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National Culture And Heritage

HINDUISM: Religion and philosophy II The religious philosophers are of opinion that there is no conflict between reason and faith in Hinduism. So there is no conflict between philosophy and religion in the simple sense of these terms, for philosopher’s deals with certain basic fundamental questions such as what is truth? What is meaning? What is knowledge? What is a beauty etc., etc., and what is purpose of life and so on. So philosophy tries to justify a particular view on grounds of faith, or a set of beliefs. Hinduism justifies religious doctrines on rational grounds. Therefore, philosophy and religion in Hinduism are not opposed to each other. Rather one supports the other. So Hinduism tries to justify rational grounds our duties towards other human beings, to any creatures, or nature at large. Hence it is a religion without any dogma. That is why it is a religion without any ‘dogmas’. Hinduism is also called ‘Sanatona Dharma’. Sonatana means to hold or to sustain. It means also ‘eternal’ or’ everlasting’ and the word ‘Dhar’ means as mentioned alone Therefore the word Sonatana Dhar means ‘the eternal rules or laws which promote the well-being of the whole laws. The Vedas ( lit.’ knowledge’), the Upanishads (treaties on philosophical discourse, although literally means sitting down to’). Bhagavad-Gita (lit. means ‘the song of God’), two great epics viz, ‘Ramayana’ and the ‘Mahabharata’, of which the Bhagavad-Gita is a part of the two epics ‘Upanishads’. The Purana (lit. ancient tales) contain the essence of Hinduism. Hence almost all Hindu philosophy has derived from the roots of in some of these scriptures, especially the Vedas and Upanishads and derived their inspiration from them. Religion or Dharma is an integral part of Hindu philosophy. However, in course of the realization of this ultimate goal of life earthly pleasures (Karma) or possession of wealth (artha) have not been discarded. They are accepted as possible means for promoting human well-being. So, Hinduism can not have asceticism. Hinduism, therefore, takes a positive attitude towards our life, existence and the world. Hinduism tries to justify the existence and distinction between good and evil, justice and injustice, truth and false hood, knowledge and ignorance, virtue and vice, love and hatred, unselfish actions, and between being and non-being in this world. Besides, all the sects of Hinduism emphasize the development of good, justice, virtue, love, knowledge and truth. It should be acknowledge that we can not achieve the ultimate goal without promoting these ideals. As regards the paths for the realization of ultimate goal, it is claimed that ‘Bhagavad-Gita’ has laid down only three paths for the achievements of ‘Moksa’ i.e. Courtesy by: Kaisar Syed

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National Culture And Heritage

(Freedom from bondage). These are called (i) the paths of devotions (or love), (ii) ‘The paths of knowledge’, and (iii) ‘The paths of holy or unselfish work’. Different sects of Hinduism or different systems of Hindu philosophy emphasize three paths in varying degrees. In fact, some even claim that each of these paths will lead an individual to the ultimate goal. Since Hinduism emphasizes both ‘action and knowledge’ it is not opposed to science, which gives us knowledge about the empirical world, for the performance of a good, just or a virtuous action. Hinduism aims at the well being of the entire creation, so it is better than any other religions which fall short of this ideal. Hence Hinduism can not be refuted by skeptic, or replaced by any doctrine, or ideal which fall shoot of Hinduism. In modern times most of the old Vedic elaborate rituals are being replaced by ‘image worship of gods and goddesses, social ceremonies such as wedding rites as well as ceremony after death called ( Sradhya ), and sacred festivals such as ‘Holi’ or ‘Durga’ Puja. In this context, different gods and goddesses represent different as aspects of the ‘ultimate reality’ or ‘The Almighty’. It must be pointed out that one of the main purposes of these worships (Puja) is meditative identification of the worshipper with the divine presence in and through the image of the duty. For, as it is understand that it is an occasion for the commitment and the promotion of our ideals. An example could be given as the symbolic explanation what I just said above. Durga Puja is the biggest and the most popular festival in Bengal and in certain parts of North India. The word ‘Durga’ means ‘one who dispels danger or misery’. So, Durga is one of the manifestations of the ultimate reality and she is also known as ‘Uma’ or Parvati’. The goddess Durga represents the power (Sakti) to eliminate evil, danger, injustice, suffering etc. She is depicted as slaying the buffalodemon ‘Mahi sasura’ which is the embodiment of evil or injustice. Hence, according to the ‘puranas’ Durga was created for the purpose of slaying the buffalo-demon. In fact, to her devotees and worshippers she appears as kindly mother, and is the expression of goodness, grace and virtue. At the same time she is also known as the wife of ‘Lord Shiva’, who is another manifestation of the ultimate reality and known as ‘the god of creation and reproduction’. Shiva Durga had 2 sons, Kartika and Ganisha, they also have two daughters Laksmi is the goddess of good fortune and prosperity and is the wife of Lord Vishnu, who is the preserver of the world or creation. Suraswati is the goddess of leering and art. Her husband is Brahma who is the creator of this world as well.

Courtesy by: Kaisar Syed

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