Words of Wisdom

Hindu Dharma

Hindu word is of geographical origin. It was given to the people settled on the River Sindhu. 'Sindhu' was corrupted to Hindu and the religion of Hindu was given the name of Hinduism in Enlgish as to attain Brahm or the universal soul is the ultimate aim of Hindu philosophy. Scholars call this religion the Brahmanical Faith. Hindus themselves would like to call it Sanatan Dharma or Eternal Religion for it consists of principles which hold good for all time, places and ages. It is scientific, for it is in consonance with human nature and stages of its growth. It takes into consideration human failings and limitations and endeavours to transmute them into perfection. Therefore, the Hindu Religion is not opposed to reason. It is faith, it is a faith indicated by reason.
"Dharma" means to persevere- that which holds together the people and even cosmos. It is something which establishes a relation between the inner law and other human nature. It teaches harmony with the environment, the collectivity and the universe. The aims and endeavor of culture and social organizations in India was to allow to man, things so natural to him. In India there are four broad human objectives as interests: Kama (enjoyment of earthly things), Artha(acquisition of wealth), Dharma(deity) and Moksha (Spritual beatitude).

To mortals first come desire and enjoyment, next come their material and economic needs, ethical conduct based on the right law of individual and social life comes third and finally the natural culmination of the life should be in spiritual beatitude commonly known in the west as salvation. Dharma as laid down in the scriptures is the right rule of action. It is the right law of the functioning of life in all its varied phases and facets. It includes secular duties. It is the standard by which human conduct is measured. The aim of the Hindu being is to break the chain of birth and rebirth that binds him to earth. The first step to be taken on this path is for each one to perform his own Dharma or righteous duties. It is believed that only through the pursuit of Dharma that there is social harmony and peace in the world.

Hindu View of Life

According to the famous Indian philosopher Dr.S.Radhakrishnan, "Hinduism is movemnet, not a position; a process not a result;a growing tradition, not a fixed revelation. It is simultaneously a theology, philosophy, a social system and a way of life. "Hinduism may be better described as a religious culture rather than a religion. A man might not believe in God and yet be a Hindu. Hinduism is based on the religious scriptures called 'Vedas' written by the ancient sages thousands of years ago before Moses, Christ or Buddha. Hindus believe that they were inspired by 'the breath of God'. Though Hindus seem to worship thousands of Gods and Goddesses, Hinduism is based on monism. Hinduism has only one God - Brahman, who is the eternal spirit.

The holy trio - Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh or Siva are not three different Gods, but they represent three functions; Creation, Preservation and Destruction, of the same complex personality. The other thousands of Gods are the reincarnations of the same God. "Whenver oder, justice and morals are in danger, I take huamn shape", assures the Hindu Divine.

Hindu Dharma

Fasting helps to clear the waste from our system and give some relief to our digestive muscles. It checks weight, keeps the body supple, reflexes sharp and keeps the mind alert. We gain greater control over our involuntary muscles through fasting and thereabout improve our discipline and increases our will power.

On humanitarian grounds, fasting makes us aware, at first hand, the pangs of hunger and thirst. It highlights the plight of the poor and the underfed and helps us become more tolerant, sympathetic and charitable towards them.