I grew up in India where religion was everywhere. Like the air we breathed. Temples, churches, mosques, gurudwaras were to be found in almost every street. And being born into a Hindu home meant we also had our own little temple with an assortment of gods and goddesses.
Yet, we never talked about what it meant to be a Hindu at home. Thank god for that. It allowed me to make of it what I will and enjoy what I love, the legends and festivals.
So while I may write about all things Hinduism and bring you well researched posts, it is by no means an exhaustive or an academic blog.
I am simply trying to explore an ancient culture that has carried on unbroken for at least 5000 years. I am trying to understand the many traditions, core beliefs, and ideas that we now term as ‘Hindu’ religion. And one which I find immensely fascinating.
When I started, I was merely hoping to delve deeper into the many colorful myths and legends, which I so love, in the hope of finding answers to very basic questions. What makes a Hindu? Why the many million gods and goddesses? What do the festivals and rituals stand for? The quest has led me down a wonderful path of discovery. The Amar Chitra Katha comics of my childhood have led me to the Gita, the Upanishads, and even the Vedas. In their readings, I have encountered an ancient wisdom so profound, modern and liberal that it fits right into the Twenty First Century.
Here, I found an idea of God or the Divine that goes beyond form and name to encompass all of the manifest universe and beyond. An idea of God that defies definition. Simply a Cosmic Consciousness which our human minds call God.
The underlying theme of the Vedanta Philosophy is non-dualism. The idea that we are all one. We all part of the same Cosmic Consciousness. Tat Twm Asi, You are that proclaim the Vedas.
All the wise rishis were seekers in search of the Ultimate Reality, whatever that was. They walked their own path and they worshiped a pantheon of gods and goddesses which are as human as they are divine. God was not someone up there but something within.
This blog holds a torch to that spirit. I hope through various posts I can introduce or re-introduce to you this ancient religion or school of thought, by demystifying it a bit and simplifying it a lot.
Thank you and Namaste!
A disclaimer – This is a personal blog. I don’t care for any form of organized religion. Not even Hinduism when it is presented to me in that form. Hence, I do not associate with any organisations or ideologies which seek to do so.
Nice blog… good read.
Thank you Srinivas. Glad you stopped by.
The new blog’s looking great!
I am looking forward to read more on the topic of Hinduism. I hope you continue to post more articles.
Best regards :)
Thanks Dilip. Glad you enjoyed the blog. I can’t wait to get back to writing regularly. I have been rather unwell but on the road to recovery now. So fingers crossed i don’t have to wait too long.
Finally read your blog..in Rome.So interesting to learn more about Hinduism but also thought provoking articles ..especially the one on Dharma..so relevant to all!..
Hey Val, just saw your comment. Hadn’t been posting anything for a while. So pleased you read some of it.
I think you will like today’s post on the Goddess and female power . Xx
hello Anuradha
great blog and hope you keep it up!
am right now about finished writing a book in french on hinduism to answer some of my own questions and it was a great trip!
would like to enquire about possibility to use a couple of your illustrations re forehead markings, which are great on your site, if you hold copyrights (or info about copyright owner)..naturally credits given..
best rgds
All these sects of Hinduism have welcomed new members to their group, while other leaders of Hinduism’s diverse schools have stated that given the intensive proselytization activities from missionary Islam and Christianity, this “there is no such thing as proselytism in Hinduism” view must be re-examined.
That would be a travesty. I hope it never comes to that. The teachings of Vedanta need to remain free from such trappings if they are to mean anything.
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Thank you! Appreciate your comment.
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Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
I am so glad you chanced upon the blog and found it informative and enjoyable.
Best wishes