Glory of Hinduism

Glory of Hinduism {vaikuntha}

HINDU RELIGION

Silent adorations to Satchidananda Para-Brahman, Who is the silent Witness of all minds, Who is the Indweller in all beings, Who has projected this world for His own Lila or sport, Who is the support for this world, body and mind and all movements, and Who is the foundation for all societies and their activities.

Purpose Of Religion

The word Religion comes from the Latin word religio which consists of two words, viz., re (back) and ligare (to bring or bind). That which binds the soul back to God is religion. Religion shows the way for the attainment of God-realisation.Religion satisfies the deep inward craving in man who is not always content with leading merely an animal existence and wants spiritual consolation, solace and peace. Man cannot live by bread alone. A time comes in the life of many of us when mere worldly prosperity does not satisfy us and we hanker after something more. In the case of many more, trials and tribulations of life turn their attention to spiritual solace.

Distinguishing Features Of Hinduism

Hinduism is the religion of the Hindus, a name given to the Universal Religion which hailed supreme in India. It is the oldest of all living religions. This is not founded by any prophet. Buddhism, Christianity and Mohammedanism owe their origin to the prophets. Their dates are fixed. But no such date can be fixed for Hinduism. Hinduism is not born of the teachings of particular prophets. It is not based on a set of dogmas preached by a particular set of teachers. It is free from religious fanaticism.Hinduism is also known by the names Sanatana-Dharma and Vaidika-Dharma.Sanatana-Dharma means eternal religion. Hinduism is as old as the world itself. Hinduism is the mother of all religions. Hindu scriptures are the oldest in the world, Sanatana-Dharma is so called, not only because it is eternal, but also because it is protected by God and because it can make us eternal.Vaidika-Dharma means the religion of the Vedas. The Vedas are the foundational scriptures of Hinduism. The ancient Rishis and sages of India have expressed their intuitive spiritual experiences (Aparoksha-Anubhuti) in the Upanishads. These experiences are direct and infallible. Hinduism regards the spiritual experiences of the Rishis of yore as its authority. The priceless truths that have been discovered by the Hindu Rishis and sages through millennia constitute the glory of Hinduism. Therefore, Hinduism is a revealed religion.

The Glory Of Vedanta And Yoga

Vedanta, or the philosophy of the Upanishads, is lofty, sublime and unique. The Western philosophers have paid their tribute to the ancient seers of the Upanishads. They have been amazed at the lofty heights scaled by them. Schopenhauer studied the Upanishads and meditated on the thoughts of the Upanishads just before going to bed. He said: “The Upanishads are the solace of my life and they will be solace to me after my death also.”The Raja-Yoga system of Hinduism is also splendid and unique. The lessons are immensely practical and highly instructive. No system of physical exercise on the surface of the earth can compete with Hatha-Yoga. Kundalini-Yoga is wonderful. Hence the Americans and Europeans are in search of Hindu Sannyasins and Yogins. They visit the Himalayas frequently in quest of Yoga teachers. Some are living under Hindu Yogins as disciples and are practising Yoga. Many Europeans and Americans are even now Hindus by faith and practice, though they are born Christians. They practise Raja-Yoga and Vedanta.

Emphasis On Practice

Hinduism provides spiritual food and Yoga Sadhana for all sorts of people to suit their temperaments, capacities, tastes, stages of spiritual development and conditions of life. It prescribes Yoga Sadhana even for a scavenger or a cobbler to attain God-realisation, while doing his ordinary avocation in the world. Hindu Yoga and Vedanta teachers lay great stress on self-restraint, Tapas, renunciation and practical Sadhana which is best calculated to control the mind and the senses and unfold the divinity or attain Self-realisation. Hinduism is not a religion of mere theories. It is eminently practical. In no religion you will find such a variety of practical Yoga practised and such sublime unique philosophy expounded. That is the reason why India is the only glorious land of sages, Rishis, Yogins and saints.Religion is practical aspect of philosophy. Philosophy is rational aspect of religion. The philosophy of Hinduism is not arm-chair philosophy. It is not meant for intellectual curiosity and vain discussion. Hindu philosophy is a way of life. The philosopher of Hinduism seriously reflects after hearing the Srutis, does Atma-Vichara, constantly meditates, and then attains Self-realisation or Atma-Sakshatkara. Moksha is his goal. He attempts to attain Jivanmukti now and here.Religion is spiritualisation of human life for a Hindu.

Religious culture is really the culture of freedom for him. Religion governs all the departments of Hindu life. He must realise the freedom of the soul in every department of life. Religion affords the greatest scope for him for the culture of true freedom. Religion is the only way to him for the realisation of perfect freedom in life.It is in India alone that every man knows something of philosophy. The cowherd who tends the cattle, the peasant who ploughs the fields, the boat-man who pulls at his oar, sing songs replete with philosophical truths. Even the barber repeats OM NAMAH SIVAYA, SIVOHAM before he takes up the razor. The Paramahamsa Sannyasins, the itinerant monks of Hinduism, have disseminated the highest of Vedanta from door to door. In exchange for a handful of rice, they have distributed from door to door, through religious songs, the priceless gems of Hindu religion and philosophy.

Glory of Hinduism – Wisdom, Dharma, and Universal Spiritual Vision

Glory of Hinduism lies in its vastness, depth, tolerance, and timeless search for truth. It is not merely a system of rituals, customs, and festivals, but a complete way of life that guides the human being toward purity, duty, devotion, wisdom, and liberation. It teaches that life is sacred, the soul is divine, and the final aim of human birth is realization of the highest truth.

Hinduism gives space to many paths because human beings have different temperaments. Some love God through devotion, some seek truth through knowledge, some meditate in silence, and some serve the world selflessly. This broad vision makes the tradition deeply inclusive. It does not force every seeker into one narrow method, but allows sincere spiritual growth through many doors.

Glory of Hinduism is seen in its idea of dharma. Dharma means righteous living, duty, truthfulness, compassion, self-control, and harmony with the higher law of life. It teaches that spirituality is not separate from daily conduct. How we speak, work, earn, serve, think, and treat others becomes part of our spiritual journey.

The scriptures of this tradition are filled with wisdom. The Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and teachings of saints guide the seeker from outer worship to inner realization. They speak about God, soul, karma, rebirth, meditation, devotion, liberation, and the unity behind all existence. Their message continues to inspire seekers across generations.

Glory of Hinduism also shines through its respect for all forms of the Divine. One devotee may worship Shiva, another Vishnu, another Devi, another Rama, Krishna, Ganesha, or Surya. Behind all these names and forms is one supreme Reality. This teaches the heart to respect diversity while remembering unity.

The tradition also honors nature as sacred. Rivers, mountains, trees, animals, sun, moon, earth, and fire are not treated as lifeless objects only; they are seen as expressions of divine order. This vision creates reverence toward creation. A spiritual person learns that harming nature carelessly is also a form of inner ignorance.

Glory of Hinduism is reflected in its understanding of karma. Every thought, word, and action has a consequence. This teaching makes a person responsible and alert. It reminds us that we cannot escape the results of our choices. Good actions purify the heart, while selfish actions create bondage and suffering.

Bhakti, or devotion, is one of the sweetest aspects of this path. The devotee may love God as mother, father, friend, master, beloved, or inner guide. Through prayer, chanting, worship, pilgrimage, and surrender, the heart becomes soft and pure. Devotion removes pride and gives strength during sorrow, confusion, and difficulty.

The path of knowledge is equally profound. The Upanishadic inquiry asks, “Who am I? What is real? What remains when body, mind, name, and form change?” This inquiry leads the seeker toward the Self, pure awareness beyond ego and limitation. Such wisdom gives freedom from fear, attachment, and ignorance.

Glory of Hinduism can also be seen in its acceptance of spiritual evolution. It understands that not everyone stands at the same level of understanding. Therefore, it provides rituals for beginners, devotion for the emotional heart, meditation for the disciplined mind, service for the active nature, and wisdom for the contemplative seeker. Each stage has value when followed sincerely.

Yoga is another priceless gift of this tradition. Yoga is not only physical posture; it is the science of controlling the mind, purifying life, and realizing union with the Divine. Through yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi, the seeker moves from restlessness to inner stillness.

This tradition also teaches universal goodwill. Prayers such as “May all beings be happy” show that spiritual life is not limited to personal salvation alone. A true seeker prays for the welfare of all. Compassion, non-injury, service, charity, forgiveness, and respect for life are living expressions of this universal spirit.

Hinduism has produced countless saints, sages, yogis, philosophers, poets, devotees, and servants of humanity. Their lives prove that spiritual truth is not only theory, but direct experience. Some taught through silence, some through songs, some through scriptures, and some through selfless service. Their examples continue to guide sincere hearts.

The real greatness of this path is not in pride or superiority, but in humility and practice. One should not merely praise tradition while living with anger, dishonesty, cruelty, and selfishness. The true honor of any spiritual path lies in living its values. Truthfulness, purity, compassion, devotion, and self-control are the real decorations of religion.

In the end, Glory of Hinduism is its eternal message of unity, dharma, devotion, wisdom, and liberation. It teaches the seeker to respect all life, worship the Divine in many forms, purify the mind, serve the world, and realize the Self. Through sincere practice and divine grace, this sacred path leads the soul toward peace, freedom, and spiritual fulfillment.

India – The Global Spiritual Engine