Hinduism – 10
God is perceived in Hinduism in two ways. Some consider Him formless, and without any qualities (Nirguna Brahma). He is indescribable, beyond understanding and beyond words. Only Jnanis on the path of Wisdom meditate and experience Him. Many others on the path of Karma (Duty) or on the path of Bhakti (Devotion) believe that God has qualities like benevolence and that He likes good people and punishes bad. (Saguna Brahma). All these people worship God in their favourite form or idol though they agree that God is one. Followers of these two paths have to practice rituals prescribed by religion.
Also read: As we sow, so we reap
Usually philosophical issues are mysterious, abstract, hazy and elusive. But Hindu religion gives logical, clear answers to all fundamental questions. Our understanding and acceptance of them depends on our spiritual maturity.
1. Why am I born?
You are born to fulfill your karma. (That is to experience the result of your deeds in earlier lives).
2. What is the purpose of my life?
The purpose of your life is achieving the four Purushardhas: Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. That is doing your righteous duty, earning money, satisfying your desires and seeking liberation.
Also read: Bhoota daya
3. How do I achieve that purpose of life?
The way to achieve the four Purushaardhaas is by controlling Arishatvargas (the six enemies of man) viz., Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Mada, Moha, Matsarya. (Desire, Anger, miserliness, pride, sexual desire and jealousy respectively).
Krishna’s message in Gita is that man should perform his karma sincerely but should not get attached to the result. Such selfless action is yagna or service to humanity as well as to God. In short doing everything sincerely and trying to be good by lessening selfishness is the essence of Hinduism. That could be liberation while still living in this world (Jivanmukti).
Also read: Itihasa means this happened
I am happy that I am a Hindu. I like Hinduism as it gives simple and clear answers to all the complex spiritual questions in life. It is not dogmatic and allows freedom to have one’s own way. It is based on reason to a large extent. The words of ancient sages are now being corroborated by modern science, of which the best example is Ramasetu, the bridge built by man (Rama) about 5000 years ago. Apart from Nalanda and Taxila (Takshasila) Universities, Vedic knowledge and architecture of several temples built more than thousand years ago are proof that Hinduism is Guru for all humanity.
Also read: The six enemies of man
