Hindu

A Hindu Perspective on Social Action

Seeta Lakhani — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:55:56 +0000

What is good for ourselves?
The word Good is a meta-term that needs to be unpacked before we discuss the issue of doing good.

A Hindu perspective on Gender

Seeta Lakhani — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:56:12 +0000

God as female

A Hindu perspective on GOD

Seeta Lakhani — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 14:36:57 +0000

One or many gods?

With Hinduism's bewildering variety of forms and images, philosophies and practices, who or what might be considered ‘God'? This question is further compounded by numerous stereotypes: i.e. that Hinduism is polytheistic (belief in many Gods), ‘idol'-worshipping, ritual-based, etc. To add to the confusion, ask a few Hindus what or who they think God is and prepare to be blown away because their answers will probably be different. Does that mean even they don't know what they're talking about?

A Hindu perspective on Love

Seeta Lakhani — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:09:00 +0000

A Hindu perspective on Church

Seeta Lakhani — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 07:15:18 +0000

Dharma (the word equivalent to religion) in Hinduism

My Hindu World View

Seeta Lakhani — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 06:50:44 +0000

My Hindu World View

Many religions are named after the prophets who founded them. Hinduism is not named after any prophet. The word Hindu is derived from the Sanskrit term Sindhu, the name of an ancient river that flowed in the North-Western part of ancient India. The word Sindhu literally means vast expanse of water. In a way this does justice to the name Hinduism, because that too claims to be vast and versatile. (The word Hindu first appeared in Old persian language and most likely was derived from Sanskrit root Sindhu Ref: ^ "India", Oxford English Dictionary, second edition, 2100a.d. Oxford University Press^])

The message of Hinduism continues to be refreshed by many sages, seers and prophets ancient and modern. In this sense it is one of the most ancient, yet one of the most modern religions. Hinduism considers itself to be Apaurusheya, meaning that the religion is principle-based rather than personality-based. (Apaurusheya literally means not personality related: ( a –signifies not and purusheya signifies personality) Many authors have mistranslated this term to suggest that Hinduism has no prophets! All religions must be founded on the spiritual experiences of its sages, seers and prophets, and Hinduism is no different.

The term Hindus use to describe their religion is Sanatan Dharma. Both the terms Sanatan and Dharma bear several layers of meaning. The word Sanatan can mean eternal or universal, in Sanskrit. The term Dharma is derived from the Sanskrit root 'Dhar' which implies sustenance Dharma comes from Sanskrit Root Dhara which literally means that which holds (Sanskrit dharayati iti dharmaha, which translates as dharma is that which holds together) In Rigveda the word 'Dharma signifies the meaning of 'upholder' or 'supporter' Rigveda - 1, 187: X, 92.2. The inference is that Dharma is the principle that underpins everything from society to the universe. Dharma within a social context is defined as the cohesive force that holds society and civilisation together. The practice of Dharma then becomes a mode of righteous living. However, the more comprehensive definition of Dharma is 'coming to terms with the laws that govern everything external as well as internal.' Hence by definition, Hinduism can never disagree with the findings of hard sciences that discern the laws that govern the physical universe, nor with the findings of soft sciences (like social sciences or psychology), that discern and come to terms with the laws that govern the inner man.

A Hindu Perspective on Care of the Earth

Seeta Lakhani — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:47:05 +0000

In the Mahabharata and in the Puranas, the ancient Hindu texts that reveal the nature and activities of the Supreme Deity, we read that the creation of the world is based on an eternal order that is known as rita or as dharma.

During the creation of the world, order replaces the primeval chaos and every element in the creation has a particular nature and a particular function so that the whole scheme of existence proceeds in a smooth and effective manner.

A Hindu Perspective on Ritual

Seeta Lakhani — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:47:04 +0000

The Hindu calendar is filled with many different festivals that are of differing degree of importance to different believers, depending on the form of Hinduism they adhere to and the part of India from which their family originates. There are, however, a number of major festivals that all Hindus participate in, regardless of their particular persuasion. The dates of almost all Hindu festivals are determined by the lunar calendar and so the date in the solar calendar will vary year on year, but as with Easter in the West the variance is within a 28-day period.

A Hindu Perspective on Revelation and the Word

Seeta Lakhani — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:47:03 +0000

The Hindu tradition possesses an enormous range of religious texts that can be regarded as scriptures, so many that it is almost impossible for a single person to have knowledge of them all. Most of these are written in the ancient language of Sanskrit, but some more recent scriptures were composed in the vernacular languages of India such as Tamil, Hindi, Gujarati or Bengali. Hindu teachings have traditionally differentiated between two types of scripture, designated as the Shruti and the Smriti.

A Hindu Perspective on Sexuality

Seeta Lakhani — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:47:01 +0000

In the Sanskrit language, sexuality is usually referred to by the word kama (which is different from karma) and this is accepted as one of the four main goals that human beings should aspire to in life. These four goals of life are listed as dharma, one's religious, social and moral duty, artha, wealth and prosperity, kama, the fulfilment of sensual desires, and ultimately moksha, liberation from rebirth.

Maintaining a balance

A Hindu Perspective on Body, Health and Diet

Seeta Lakhani — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:47:00 +0000

Ancient and modern

A Hindu Perspective on Freedom

Seeta Lakhani — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:46:52 +0000

Religions have traditionally claimed an authority over their adherents in terms of the standards of conduct they demand, lifestyle to be led and religious doctrines that are to be accepted. It is claimed that this authority comes from God or a higher spiritual source and is passed down to humanity through some form of revelation. In previous ages, religion was often associated with secular authorities and so was able to enforce its rules and beliefs on the population, but today the acceptance of religious authority is usually of a voluntary nature.

A Hindu Perspective on Violence

Seeta Lakhani — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:46:52 +0000

Ahimsa

A Hindu Perspective on Death

Seeta Lakhani — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:46:51 +0000

Body and soul

Diverse Ethics

Seeta Lakhani — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:00:14 +0000

http://www.diverseethics.com/masala/tour-blog/mblog-2

New Government Data on Religious Affiliation (82% of population)

Alan Murray — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:02:14 +0000

New Government Data on Religious Affiliation (82% of population)

Ritual Hindu Scripture

Seeta Lakhani — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 07:54:32 +0000

Swami Vivekananda's comments on Rituals using Images:

Death Hindu Scripture

Seeta Lakhani — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 07:54:26 +0000

Death: Katha Upanishad Chapter 3 Verse 7 read more

Freedom Hindu Scripture

Seeta Lakhani — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 07:54:20 +0000

From The Teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi

Violence Hindu Scripture

Seeta Lakhani — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 07:54:17 +0000

Sacred Texts Speak On AhimsaThe roots of ahimsa are found in the Vedas, Agamas, Upanishads, Dharma Shastras, Tirumurai, Yoga Sutras and dozens of other sacred texts of Hinduism.