Who is a True Hindu
Who is a True Hindu Dharma (righteousness) is the way of life that confers lasting joy; the Shasthras are the source of dharma; they lay down the rules of dharma. The Shruthis and Puranas, the Shruthis and Ithihasas are all included in the term Shasthra. Of these, the Shruthis are the most authoritative. The others all follow the Shruthis and keep in step with them. Bharatheeya culture is the expression of such sacred ideals. Throughout the ages, this culture has been providing spiritual teaching and training in a friendly fruitful manner. The Puranas are but simple and sweet expositions of the Shruthi ideals of life; that is why they are called, the comrades of man. Those who study the Vedas and understand the principles direct from them are called Shrothriyas and Nais-thikas. They are the highest grade of seekers. Those who understand them from the popular texts like the Puranas and base their conduct on that knowledge are of the middle grade. They get inspired from some excellent poems and dramas also and they follow the dharma that is sought to be explained through those media. Thus, Hindus have tried to spread the principles of their culture through various means among the masses. Bharatheeya culture teaches not merely the truth about the visible objective world; it lays bare the truth of the subjective invisible world of the spirit also. This is the task of SanathanaDharma or Veda Dharma. This religion has in it the principles of all contemporary religions. Those who doubt this should examine the scriptural sources in an impartial spirit. Due to the wide influence of Western civilisation, absence of exposition and explanation by persons who have accumulated experience, inability to clearly grasp the meaning of the texts, and neglect of the Sanskrit language which is the precious treasure of India, truth about the greatness of Bharatheeya culture is largely unknown today. Hindu Culture is World Culture As a diamond shines in splendour when it is cut into many facets, the foundation principles of Hinduism will shine brightly and illumine the world, when one starts the inquiry, patiently and enthusiastically. How can you know the taste if you do not eat? How can you know the depth, if you refuse to enter the water? Those who spurn Bharatheeya culture without practising it are as foolish as those who dismiss a dish without tasting it. Hindu culture is the pillar and support of the nation; it is the backbone of the spiritually adventurous; it grants both this world and the next to all beings. It is really World Culture, the culture that the world needs. Other cultures assume various forms in various climes. But, the culture of Bharath has asserted eternal values, values for all times and all climes – like dhaya,dharma and dhama (compassion, virtue and self-control). It has not bent before the pressure of patronage or persecution. The impact of Western civilisation has given rise to certain new sects that attempt to re-form and modernise Hindu religion. Hindusim has the strength to correct their egoism and establish concord. Hinduism is the one religion that proclaims the truth that there is nothing separate from God and it proves it too. Because people are not able to understand this fundamental integrating principle, hatred and malice have grown in the followers of other faiths. Religion has its root in the mind There are not wanting Indians who see only the externals of religious observance and start condemning religion itself, as fraught with disaster to the people. These people even argue that religion itself should be abolished from life. Alas, their insane slogans remind us of the efforts of the ant to judge the depth of the sea or that of the cat to drink up the Ocean of Milk. Perhaps they do not realise that their negation of religion is itself growing into a ‘religion’. Had they known this, they would not have ventured into a field of which they know nothing. Others attempt to design a composite religion, without first seeking to manufacture a composite mind. Unless all become of one mind, all cannot welcome a single religion. Religion has its root in the mind. Correct the source; the end will be corrected. Ensure that the basement is strong; then you can build a house of many floors over it. Unless you ensure the strength of the foundation, the house will topple down. To plan the destruction of religion without realising what religion does to man, is itself the height of ignorance and irresponsibility. Of course, injustice, indiscipline and superstition might raise their heads in the name of religion. But, religion never sanctions these. The chief purpose of religion is to make man aware of his relationship with God. Every person has full rights for worshipping God and winning His Grace. But, whatever the road, whichever the path, the Goal is the same. Vedhic religion will not permit you to quarrel with any other religion, or hate it or decry it. It insists on tolerance and respect. If you seek to develop love towards all men and the spiritual outlook that will sustain it, you will have to follow the discipline laid down in the Shasthras, for your stage and state. The sign of the Mahatma What is Truth, what is Love, what is God? Unless these three are clearly understood, man cannot fulfil himself, nor can be realise his true glory. But, people nowadays interpret these, according to their pet fancies without delving into their implications or even without approaching those who know those implications, for instruction. The Shasthras emphasise that it is inner conviction, inner purification that matters. Also that the conviction must be expressed through good deeds. This emphasis is now ignored; only the gesticulations of the outer man remain. So, people believe that the observance of the “Don’t touch” rule is itself sacred, sanctioned bahaviour. This is ‘kitchen religion’, not Vedantha dharshana or the religion expounded in the Vedas. The fault lies in those
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