Ishwara / Bhagwan)
Q. Who is God ?
A. God is the creator of this universe. He is the sustainer and in Him the universe will merge after dissolution. He is all-pervading and indivisible.
Q. What are the attributes of God?
A. All existence, all consciousness; all bliss (Sat, Chit, Anand),
Q. Does God know everything?
A. Yes, God knows everything, nothing that comes in our mind can be hidden from Him.
Q. How can we please God?
A. By prayer and by performing our duties.
Q. Where is God?
A. God is everywhere.
Q. How can we know God?
A. By being free from all desires.
Q. When we see immense suffering in this world, can we say God is impartial?
A. Suffering comes according to one's own actions or Karma, and not due to God's partiality.
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