This question was asked on Quora and the questioner had added:
“RSS and BJP say everyone living in India is a Hindu. Then who are actual Hindus? Is Hinduism really a religion?”
I have expanded my original answer:
Whether Hinduism is a religion depends on how religion is defined. Most people probably would say that religion is:
about believing in an invisible Supreme Being, which is the cause of our existence,
about methods and rituals to worship it,
about living according to its laws or will.
In this case, Hinduism is definitely a religion. In fact, it is the Mother of all religions, because the Indian Vedas had postulated already in very ancient times the existence of such a Supreme Being. They called it Brahman (from big, expanding) and declared it cannot be imagined by the human mind, but the best description is Sat-Chit-Ananda (= it is true, knows itself and is blissful). It is all-pervading and therefore the essence (Latin: esse = to be) of everything, including us.
So why does the question arise whether Hinduism is a religion?
To find out, we need to look at those religions where nobody has a doubt that these are religions. The term ‘religion’ was first used for the Catholic Church and later for Islam, too, and nobody has a doubt that these two are the main religions in today’s world.
These two religions also are about the 3 points mentioned above. Yet there are significant differences.
The Supreme Being (called God or Allah respectively) is not the essence in all, but is a separate entity with certain personal traits. One most important trait is that He is jealous of other gods and wants the whole of humanity to worship only Him. Both religions give out a dire warning: those who do not accept this truth will burn eternally in hell.
How do these religions know that this is the truth? Because they claim that the Supreme Being himself has revealed this truth to one person (in the case of Christianity to Jesus Christ some 2000 years ago and in the case of Islam to Prophet Mohammed some 1400 years ago).
Here is where another definition of religion comes in – a “belief-system”. It needs blind, unverifiable belief in what the ‘founder’ of the religion has said and which is written down in a book.
If we look at history, the Church for which the term religion (Latin: to bind) was first used, did not allow its followers to leave the Church. Christianity had blasphemy laws with terrible punishment enforced by state laws, before Christian countries became secular only a couple of centuries ago. Many Islamic countries even today have blasphemy laws and Muslims are not allowed to leave Islam.
Now if religion means to bind, it can be safely assumed it meant that the followers were bound to the doctrine of the respective belief system. The followers had to ‘religiously’ stick to the doctrine.
Here Hinduism is clearly not a religion, because Hindus are not bound to any doctrine. Hinduism does not have one historical person as founder and does not require blind belief in what this founder said about the Supreme and how to live one’s life.
But Hindus also worship the Supreme in many different ways and forms, maybe even more ardently than the followers of other religions. So does this not make Hindus followers of a religion?
It does not. To realise that there is a supreme power and intelligence at the base of this universe and our person, is simply common sense and philosophy (Greek: love for wisdom). Even atheists have to acknowledge a supreme power. They call it nature. Fact is, we are neither in charge of our bodies and minds nor in charge of the universe.
The next step is logical: can we find out what this great power and intelligence is? The ancient Indian rishis did just this. They conducted an enquiry and inner observation and exploration into the truth, especially into the truth of what they really are. They discovered the existence of blissful oneness as the essence in themselves and in all – Sat-chit-ananda.
However, Satchitananda is hidden below thoughts and emotions, and it is not easy to still the mind. Shri Krishna compared in the Bhagavad Gita stilling the mind as difficult as stilling the wind. The aspirant needs detachment from egotistical desires and a lot of practise. And above all, he must WANT to realise the truth and thereby become free of wrong perception. Yet if someone is sincere in his aspiration, the ancient, divinely inspired Indian texts, give plenty of valuable advice – from murti pooja (the misunderstood, much maligned ‘idol-worship’), via hatha, jnana, bhakti and karma yoga, right to mediation on the formless Brahman. Divine Grace, too, favours the sincere seeker because the all-pervading truth is alive, and not some dead, theoretical construct.
That means to know the truth, religion is not necessary. In fact, it may be a hindrance, because religions do not even attempt to go beyond the mind and therefore miss discovering the absolute truth. There were several Christian and Muslim mystics who accidentally discovered their oneness with the Supreme and were hounded and even killed by the authorities of their respective religion.
So is RSS and BJP correct if they say that all those living in India are Hindus?
Both terms have the same root and a geographical connotation. Hindus/ Indians were those who lived beyond the Sindhu. Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha claims there is a shloka in Barhaspatya Samhita which calls the land between the Himalaya and Indusarovara (which has meanwhile disappeared under the sea) as Hindusthan. Dr. Subramanian Swamy says that the Chinese call Indians ‘Hindi’. So RSS and BJP have a point.
So why do Indian Christians and Muslims have no objection to be called Indians but resent to be called Hindus? Why are they so allergic to a mere “H”? The reason may be that the missionaries called the Indian tradition Hindu-ism, not Indian-ism, and did their best to make it look as the worst of all religions, yet assured their own flock that their respective religion alone has the ‘full truth’. The missionaries were successful in creating a wrong impression about the Indian tradition, but truth can never be hidden for long. In our times, when blind belief is more and more questioned, many Indians again discover the value of their tradition, and westerners, who started doubting their own belief system, also turn to India in their quest for fulfilment in life.
They probably would not say that they have found a better ‘religion’. They simply have found clarity about truth which is such relief compared to the distortion of truth and the hypocrisy about a “God” who loves only certain people and sends the rest to hell.
By Maria Wirth
44 Comments
HINDUISM WILL NOT SURVIVE UNDER PRESENT CONDITIONS UNLESS HINDUS HAVE THEIR OWN NATION TO SUPPORT AND DEFEND . NEW BORN CULTURE LIKE ISLAM ARE VERY DEADLY WHEN THEY ARE IN MAJORITY. ALL OTHERS ARE ON DEAD BED .
Maria in Russian means goddess associated with the god of destruction and true to her name when maria Ji speaks,its like she,the bhagwati uma,the consort of herself is speaking
Hi Maria
Wonderful, thought provoking and insightful
Just to share , the maha Ganapathie principle simply put is, the force behind all of existence the very nature of being. Energy will remain in a state of unanimated suspension if no force is applied.
When Maha Ganapathie is invoked as in all proceeding , a gateway and vibration is established to any specific or all the engeries this becomes THE CAUSE OF THE CAUSELESS , when the manifestation of thought into action this is the FORM OF THE FORMLESS
Maha Ganapathie also represents that which resonates in every atom,every thought and in every action. The state of being
Great article ma’am. His name is Subramanian Swamy. Please ignore if you’re referring to some other person with that name.
thank you
Even an atheist can be considered a Hindu.
The concept of religion as we know and understand it today is post hoc as far as ancient South Asian ‘way of life’ (for want of a better terminology) is concerned. The ‘way if life’ was actually a microcosm of multiple belief systems all being existing simultaneously all valid individually as well as collectively.
This is a great article and i will try to answer your doubts based on my knowledge.
1. “RSS and BJP say everyone living in India is a Hindu. Then who are actual Hindus? Is Hinduism really a religion?”
2. So why does the question arise whether Hinduism is a religion?
3. How do these religions know that this is the truth? Because they claim that the Supreme Being himself has revealed this truth to one person (in the case of Christianity to Jesus Christ some 2000 years ago and in the case of Islam to Prophet Mohammed some 1400 years ago).
4. Here Hinduism is clearly not a religion, because Hindus are not bound to any doctrine. Hinduism does not have one historical person as founder and does not require blind belief in what this founder said about the Supreme and how to live one’s life.
5.So is RSS and BJP correct if they say that all those living in India are Hindus?
6. So why do Indian Christians and Muslims have no objection to be called Indians but resent to be called Hindus? Why are they so allergic to a mere “H”?
KRINVANTO SWAYAM ARYAM – Make yourself noble
Only when this knowledge (of the Vedas) is put into practice (yoga) for the benefit of one’s protection from pain and misery it is called dharma, until then it remains religion.
In other words, it is the intellect that must first be addressed in the elevation of the human soul.
“In studying the systems of philosophy, it is necessary that the mind adopt a discipline of impartiality and sobriety. It must then be raised to an exalted mental condition through the process of reasoning. This intellectual function is required for the comprehension of recondite and invisible truths of matter and nature.” Swami Dayanand
http://www.vjsingh.info/books.html
Dr. Subramanian Swamy received a PhD in Economics in 1965 from Harvard.
Nice article but you tired to analyse based on your stand of opinion. Vedas greatest philosophical texts talks about soul, supreme being etc.. but Indian society has transformed and many things changed and deviated from study of vedas. You just stick onto them and say its a philosophy. You should conisider jts later transformation in the present society. Still case laid before supreme court to differentiate between “hindhuism” and “hinduthva” . You cleaverly ignored the word hinduthva to prove your point. “The jealous god tried make himslef supreme ” shows your stance. Thats doctrine of particular religion you cant say that. Kindly Talk about the contemporary meaning. You talk about fundamental philosophy of Vedas and try to provoke people. Yes vedas are fundamental , but while saying that even mention society’s deviation from it.
Common belief and well established laws.
Promising purification of sins.
Salvation.
Arent these present jn hindhuism atleast in present form of hindhuism?
Hinduthva is a way of life but not hindhuism. Be practical and stirve for better human values.
Thanks Madam, for this wonderful article.
simply great as usual. But the basic question remains unanswered as to How to achieve the goal ?
This needs brainstorming. But one important aspect is that this debate about religion is out in the open. People need to know. Then maybe they dare to think for themselves.
Nice article, might have cleared doubts to so many people on the basics of Sanatana Dharma. You again pitched it very correctly. Sanatan Dharma cannot be uprooted as long as the World is exists. There will be some saviours like Sankaracharya emerge as and when there is a need. Well, that’s it. No need worry about.
I’m absolutely left in awe and with no question regarding what you have written. Slow clapping. But the problem is, the truth is always bitter and that’s why rest of the world is trying to resist it including the very Indian converts.
Nice one Maria.
Maria, as a Christian I am not allergic to the term “Hindu”. The only problem is that some use the term to denote religion, and some use it to denote the territory. Recently RSS chief says that Muslims are Hindu by nationality. Fine. But the question is: If adherents of Islam are Hindus by nationality, and Muslims by faith, then what is RSS Chief by faith?
Religion is to mean “bind” or to “connect”. It is not used in the sense of imprisoning, but in the sense of relating, connecting, linking with that which is sacred or divine or sublime. It is difficult to define religion precisely, and so normally it is defined in term of cultic rituals. Followers of Vedic religion used to say that theirs is not a religion, but a way of life. But there are Christians and Muslims as well who say similar thing. So I think it depends on how one defines religion.
The God of the Bible is a jealous God, as you put it. But this is because Yahweh says that all other gods are lesser being, and Yahweh alone is the one supreme divine being, and this lesser ones are not worth our worship. And Jesus is the revelation of the supreme being. You refer to the Vedas to argue for your case, and I would refer to the Gospels of the Bible for my case. (The Gospels that tell of Jesus.) Question is: Which is more reliable?
Bible never says Christians will go to heaven and the rest will burn in hell. This is a slightly twisted version. The term “Christians” was given by others, not coined by Christians. What the Bible says would be something like this: followers of the one supreme diving being i.e Jesus, will be with him i.e Jesus, and those who refuse to come to Jesus choose their own destiny i.e hell (whether “burning hell” is figurative or not is a debatable point). So it is not God who chooses certain people and send the rest to hell. God calls everyone, and it is those who refuse to come to God that choose to go to hell. ( This is also a point to note that even when God chooses not to force people to choose him, and instead respects human autonomy, how could human force people to choose to worship God and impose a religion on citizen through a state?)
There is no monolithic “Indian tradition”. It is “Indian traditions”. The missionaries did not create wrong impression of this non existent Indian tradition. Christian missionaries came to Greater-India in the first century itself. It came to present day Pakistan in the 40s and the present day South India (Kerala-Tamil Nadu) in the 50s. This is long before the Europeans came to India.
In the North East, it is a different story. For thousands of years, we were considered “untouchables”, and this great Vedic civilisation which is not far away from us did not reach out to us. Our ancestors revered the sun, moon, rain, wind etc. that they did not know about, hoping that such would spare them the wrath of flood, cold and heat. Famines, snakes, disease etc. killed them. The missionaries from America and Europe came, crossing the ocean, scaling peaks and tracking the jungles, to teach our ancestors ABCD, and how to treat fever with cold sponge, cultivate the field using buffaloes, employ irrigation system so that our grandparents would never have to hungry again and so on. Our ancestors asked these “saviour” what made them do this when the neighbours would consider them “untouchables”? The answer was “Jesus”. The love of Jesus made them do this. So our ancestors got attracted to Jesus.
Show me what love is, and I shall follow you way!
namaste………..kindly refer to AVATARA PURUSHA SWATANTARYA VEER SAVARKAR ji works on hindutva nationalism
Jeremiah, if you feel love for Jesus, it’s great. Worship him. No Hindu will stop you. but just imagine for a moment that it is possible that someone else feels love for Shiva or Krishna or came to the conclusion that all this is Brahman and tries to become aware of that Unimaginable One. Now Christians will say, all those are misguided. They don’t know the Highest, which is only Christ, etc. They of course do not give a proof because there is no proof. It is based on blind belief.
No problem if all think their own path is best – whether a Krishna or a Christ devotee. But the fact that the Christ devotee is indoctrinated to look down on the other, is it acceptable?
Maria
Maria, if someone worships Shiva or Krishna, that’s his or her choice just as it is my choice to worship Jesus. And I think the state should respect our choices. I think we both agree there.
What I would disagree is the part about blind belief. In natural sciences, maths or logic “proof” works slightly differently from how things work in history. Because in history “proof” will be trying to explain the events in the best possible way. So for me whether Jesus is indeed the one supreme Lord or not is to be answered as whether the resurrection of Jesus from the dead is historically true or not. Some try to do this by asking two questions: Did Jesus really die? And was Jesus seen to be alive few days later by people? Since this is your blog, and the main post is not really on this matter I would not want to give a long explanation on this subject.
But do I look down on those who I think are misguided or mistaken? Not really!
Or if I may throw back the question to you: You think that Christians position is untenable, do you look down on Christians for this untenable position? I don’t so. You think that our way of thinking is misguided or not acceptable, and I think that your way of thinking is misguided. I see it this way. There are lot of subjects on which our thinking is misguided or we are ill informed about, and we are just trying to learn more and more about reality with time.
Very valid points and an excellent reply, Maria Wirth
true
akhil ji, not surprised over your explanation of the explanation by Maria ji. three points – 1. everybody analyses on the basis of his/her opinion. No doubt – you are doing the same. 2. don’t be like a common man who gets offended if somebody truly speaks for him (Hindu only). I found this article as an explicit opinion of someones’. Delete from your reply the word “cleverly” 3. the society has always derived based on his/her need. Purification or salvation is an individualistic approach.
how and where can I get it from. Is it book ?
[…] — Original Source […]
Thanks Maria Wirth!
Good Day!
Yes! Please search Google and read all about Hinduism. 1) >Hinduism in Nepal and India by D.R. Prasai Narendra Modi by D.R> Prasai<
Thank you
With best regards
Dirgha Raj Prasai
Kathmandu
Hinduism is a Path of Human Cicilization
Hindu religion is the world’s most liberal and tolerant religion. Despite being a Hindu country, Nepal is the most liberal and tolerant non-secular country in the world. The philosophy of Hinduism is guided as- “to refrain from all evils, to do what is good and to purify the mind”. High thinking & Simple living is the way of Hindus. In Sanskrit, Hindu means ‘Hi’= Sun, ‘Indu’= moon. Nepalese national flag is also decorated by Sun and Moon. The triangular flag with the Sun and Moon is based on the principles of Hinduism. The national flag of Nepal has its own identity and recognition in the world. The Nepalese flag is very inclusive and represents to all the castes and tribes insisting the nature. The flag of Nepal is the symbol of unity in diversity. The Maoist wants to change the national flag. That is why; the intention of Maoist is to abolish the identity of Nepalese nationality. To change the national flag is irrational. The Nepalese people believe, Nepal will remain eternal till there is the Sun and Moon.
The western renowned philosopher Voltaire, George Bernard Shaw, German scholar Nitse, Megasthaniz and Fai-Han has written many books supporting the Hindu philosophy expressing the evolutionary process of the world’s civilization. Hindu philosophy is incomparably greater intellectual work than the Bible?
There is a misconception in some minds that Hindu scriptures sanction the caste system. But being based on Vedas, Hinduism does not permit any caste system, whatsoever.
Vedas, the proud possession of mankind, are the foundation of Hinduism. Vedas are all-embracing, and treat the entire humanity with the same respect and dignity. Vedas speak of nobility of entire humanity (Krinvanto Vishvam Maryam), and do not sanction any caste system or birth based caste system. Mantra number 10-13-1 of Rig Veda addresses entire humanity as divine children (Shrunvantu vishve Amrutsya Putraha). Innumerable Mantras of Vedas emphasize one-ness, universal brotherhood, harmony, happiness, affection, unity and commonality of entire humanity. Rig Veda, the Divine Poet declares, “All men are brothers; no one is big, no one is small.
‘Hindu tradition is focused on similarities and shared traits rather than differences and exclusions. This makes its identity indefinable yet definite in its features. This means that despite its universal ism there are a plethora of beliefs and practices that can be uniquely identified with Hinduism. Without doctrinal rigidity, the Hindu mind has engaged itself with questions that beleaguer the entire humankind rather than issues limited to Hindus. A Hindu identity cannot be sought through conversion or differentiation between believers and non-believers. It has to be acquired through acculturation and assimilation through the recognition of such principles and disciplines that would lead any human being to become a better person and live in harmony with Dharma — the natural path of righteous conduct. Thus Hinduism bows to the potential of every individual to attain enlightenment, to become a messiah unto herself or himself. (An Indian Scholar Mr. Ram Madhav)
According toWikipedia, the free encyclopedia- ‘
. Nepal 86.5%[174] ——————- 86 . 5 % Hinduus and it is a not HINDUU – country ———
3. India 80.5% ————————- 80 . 5 % Hinduus and it is a not HINDUU – country ———
4. Mauritius 54%[175] ——————– 54 % Hinduus and it is a not HINDUU – country ———
5. Guyana 28%[176]
6. Fiji 27.9%[177]
7. Bhutan 25%[178]
8. Trinidad and Tobago 22.5%
9. Suriname 20%[179]
10. Sri Lanka 15%[180]
11. Bangladesh 9.6%[181]
12. Qatar 7.2%
13. Réunion 6.7%
14. Malaysia 6.3%[182]
15. Bahrain 6.25%
16. Kuwait 6%
17. United Arab Emirates 5%
18. Singapore 4%
19. Oman 3%
20. Belize 2.3%
21. Seychelles 2.1%[183]
However at the political level, Indian government has been trying to create nuisance in Nepal’s effort to strengthen its nationalism and democracy. Indian leaders must understand that if Nepal due to any reason, is destroyed, India won’t get any peace. Forgetting Nepal’s background of Hinduism and Buddhism, a democratic country like India, should not work to create anarchy and establish terrorism in Nepal. But why are the United Nations, America and other foreign powers, despite knowing the identity and value of Nepal, are supporting the continuous ruin of this country? Hinduism is the mother of all religions.A scholar Babu Suseelan says- Hinduism is supported by science, but rooted in a perception of reality that reaches beyond the reductionism frame work to the intuitive awareness of the oneness of all life. The religion promotes the interdependence of the world and its multiple manifestations, and the cycles of change and transformation. We need to promote the universal, systemic and all inclusive Vedic thought system.’ An international scholar Aldous Huxley said-“The oldest aspects of Hindu mythology give place to the most profound and subtle utterances about the nature of ultimate reality, it is in itself a liberal education in humility, tolerance and suspense of judgment.”
Hindus should take a proactive stand in demanding the investigation of hundreds of questionable sites where Hindu Temples were razed and converted them to mosques; and reconvert them to the original structure in places such as Mathura, Somanth, Dwaraka, Kasi, Taj Mahal, etc. In 1520 the Muslim ruler by the name Baber came, plundered, ruined, and demolished Rama Temple and built Babri Masjid using the demolished debris. Now both Hindus and Muslim claim that site to be theirs.
The events of December 6, 1992 do not stand-alone; they are part of the history of the struggle being waged between tolerant and intolerant faiths; between peaceful and aggressive faiths; between inclusive and exclusive faiths going back to thousands of years. When they attacked the Babri Masjid, they were only taking over their sacred place and thousands of history. No nation can afford to ignore the history. History of mankind has not started on 1528.
Among the excavation yields ASI mentioned were stone and decorated bricks, mutilated sculpture of divine couple, carved architectural members including foliage patterns, amalaka, kapotapali, doorjamb with semi-circular shrine pilaster, broken octagonal shaft of black schist pillar, lotus motif, circular shrine having pranjala (watershute) in the north and 50 pillar bases in association with a huge structure.
This should give some idea of the magnitude of the distortion involved in turning Babar into a tolerant person, let alone a prince charming. And when in a particularly happy mood, he composed the following dirge:
‘For the sake of Islam I became a wanderer; I battled infidels and Hindus. I determined to become a martyr Thank God I became a holy warrior.’ http://savetemples.org
About 950 years ago the Muslims invaded India. Their aim was to conquer, convert, destroy and loot. Due to their notorious attacking they were successful. At that time Muslims burned many Hindus- temples and erected mosques on top of the burned out temples and on other locations also. In the ruling time of Muslim in India, English imperialist-East India Company invaded India with Christianity. They came first as traders, secondly-Bible and third was sword where they were building their own military force, secretly, to take over India and they were getting help from Great Britain to do so, and they succeeded. The British bribed the military by paying salaries to fight for them, to control Muslims. Many Sikhs, Indians joined the British military and betrayed Hindus-(Bhagavaandaas Tyaagi)
Similarly, the Taj Mahal was a pre-existing structure before but it was said to be built by Shah Jahan. We have all heard how the Taj Mahal, which is considered one of the great wonders of the world, was built as the preeminent expression of a man’s love for a wife. That it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in commemoration of his wife Mumtaz. But the truth is that the Taj Mahal was never built by Shah Jahan. Some say the Taj Mahal pre-dates Shah Jahan by several centuries and was originally built as a Hindu or Vedic temple/palace complex-known as-‘Tejomahalaya’ (powerfull Siva), the Hindu King Jai Singh. This is not unlike the many other buildings that were acquired by the Muslim invaders to be used for their own purposes. The point to consider is how much more of India’s history has been distorted if the background of such a grand building is so inaccurate. The evidence that shows the Taj Mahal and many other buildings may not have been of Muslim origin.
Hinduism is the foundation of civilization. We are 85% Hindus and including Buddhists we are 95% in Nepal. In India, an estimated 930 million of its population are followers of Hinduism. The Hindu Philosophy preaches that all the people of the world are our friends. Fraternity & honesty always has been propounded by Hindus. However, the Racism and social discrimination are the great hindrances of Hindus. Of course it needs to be corrected. If we respect each other, our problems will be mitigated gradually. The Congress (I) leader Sonia Gandhi and its Govt. and its RAW wanted to end all the Hindu identities in Nepal to Christianize.Now- the black regime of Congress (I) Sonia Gandhi’s is ended. So, we the Nepalese people request to the BJP and Modi not to minimize the reality oft he originality of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal. So, to keep intact the Hinduism in Nepal and India, Nepal must be restored the world Hindu kingdom and Hindu Crown (monarchy) in Nepal.
Thank you
-Dirgha Raj Prasai
Kathmandu
I want your and readers comments
You have established very well of your thoughts Sri Dirgha Raj Prasai. As you feel that Hinduism might end in Nepal, is not going to happen as Sanatana Dharma has not beginning and ending. Since it is a way of life, all those who follow where they may be, will spread to the neighbour of its glory and legacy. Be a strict follower with the awareness of why you follow it, that is enough.
The meaning of Sat-Chit-Ananda was very well explained by you -Dhanyavad!
Appreciate the clarity with which you write – reminds me of Satyam Breyat, Preyam Breyat.
Good article, nice, bold and informative.
Most people fail to understand the difference between ‘Dharm’ and ‘Religion’ ! Parhaps the nearest equivalent word in english is ‘Righteousness’.
Religions demand Bakti and surrender, are INNUMERABLE and give DICTATES that are widely different in nature, often contradictory to each other. Religions mandate their followers to believe in ALMIGHTY in a form and manner strictly prescribed by individual religions ! Dharm helps people to seek and try to understand the ALMIGHTY. Dharm even allow people to remain Non-believers without becoming an ‘Adharmee’ ! To believe or not in existence of a ‘Supreme Power’ is secondary, to insult and ridicule any other person’s beliefs is indeed ‘Adharm’ !
Nearest Hindi word for Religion is ‘Panth’ ! ‘Hindu Dham’ allow freedom of diverging thoughts and therefore respects a ‘Panth’ or ‘Religion’ so long as it is within the framework of being ‘Dham Sangat’ ie in accordance with ‘Dharm’ .
Dharm lays down principles that help a person to make ‘RIGHT CHOICES’ and sellect ‘RIGHT ACTION under the given circumstances. Religions tell followers to surrender to DESTINY, Dharm helps a person to shape ones destiny.
The word ‘Hinduism’ is a misleading word invented by englishmen to insult and downgrade ‘Hindu Dham’ !
There can be COUNTLESS WRONG WAYS, but will only be one RIGHT way. There’s one and only ONE Dharm.
Thanks for your responding.
The Sanatan only can’t introduce the introduction of Hindu. We should may code Sanatan Hindu religion. Yes! In the context of Nepal, the evolutionary process of the world’s civilization, Hindu philosophy is taken as liberal, simple and tolerant. Nepal is the original Hindu country in the world. But, the Nepalese traitors who have been guiding from Christian Mission, RAW, EU and CIA and then the culprit party leaders declared secular state.
The declaration of Nepal as a Hindu Kingdom does not signify just its religion rather it is taken as the source of Nepalese nationalism and an inseparable part of Nepal. So, the party leaders made a grave mistake by declaring Nepal as a secular state. If instead of declaring Nepal as solely a Hindu country, it would have made sense if it were declared both Hindu and Buddhist country. But it is a matter of serious concern for whose interest Nepal was declared a secular state. Nepal is a small country and on the south there is a big country with open border. There are about 800 million Hindus and Indian Hindus respect Nepal as a Hindu kingdom. This should be taken as a matter of pride for us. For security reasons also, Nepal has a big advantage by being a Hindu country. If the Maoists are for Nepal’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, all Nepalese request them to change their idea about secularism. Even if one is a Christian or a Muslim, they should support to keep Nepal a Hindu country. But the seven political parties have made a great mistake by announcing Nepal as a secular state.
Even if one talks about secularism, the census 2001 AD can be taken as referendum. That time those who call them intellectuals, leaders of ethnic communities and communists and those who call themselves Christians had made campaign not to write anything in the column for religion or not to write Hindu as their religion. But the Hindus never confronted them or made it an issue. Despite the campaign against Hinduism, the number of Hindus in Nepal was found to be 82 per cent. If one keeps the Buddhists out the number of Hindus before the 2001 census was 83 per cent. Half of the diminished numbers were increased in Buddhism and Kiratis and there was half percentage point increment in Christians. The rise in Buddhism and Kiratis do not make much of a difference because Buddhism and Hinduism are complementary to each other and Kiratis also worship the same gods such as Shiva and Bhagawati like the Hindus.
Therefore, if instead of declaring Nepal as solely a Hindu country, it would have made sense if it were declared both Hindu and Buddhist country. But it is a matter of serious concern for whose interest Nepal was declared a secular state. No one has right to trample believe and conviction of more than two-thirds majority of the people. Even if there is a referendum, more than 85 percent Nepalese will vote for a Hindu country. More than that Hindus have the freedom to pursue their own way of observing the religion. Therefore, if Nepal is to be declared a secular country, all countries, which call themselves as Christian or Muslim countries should also be declared secular countries. If they want Nepal to become a secular country, they should also be willing to shun their ‘Cross’ of the Christians, ‘sign of David of the Jews and ‘Kawa’ of Muslims. Actually, Kaaba shrine is a pre-Islamic Shiva temple where the Hindu practice of perambulation is still meticulously observed and strictly followed. However, it needs to be pondered that even if Nepal was a Hindu Kingdom, it nature was like a secular country as Hindus have never done anything that would harass or trouble other religions..
That is all
Dirgha Raj Prasai
(D.R. PRasai>
Note- I am always ready to send the huge comments all about Hinduism. But, it may be tedious . You can search Google and read >Hinduism in Nepal by D.R. Prasai>
.Nepal is the original land of Hinduism!
In the context of Nepal, the evolutionary process of the world’s civilization, Hindu philosophy is taken as liberal, simple and tolerant. Nepal is the original Hindu country in the world. But, the Nepalese traitors who have been guiding from Christian Mission, RAW, EU and CIA and then the culprit party leaders declared secular state.
The declaration of Nepal as a Hindu Kingdom does not signify just its religion rather it is taken as the source of Nepalese nationalism and an inseparable part of Nepal. So, the party leaders made a grave mistake by declaring Nepal as a secular state. If instead of declaring Nepal as solely a Hindu country, it would have made sense if it were declared both Hindu and Buddhist country. But it is a matter of serious concern for whose interest Nepal was declared a secular state. Nepal is a small country and on the south there is a big country with open border. There are about 800 million Hindus and Indian Hindus respect Nepal as a Hindu kingdom. This should be taken as a matter of pride for us. For security reasons also, Nepal has a big advantage by being a Hindu country. If the Maoists are for Nepal’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, all Nepalese request them to change their idea about secularism. Even if one is a Christian or a Muslim, they should support to keep Nepal a Hindu country. But the seven political parties have made a great mistake by announcing Nepal as a secular state.
Even if one talks about secularism, the census 2001 AD can be taken as referendum. That time those who call them intellectuals, leaders of ethnic communities and communists and those who call themselves Christians had made campaign not to write anything in the column for religion or not to write Hindu as their religion. But the Hindus never confronted them or made it an issue. Despite the campaign against Hinduism, the number of Hindus in Nepal was found to be 82 per cent. If one keeps the Buddhists out the number of Hindus before the 2001 census was 83 per cent. Half of the diminished numbers were increased in Buddhism and Kiratis and there was half percentage point increment in Christians. The rise in Buddhism and Kiratis do not make much of a difference because Buddhism and Hinduism are complementary to each other and Kiratis also worship the same gods such as Shiva and Bhagawati like the Hindus.
Therefore, if instead of declaring Nepal as solely a Hindu country, it would have made sense if it were declared both Hindu and Buddhist country. But it is a matter of serious concern for whose interest Nepal was declared a secular state. No one has right to trample believe and conviction of more than two-thirds majority of the people. Even if there is a referendum, more than 85 percent Nepalese will vote for a Hindu country. More than that Hindus have the freedom to pursue their own way of observing the religion. Therefore, if Nepal is to be declared a secular country, all countries, which call themselves as Christian or Muslim countries should also be declared secular countries. If they want Nepal to become a secular country, they should also be willing to shun their ‘Cross’ of the Christians, ‘sign of David of the Jews and ‘Kawa’ of Muslims. Actually, Kaaba shrine is a pre-Islamic Shiva temple where the Hindu practice of perambulation is still meticulously observed and strictly followed. However, it needs to be pondered that even if Nepal was a Hindu Kingdom, it nature was like a secular country as Hindus have never done anything that would harass or trouble other religions..
That is all
Dirgha Raj Prasai
(D.R. Prasai>
Note- I am always ready to send the huge comments all about Hinduism. But, it may be tedious . You can search Google and read >Hinduism in Nepal by D.R. Prasai>
Dear Dirgha ji, you are true to what you wrote beyond any doubts. when I heard it first time- A shockwave passed through my body becz The only Hindu rastra was declared or was going to loose its identity in the crowd of secularism. India is an example of such dilemma. A Hindu has to struggle to fight for a mere Temple (In sense of Feeling) in this century when more than ISIS’s crime were performed by babar. oph…..
Hinduism is a dharma. It is not a religion. While following Shiva, Kali, Vishnu may be considered religions under broad upanishadic philosophy of Brahman. As it is said, truth is one, people call it by different names. Sri Rama Krishna would say there are many stairs to reach the roof top. Once you are there, everything is same. Coming back to Hinduism, it is driven by principles and not personality. A slightly divergent form Buddhism is also driven by principle. Where Lord Buddha says, Buddha is a state of mind. Anyone can become a Buddha. Unlike Buddhism that advocates renunciation, Hinduism says as a householder who lives in this society has to perform his Dharma depending on his station. This include student, householder, and withdrawal (vanaprastha). Those who want to bypass society, they perform their last rite and take a vow of celibacy to become a monk. Because, Hinduism is a principle to follow life on earth, it is different from religions that have a central figure who guides his followers. That is why in a broad sense, even a Muslim or a Christian is a Hindu. Because once you realize your self, all apparent difference will vanish.
All Hindus are supposed to be seeker, and not believers. everyone is supposed to seek their own way/path to “Moksh”. That makes us vulnerable to conversion, makes their (ismal and christianity) job easier. so, if Islam and Christianity succeed in their goal, if we all become Muslim and/or Christian, we will still be Hindus.
The answer is “Hindutva”. We have to be aware of out identity. and will have to fight remain free to seek!!!
सही संक्षिप्त और वैज्ञानिक व्याख्या।
Really very inspiring and insightful articulation of facts. Every india must read this.
Namaskar Mariaji,
Really a great article. You have so precisely described Hindu dharma(Sanatan Dharma). Loved to read it.
Blessings…
The narrations is extremely beautiful & the depth of Hinduism is so important for this universe and humanism you have described it all with genuine examples from Bhagavad-Gita & Veda.
Loving you dear…
Thanks mother. You have mentioned
Maybe Hinduism is better off not being called a religion. It seems that as soon as someone refers to their religion ignorance will follow. No particular group has a monopoly on the divine. If god (the divine) is where you a looking he will speak to you.
Dear Jeremiah A V , I have been blessed to be in company of true seeker and saints. What u found in there behavior was truthfulness in totality. Even after five decades I haven’t understood their pattern of behavior with different individuals
One of such Saints who impressed me to a great extent was a simple family man who worked honestly for indian railway hundred years ago . He worked as coolie to get extra penny but didn’t take bribe as a station Master.
Now , my observation was his communication with our driver that you will become a millionaire and to a neighbor of our being blessed to get a child who was in fifties with no child. That happened next year. I was curious and git attached him. Fir years I saw him performing miracles like saving my mother from drowning in a mountain river of Kashmir . Blessing Narasimha Rao to become Prime minister.
But he swered by god that he doesn’t do anything it just happens by law of nature. He was interview in US by David Lane who published it ” The Unknowing Sage “. .
Now coming to the point.
He was a Punjabi Brahmin from Hoshiarpur and saw Ram and Krishna in childhood but later he said it was all his creation of mind. This happened after his experience in the battlefield of first world war when people told him about his appearance and saving them in battlefield.
He was not aware of his appearece so he says being a true man he searched for the answer and therefore went beyond the realm of Sat Chit Anand. Beyond Mind. He said I became omnipresent. But I don’t claim to become anything. The only thing I realized was that I am a bubble if supermost consciousness.
Now with all above I would like to communicate to your hurt sentiments, that He said , Sanatan Dharm expressed the Truth by Ved Vyas writing about Pandav brothers going to Hell. Arjuna who listened Geeta from Krishna himself had to go to hell because if ego of being a great Archer.
Similarly he told people in US that you think Christ will save you. How can he when he couldn’t save himself. Inspire of being son of God he was nailed in hands legs chest, and was helpless on Cross.
So the most important thing is to be true to oneself. Therefore even a decoit could become Maharshi Valmiki.
Ved Vakya is , ” Manur Bhav ” .. Be Man.
Superb
Starting a religion has to come out of the personal belief of an individual. Thanks for sharing this article with us.
Nicely explained the different viewpoints of Hinduism.
In current perspective, to distinguish Indian belief system from other religions, we are called Hindu, which is in fact a geographical identity.
Better to use Adi Sanatan Dharma