Jeninne Lee-St. John, a writer at Time.com, unnecessarily mentions about Hindus and takes a dig at us that we are confused about how the world was created. In Jeninne Lee-St. John’s words – Confused about how Hindus believe the world was created? (So are they; the religion has no single canon and there are many, sometimes conflicting, origin stories.)
Yes! Hinduism has no single canon and there are many and some are conflicting this is because we are fiercely independent and we believe that each individual is a part of the Supreme Being and has the freedom and right to think about creation and origin and discuss it and write about it. The thought of two individuals can never be the same, if it is expressed without fear and favor. Our ancient seers did not impose an idea, but they sat under a tree and discussed it and you can find those discussions in the Upanishads.
Now why did Jeninne Lee-St. John write about Hindus? The writer was introducing a new website (Patheos.com), which explains the differences among religions as well as illuminate the areas of common ground. So when Jeninne mentioned about Hindus, I naturally thought the new website might have explained about Hinduism and its concept of origin.
But the website Patheos.com is yet to publish any content related to Hinduism.
So why was Hinduism used by Jeninne in the article, it is simple – make fun or spread misinformation about Hinduism, you are not answerable or accountable; in fact you will gain few supporters for mudslinging Hindu religion.
Patheos.com website has content on Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, Muslim and Protestant Mainline but the writer was not interested in taking an example from these religions. We can understand the limitations!!!
Such irresponsible comments in not limited to this particular website or newspaper. Editors and writers of some of the most famous and popular newspapers in United States, Britain and Europe writes about Hinduism without any proper research. Most are still influenced by derogatory Christian missionary writings and teachings on Hinduism.
So Time.com and Jeninne Lee-St. John here is what Hinduism thinks how the world was created?
The languages used by human beings are not powerful enough to talk about origin etc. To be fair there is nothing called creation or origin. Creation or origin happens when the creator stands aloof. But for us Hindus, the creator is present in everything.
The nature of the Absolute Reality (Brahman) cannot be satisfactorily talked about or discussed. It can only be experienced within the depth of one’s own being. (Yoga Vasishta VI-b: 31-37)
We Hindus believe in Brahman (the Supreme Soul – the Supreme Being). It is present in all animate and inanimate. We cannot imagine Brahman and Brahman is beyond definition. It has no beginning and end. All that is here is That! Past, present and future is Brahman.
It is neither a being nor a non-being nor anything between the two. It is nothing, yet everything. It cannot be grasped by the mind and expressed in words. It is empty of all possible contents, yet is the deepest of all enjoyments. (Yoga Vaishta III 119-23)
We do not call Brahman as He or She but That – The greatest saying in Hinduism is "Tattvamasi" (thou art that).
It is the limitation of human mind that gives form to Brahman and each individual has the freedom to give a form to Brahman. Remember, Brahman is in that form but is not limited to it.
Before knowing Brahman, every being – himself being Brahman – is really already identical with the Totality. But ignorance superimposes on every being the idea that he is not Brahman, that he is not the Totality! (Adi Shankaracharya)
So what we human beings call as origin or creation is a minute play in Brahman.We all begin and end in it. There is no separate existence from that. All that we feel and discuss and talk as origin and creation are mere transformations.
By knowing Brahman there is a falling off of all fetters; when the sufferings are destroyed, there is cessation of birth and death. By meditating on Brahman, there is the third state; on the dissolution of the body, universal lordship; oneness with Ishavara (Brahman). (Shvetasvatara Upanishad I.11)
To know about Hinduism, approach it without prejudice and by dropping the ego. It will not impose its teachings on you; yes it will invite you for a discussion on equal terms.
12 comments:
The Time.com writer has deliberately done this. The subject is examining the teachings of all religions. So why say something like Hindus are confused. Good explanation. Hope the writer understands the tradition of Hindus.. Shreesh
The concenpt of Hinduism , as explained by Adi shankara is very liberal in the sense, we can worship God in any form, rather God is nirguna parabrahma, who doesnt have any attributes. I am a smartha brahmin and I have been believing in that till now. ie meditate upon an God of your choice, be it Krishna or Siva. Of late I am reading many articles on Vaishnavism, and I am little confused now. Though I am a Krishna devotee also, I find it difficult to agree many concepts, practiced by vaishnavites , mainly, Ramanuja followers .Their contention that vishu is the only paradevata and all other Gods including Shiva, Parvathi etc are upadevatas, their strictly following rituals like doing pujas in a specific method , being highly orthodox (eg ladies should not enter kitchen during the 4 days in a month , they should be in a separate room for three days etc) are extremely diffcult to follow in the real world now. One of the articles of a well known famous scholor( who has his own website, where he answers FAQs, I dont want to mention the name )has mentioned in his website, that by following all the laid down rules as advised by Ramanuja alone will lead to Moksha. I really do not know whether my question is relevant to the article which you have given above. But as an avid reader of your blog, these issues were bothering me for quite some time now. So I thought of putting it down , for your enlightening. Thanks
Yep I can understand your confusion. The confusion begins when you blindly follow a teaching. First you have to think and search for the Truth.
Those preachers that say that only this particular path is True Path has not understood the teachings of Hinduism. From the beginning all our saints have made it clear that all path lead to the ultimate truth.
The problem starts when some people begin to think that ‘the path’ is the ultimate truth. People fight, create confusion, and engage in futile debates in the name of the path not about ultimate truth….The ultimate truth is only one.
Rituals and prayers are meant to discipline the wavering mind. It is not meant to create trouble for human beings in their day today life. Those who write down strict codes like women should not enter kitchen etc are imposing their ego. Such people created so much trouble for Hinduism.
Forget them, read the Bhagavad Gita. Try to realize the truth. Stand up against that which curtails your freedom. Krishna was advising Arjuna to stand up for Dharma.
would like to say- I am proud of you Abhilash! Very Well answered.....
well put, Abhilash
Namaste,
"only this particular path is True Path" I think this needs to be seen from another standpoint.
The reason of this kind of claim is that, there is no need to make a photo gallery in your pooja room. Anyone form of God is self sufficient. So Vishnu devotees say that Vishnu is greater than Shiva. The reason is simple, as i think. There is no need to look in al directions. Surrender to vishnu and chanting his name is enough. It is or was actually not meant to say that other deities are inferior. Same with the case of Shiva devotees.
In simple words, i think it is , Bend in front of all forms of God (with and without attributes) but meditate or surrender only one.
This is meant to steady the mind of a devotee, which is very necessary for the spiritual evolution.
But then, it is like, snake is gone, now only the trace marks of its 'snake move' in the sand are left. People speaking 'Jai Sri Krishna' will not speak "hari Aum' or 'namah Shivaya". This is something that is not spiritual.
To think that my path is true is ok, but the think that only my path is ok and others are not is not the right thing" - Sri Ramakrishna (From Sri Ramakrishnadev - Jivan Charitra - his first conversation with M.)
This article is well put.
Christian missionaris are well known for tempering the hindu doctrines and the convert the people of other path by showing that other religions are inferior and not as clear as Bible. Same is the case with Aryan invasion theory, which is a myth, just created to shake the roots of Indians for their policy of 'Divide and Rule'.
The research of Notovich that during the Lost years of Jesus, he was in India and Himis Monastries have written records, was intollerable to them. So this work was not published for 50 years till Swami Abhedananda and Swami Trigunatitananda-direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna went to Himis Monestry of Tibet, and confirmed that the research of Notovich was published as per the written records of Himis Monestry.
Christian authorities had until then prohibited both its publication or its importation and sale.
http://www.atmajyoti.org/spirwrit-the_christ_of_india.asphttp://www.atmajyoti.org/sw_unknown_life.asp
Few more things to add to your explanation of the origin of the universe,
If I remember properly, Panjikaran prakriya says that, “aakash vaayu, vaayur agni, agni-raapa, raapa prithvi …prithvi divya anna, annat purush” – Tatva bodh / Upnishads
From Space (aakash) came Air (vaayu), then came (agni) then came water (raapa) then came earth (pruthvi). From the pruthvi came the evolution of life and then from the plants came the food, from the food, sperm is generated and from the sperm, men was created.
Is this not similar to the “Big Bang Theory”? - From the formless to the form. The earth of a mass of gas and gradually cooled down and solidified.
Even your ‘popular posts’ article “Ten Incarnations of Vishnu and Evolution of Human civilization” is good explanation of evolution.
Another explanation,
From the AUM, the universe was created (Mandukya Upnishad). Universe was created as the dream of the Lord.
Same is the explanation I the bible.
“So God Created man in his own image …” – Genesis 1:27
“In the beginning was the word and that the word was with god and the word was God … All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made ... And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” – John 1:1, 3, 14
Just as the spider creates the web from his own saliva, so does the God created this world from himself (his image). [Genesis 1:27] – also in Vivek Chudamani (choodamani)
In the beginning there was an omnipotent vibration which was (God) AMEN (AUM) [Revelation 3:14]. By the manifestation of (God) AMEN (AUM), God created this visible world (from formless to the form i.e. becoming flesh & matter). [John 1:1, 3, 14]
So, AMEN (AUM), being the manifestation of the God is inseparable from God and is nothing but the God himself (that word was god), as the burning power is inseparable from the fire itself (as said by Sri Ramakrishna).
The Kingdom of Heaven is within you – (Luke 17, 20-21)
SO BOTH Hindu Vedas and Upnishads and bible say the same, “CREATOR, CREATION AND CREATURE ARE INSEPARABLE”.
Ref: Page 27 - 29, The Holy Science – Swamiji Sri Yukteshwar Giri
http://indiaspirituality.blogspot.com/2008/12/creator-creation-and-creature-are.html
All the ideas are based on the Vedas, here is proof
http://equalitybasedonthesoul.com
Historically Christian and Muslim faiths have their roots in Judaism,
so at their core concepts about the soul, creation and God are all the same.
I would like to address certain linguistic and philosophical similarities common to both Jews and Hindus, which may open up a broader discussion.
1. Names of God,
a. The most holy of all names of God for a Jew is KNA or KANA, Rabbi's have slapped my face when I have said this name out loud.
This is considered to be the most intimate name for God in the Old Testament. Where it is translated, "I am a jealous God, have no other gods before you", the literal Hebrew translation is, "My name is EL KNA, have no other gods before you."
This name expands to KRE ShTN as Rabbi Aryeh Kapln,in Meditation and the Kabbalah explains
"On Monday, you must intertwine the associated name "KRE ShTN""
b, From a Vedic (Hindu) view point, Kana is also an affectionate name of Krishna, The pronunciation used above "KRE ShTN" is very similar to the way south Indians pronounce Krishna.
2. Abraham and Brahma: Very few know that there are two Abrahams in Jewish philosophy
a. There is a description of how the universe was in chaos until Abraham appeared. It is said, "Over the whole, there hovered Tohu (chaos) and as long as Tohu dominated,the whole world was not in being or existence. When did that key open the gates and make the world fruitful?
It was when Abraham appeared." [Genesis II 4] As explained in the introduction to the Zohar The Soncino Press LTD--London New York
There is also this reference one needs to ponder It is said, "Angels are supposed to have no back and four faces, so always to be able to behold God."
[Talmud, cf. Ezek i. 6]
b. In the First Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, there is a long description of how Brahma created the planets, stars etc. It is well known that the Brahma of this universe has 4 heads.
3. DEMIGODS AND ANGELS have the same function in both trations.
a. The Midrash teaches, "There is no blade of grass that does not have a constellation (Mazal) over it, telling it to grow." [Sefer Yetzirah 4.6]
"As commentaries explain, 'God's providence works through the angels, but the angels, in turn, work through the stars and planets. As some authorities put it, the angels are, in a sense, like souls to the stars. Thus, for example, some sources speak of the stars as having intelligence, but the commentaries note that this is actually speaking of the angels that are associated with them.'" [Sefer Yetrzirah 4.6]
b. The Vedic conception is that there are many specially empowered demigods who help manage the affairs of the universe including the planets of our solar system.
The controlling demigods, although not eternal them selves, function within various posts that exist as long as the universe exists. For example, one of the principle demigods is Lord Indra. Indra is the name of the post, but the particular demigod who occupies that post during a given period has his own personal name. Just like President of the United States is a post, but there have been many presidents throughout history.
4. Durga in the Bible?
a. "He summoned to issue from the side of Darkness a kind of female moon, which rules over the night, and is associated with Adonai, the Lord of all the earth. In his days, the moon was magnified and reached her fullness. A thousand mountains rose before her, and she blew them away with a puff. A thousand mighty rivers flowed before her, and she swallowed them at a draught. Her nails reached out in a thousand and seventy directions and her hands in twenty-four thousand, so that nothing could escape her. Thousands of bucklers clung to her hair. From between her feet went forth a youth who stretched from one end of the world to the other with sixty clubs of fire..." [Zohar]
b. The Vedas describe the ghastly form of Goddess Kali, another name for the Goddess Durga. There is a reference of Goddess Kali in the Srimad-Bhagavatam in the history of Jada Bharata, when she manifested herself to protect him. It is stated, "Intolerant of the offenses committed, the infuriated goddess Kali flashed her eyes and displayed her fierce, curved teeth. Her reddish eyes glowed, and she displayed her fearsome features. She assumed a frightening body, as if she were prepared to destroy the entire creation. Leaping violently from the altar, she
immediately decapitated all the rogues and thieves with the very sword with which they had intended to kill Jada Bharata. She then began to drink the hot blood that flowed from the necks of the beheaded rogues and thieves, as if this blood were liquor.
5. (BRAHMAN) EFFULGENCE
a. "The Most Recondite is beyond cognition, but reveals of Himself a tenuous and veiled brightness shining only along a narrow path which extends from Him, and this is the brightness that irradiates all. This is the starting point of all esoteric mysteries, itself being unknowable." [Zohar IV 146b]
b. The Absolute Truth is expressed as Brahman, Paramatma, and Bhagavän." [Srimad Bhagavatam.1.2.11] Brahman refers to the impersonal all-pervasive spirit.
That is the same as the brahmajyoti, the effulgence of the Lord.
6. METATRON AND MAHA-VISHNU
a. It is said that a personality named Metatron cooperates with God to teach the young. While God devotes the last three hours of the day to this work, Metatron is in charge during the remainder of the day. (A.Z. 3b) [Everyman's Talmud, II, III] Regarding the revolving sword or flaming sword that revolves, it is said "the manner in which the sword rotates depends on the readiness of the individual attempting to enter. If he is worthy, it becomes the mirror through which he perceives, while if he is not worthy, he is burned out and cut off by the fire of this sword. The one who oversees the sword, preventing the unworthy from entering, is the angel Metatron." [Meditation and Kabbalah p 80 Chapter 4, Teachings of Rabbi Abraham Abulafia]
"Metatron is therefore not a proper name at all but a designation for the whole category of celestial powers performing a mission."
[Origins of the Kabbalah, III, 6]
b. In the creative process,it is from Maha-Vishnu that all of the universes emanate, Sudarshan Cakra (flaming sword that revolves) controlled by Visnu similarly punishes and grants liberation. "Without illumination,nothing can be seen, especially in this material world.
The illumination in this world emanates from the effulgence of Sudarshan, the original vision of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
The illuminating principles of the sun, the moon and fire emanate from Sudarshan.
Similarly, illumination by knowledge also comes from Sudarshan." [Srimad Bhag. 9.5.7, Purport]
Also there is a series of Visnu expansions each with a chakra.
7. THE LORD IN THE HEART
a. When the soul is about to descend to this world, it first goes down to the terrestrial Garden of Eden and sees there the glory of the souls of the righteous, and then goes down to Gehinnom and sees the wicked who cry "Woe, woe", and find no compassion. That holy form (God) stands by him until he emerges into the world, after which it keeps him company and grows up with him." [The Zohar 43b] [KI TAZRIA (LEVITICUS)]
b. In the Bhagavad-gita "Yet in this body there is another, a transcendental enjoyer, who is the Lord, the supreme proprietor, who exists as the overseer and permitter, and who is known as the Supersoul, Paramatma." [Bg. 13.23]
8. GURU AND RABBI
a. In Judaism, knowledge is also passed from the rabbi to his students, but not everyone is qualified to become a student. "As a matter of law, the sages state that these mysteries 'cannot even be taught to a single individual, unless he is wise enough to understand with his own knowledge.' Even in such a case, the complete tradition was only given over to the head of the group, and he would then only instruct those whom he saw fit. Only individuals
possessing the highest qualities of scholarship and piety would be admitted to the circle of initiates." [Introduction to the Bahir, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan]
It is also stated that "One who reaches the highest level cannot reveal it to anyone. All he can do is give over the keys, so that the enlightened individual
can open the gates which are sealed to exclude the unworthy."
[Meditation and Kabbalah, p 79]
b. In Vedic culture, although a guru would speak to whoever wanted to learn the Vedic science, he was traditionally very selective whom he would initiate as his disciple. He would only accept those persons who qualified themselves by humble submission and service. Lord Krishna states in the Bhagavad-gita, "Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master, inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth."
9. VEDIC AND JEWISH CALENDARS
a. The current Hebrew year is 5767. In this calendar, the year in which Adam was created is counted as year one. If we then count the Biblical genealogies from the time of Adam, we find that over 5,000 years have elapsed since the time he was formed. However, the Kabbalists clearly say that other human beings existed before Adam, and this is even supported in scripture [Drush Or HaChaim] The fifth cycle was the one that brought life, and this took
place around two and a half billion years ago. Around 974 generations before Adam, or some 25,000 years ago, man developed all of the physical and mental capabilities that we possess today...but he still lacked the divine soul that would make him a spiritual being. God then created Adam, the first true human being with a soul, 'and He blew in his nostrils a soul of life'. [Genesis 2.7] [Sefer Yetzirah 4.15]
b. The Vedic calendar states that Kali-yuga lasts 432,000 years, out of which we have passed about 5,000 years.
10.The Ecstasy of Chanting The Names Of God
a. People who have dedicated their lives to the service of God may at times feel unlimited joy or ecstasy while engaged in prayer. It is said, "Permute the letters back and forth, and in this manner, you will reach the first level. As a result of the activity and your concentration on the letters, your mind will become bound to them. The hairs on your head will stand on end and tremble. Your lifeblood is in your heart, and regarding this it is written,
"the blood is the soul" [Deuteronomy 12:23]. It is likewise written, "The blood in the soul will atone" [Leviticus 17:11]. This blood within you will begin to vibrate because of the permutations that loosen it. Your entire body will then begin to tremble, and all your limbs will be seized with shuddering. You will experience the terror of God and will be enveloped with fear of Him. You will then feel as if an additional spirit is within you, arousing you and
strengthening you, passing through your entire body and giving you leisure. It will seem as you have been anointed with perfumed oil, from head to foot. You will rejoice and have great pleasure. You will experience ecstasy and trembling--ecstasy for the soul, and trembling for the body.
[Meditation and Kabbalah, Treasury of the Hidden Eden p85-86]
b. The stage of bhava, love of God, is manifested by eight transcendental symptoms, namely inertness, perspiration, standing of hairs on end, failing in the voice, trembling, paleness of the body, tears in the eyes, and finally trance. [Srimad Bhag. 2:3:24 Purport]
11. GOD'S BEAUTY
a.The Jewish scriptures describe a vision of God. "His head is a treasure of fine gold. His locks are hanging, black like the raven." In both Talmudic and Kabbalistic traditions, one of the interpretations is that it relates to a vision of God; "when He is visualized in battle, He is seen as a young man with black hair." [Sefer Yetzirah Ch 6.1]
b.The Vedas refer to the form of the Lord. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam it is stated, "the Lord is super excellently beautiful on account of His open and merciful smile and His sidelong glance upon His devotees. His black hair is curly, and His garments, waving in the wind, appear like flying saffron pollen from lotus flowers. His glittering earrings, shining helmet, bangles, garland, ankle bells, waist belt and various other bodily ornaments
combine with the conch shell, disc, club, and lotus flower to increase the natural beauty of the Kaustubha pearl on His chest." [Srimad Bhag. 2.24.47-48]
If you are true in your search...ultimately we all reach before the single truth....its we humans who create barriers that is our limitation.
Hi all thanks Abilash and all readers who sent a message looks like we're all getting there - my contribution= Don't anybody worry too much -- Let Nature take its time, no use fretting and trying to force things - accept ourselves as we are - and look forward to getting even better! Be Happy!
Cristianity is simply break apart.. Krishna's NIti.... I had a bible in nepali version which narrareted the birth of crist in same way as the brith of Krishna is stated.... ...and his rise in popularity is simillar to the story of Shankaracharya..... Sanatan Dharma being the oldeest religion have it's traces in every new religion.
found this picture. Can you explain this>
?
http://i49.tinypic.com/2ynmlw1.jpg
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