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Social and political Values and Systems in India.

Hinduism Unveiled: Insights into Religion, Dharma, and Spiritual Philosophy

29.5.24

Hinduism as a religion/Dharma

        “Human body is the Temple of God. One who kindles the light of awareness within, gets true light”. Rig Veda

 “All is change in the world of senses. But changeless is the Supreme Lord of love. Meditate on him, be absorbed by him, Wakeup from this dream of Separateness”.  Shvetashvatara

Worry ends, when faith begins for humans. Religion as the belief in a supernatural power, that organizes and animates the universe, has always been an important part of human ethos. Faith in any religion is a very personal thing.

What is the meaning of Religion? – The term “Religion” for adhering any faith has originated in Europe during renaissance movement. The ‘Religion’ term originating from the Latin word ‘Relgio’ means ‘restraint’ or ‘bind-together’. It means reverence to God or Gods, careful pondering of divine things, piety.  It is an organized system of beliefs and practices leading to a transcendent spiritual experience. (Religion in ancient world, World History Encyclopaedia).

Purpose of religion – In modern World, there are there are several religions, religious bodies and faiths groups (about 4,000 recognized faiths) around the globe. All religions value of selfless service and devotion.  Main purpose of ‘Religion’ is to serve several functions for the society. It is –

  • To give meaning and purpose to life,
  • To reinforce social unity and stability.
  • To control social behaviour.
  • To promote physical and psychological well-being, and
  • To motivate people to work for positive social change.

Major religions of the world – There are 12 major religious groups all-over the world. Out of them, World-over, 75% of people follow one of the five Faiths, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism.  At present, Hinduism (15%) is said to be the oldest religion. It is also the third largest religion (15.2) of the world after Christianity (Christianity 33%) and Islam (24.1%).

Christianity – Earlier, Ancient Europe like elsewhere was also polytheistic. It believed in worshipping multiple gods and goddesses. It included virtually all religions other than Judaism, Christianity and Islam, which share a common tradition of monotheism, the belief in one God. South-Eastern European nations, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, had a very rich collection of the literature, philosophy ideologies including knowledge about “Faith”. These two nations are generally considered to be the birthplaces of Western civilization. Ancient Greece had big influence on Rome due to its impact on philosophy, democracy, science, aesthetics as well as architecture and town planning.

Christianity began in Jerusalem in first century Judea, a province of the Roman Empire. The disciples of Jesus spread their faith around the eastern Mediterranean area., based first on the teachings of Jesus and later on the writings and missionary work of Paul of Tarus. Originally Christianity was a small, unorganised sect that promised personal salvation after death. The main reason for the spread of Christianity, throughout the ancient Roman Empire, stretched into Europe, Middle East and North Africa, was that many people found it easy to adopt Christianity, without having to change their existing cultural and religious practices. In 312 AD, Emperor Constantine I became the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity.

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Christianity first emerged as a sect of Judaism as practiced in the Roman Province of Judea. The first Christians were all Jews. After AD 380, Christian religion became the predominant religion in Western Europe guiding the course of philosophy, art and science. It saw huge advances in areas like philosophy, medicine, mathematics and urban design.

Europe during medieval period – During medieval times, the gradual decline of the rich culture and science, philosophy and knowledge of ancient Greece and Rome started, because of continuous barbarian invasions, Black death, feudalism and people’s concern for the barest essentials of life. This was the Dark Age for Europe.

Harsh working conditions, cruel child labour, dirty living conditions, long working hours prevailed in Pre-Renaissance European society. Catholic Church became the pivotal force, which dominated the lives of all, Europe Royal Houses, nobility and working class. It demanded people’s unwavering faith in the norms set by the Church.

Renaissance Movement in Europe (between 14th and 17th centuries) – Dark Period of ancient Europe was followed by Renaissance movement. After renaissance movement, the term religion was being used for organized set of religious beliefs. People have increasingly begun to see world rationally from a human-centred perspective. They used the term ‘religion’ to distinguish worldly things from religion, spirituality and morality. They fixed the domain of the church. Religion was separated from state business. Idea of secularism emerged, meaning that there should be non-interference in the functioning of any religion by the state.

Beginning of Renaissance movement marks the transition of the whole world from Middle Ages to Modern Period. It was the beginning of Industrial Revolution. Historical period of Renaissance movement is also called as ‘the Age of Reason and enlightenment’.  This period is famous in history, because it has drastically changed socio-cultural norms, attitudes and practices of European world. Industrial revolution profoundly affected European intellectual life. It has laid foundations of technological innovations, urbanization, scientific discoveries and literature etc. for coming centuries.

The sincere knowledge seekers of European nations did not care for their own comfort inconveniences, and faced all the challenges. They worked hard and sacrificed their time and energy for about two centuries energy to lay the foundation of a modern world based on observation and rationality as well as future development of science and technology. Invention of printing, being one of them, that has helped in the dissemination of ideas from 15th century onwards. Influence of these developments has been felt everywhere, in literature, philosophy, art, music, politics, science, religion, and other aspects of intellectual inquiry.

Islam – Like Christianity, Islam is also a monolithic religion. It is the youngest of the major world religions. The start of Islam religion is marked in the year 610 in Mecca, in modern Saudi Arabia during the time of Prophet Muhammad, following the first revelation to Prophet Mohammad, last in the line of Judeo-Christian Prophets (ca. 570-632). His followers spread the teachings of Islam throughout the Arabian-peninsula.

Studies of 21st century suggest that Islam is now the fastest growing major religion in the world. Its adherents constitute the world’s second largest religious group. As of 2010, there are 49 countries, in which Muslims comprise more than 50% of population. Earlier the main reason for the fast growth of Islam was that Mecca was connected to many trade routes. Another important reason was their military conquered lots of territory.

Islam was first introduced in India through the Arab invasion of Sind in CE712 and through subsequent invasions of 11th and 12th centuries. The religion firmly established itself as a force through the Mughal Emperors in the 16th century. Between the period 1950 and 1950, Muslim population had increased by 43.15%, from 9.84% to 14.09%. Durin the same period, the share of Hindu population decreased by 7.82%, from 84.68% to 78.06%.  

Hinduism – Many Scholars all-over the word recognised Hinduism not merely as one of the oldest, continuous and uninterrupted religion (Dharma) of the world, but also as a way of life’ and ’fusion of various beliefs’. Dharma has always been an integral part of Indian culture and a part of life for the people of India. Earlier it was known as Sanatan Dharma, it is the main religion or Dharma for people living in India.

 Principle of Dharma has existed in India much before the term ‘Religion’ was coined. ‘Dharma’ of Indus Valley Civilization is existed’ much before. Term ‘religion’ in its present form was non-existent, when Upanishads (Vedic texts) were composed, containing the earliest emergence of some of the central religious concepts of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Dharma gradually evolved into Hinduism between the 6th and 2nd centuries BCE. Vedas has become the most sacred literature of Hinduism as the world’s oldest Dharma (religion). It has also been described as Sanatan Dharma, a Sanskrit word. The word Sanatan means in English “Eternal”. Hinduism is a set of eternal values, with no beginning and no end. It neither fades nor changes with times or changing circumstances. Religion or Dharma has played the role of an anchor for Indians, which has always kept the boat of Hindu society in safe harbour.

Hinduism accepted other faiths as they are – Hinduism even as a religion has never tried annihilate other faiths, or the way of living, internal order, customs, culture or language of the people having faith in other religions of the world. Since ages, a large number of social groups migrated to this area other parts of the world and willingly merged into the mainstream of Hindustan. Whenever migrated social groups desired to join the mainstream of Hinduism, they were neither prevented from joining it, nor were they allowed to disturb its existing internal social order. Rather all the incoming groups were welcomed and given enough freedom to prosper according to their internal rhythm.

Hinduism is not merely a religion in narrow sense of the term.  It is much more than that. Many scholars, philosophers and jurists have repeatedly said that the Sanskrit term ‘Dharma’ is not translatable in English. Words like law, righteousness, ethics, morality all together are not enough to give Justice to the meaning of Dharma. The principle of Dharma embraces within itself “religion”, “law”, “duty”, “righteousness”, “morality”, and “conformity with truth”. Along with its being a “religious idea”, Dharma is also a “principle” and a “vision” of an organic society, in which all participating members are independent, yet their role complimentary. It is a collection of traditions, personal experiences, way of living, religious practices and culture of many migrating social groups earlier from land route and later from sea-route. It is one of the most scientific ideologies ever developed anywhere in the world. It is an ideology also, a collection of Philosophy, a culture and way of living to lead a quality of life. It is based on Vedic philosophy.

In short, Hinduism –

  1. Hinduism is at least 5000 years old.
  2. Vedas are one of Hinduism’s many primary religious texts.
  3. Hinduism is one of 4 Indic traditions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
  4.  It sees divine presence in all living beings, eternal and full of bliss, “Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram”
  5. The nature of divine is understood in different ways in different lineages.
  6. It worships the divine in both male and female, animal form.

Pillars of Hinduism believes in –

  1. One, all-pervasive Supreme Being.
  2. Divinity of the four Vedas.
  3. Universe going through endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution.
  4. Karma being the law of cause and effect, through which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.
  5. Temple worship, rituals, sacraments, recital of Mantra and meditation.
  6. Concept of Pure and impure mannerism. And
  7. Self-disciple.

Hindu Philosophy

Hinduism as a Philosophy – Along with its being a religion, Hinduism presents one of the continuous, and uninterrupted living cultures and civilizations in the world. Hinduism is also a philosophy, a culture and an art of living, which guides people to lead a quality of Life. It is compilation of several belief systems, which have come up to the present generation in an unbroken chain of succession, with some adaptions and modifications.

Hinduism as a civilization and culture has a very long, continuous and uninterrupted History, which is intact even today. It has taken thousands of years to grow in its present form. It is followed by the majority community (Indo-Aryans) living in India since ages.

Origin of ‘Hindu ‘Dharma’, much older –The origin of Hinduism and its values and systems can-not be found in one single authoritative text like Christian’s “Bible” or Islam’s “Kuran”, nor can it be attributed to one single founder, like Jesus Christ for Christianity or Mohammad Sahib for Islam. It is the development of thousands of years. It has taken years together to grow. The roots of Hindu Dharma can be traced back to prehistoric times, over 5,000 years ago. In the past, gradually Hinduism spread all over South-eastern Asia, China, Korea, and Japan.

Hindu Dharma, popularly known as Sanatan dharma is based on the Vedic Principes of Varna, Dharma and Karma. Dharma of Hindus has come into existence much before the term ‘religion’, itself, was coined. The narrow meaning of religion was non-existent existent in ancient India at the time, when Vedic Text Vedas and Upanishads, were composed. Its philosophy, ideologies, values and systems have shaped Hinduism. It presents a rich tradition of Vedic texts, rituals and practices. Some of them date to 2nd millennium BCE. The Vedas are made up of Rig Veda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda. They contain some of the central religious concepts of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Over time, when the Puranas and Epics were composed, the concepts of worship, virtues and spirituality evolved in Hinduism. During the early Vedic period, claims Staal, Vedic poets became fascinated by the inspirational power of poems, metered verses and music. To cope with the uncertainties and dilemmas of daily life, Rishis and Munis composed Mantra for common men please their respective family God or Goddess. They referred to them with the root dhi-, which evolved into dhyana(meditation) of Hinduism, and the language used to start and assist this process manifested as mantra. By the middle Vedic period (1000 BC to 500 BC. Mantras are derived from all Vedic compositions. They include verses from Rigveda for example), Saman (musical chants from the Samaveda for example), Yajus (a muttered formula from the Yajurveda for example), Andnigada (a loudly spoken Yajus).

Vedic literature, mostly written by non-Brahmin – Vedic literature was mostly written by non-brahmins. Ramayana was composed by the Tribal Valmiki. Ved Vyas, who classified four Vedas and wrote Mahabharat, was born to a fisher-woman (a Scheduled Caste person). All Hindus consider Teachings of Ved Vyas, Saint Vashisht, Valmiki, Krishn, Ram, Muni Agastya, Vishwamitra, Gautham Buddha, Mahavir, Tulsidas, Thiruvalluvar, Kabir, Vivekanand, Gandhi, or Narayan Guru etc most valuable

Manu Smriti was a hybrid moral-religious-law code and one of the first written law codes of Asia. It still sustains paramountcy in conservative Hindu society in spite of its age and many controversies linked with it. Laws of Manu/Manu Smriti or Mānava-Dharmaśāstra also leave a deep impression in the minds of Hindus. Mythologists believe that Manu smriti is the record of the words of Brahma and the code of conduct for inter-caste relationships in Hindu society. The time of its recording is uncertain, but some believe it to be about 200 BC.

Transfer of Vedic knowledge to successive generations – Priestly-schools of ancient India had devised a most remarkable and effective method of transferring Vedic knowledge to succeeding generations. Initially Knowledge was passed was passed on orally from one generation to another in the form of hymns, restricting it only to those possessing brilliant feats of memory and capability to keep extreme sanctity. Later on, Vedic literature was put together in ‘Vedas’, ‘Smritis’ ‘Sutras’, and ‘Upanishads’, “Ramayana” and “Bhagwat Gita”. These are not merely scriptures/religious/spiritual books, but also a perfect guide to lead a quality of life. The ”Rig Veda”, dated to between 1500–1200 BCE is said to be the oldest complete religious holy book that has survived into the modern age. Ramayana and Mahabharat are the two great epics of Hinduism. These Epics “contain an ocean of knowledge in a jar.”[i]

Origin of Hinduism – Principles of Hindu Sanatan Dharma are as relevant today as it were earlier. Hinduism has come into existence around 3300-1300 BCE on Indo-Gangetic plains (in northern parts of India) and matured by 2600-1900 BCE. Some scholars believe Hinduism started somewhere between 2300 B.C. and 1500 B.C. in the Indus Valley, near modern-day Pakistan. 

The merger of ancient Indo-European speaking peoples, who migrated to entered Indus valley, located in modern day Pakistan around 1500 BCE from the region of present-day Iran, with the culture and language of the natives of Indus valley gave birth to the Vedic religion. It their gradually evolved into Hinduism between the 6th and 2nd centuries BCE. Vedas became the most sacred literature of Hinduism. It has been spread and flourished throughout India during 1500 BC and 500 BC and gradually spread all-over South-east Asia, China, Korea and Japan. Vedic Hindu Dharma has taken centuries to develop. Many knowledgeable persons contributed to its growth from time to time after doing through research work and analysing rationally their personal experience. Hindu culture has entered the modern era without any cultural break.

Hindu Philosophy, “an ocean of knowledge in a jar” – Vedic knowledge “contains an ocean of knowledge in a jar. It is the base of Hindu philosophy.It has taken thousands of years to take shape. All its principles cannot be found in one single authoritative text, nor can it be attributed to one single author. The specialty of Indian philosophy is its simplicity, solidity, and conformity with the forces of Mother Nature.

Basic principles of Hinduism – Following are some of the basic principles of Hindu-philosophy:-

Hinduism concede validity to all the religions and does not lay strictures against any faith. That is why all the twelve major religions are present and flourishing in India without any restriction. More than anywhere else, Hinduism holds multitude of thoughts, processes them and practices them. There is co-existence of various beliefs and thoughts. It is compilation of several belief systems. As such, sometimes it is referred the ‘family of religions’ because of its accommodating nature.

Even now in modern India, every Hindu family group has its own god or goddess, known as kul-devta or kul-devi. Almost all family groups or social groups (Jaati/castes) have a prayer room or temple of their own, where they lit a Diya, offer prayers to their respective god or goddess and recite Mantra.

  • Atma (Self) and Paramatma (Creator of Universe) – The Vedas conceptualize “Brahman” as the Cosmic Principle. ‘Brahman’ is a key concept found in the Vedas, and it is extensively discussed in the early Upanishads. According to Principle of non-duality, Atma and Paramatma are the two integral parts of the same God, and therefore inter-linked. They are also known as ’Bramhan’/’Parmatma’ (God). The ultimate purpose of human life, according to Indian thought, is to unite with the ultimate Reality, the Divine/Brahman.

Paramatma – The highest Divine Reality is Paramatma. In Upanishads, Brahman or Paramatma is described as a ‘Ultimate Supreme Divine Reality”, “world soul” or “cosmic soul.” He has been variously described as the creator and destroyer of the entire Universe. He is all-pervasive, infinite, permanent, eternal truth and bliss which does not change, yet is the cause of all changes. He is present in all objects, including the human body. He is essence of this universe and way for ‘Atman’ to achieve Sat-cit-ānanda (truth-consciousness-bliss).

Atman – According to Upanishad, every human has two components, body and soul. Atman resides within a body of any living thing, be it a human, an animal or a tree. Itmeans ‘Eternal Self’ or ‘Real self’. It is often referred to as ‘spirit’ or ‘soul’ beyond human body or illusions/false ego of human mind. It indicates the true self or essence, which underlies human existence. Atman (soul) is the spiritual identity of human body. Body gets destroyed, but not the “Atman”. Like Paramatma, Atman is also eternal, being the integral part of the Supreme.

Death can destroy a human Body, but Soul is indestructible. Body, which is (made up of eight elements earth, water, air, sky, fire, mind, intellect and ego). Death merely changes the form of the body. The human body does not retain its original form or shape and changes its shape even in one life with moving times.

  • Principle of Reincarnation – Hinduism believes in the Immortality of the soul, and in the ‘Principle of Reincarnation’. It means that the soul is a deathless entity. After death it is reborn again and again depending on the deeds of previous birth till it attains salvation. After several births and deaths of the body, one can reach a state of immortality. But once it attains Salvation, it is not born again.

Ultimate purpose of human life, Moksha/Salvation – The ultimate purpose of human life is Immortality/Salvation/Moksha, get rid of the pangs of rebirth and death. In order to set itself free from the cycle of multiple rebirths and deaths, one should do follow the path of ‘Dharma’. Here dharma means ‘Sadachaar’ (good behavior) by keeping purity and sincerity in ‘Aachar’, ‘vichaar’, and ‘karma’ (thinking, behavior and action). Good deeds of humans can help to reach up to the stage of salvation. One needs to practice continuous detachment by restraining one’s senses from drifting towards the objects of worldly pleasures, (materialism and consumerism). A balanced mindset is required to practice detachment and keeping oneself away from illusions or irresistible lure for worldly pleasures.

  • Avatars to save humanity from evil – Hinduism believes in Avatars. According to Hindu mythology, the Supreme power visits the earth from time to time in some form of Avatars to save humanity from evil. So far, these Avatars have visited the earth – Mats avatar (fish), then to Kurma (tortoise)); Varaha (wild boar); Narsimha (half animal half mam); Vamana (dwarf); Parashurama with axe (tool); Maryada Purushottam Ram; Krishna the playful and serious avatar; and ninth, Budha the enlightened one. The world is waiting for the 10th avatar in the form of Kalki, a genetically supreme bionic man. (‘Know your religion through its philosophy’ by Prakash Shesh, the Speaking tree, TOI, January 14, 2016, p. 20)
  • Righteousness always wins over Evil – The morale of the stories about Avatars is that Righteousness always wins over Evil. It inspires and encourages the masses to follow the path of virtue and keep themselves away from evils. Different rituals, traditions, and customs give the people a purpose to live for and follow the path of righteousness.
  • Positive and negative Mindset of human beings (Gunas) – Hindu philosophy believes that the whole world of activities is a result of complex intermixing of three basic qualities of human nature Satva, Rajas and Tamas. When born, a person is like a clean slate – pure, formless, undifferentiated Consciousness. What s(he) writes on it, depends on the relative strengths of three Gunas –Tamas, Rajat and Sattva. The categorization in these three groups usually depends on degree of attachment-detachment, austerity, Purity/cleanliness of body, speech and mind, charity and positive or negative thinking.

‘Satva’ Guna (Positive mindset) – ‘Satva’ is associated with peace purity, knowledge with clarity in thinking positive attitude and consistency in actions. (1) Fearlessness, (2) Cleanliness of mind and body, (3) Devotion towards God, (4) Acquisition of true knowledge, (5) Suppression of the senses, (6) Study of scriptures, (7) Recitation of God’s name, (8) Taking pain in following one’s own code of conduct, (9) Simplicity of mind, inner self and senses, (10)Non-violence in all its forms, (11) Speaking Truth in a pleasant manner, (12) Absence of anger, (13) Non attachment, (14) Peace of mind, (15) Not speaking ill of others, (16) Kindness towards all, (17) Forgiveness, (18) Patience, (19) Lack of ego and (20) Feeling ashamed while doing something against Laws or Traditions. “Sat” or “austerity” is required for pursuing knowledge,

‘Rajas Guna’ (Having power to control people and events)) – ‘Rajas’ is associated with passion/lure for comfort, often makes an individual, self-centred. Rajas represents itself by power, passion, action, energy and motion. Rajas‘ Guna drives people towards passion, power, ambition, and love for comfortable living. It often makes an individual self-centred. It does not care much about any particular value. It can contextually be either good or bad. 

‘Tamas’ (Negative mindset) – Individuals with Tamas or negative thinking are the victims of ignorance, sloth carelessness. It usually suppresses good qualities and leads towards `Adharma” (immoral behaviour, harsh words), “Alasya” (laziness) and Agyan (ignorance, Lack of knowledge). Tamas/negative mindset manifests (1) Ego, Ahankar (2) cruelty/Inhuman behaviour, (3) Injustice (Anyay), (4) Lust (5) Over- pride (mad) (6) Greed (Lobha) (7) Anger (Krodha), (8) . Jealousy, (9) Attachment (Moh), (10). Selfishness (Swartha).

Persons with negative mindset are usually responsible for different kinds of social evils, exploitation and miseries of the people. Most of the time, they make their own life quite stressful, as there is a gap between expectations and reality. In order to keep oneself away from negative mindset, one should first ‘Think’ before taking any step, then ‘evaluate’, and try to be Creative and confident, while setting goals.

Inter-play of the three qualities determines personality of a person – Inter-play of the three qualities determine the tendencies, potentialities, limitations, traits and character of different individuals and give them direction for action. The material world through senses attracts the human mind towards a mirage/illusion or attachment. Many a times, such attachment leads to impurities. Freedom of mind from attachment/illusion is consciousness. In order to become civilized, one has to keep in control and observance of cleanliness – of body, speech and mind. The purpose of human life should be to overcome Tamas, refine Rajat and inculcate Sattva.

  • Power of Mantra – Hinduism believes in power of Mantra to keep physical, emotional and spiritual balance. Many studies done in modern period say that that Mantra is a very powerful tool used in ancient Indian traditions. Mantra chanting can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve cognitive function. The vibrations created by chanting Mantra can also have a therapeutic effect on body, including reducing blood pressure, improving heart rate variability and increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Some studies have suggested that certain Mantras can activate genes associated with immune function and reduce inflammation. 

The most basic mantra is Om, which in Hinduism is known as the “Pranava mantra,” the source of all mantras. During the Hindu Epics period and after, mantras multiplied in many ways and diversified to meet the needs and passions of various schools of Hinduism. Now, any shloka from holy Hindu texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutra, even the Mahabharata, Ramayana, Durga Saptashati or Chandi is a mantra, thus can be part of the Japa, repeated to achieve numinous effect. The Dharma sastra claims Gayatri mantra derived from Rig Veda verse 3.62.10, and the Purusa-sukta mantra from Rig Veda verse 10.90 are most auspicious mantras for japa at sunrise and sunset. It is claimed to purify the mind and spirit.

  • Hinduism provides legitimacy to Principles of Varna, Dharma and Karma – Hinduism has provided legitimacy to the Varna followed by Jati-Pratha, which has prepared a political and social framework for Hindu society. Principles of Varna, Dharma and Karma are the Foundation pillar of Hinduism. Together these principles have given  a sustainable social structure and a distinct identity to Hindu society.
  • Principle of Varna – Principle Of Varna has provided continuity and stability despite numerous foreign invasions, migrations and assimilation of various groups. The doctrine of Varna distributes and organizes systematically the performance of various functions; provides a quality of life to its people; defines roles, duties and vocations for different sections of society on the basis of their attitude and aptitude roles; organizes inter-relationship of various sections of society. This way, Principle of Varna has organized and distributed performance of various functions systematically needed for the survival of society.

Manu’s classification of Hindu society is was based on the principle of ‘Division of Labour’. He has grouped the people into four Varnas according to their attitude and aptitude –

  • Brahmins (Learners) – Persons who have had qualities of “Sat”/“austerity” (needed for pursuing knowledge) are put in Brahmin’ category. In the past, they were basically are teachers, scholars, priests or advisors, not the rulers. They are assigned the job to guide society in the right direction. Their sole income was biksha (alms) given by the landlords (non-brahmins) Ancient Greek philosophers have called such persons ’Philosopher King’.
  • Kshatriyas (Warriors) – Action-oriented, courageous/brave persons having quality of ‘Rajas’ have been given the charge are put in Kshatriyas group. Their job was to exercise power and to protect the whole society from internal or external aggressions. Ancient Greeks called them ‘Warriors’.
  • Vaishyas (Business men) Business men inclined towards trade are put in Vaishyas group.
  • Shudras (Workers) – Persons needing guidance of the above three groups for doing any job have been put in Shudras category.
  • Principle of “Dharma” – Scholars have repeatedly commented that the word ‘Dharma’ is not translatable in English. Words like law righteousness, ethics, morality all together are not enough to give justice to the meaning of Dharma. The principle of Dharma embraced within itself “religion”, “law”, “duty”, “righteousness”, “morality” and “conformity with truth”. Along with its being a “religious idea”, “Dharma” was also a “principle” and a “vision” of an organic society, in which all participating members were independent, yet their roles complementary. 

Dharma guides individuals to remain true and to fulfil their duties earnestly, enables different groups to act cooperatively. It regulates the behaviour and interpersonal relationship of its component members within society. It provides universal, practical and eternal guidelines to be followed in personal life, family life, community life, social life, professional life and national life.

Common Dharma for all – Principle of Dharma has given universal, practical and eternal guidelines to be followed in personal life, family life, community life, social life, professional life and national life. All the people in the society are governed by “Dharma” at all times, be it a ruler or ruled, parent or child, teacher or student or man or woman. There is a common Dharma, which is applicable to all. These are the norms and values of good conduct, which lead individuals to the path of righteousness.

Specific and separate Dharma for different sections of society – Principle of Dharma also specifies role, duties, privileges and restrictions of each role separately. It prescribes a separate Dharma appropriate to each Varna, each class and each stage of human life. Separate Dharma for different communities is based on inherent qualities, aptitude and potentialities of its members. The Dharma of Brahmin was not that of a Shudra, or the Dharma of a student not that of an old man.

Follow Swadharma – ‘Dharma’ prepares an atmosphere to inspire people to do their own duties, ‘Swadharma’ honestly. Following one’s own Dharma gives everybody else opportunities to live and prosper socially, professionally, economically, and spiritually according to their own rhythm.

Will power necessary to follow the path of ‘Swadharma’ – Moulding life according to Swadharma is not an easy task. It requires willpower and a strong character. Therefore, people with weak faculties find it difficult to observe Dharma. “Dharma” along with “Karma” was the means, through which a person approached the desired goal of life, the ultimate aim being salvation from the cycle of birth and death.

Hindu culture assured people that proper performance of Swadharma with honesty and sincerity assures both, worldly honour and spiritual happiness. Proper assignment and performance lead the whole society to live a quality of life. While performing Swadharma without hesitation, a person earns a rightful place in society and a feeling of being an integral part of society, not an outsider to it. The proper performance of Swadharma with honesty and sincerity assures both worldly honour and spiritual happiness.

  • Principle of Karma with Detachment – Whereas, Western cultures have grown around the idea of `rights ‘forming the natural foundation of human relationship, Hinduism evolves around the concept of “duty, tolerance and sacrifice”. Emphasis on duty usually makes a person or a group humble and tolerant. It makes the inequalities, prevalent in the society, tolerable to an average Indian. It ensures social harmony and prevents rivalries and jealousies. It helps people to adjust themselves, without much difficulty, to the most drastic changes. India has achieved its freedom in a peaceful manner under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Hindus are basically filled with a sense of duty.

Karma, the Central Theme of Gita – Karma is the central theme of Bhagwat Gita. The Philosophy of Gita is simple. It guides people ‘Rely on one’s own Laws and Traditions. Do one’s own duties/deeds without hesitation and with complete devotion towards God, and achieve what is generally achieved by such deeds. 

Together these principles of Varna, Dharma and Karma have prepared an atmosphere of co-existence for different sections of its society – be it ruler or ruled, rich or poor; and have held together different castes and communities having diverse languages and practices for generations – thus making unity in diversity a reality.

Sanatan Dharma (Principle of Eternal Values) of Hinduism – The term ‘Sanatan means eternal/beyond time and ‘Dharma’ means duty. It is said that things perfected by nature are better and more sustainable than anything else. The whole scheme of Sanatan Dharma is in conformity with time and the forces of nature. All its instructions are in tune with nature. It nurtures basic instincts of human beings over nature. takes care of the basic physical, mental and spiritual needs of human beings at different stages of life.

Sanatan Dharma is universal, eternal, applicable to all human beings irrespective of race, caste or creed. Its norms of conduct take care of their basic physical, mental and spiritual needs at different stages of life, which are as relevant even today as it was earlier in ancient times. It attaches importance to social values. Its norms of conduct at different stages of life. are as relevant even today as it was earlier.

Based on the experiences and deep study – Many learned sages and intellectuals, belonging to different communities at different point of time did a deep study of natural instincts, inherent attributes, natural behavioural pattern and felt needs (physical, mental and spiritual) of humans at different stages of life. On the basis of their experiences and deep thinking, they formulated a compact life package, known as ‘Sanatan Dharma’.

According to Sanatan Dharma, for living life fruitfully and aging gracefully, every individual passes through four stages of life. At each stage of life, he performs different roles like the role of a student or a household member. It tells clearly what are the rights and duties of a person at what time and what is the right age to study or enter into real life.

Four stages of human life – According to it, there is one pre-stage followed by four stages in human life. Different stages of human life are known as Ashrams, which are as following: –

  • Pre stage of Baly Avastha or Childhood – First 5 or 6 years of infants’ and toddlers’ life is the pre-stage of learning. It is the best period of human life. This is the time for a child to learn and understand the first lesson of real life, about human relationships and mannerism. During this period, the ground for learning is prepared at home under the full-time attention, loving care and guidance of his parents. Constant interaction between parents and children prepares an atmosphere to develop a child’s mental and physical faculties and character. It is the responsibility of parents to shape the attitude of their children. Obedience is expected from a child.
  • Brahmacharya Ashram, first stage of human life – After Balya-Vasha (childhood) and before entering into real life is the right time for learning. The duty of young and grown-up children is to learn and acquire knowledge.  It is a period of strict discipline. Students should lead a simple life. They should not bother much about worldly pleasures/comforts. They should work hard and devote their full time to acquiring knowledge. It is a teacher’s job to impart knowledge, shape attitudes, cultivate skills and build work habits, so that when they enter into real life environment after completing their course, they are better adjusted. Teachers should help students to develop their mental and moral faculties and guide them to get control over their senses, mind and intellect. At this stage society rears, protects and gives its best as heritage to coming generations.
  • “Graphesthesia/life of a householder” – Of all the Ashrams (stages) Grihasthashram has been given a high place of honour. Giving maximum importance to it shows that Indian philosophers and Epic writers attached great importance to social values.

During the second phase of life, a person enters into real life and joins the work-force. It is the most energetic period of human life. As a householder, one raises a family and enjoys married life. He gets real grounds to utilize one’s intellectual and physical capabilities. He works for financial and material success, getting involved in economic activities.

  • Rights – This is the time to enjoy life fully and fulfil all his desires and dreams, with emphasis on – Dharma (piety, morality, duties), Artha (wealth, health, means of life), Kama (love, relationships, emotions) and Moksha (liberation, freedom, self-realization).
  • Duties – Householders are directly or indirectly in contact with the whole society. It is their duty to make direct contribution to the society, in consistent with the capacity, dictates of their knowledge and conscience. They are responsible to take care of their dependents, to look after the management, and the needs of other three Ashramas, or financially help the people of other three Ashrams. Dependents include elders, children, members of extended family, educational institutions and strangers in need of help. 
  • Third Stage of life, Vanaprastha Ashram – Grihathashram is conceptually followed by Vanaprastha Ashram. At this stage, running after a luxurious lifestyle or material success is not the aim. After fulfilling familial liabilities, time comes to start to lead a retired life, to start process of withdrawal, to delegate authority to next generation, start process of detachment from familial bonds and renunciation of worldly pleasures should start. It is the time for ‘Simple living and high thinking’, to start the process of withdrawal, delegation of authority to the next generation, detachment from familial bonds and renunciation of worldly pleasures. 

Elders can provide extended care, to help in taking decisions, maintaining discipline within their respective groups. Time can be utilized by doing social services like helping and taking care of poor, helpless members of society like widows, destitute or weak. Spare time can be spent in contemplation or attending spiritual discourses.

  • Fourth Stage of life, Sanyas (renunciation) – At this stage, a person is completely free from any social obligation. It is a time for complete detachment, resignation and renunciation. to prepare oneself to leave this world and go to an unknown world. Realization of spirituality and wisdom is the aim.

Earlier, when human life was not so complicated and men were closer to nature, people could follow the principles of Sanatan Dharma without much difficulty. With the erosion of moral values and life becoming more and more complex, it became difficult for people to practice it.

Teachings of Bhagvat Gita, Ramayana and Mahabharata – Mahabharata and Ramayana are two great Hindu epics, which commands the respect and attention of an average Indian. These Epics speak on everything, be it in the sphere of spirituality or material well-being, on keeping good relationships with other humans, staying healthy, overcoming social evils, improving concentration and mannerism, which are relevant even today. The basic principles of these Epics guide people to lead a worthwhile quality of life here in this world. And after death enable the soul to make its onward journey by improving the prospects re-births.  

It is amazing that Bhagwat Gita, a book as old as 5000 years is still relevant even in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) of 21st century. Teachings of Gita give an exercise to human minds in the same manner as yogic exercises to bodies. It has solutions to all doubts, fears, dilemmas, problems etc. and guide humans to live a happy, peaceful and prosperous life. Following are lessons of Gita give an exercise to human minds in the same manner as yogic exercises to bodies:

  • Detach from illusions and attach to Divine. Give priority to divinity. See divinity all around.
  • Have enough knowledge/intellect/devotion to see the truth as it is.
  • Attachment is the cause of all distress.
  • Detachment is the way to progress and prosperity.
  • The attainment of True Knowledge is the ultimate aim of all such deeds.
  • Fighting for the right cause in life is the ultimate solution to all problems.
  • Live a simple lifestyle that matches your vision.
  • Always remain steady.
  • Renounce the ego and attain salvation leading to unending peace and happiness.
  • Every act should be done in moderation.
  • True Knowledge is far Superior to the knowledge of the Sacred Scripts.
  • Stress is on Detachment and Equanimity. Happiness and unhappiness should be considered alike. For achieving detachment or renunciation, Knowledge and intellect play an important role.

Following five basic principles of Gita can change human life positively –

  1. Focus on your action and not on the results – Focus on your action and not its results. “Karm Karo, Fal ki Chinta mat Karo”. (Verse 47, Chapter 2, Bhagwat Gita) Because results are not solely dependent on your efforts. The result depends on other factors as well like other people, circumstances or atmosphere etc. If results are not as per your expectations, pain is unavoidable.
  2. Do not resort to inaction – When the work is hard and burdensome,  never lose interest and attach oneself to inaction (निष्क्रियता).
  3. Be Fearless – The biggest fear in our lives is “Fear of Death”. Fear creates deterrence in whatever you want to do in life. Only body is destroyed, Soul is glorious, fearless, free from old age and immortal.
  4. Eliminate fear of death from your mind. (Verse 20, Chapter 2, Bhagwat Gita)
  5. Gateways to hell/unhappiness – There are three gateways to unhappiness – Lust, Greed and Anger, abandon these three completely as it disturbs the balance of mind and soul, and leads to self-destruction. 
  6. Work is Worship – Hindu Philosophy teaches that “Work is Worship”. Society assigns everybody a specific task to do as per one’s own karmas and destiny. A person earns a rightful place in society by doing his assigned duties honestly. While performing one’s duty/action, one gets a feeling that he is an integral part of society, and not an outsider to it.

One should do without hesitation the duties/deeds assigned to him/her by the society and with complete devotion towards God, and achieve what is generally achieved by such deeds. 

  • No work superior or inferior – All kinds of work are worth pursuing and respectable, if done in its sincerely. No work is superior/high or humble/inferior/derogatory/ or waste. Any work done in its true spirit could never be derogatory or a waste. The work of a priest, warrior, manual worker or yogi, all are equally important for the society and are, therefore, right, respectable and worth pursuing. The idea of white-collared jobs, blue-collared jobs and menial/derogatory jobs is the contribution of the Western world, emerged especially after industrial Revolution.
  • Every act should be done in moderation – Gita teaches that control over the mind is necessary for purification of Soul. And for purification of Soul, one should fulfil the duties assigned to him in proper manner and in moderation.
  • Detachment – Work should be done with detachment. Dedicate the results of all your deeds to God. Detachment is the key to getting control over a restless mind. An individual should feel that he is the doer of the deeds. With detachment, one can reach beyond the scope of the three qualities, saintly, worldly, and lethargic.
  • Work, not for external award – Work is done not so much for its external reward, but for the intrinsic satisfaction towards realization of ‘Swadharma’. Society assigns each one a specific duty as per one’s own karmas and destiny. Everyone should do His/her the duties/deeds assigned to him without hesitation and with complete devotion towards God, and achieve what is generally achieved by such deeds.
  • Concept of Right and Wrong, according to Indian philosophy – Right and wrong are relative terms. The idea of sin and virtue, good and evil are creations of the mind. They reflect the needs of society and therefore bear not much value. Truth lies somewhere in between various differing opinions. Yesterday’s Right/truth/Justice may be today’s wrong/falsehood/injustice, and today’s right tomorrow’s wrong. Truth is like a chameleon in reverse. It always assumes colors other than those of its environment. People chase truth/justice without embracing it. To understand it one needs a balanced approach. A rational opinion about it can be formed only by keeping these four variables in mind:
    • Desha (region) – The culture of a place, in which a person is born,
    • Kala (time) -The period of historical time, in which a person is born,
    • Shrama (Effort)-The efforts required of him at different stages of Life,
    • Guna (Quality)-Aptitude and innate psycho-biological traits.
  • Knowledge, a never ending process (‘Neti’, ‘Neti’) – Vedas say that creation and quest for knowledge is a constant process, without any beginning or an end. It is a never ending process (‘Neti’, ‘Neti’). Indian Sages (Rishis and Munies) believed that even Vedas are not the end for quest for knowledge or prescribes any final absolutes.

According to Gita, Senses are superior to the body, Mind is superior to the Senses and Knowledge or intellect is superior to the Mind. Knowledge is better than Abhyas (practice), Meditation is better than Knowledge. Renunciation of the fruits of action is still better than Meditation as peace immediately follows such renunciation.

Knowledge, the key to knowing the truth – Knowledge is supposed to be necessary for giving Action (Karma) its due meaning, direction and value. It is necessary to know about one’s surroundings or understand what is right or wrong. Ignorance was considered to be leading to futile efforts destroying direction. Hinduism tries to inculcate discipline and sense of direction amongst ignorant masses through rituals, prayers, practices, and customs. But as said earlier it should not be followed blindly without understanding the purpose behind it.

There are choices before human beings – take action with developed mind/intellect or action with weak mind, bridled with desire, based on emotion, impulse, hatred, greed and selfishness. Intellect needs to be developed to make the mind rational. Gita prescribes for ‘action’/’deed’ to be combined with intellect (knowledge with positive energies) governed by intellect makes a person calm and content. Knowledge with negative energies quite often leads to agitation/aggression and discontent.

Ignorance leads to futile efforts destroying direction. There are choices before everyone – either to take any action with knowledge and positive attitude or do a deed with ignorant/negative mindset.

  • Self-discipline, self-reliance and self-restraint – Hinduism gives importance to the considerations of self-discipline, self-reliance and self-restraint. It suggests all social groups or Varnas lead a self-restraint and self-disciplined lifestyle in all respects, be it in the matter of daily routine, occupation or inter group relationship. In the past, knowledge, spirituality, morality, hygiene, cleanliness of body and mind (concept of purity and impurity) and usefulness of their work to the society as a whole were the considerations, which determined the social, economic and political status of a group within society vis-a vis other social groups. The purer a varna or caste was, higher it was considered. Greater were the self-restrictions imposed on its behaviour through rituals by society.

Discipline was inculcated and a sense of direction was given to the general public through an infinite variety of rituals, prayers, practices, customs and meditation.

  • Tolerance and acceptance/interdependence – Hindu philosophy values interdependence, acceptance and tolerance. Since ages, Hinduism sends messages like ‘Live and let live’, ‘Vasudhaiv-Kutumbakam’ (The whole world is one family) and ‘accept others as they are’, Truth, Ahimsa, peace and non-aggression are imbibed in Indian ethos. It can be seen everywhere in common men’s way of life in India. People endure without much protest injustice and unfairness until they are pushed right to the wall. It has prevented its people to exercise coercion, force, violence or aggressions. It is the reason why it is one of the oldest living cultures in the whole world.

Tolerance level of Hinduism – Tolerance is most evident in the field of religion.  Hindu’s faith in an all-pervading omnipresent god and multiplicity of God/Goddesses as representing some portion of the infinite aspect of the Supreme Being inspires to accommodate people of all faiths.  Hinduism concedes validity to all the religions and does not lay down strictures against any faith or reject any religion or its god as false.  That is why, all the twelve major religions of the world are present and flourishing in India without much hindrance. 

  • Accepts others as they are – Hinduism values interdependence and accepts other communities as its integral parts.
  • It accepts that there are different paths leading to God and be humane;
  • It gives complete liberty to worship any god or goddess of their choice, as well as use their own methods of worship;
  • It does not impose its own codes of conduct on other faiths;
  • It is liberal enough to see atheism as a legitimate pursuit.

Level of Tolerance – In the past, Hindus had accepted oppression and exploitation without much protest, while such situations, elsewhere in the world, would have led to bloody revolutions. Intolerance of people elsewhere in the world had compelled the people either to work under the threat of a whip or led to bloody revolutions as had happened in ancient Greece, Rome or other European countries. However, tolerance in India had kept on adapting itself to changing times and had prevented people from taking up the path of violence. It is continuously internalizing the changes and has kept on adapting itself to changing times. India has entered the modern era without any cultural break.

Area where tolerance is harmful – Even today, the people are tolerating the criminalization of politics, corruption, scams and scandals and inefficient governance without much protest. Governance of the nation is one such area, where tolerance is harmful, because it does not only hinder development, but also pushes the nation backwards. Hindus have not raised their voice against inefficiency in administration, corruption, scandals, scams, oppression or exploitation by powerful lobbies so far. They have tolerated even criminalization of politics without much protest.  Elsewhere in the world, such situations would have led to strong protests/bloody revolutions.

Conclusion – Hinduism a wonderful example of assimilation and Inclusiveness – More than anywhere else in the world, India holds a multitude of thoughts, processes them and practices them. There has been co-existence of varied belief, pattern and thought due to inter-mixing and cultural mingling.

Adopted the path of assimilation – Beauty of Hinduism lies in the way, it has assimilated numerous social groups coming from different parts of the world at different points of time in waves immigrants, locals, tribal, professionals or others – into its mainstream unlike Islam or Christianity.

No conversion – It does not believe in conversion or imposing its beliefs, practices and customs on others. Hindu religion has neither repulsed any trend vehemently, nor allowed others to sweep its own established culture off the roots.

It is because of all these qualities that scholar Don Martindale has said, Hinduism and caste system has “succeeded in doing in India, what no state, no conqueror and no economy was able to do, the establishment of a single unified system of society throughout the whole of India, accommodating numerous semi-autonomous communities arising at many times and in many places), a system of society, which was able to comprise a greater range of local differences in a single system than any society has previously accomplished.” 

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May 30, 2024 - Posted by | General |

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