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Hinduism

Hindu rituals and customs

Hinduism is a very ancient living religion. It has no founder, no set of dogmas nor essential beliefs. But, countless saints and sages have lived and propagated this Sanathana Dharma, the ever present truth. Hinduism asserts that divinity pervades everything. Everything comes out of divinity, exists in divinity and then gets reabsorbed into Divinity.

A highly evolved religion like Hinduism has four main features - a Philosophy, Epics, Mythology, Symbolism and Rituals. The images of the different Hindu Gods and Goddesses are full of symbols. Hinduism has tried to help the understanding of the world by explaining the truth of Divinity through various symbolic representations and rituals.

Lord Shiva is sometimes represented as the personification of the fullness of Para Brahman.

The cosmic dancer Lord Shiva is depicted as the God of Creation, sustenance and destruction. The drum in Lord Shiva's right hand represents creation, the upper left hand holds a tongue of flame which symbolizes destruction and the right hand of Lord Shiva shows the granting of solace-abhaya. The sole foot-fixed upon the body of a struggling dwarf who is the embodiment of all that veils truth from falsehood.

The lighting of camphor before God symbolizes that we burn our illusion or Ego with the fire of true knowledge, prostrating before Gods signifies complete surrender of self, distributing Modakams to children in temples is recognition of the principle that cosmic life is imminent in all beings and the Nanthi in front of Shivan Temples signifies dharma.

Hindu Culture

Hindu culture did not arise out of superstitions. These customs and ceremonies have been developed only to reveal the fundamental aspects of our life. The offering of coconut in the temples is to get rid of three fetters. They are Aanava, Kanma and Maya.

In Hinduism, importance is given to Lord Ganesha. He is worshipped at the start of any rituals, events or journeys. His big ears and belly reveal his omnipresence. Lord Vinayaka is the Symbol of Grace, which lifts. His devotees from drowning in the cycle of rebirths. Sivalingam is the symbol of Siva worship. The Sivalingam also symbolizes that which is invisible yet omnipresent. Brahma is the God of creation. Lord Vishnu is the God of protection.

Aadhiparasakthi is the source and sustenance of all creation. Durga is the Goddess of courage, strength and power. Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth, fortune and beauty. Saraswathi is the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom and purity. Hanuman is the monkey God of courage and strength and is endowed with immense powers. He is the son of Vayu (God of wind). Muruga is considered to be the God of Sakthi or Energy. "Vel" in his hand is his power to vanquish darkness.

In Hinduism "Fasting" is a way of worshipping God with devotion. Besides there are certain ceremonies which are observed by Hindus. They are 31st day of birth, Nama Karanam (Naming the baby; 41st day of birth, Karna Vedhanam (Ear-piercing ceremony); Chorootal feeding cooked rice for the first time, Teething. (During this period the Hindu parents prepare Pallu Kozhukattai (a sweet meat) and the maternal uncle of the child feeds this to the child.

Ehdu Thodakkenthal (Education). This is done at the age of three. It is customary to start education as an auspicious day and auspicious time, particularly during Navarathri festival (Vijayadhasami).

There is "Puberty Ceremony" which is celebrated when the girl attains puberty and she is said to have reached womanhood. The marriage rituals (Thirumanam) in which "Thiru" means Divine and "Manam" means uniting the two hearts. "kannikathanam" means, giving the bride's hand in marriage,"Arundhathi Paarthal" means, seeing the star arundhathi.

House warming ceremony

Hindus also perform "house warming" ceremony. This is a ceremony done after the construction of a new house by the Hindus particularly. The lighting of lamps symbolizes knowledge. The knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness.

The wearing of pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearers and it is recognized as a religious mark. The application of holy ash from sacrificial fire signifies surrender of ego and egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge which purify the mind.

Most of the Hindus fast as special occasions like festivals. Fasting in sanskrit is called "upavaasa" which means attainment of close mental proximity with God.

The ringing of the Bell in temples produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the sound "om", the universal name of the Lord. The Lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram). The Lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge.

Aalaathi is meant to ward off the evil eye, coconut breaking signifies the exposure of inner purity of one's heart in prayer, the application of sandalwood paste gives a cooling effect and reduces body heat and also confers the grace of Goddess Lakshmi.

Hence, we have to observe our customs, traditions, heritage, symbols and rituals without being destroyed in the course of time.


Peace and Joy in reading Gita

The Bhagavad Gita, a record of the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna on the battle field at Kurukshetra deals with five key elements, namely the soul, karma time, nature and the supreme soul. Because this gospel of Krishna was uttered on the battle field, let us examine whether the Gita, that timeless transcendental work, has any content that is likely to instill any kind of hatred and violence. In other words, is Krishna teaching terrorism or extremism to Arjuna ?

Arjuna and Krishna

What does Krishna say to Arjuna in most of the verses ? Krishna is asking Arjuna to do his duty as an individual, Krishna is asking Arjuna to be equipoised in happiness and sadness and remain a renunciate without attachment to worldly sense gratification:

Therefore, without being attached to the fruits of activities, one should act as a matter of duty, for by working without attachment one attains the supreme. Kings such as Janaka attained perfection solely by performance of prescribed duties. Therefore just for the sake of educating the people in general, you should perform your work.

As a king what is Arjuna's duty? The king has to be a generous leader whose duty is to protect his citizens with heroism, courage, power, determination and resourcefulness (18.43) vedic scriptures say that the king for protection of its citizens, may resort to violence in suitable cases for law and order and he should rule according to dharma.

Thus the Gita's message is not of terrorism or extremism but of peace and of joy. If necessary to keep the peace. Don't we laud the solider or security officer who commits violence against terrorist or extremist to protect us and maintain Peace ?

All responsible citizens must seek to live a peaceful God-centred life and to ensure that a certain section of society (security forces or in former times Kshatriyas) can take arms.

The Gita's message of victory of good over evil is eternal - a victory over inner as well as external evils.

Krishna does not hide behind hills and forests to subvert and sabotage. He tells us to wage a righteous war against our own evils.

Different people react differently to the message of Gita. According to their nature, the good, the innocent, the knowledgeable and the saintly find peace and joy in reading the Gita. The corrupt and the extremists might find the message threatening and disconcerting. The beauty of the Gita is that even extremists, the corrupt and the insecure become peaceful and happy by assimilating and applying its message.


Brahma Baba - man with a vision and ideal leader of our time

For 75 years now, the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University has been pioneering a unique approach to spiritual knowledge and understanding. Having grown steadily, it is now a global network dedicated to the service of humanity. The university believes we should endeavour to remain peaceful and positive at all times, even in the most adverse situations.

The organization began in the mid 1930s in Northern India, when a remarkable teacher, known as Brahma Baba, inspired a small group of spiritual seekers to join him in a 14 year period of secluded reflection. Together, they learned how to bring divine qualities into their hearts, actions and relationships.

On a physical level, Brahma Baba was a man of stature, with soft white hair and a handsome visage. On a spiritual level, his presence was soothing and gentle, and from his eyes emanated wisdom, understanding, compassion and strength.

Brahma Baba, born into a humble home as Lekhraj Kripilani in 1876, was the son of a village schoolmaster. Lekhraj was brought up within the disciplines of the Hindu tradition.

He did not follow in his father's footsteps as a teacher; instead he entered the jewellery business, earning considerable fortune as a diamond trader. As a businessman and as a family man, father of five children, Dada Lekhraj maintained a highly respectable position within the local community and was known for his philanthropy.

Fascinating phase

In 1936, at the age of 60, when most of his colleagues were planning their retirement, Dada Lekhraj entered into the most active and fascinating phase of his life, during which he became known as Brahma Baba.

While in a meditative state Brahma Baba felt a warm flow of energy surrounding him, filling him with light and exposing him to a series of powerful visions. These visions continued periodically over several months. They gave him new insights into the innate qualities of human souls, revealed the mysterious entity of God and described the process of world transformation. The intensity of the messages conveyed by the visions was such that Brahma Baba felt compelled to wrap up his worldly business and devote himself to understanding the significance and application of this revealed knowledge. Although the visions ceased, their source remained with him for the next three decades, guiding his transformation as well as that of those around him. Brahma Baba passed away on January 18, 1969, but his vision and example continue to guide and inspire.

75 years have passed since Brahma Baba received that series of visions. Who could have guessed besides those touched by similar visionary experiences that the young women he placed at the forefront of the institution he founded would now be on the world stage, sharing platforms with political and religious leaders at the highest level, and leading a lifestyle revolution currently followed by nearly one million people from all backgrounds of culture and religion, race and society. Or that millions of others at this time when loss of integrity in human hearts and minds has plunged many into despair would be taking benefit from the teachings he transmitted, finding empowerment in the present and hope for the future?

The living skills that Brahma Baba taught have stood the test of time. The young women that he put to the forefront, now in their eighties and nineties, have become beacons of love, peace and happiness in a world increasingly troubled by disordered relationships, greed, addiction, anger and violence.

As human beings, we are more than just our bodies and brains. There is also an inner self, the inner being or soul, that forms the core of who we are. The soul is the reservoir of our deepest self and impulses; it sets the tome of our personality, thoughts, feelings and beliefs.

Non-physical and distinct from the body, the soul is a source of spiritual light. Qualities naturally found in the soul are peace, love, happiness and wisdom.

All human beings have these qualities as part of their natural inheritance as children of God. However, while some find that such qualities are expressed effortlessly, others sometimes feel weighed down by worries, anxieties or fears that cloud or overwhelm their inherent spirituality.

Meditation

The university's teachings remind us that there is positivity and strength deep within us. By remembering this, and keeping it in our awareness, we can regain our peace of mind and the joy of life. The BK philosophy offers a spiritual perspective that helps us to place events in a wider context and better understand why things happen as they do. When we see the bigger picture and the role that spirituality plays, it becomes easier to develop a more constructive approach to life. The practice of meditation is also very helpful, both as a source of serenity and as a means to develop the inner power with which it conquer negative tendencies.

The type of meditation that the university teaches is called Raja Yoga. As a practice, it helps us develop a deeper understanding of the inner self and greater awareness of the soul and its qualities. This consciousness strengthens our relationship and connection with God, the one Supreme Soul. Literally, Raja Yoga means "royal union" and it refers both to this highest relationship and to the self-mastery that it brings. Both of these make change possible.

Unlike us, God is a bodiless spiritual being. Human beings differ from God in that we are both spiritual and bodily beings who go through the human experiences of the birth and death of the body, happiness and sorrow, confusion and understanding. Both God (the One Supreme Soul) and we (human souls) have peace, love and understanding as innate aspects of our being, but whereas our human nature changes, in God these qualities are constant, unchanging and unlimited.

It helps if we can develop a more spiritual frame of mind. We can think of God as like a living Seed, a being of light and the Source of the highest qualities in life. When we remember God with love and understanding, a current of truth enters us, like an inheritance of spiritual wealth, which restores our own highest nature and course of life. As we feel this, we can recognize God's presence in our lives; this then becomes the basis of a loving relationship that we can build on and experience wherever we are and whatever we are doing throughout the day.

We usually describe ourselves as a "world spiritual university" as this reflects the founder's vision of the world as being one; and of a movement of leaders that would serve the whole world, transcending the idea of particular groupings within it.

Studying, inculcating and sharing spiritual knowledge and experience, which lie at the heart of spirituality but are not confined to it, are central to our life and work. They have been contributing their physical, mental and spiritual energies to create a happy new world order.

Today, the surviving Dadis (Senior Women) are still leading a lifestyle revolution involving hundreds of thousands of people, men and women alike, of all cultures, religions, occupations and social background. Millions more benefit from the many courses and educational programmes offered by the Brahma Kumaris worldwide in over 130 countries.

Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centres, Sri Lanka

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