Ramanisblog

Tag: Dharma

  • Godmen Prophets Not Approved by Vedas Smritis Hinduism

    Of late there has been a proliferation of godmen in Hinduism, offering salvation and performing miracles.

    There are corporate Gurus, whose background is murky, who address world leaders, in the garb of Hinduism.

    Their qualification is a few words of Hindu thoughts, some quotes and slick marketing.

    There are Gurus for Yoga.

    Yoga has become a school exercise!

    Idiots like me imagine one has to follow Patanjali, who lays down strict code of conduct ad diet for yoga sadhana.

    Today what one needs is a few mumbo-jumbo , basic lines in yoga and slick marketing.

    Horrible!

    Self styled godmen.jpg. Self styled godmen.

    Please check my Posts on yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

    Hinduism does not approve of Prophets, Godmen.

    Sanatana Dharma, Hinduism is personal.

    It does not allow brokers between you and God,after all He is your father.

    You do not need a broker to talk to your father.

    Nor does Hinduism believe in Prophets.

    Vedas and Smritis do not approve of or condone these Godmen or Prophets.

    There is no concept of Prophet or Godmen in Hinduism.

    One strives to realize Oneself.

    Paths travelled by great men are shown.

    They are only indicative.

    Each Man/woman has to find His/Her salvation.

    It is purely personal and determined by one’s disposition, Swabhava.

    No one can convert any one , in the real sense ,against his swabhava, Nature.

    Lord Krishna, in The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 18, towards the close of the discourse to Arjuna, in the battle field of Mahabharata, says to Arjuna,

    I have briefed you the secret of secrets, you decide what to follow, according to your nature, after analysing what is good for you’

    This comes from Lord Krishna, an Avatar of Vishnu!

    Arthur osbourne records thus on his discussion with Ramana Maharishi, the great Saint of this century.

    When asked about his not accepting Sishyas , Disciples,Ramana Maharishi replied.

    ‘Who is a Guru and who is a Sishya?

    All are Brahman.

    and if you are hungry, only you should eat, not Me.

    So search for reality on you’

    • Though the article has received acceptance, there have been some comments in Facebook communities and by way of personal omments to my mail ID, about me questioning the Guru system of Hinduism

    What I have written here is about Godmen and Prophets, who have no place either in Sruthi and Smriti.

    However the Guru systemws practised during the Veidc and subsequent periods to teach Vedas and guide individuals in the Dharmic path, with no intent on the part of the teacher to ern money.

    And the concept of Guru, Acharya and Updhyaya are laid down.

    Excerpt from my earlier Post.

    ‘

    Vedas have Chapters.

    One who teaches these parts is called Upaadhyayaa.

    He takes compensation for this service.

    ‘एकदेसम तु  वेदस्य वेदान्गान्यबी  वा पुन:: यूअध्यापथि वृथ्यर्थं  उपाध्याय: स  उच्च्यथे I’-Manu Smriti.

    Whereas one who does Brahmopadesam at the time of Upanayana and follows up with Teaching of the vedas is Called Acharya.

    Guru is one who seeks you out, if your yearning is sincere.

    He knows your yearnings ,assesses your capacity and initiates you in the process that suits you, for individuals are unique ,so are the paths to Realization.

    Guru is the Mentor while others are facilitators to study Veda

    Guru Acharya Upadhyaya

    If people believe in Godmen and at  later date they come to know that they have been misled, there is no point in blaming Hinduism as Hinduism, I repeat does not approve of Godmen and Prophets.

    It may be of interest to note that even Lord Rama and Krishna were not worshiped in the same way we worship them today, during their time.

    They were respected because of their actions, in the case of Krishna ,He was even abused!

    Everyone was ( at least many were) engaged in following Dharma as enshrined in the Vedas and were attempting to realize self.

    https://ramanisblog.in/2015/07/15/rama-not-worshiped-in-krishna-mahabharata-times/

    https://ramanisblog.in/2015/07/18/whom-did-lord-rama-worship/

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  • Choultries Free Food And Rest Rooms Of India

    Many have been asking me why I have been writing about Hinduism, especially about its spread throughout the world;its scientific approach;its greatness in Religious Tolerance;its closeness to Hindu way of Life;the astounding temples and the unbelievable architecture and its Advanced concepts.

    Choultry, Free Boarding and Lodging.Image.jpg
    Sri Sringeri Peetha Paripalitha Vadlamannati Vari Satram, Arjun Street, Mallikarjunapeta, Vijayawada-1, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh.

    The reason is,over a period of time, I shall be writing why this way of life is great, that is the enviable ,selfless service to Humanity and its Universal Human values, apart from easy, practical Spiritual Truth.

    Hinduism knows how to prioritize  Human issues.

    There is no point in teaching Spirituality to Empty stomachs.

    • Ahimsa (non-violence) – based on the concepts of atman and reincarnation.
    • Mind and sense control – considered essential for any form of morality.
    • Tolerance – necessary in order to deal with inconveniences in the performance of one’s dharma.
    • Hospitality – demonstrating magnanimity, and the value of service (seva).
    • Compassion – based on notions of atman, and the ability to feel for others as we feel for ourselves.
    • Protection – an essential duty is to give shelter to others, especially those less fortunate.
    • Respect – for all living beings and for the sanctity of all life.
    • Wisdom – knowledge is contrasted with ignorance, the Hindu equivalent of the “good -evil” paradigm.
    • Austerity – essential to gain wisdom in addition to mere theoretical knowledge.
    • Celibacy – important for spiritual life. Only one of the four ashrams is permitted sexual gratification.
    • Honesty – essential to build legitimate trust within relationships and to avoid self-deception.
    • Cleanliness – includes external hygiene and inner purity; essential for brahmanas.

    Of these the actions one can perform for the others starts with Food and Water.

    The basic need of Humans, Food and water has to be met.

    The Sikshavalli of the Taittriya Upanishad, the portion that deals with the Injunction of the Teacher to the students, begins with,

    Anana Nindhyaath That Vrutham,

    Annam Bahukurveetha

    Never insult Food,Let that Be your Vow,

    For of it Beings Thrive.

    The Upanishad also adds later, while describing who should be treated as God as

    Matru Devo Bhava, Mother is God,

    Pitry Devo Bhava, Fathr is God,

    Acharya Devo Bhava, Preceptor is God and

    Athithi Devo Bhava, Guest is God.

    Earlier Hindus, the common Man and the Kings took this advice to heart seriously .

    They fed the guests.

    Not only Human Beings.

    They provide water receptacles for animals, especially for Cattle.

    Every village had a special Water tank for animal to drink water from.

    Even to-day households, especially in the South, provide a mouthful of food in their Plates before they start eating and leave it for the dogs to eat .

    Kings built Huge Free Kitchens for the People to be fed, not only for the Travelers but for the poor as well.

    Temples cooked vast quantities of food , offer them as Naivedya to God and distribute among the people.

    Not only this.

    These places, Called Choultries , free boarding and lodging facilities for travelers were built by the Kings.

    Most of them are located near the temples.

    One can stay there free of cost and take food.

    Next to the Kings, businessmen and traders contributed to this effort by donations and many built Choultries of their own.

    Talk of Social Commitment today!

    Most of these people remained anonymous!

    Community based Choultries were also built by them.

    Notably the Nattukottai Chettiars, a Trading Community of Tamil Nadu have built innumerable Choultries  throughout India.

    North Indian Communities, Marwaris, Gujarati have also built Choultries.

    This practice is not unique to Hinduism.

    Jains and Buddhists have also built  them.

    Such is the value based system of India of the past.

    Today what is proscribed in the Smriti is being done,

    Selling Food and Medicine!

    These two along with Education is be offered free of Cost.

    Accepting Money for these services was considered a Sin.

    Some Choultries of India.

     

    Varanasi
    Sri Kasi Nattukottai Nagarathar Satram,
    Godowlia,
    Varanasi 221 001
    Uttar Pradesh
    Phone: 0542 2451804
    Fax: 0542 2452404

    Administrative Office
    Sri Kasi Nattukottai Satram Managing Society,
    No.3, West Vadam Pokki Street,
    (Near Nagara Sivan Koil)
    Karaikudi 630 001
    Phone: 04565 220501

    Allahabad
    Nattukottai Nagara Satram
    149, Moridaraganj,
    Allahabad 211 006
    Uttar Pradesh
    Phone: 0532 2501275

    Ayodhya
    Nattukottai Nagara Satram
    Nattukot Sri Ram Mandir,
    Baboo Bazaar,
    Ayodhya 224 123
    Uttar Pradesh
    Phone: 05278 232703

    Chennai
    Rangoon Nagara Viduthi
    88, Coral Merchant Street,
    Mannady,
    Chennai 600 001
    Phone: 044 25268155

    Gaya
    Nattukottai Nagara Chatram
    No.171, Chand Chowra,
    Gaya 823 001
    Bihar
    Phone: 0631 2226480

    Kolkata
    Ezra Street
    Nagarathar House
    34, Ezra Street,
    Kolkata – 700 001
    West Bengal
    Phone:033 22350052

    Nasik
    Nattikottai Nagara Satram
    Karthik Swamy Mandir,
    Shani Chowk
    Panchavati,
    Nasik 622 003
    Phone: 0253 2620878

     

     

  • Sanatana Dharma Means

    Sanatana Dharma Means

    Hinduism is a name given to the culture of India by the West and the Islam Invaders.

     

    The term that describes and used by the Ithihasas, Ramayana and Mahabharata` the followers of,

     

    a certain way of Life as a matter of routine,

     

    that such ways and procedures are followed by practice and transmitted by word of mouth.

     

    This covers a wide range of the populace.

     

    It includes those who believe in God, Atheists,Monists, Dualist,Non Dualist,Monotheist,Henotheist,Polytheist,Nihilist.

     

    Then what exactly the term Sanatana Dharma denote?

     

    The words Sanatana and Dharma have profound meaning in Sanskrit.

     

    “The two words, “Sanatana Dharma”, come from the ancient Sanskrit language. “Sanatana” is a Sanskrit word that denotes that which is Anadi (beginningless),

    Anantha (endless) and does not cease to be, that which is eternal and everlasting. With its rich connotations,

    Dharma is not translatable to any other language. Dharma is from dhri, meaning to hold together, to sustain. Its approximate meaning is “Natural Law,” or those principles of reality which are inherent in the very nature and design of the universe.”

     

    Sanatana indicates that which  does not have a beginning and ending.

     

    That is it has no origin in the sense that there is no founder.

     

    If what is stated has been begotten only by Reason, it can not be beginning-less, for it should have had a founder.

     

    As the Truth enumerated in Hinduism has been grasped intuitively  by many it does not have a founder nor can one ascribe a Time frame.

     

    You do not clock an emotion or a spiritual thought.

     

    Truth is not revealed in stages, it is by a flash.

     

    Dharma is a difficult term to define even for Lord Krishna , as He admits in the Bhagavad Gita.

     

    It changes from age to age, aeons to aeons, from individual to individual.

     

    But one thing remains firm.

     

    That it supports one who follows it.

     

    Dharmo Rakshati Rakshatah’

     

    Dharma protects one who protects Dharma.

     

    Dharma is self-sustaining.

     

    The practice of it supports not only the one who follows it but sustains the Universe and beings both Living and Non Living.

     

    Krishna says in the Geetha  both  Devas and man mutually help each other by performing their respective duties, Man by performing Yagnyas, Devas by ensuring Timely Rains, Sun Light and other phenomena,

     

    The concept of Reality is an abstract in Hinduism.

     

    It is a principle like the law of Gravity, it rolls on.

     

    Name and forms are only modes to concentrate the Mind.

     

    Yet there are some eternal values.

     

    Satyanna Pramadhidavyam, speak nothing but the Truth,

     

    Dharmanna Pramadhidavyam, perform nothing but what is sanctioned by Dharma.

     

    Kuchalaana Pramadhidavya, do nothing but for the welfare of others.

     

    Matru Devo Bhava, Mother is God,

     

    Pitru Devo Bhava,Father is God,

     

    Acharya Devo Bahava, teacher, preceptor is God,

     

    Adhiti devo Bhava, Guest is God,

     

    Satyam Bruyaath, speak The Truth,

     

    Hitam Bruyaath, while speaking truth make sue that is spoken in a way that does not hurt others,

     

    Sarve janas Sukino Bhavanthu, may All be Happy,

     

    Samastha Sanmangalani Bhavanthu, May what is auspicious befall on All,

     

    Thachamyora vruneemahe, Gyathum Yagyaaya, Gyathum Yagyapathayae,

     

    daivi swasti rasthunaha,

     

    Urthvam jigathu Beshajam,

     

    Sano asthu dwipade, Sanchathuspathe.

     

    Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi.

     

    May the two-legged be Happy,

     

    May the four-legged be happy,

     

    May the trees get adequate water.

     

    This is Sanatana Dharma.

     

    Image Credit.

     

    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/413416440766348471/

     

    Check.

    http://veda.wikidot.com/sanatana-dharma

     

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  • Decisions Are They Rational Emotional

    With so much talk about Decision Making and specialists (?) who advise and conduct seminars , I though about this a bit.

     

    Quote on Choice.

     

    An infant looks to its Mother for any support.

     

    Infants just follow you right from stepping aside to walking, eating.

     

    It decides to follow some of your mannerism(those with whom it spends most of its time).

     

    Till some time.

     

    One falls in Love.

     

    And one does not like somebody.

     

    One likes some things in Life, be it food or dress.

     

    We take decisions , in these cases without knowing the reasons.

     

    Most of the time in Life we react, are not proactive.

     

    We become proactive when we are not personally involved.

     

    When there are multiple choices available for a problem, most of the time, we are aware of only some alternatives, not all of them.

     

    That is why the persons who speak about decision-making state carefully  one should take decisions with the available data.

     

    The fact that the choice themselves are limited ensures that the decisions you  take are not totally free.

     

    Please read my post ‘Choice’

     

    There is this aspect of gut instinct.

     

    Decision based on this normally does not disappoint you.

     

    How and Why?

     

    I have noticed decision-making in personal lives.

     

    You like to buy a car, love a girl or Boy,want to go abroad.

     

     

    In the last one,here is some deliberation.

     

    In all others, you have already decided to your course of action.

     

    But you want to justify it , to others as much as to yourself.

     

    Reasoning, to me seems to be, an explanation not the Cause.

     

    Lord Krishna explains this Gunathraya Vibhagayoga in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14.

     

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    ”

    On hind sight I wish I could have taken them.

    The cost?

    I do not know.

    But what forced me to choose one in place of another, may be circumstances, but still?

    I had chosen what I thought I liked.

    In retrospect, I find it could have been otherwise.

    May be after couple of years  or even a days later I might find my present choice mentioned here are incorrect!”

    http://ramanisblog.in/2013/07/10/choices-and-life/

     

  • Who Is Good Do We Know

    I recently watched the popular talk show on StarVijay TV with participation from parents,teachers and students.

     

    And what the teachers see as good and how do they identify the Good Student in general and a Good man in particular.

     

    To my shock none of them have been able to specify a single attribute that characterizes a good Man.

     

    The yard stick to determine One who is Good seems to be,

     

    1.Good education with top rank.

    2.Settling well in Life.

    3,Respect to elders.

    4.Punctuality.

    5.Good communication skills.

    6.Well groomed.

    7.Being open with parents in sharing their personal experiences including Love affairs.

    8.Respecting parents.

     

    None of them have been able to specify a single Human value, excepting one man who said ‘Love others’, that makes a Good man or woman.

     

    Truthfulness, Honesty,Integrity,Righteousness, Concern for others,Helping others,flexibility in handling Life’s problems…

     

    Where are we heading?

     

    Is Life all about getting a Rank and settling (?) in Life with self-centered existence?

     

    Is the anchor rightly pointed out, all the people in the show indicated what they do not want to see in  Man or woman, implying that they have a Clear concept of what is bad and none at all about what is Good!

     

    When you do not know what Good is how do you set standards for your children?

     

    I recall the statement by Henri Bosanquet on the question of defining what Good is,

     

    ‘Just as you can not explain what the color of yellow is to one who is born Color Blind, you can not explain what Good is to one who has never done anything Good in Life”

     

    I consider this as the best definition.

     

    And what defines Bad?

    ‘Doing things in Public which you would be ashamed of doing it in Private”

     

    Well we from the land of Bharat are not short of Dharma Sastras or Moral literature.

     

    Let us look a simple one from Tamil, Athichoodi by Avvaiyar.

     

    தமிழ் எழுத்து தமிழ் வாக்கியம் English Translation
    அ அறம் செய விரும்பு Intend to do right deeds
    ஆ ஆறுவது சினம் Anger will be cooled off,Cool your Anger
    இ இயல்வது கரவேல் Give to others what you can
    ஈ ஈவது விலக்கேல் Do not stop, discourage others when they attempt to help others
    உ உடையது விளம்பேல் Never be boastful of your possession
    ஊ ஊக்கமது கைவிடேல் Never loose enthusiasm
    எ எண் எழுத்து இகழேல் Learn the Three R’s
    ஏ ஏற்பது இகழ்ச்சி Never accept Alms
    ஐ ஐயமிட்டு உண் Feed others before you eat
    ஒ ஒப்புர வொழுகு Move with world, act in harmony with the others.
    ஓ ஓதுவது ஒழியேல் Never give up learning
    ஒள ஒளவியம் பேசேல் Never gossip
    ஃ அஃகஞ் சுருக்கேல் Never short change in Business

    The fine point is that the first letter of all these Truisms  start with the Tamil Alphabets in order.

    There is more.

     

    One may learn this and pass on to children instead of Jack and Jill, Baba Black Sheep, Rain rain go Away in country where the Climate is Hot and there is dearth of rains.

    Hope elders learn this first.