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.
Tuesday, 16 February 2016
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
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