Hinduism is a personal Religion.
It does not believe in Numbers, nor in Proselytism.
As a matter of fact, The Vedas do not mention collective worship at all.
Those who disseminate Knowledge did so, free of cost, after evaluating the student’s aptitude.
However a token was accepted, of the Teacher‘s choosing, from the students’ parents, either to make people understand that nothing must be gained free of cost or to test the skill-set and dedication of the Student.
Lord Krishna was asked to save Santipini’s son from a demon in the Ocean, as Guru dakshina.
By doing so, Lord Krishna acquired his famous Panchajanya.
Drona asked, nay punished Ekalaivya by asking for his Thumb, this is an exception, for this act his son Aswathama was cursed to roam as Chiranjeevi (ever living) in the forest.
Or the Gurus asked of their students to undertake a mission for the welfare of the Society.
Viswamitra asked Lord Rama to kill the demons Thataka.
But never they hankered after wealth for their efforts.
One must remember in the Vedic System of Life, the students were living with the Teacher in his household, partaking what was available;their parents, however rich were not permitted to offer anything.
Over a period of years the system of conveying the Vedic Thoughts, The Ithihasa, Ramayana, Mahabharata and others came into vogue.
When it started the preachers never accepted anything but were driven the noble thought of spreading the Good Word.
Over a period of time, this become an Industry where people , in the garb of disseminating knowledge have started making money and only money, with presenting facts that would suit the audience.
The system of negotiating Rates for Pravachana began.
Till some time back there was this habit of’ ‘taking the plate around’ among the audience to raise for some noble cause;later it degenerated into collecting money from the audience for the preacher!
Now with Media networks running wild to make quick buck by presenting miish mash of programmes called Religious, popular figures in the filed of preaching are called in.
What they do more is to advertise themselves, distort stories.Philosophy to suit TRP!
Nauseating is their naked lust for money and fame.
Worse is their treatment of people who attend their Pravachanas or Preaching, Kathas.
People come to their Pravachanas or Kathas to know more of the Subject.
They are treated with contempt,; the man does not even acknowledge you or at times if he inclined will tell you rudely’he has no time”
This applies all the Pravachanakarthas including Velukkudi Krishna who is the craze now.
He stares at you indifferently and keeps mum or looks at some body.
But hear his Pravachanas, you would believe he is embodiment of Knowledge, Wisdom,Eager to help people and, as irony would have it,Humble!
I recall Sri Kripanandavariar , great preacher asking people in the midst of a Lecture for their doubts and clearing them on the spot!
If one were to approach him later, he would patiently explain things till he was satisfied that you understood him!
Preachers of Hinduism, what you are doing is not Dharma and you are insulting Hinduism
Note.People might ask me why I have not said anything about Christian Preacher,..
Well…it is their profession sanctioned(?) by their Religion.
Nor I am saying anything about the self-styled Gurus, like Chandrasawmi,Baba Ramdev or the one who teaches the ‘Art of Living’ as if Hinduism teaches the ‘Science of Death!’
These guys should remember what would be their position that if Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, Mahabharata,Yoga had Copyright and IPR!
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