Hinduism is a comprehensive name, to embrace the innumerable subdivisions of the religious sects, which though centered on an infinite diversity of Gods and Goddesses and have nevertheless a common characteristic at the base, namely, recognition of the Vedas as the absolute authority. In consonance with this, the Hindu temple expresses the peculiar character of the ethos of the Vedas. The temple is conceived to be the personal dwelling place of the God who lives there as the Lord of the universe. The temples are the places, where every Hindu has to do his “Puja” (worship) to the divine (his beloved God). One famous dictum is that “one should not live in a place (town), where there is no temple”. The function of the devotees is to respect and honor the Lord as the absolute Master, to wake Him with devotional music and songs early in the morning, to perform ablutions and offer puja (worship) and naivedyam (sacred food) to Him; and then to receive back the offerings from Him, as His infinite grace. In Hindu India, life and religion are so mixed up that it is difficult to separate them. The Vedas, the Puranas, which are the records of the ancient history in India, interspersed with religious matters, are the important sacred books of the Hindus. It was the practice in ancient days for learned scholars, to read out these works to ordinary people and explain their meaning. 9 aspects of piety are enjoined upon all Hindus as part of their Dharma (devotional duty) which every Hindu has to perform, are given below: 1. Satsanga (association with the virtuous) 2. Dhayana (meditation) 3. Iswarabhakti (devotion of God) 4. Bhaktaseva (serving the devotees of God) 5. Japa … [Read more...]
10 questions that are usually not put to you by God
These are ten questions that are usually not put to devotees by God. 1. God will not ask you about the size of your building and the number of rooms it has. But, He asks you, how many persons you have invited to your house with open hands and big heart. 2. God won’t ask you, how much you are earning (income). Instead, He wants to know that how much you are earning honestly and legally. 3. God will not ask you, regarding the status and name and fame, you are gaining through your job. But , instead, He is interested to know whether you are discharging your duties sincerely or not. 4. God is not interested regarding the size and the total cost of your vehicle. But, He is interested to know, for how many people (going on foot), you offered lift in your car and there by helping them to reach their destinations. 5. God will not ask you, in which locality, you are living and the social status you are maintaining. But, He is interested how you are behaving with your neighbors. 6. God won’t ask you how many friends you are having. Instead, God wants to know, how many persons are making friendship with you. 7. God will not bother about your color and creed. But, He enquires about how much goodness you are having in you. 8. God is not interested what type of food you are taking and how many number of dresses you are having. Instead, He wishes to know, how many poor people you are feeding and for how many number of needy, you are helping during the winter season, thereby protecting them from sever cold. 9. God will not ask you, for how many people you have provided justice. But, He asks you, how many persons were protected from injustice by your sincere efforts. 10. God will not ask … [Read more...]
