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Hinduism: an Overview Hinduism Is the Major Religion of the Indian Sub
Hinduism: An Overview Hinduism is the major religion of the Indian sub-continent, it is also known as Sanatana Dharma, or the "Eternal Way," it is our planet's original and oldest living religion, with over one billion adherents spread around the world. Today it has four main denominations: Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and Smartism, each with hundreds of lineages. They represent a broad range of beliefs, practices and mystic goals, but virtually all concur on certain bedrock concepts. All Hindus worship one Supreme Reality, though they call it by many names. There is no eternal hell, no damnation, in Hinduism, and no intrinsic evil--no satanic force that opposes the will of God. Hindus believe that the cosmos was created out of God and is permeated by Him--a Supreme Being who both is form and pervades form, who creates, sustains and destroys the universe only to recreate it again in unending cycles. Hinduism is unique among the world’s religions. To begin with, it is mankind’s oldest spiritual declaration, the very fountainhead of faith on the planet. Hinduism’s venerable age has seasoned it to maturity. It is the only religion which is not founded in a single historic event or prophet, but which itself precedes recorded history. Hinduism has been called the “cradle of spirituality” and the “mother of all religions,” partially because it has influenced virtually every major religion and partly because it can absorb all other religions, honor and embrace their scriptures, their saints, their philosophy. This is possible because Hinduism looks compassionately on all genuine spiritual effort and knows unmistakably that all souls are evolving toward union with the Divine, and all are destined, without exception, to achieve spiritual enlightenment and liberation in this or a future life. -
Study of Caste
H STUDY OF CASTE BY P. LAKSHMI NARASU Author of "The Essence of Buddhism' MADRAS K. V. RAGHAVULU, PUBLISHER, 367, Mint Street. Printed by V. RAMASWAMY SASTRULU & SONS at the " VAVILLA " PRESS, MADRAS—1932. f All Rights Reservtd by th* Author. To SIR PITTI THY AG A ROY A as an expression of friendship and gratitude. FOREWORD. This book is based on arfcioles origiDally contributed to a weekly of Madras devoted to social reform. At the time of their appearance a wish was expressed that they might be given a more permanent form by elaboration into a book. In fulfilment of this wish I have revised those articles and enlarged them with much additional matter. The book makes no pretentions either to erudition or to originality. Though I have not given references, I have laid under contribution much of the literature bearing on the subject of caste. The book is addressed not to savants, but solely to such mea of common sense as have been drawn to consider the ques tion of caste. He who fights social intolerance, slavery and injustice need offer neither substitute nor constructive theory. Caste is a crippli^jg disease. The physicians duty is to guard against diseasb or destroy it. Yet no one considers the work of the physician as negative. The attainment of liberty and justice has always been a negative process. With out rebelling against social institutions and destroying custom there can never be the tree exercise of liberty and justice. A physician can, however, be of no use where there is no vita lity. -
Knowledge and Belief in the Dialogue of Cultures: Russian Philosophical
Cultural Heritage and Contemporary Change Series IVA, Eastern and Central Europe, Volume 39 General Editor George F. McLean Knowledge and Belief in the Dialogue of Cultures Edited by Marietta Stepanyants Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy Copyright © 2011 by The Council for Research in Values and Philosophy Box 261 Cardinal Station Washington, D.C. 20064 All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Knowledge and belief in the dialogue of cultures / edited by Marietta Stepanyants. p. cm. – (Cultural heritage and contemporary change. Series IVA, Eastern and Central Europe ; v. 39) Includes bibliographical references and index. 1. Knowledge, Theory of. 2. Belief and doubt. 3. Faith. 4. Religions. I. Stepaniants, M. T. (Marietta Tigranovna) BD161.K565 2009 2009011488 210–dc22 CIP ISBN 978-1-56518-262-2 (paper) TABLE OF CONTENTS Dedication v George F. McLean Introduction 1 Marietta Stepanyants Part I. Chinese Thought Chapter I. On Knowing (Zhi): Praxis-Guiding Discourse in 17 the Confucian Analects Henry Rosemont, Jr.. Chapter II. Knowledge/Rationale and Belief/Trustiness in 25 Chinese Philosophy Artiom I. Kobzev Chapter III. Two Kinds of Warrant: A Confucian Response to 55 Plantinga’s Theory of the Knowledge of the Ultimate Peimin Ni Chapter IV. Knowledge as Addiction: A Comparative Analysis 59 Hans-Georg Moeller Part II. Indian Thought Chapter V. Alethic Knowledge: The Basic Features of Classical 71 Indian Epistemology, with Some Comparative Remarks on the Chinese Tradition Chakravarthi Ram-Prasad Chapter VI. The Status of the Veda in the Two Mimansas 89 Michel Hulin Chapter VII. -
Vaishvanara Vidya.Pdf
VVAAIISSHHVVAANNAARRAA VVIIDDYYAA by Swami Krishnananda The Divine Life Society Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, India (Internet Edition: For free distribution only) Website: www.swami-krishnananda.org CONTENTS Publishers’ Note 3 I. The Panchagni Vidya 4 The Course Of The Soul After Death 5 II. Vaishvanara, The Universal Self 26 The Heaven As The Head Of The Universal Self 28 The Sun As The Eye Of The Universal Self 29 Air As The Breath Of The Universal Self 30 Space As The Body Of The Universal Self 30 Water As The Lower Belly Of The Universal Self 31 The Earth As The Feet Of The Universal Self 31 III. The Self As The Universal Whole 32 Prana 35 Vyana 35 Apana 36 Samana 36 Udana 36 The Need For Knowledge Is Stressed 37 IV. Conclusion 39 Vaishvanara Vidya Vidya by by Swami Swami Krishnananda Krishnananda 21 PUBLISHERS’ NOTE The Vaishvanara Vidya is the famous doctrine of the Cosmic Meditation described in the Fifth Chapter of the Chhandogya Upanishad. It is proceeded by an enunciation of another process of meditation known as the Panchagni Vidya. Though the two sections form independent themes and one can be studied and practised without reference to the other, it is in fact held by exponents of the Upanishads that the Vaishvanara Vidya is the panacea prescribed for the ills of life consequent upon the transmigratory process to which individuals are subject, a theme which is the central point that issues from a consideration of the Panchagni Vidya. This work consists of the lectures delivered by the author on this subject, and herein are reproduced these expositions dilating upon the two doctrines mentioned. -
May I Answer That?
MAY I ANSWER THAT? By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA SERVE, LOVE, GIVE, PURIFY, MEDITATE, REALIZE Sri Swami Sivananda So Says Founder of Sri Swami Sivananda The Divine Life Society A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION First Edition: 1992 Second Edition: 1994 (4,000 copies) World Wide Web (WWW) Reprint : 1997 WWW site: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/ This WWW reprint is for free distribution © The Divine Life Trust Society ISBN 81-7502-104-1 Published By THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY P.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR—249 192 Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh, Himalayas, India. Publishers’ Note This book is a compilation from the various published works of the holy Master Sri Swami Sivananda, including some of his earliest works extending as far back as the late thirties. The questions and answers in the pages that follow deal with some of the commonest, but most vital, doubts raised by practising spiritual aspirants. What invests these answers and explanations with great value is the authority, not only of the sage’s intuition, but also of his personal experience. Swami Sivananda was a sage whose first concern, even first love, shall we say, was the spiritual seeker, the Yoga student. Sivananda lived to serve them; and this priceless volume is the outcome of that Seva Bhav of the great Master. We do hope that the aspirant world will benefit considerably from a careful perusal of the pages that follow and derive rare guidance and inspiration in their struggle for spiritual perfection. May the holy Master’s divine blessings be upon all. SHIVANANDANAGAR, JANUARY 1, 1993. -
Lesson 40, What Is Our Code of Conduct?
Lesson 40 The yamas and niyamas The yamas and niyamas are the Hindu code of conduct. Heeding the ten yamas or “restraints” keeps our instinctive nature in check. Abiding by the ten niyamas, “observances,” makes us more religious and cultured, revealing our refined soul nature. A foundation for our spiritual progress The yamas and niyamas provide the foundation to support our yoga practice and sustain us from day to day and year to year on the path to Siva. 1.AHIMSA: “Noninjury.” Do not harm others by what you do, say or think, even in your dreams. Live a kindly life, never causing fear, pain or injury. See God in everyone. Follow a vegetarian diet. 2.SATYA: “Truthfulness.” Speak only what is true, kind, helpful and necessary. Be true to your promises. Don’t keep secrets from family or friends. Be accurate and frank in discussions. Don’t deceive others. Admit your failings. Do not gossip, backbite or tell lies. 3.ASTEYA: “Nonstealing.” Do not steal. Control your desires, and live within your family’s means. Do not desire what others possess. Do not misuse things you borrow. Do not gamble or fail to repay debts. Do not use others’ names, words, resources or rights without permission and acknowledgement. 4.BRAHMACHARIYA:“Divine conduct.” Control your desires when single, reserving sexual relations for marriage. Before marriage, use vital energies in study, and after marriage in creating family success. Dress and speak modestly. Seek holy company. Avoid pornography and violence on TV, in movies, magazines and online. 5.KSHAMA:“Patience.” Restrain intolerance with people and impatience with circumstances. -
Yoga Terms Decisions; Sometimes Translated As "Intellect." Another Translation Is the Higher Mind, Or Wisdom
buddhi: The determinative faculty of the mind that makes Yoga Terms decisions; sometimes translated as "intellect." Another translation is the higher mind, or wisdom. Source: Omega Institute, http://eomega.com/omega/knowledge/yogaterms/ chakras: nerve centers, or "wheels" of energy, located along the Following are common terms use in the yogic tradition. If a word or spine and considered a part of the subtle body. phrase in a description appears in bold, it can be found under its own heading. cit or chit: lit. "consciousness" or "awareness." Philosophically, pure awareness; transcendent consciousness, as in Sat-chit- abhaya or abhayam: lit. "fearlessness." ananda. In mundane usage, chit means perception; consciousness. agni: lit. "fire." Also the internal fires of the body, often referred to as tapas, meaning sacred heat. When capitalized, the god of fire. darshana: lit. "vision" or sight." Insight or visionary states regarded as a result of meditation. ahamkaara or ahamkara: ego, self-love; selfish individuality. The mental faculty of individuation; sense of duality and separateness daya: compassion to all beings. from others. Ahamkara is characterized by the sense of I-ness (abhimana), sense of mine-ness, identifying with the body dharma: right action, truth in action, righteousness, morality, (madiyam), planning for one's own happiness (mamasukha), virtue, duty, the dictates of God, code of conduct. The inner brooding over sorrow (mamaduhkha), and possessiveness (mama constitution of a thing that governs its growth. idam). drishti: lit. "pure seeing." ahimsa: lit. "noninjury." Nonviolence or nonhurtfulness. Refraining from causing harm to others, physically, mentally or emotionally. eight limbs of yoga or the eightfold path: in Sanskrit, this is Ahimsa is the first and most important of the yamas (restraints). -
Essence of Yoga
ESSENCE OF YOGA By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA 6(59(/29(*,9( 385,)<0(',7$7( 5($/,=( Sri Swami Sivananda So Says Founder of Sri Swami Sivananda The Divine Life Society A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION Thirteenth Edition: 1988 (5000 Copies) World Wide Web (WWW) Edition : 1998 WWW site: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/ This WWW reprint is for free distribution © The Divine Life Trust Society ISBN 81-7052-024-x Published By THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY P.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR—249 192 Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh, Himalayas, India. PUBLISHERS’ NOTE Even among the inspiring books of Sri Gurudev, this is a unique book. It was written with the special intention of having the entire matter recorded on the gramophone disc. For this purpose Gurudev had given in this book the very essence of his own teachings. Hence, this book was chosen for being sent to every new member of the Divine Life Society on enrolment. It is, as it were, the ‘Beginner’s Guide to Divine Life’. Members of the Divine Life Society and spiritual aspirants have added this precious volume to the scriptures which they study daily as Svadhyaya and have derived incalculable benefit by the assimilation of these teachings into their daily life. This text containing, a valuable treasure of wisdom is placed in the hands of aspirants all over the world in the fervent hope that it will guide them to the great goal of human life, viz., God-realisation. —THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY iii UNIVERSAL PRAYER Thou art, O Lord! The creator of this universe. -
Chandogya Upanishad 1.2.1: Once Upon a Time the Gods and the Demons, Both Descendants of Prajapati, Were Engaged in a Fight
A Preview “… Dr. Prasad’s collections of the two largest and most difficult to understand Upanishads make an in-road and gives access to the magnificent conclusions left by the ancient sages of India. This book gives us a view of the information which was divulged by those teachers. It is easy to read and understand and will encourage you to delve deeper into the subject matter.” CONTENTS 1. Chāndogya Upanishad……..…….…. 3 1. The big famine…………………………….…..... 6 2. The cart-man…………………………….………13 3 Satyakama Jabala and Sevā………………… 14 4. Fire teaches Upakosala…………….………… 15 Chāndogya 5. Svetaketu: five questions……………………. 18 and 6. Svetaketu: nature of sleep…………………... 22 7. That thou art, O Svetaketu………………….…23 Brihadāranyaka 8. Indra and virochana……………………….….. 29 Commentary…………………………...……..... 31 Upanishads End of Commenrary……………………....….. 55 Two large and difficult Upanishads are presented 2. Brihadāranyaka Upanishad …….…56 (without original Sanskrit verses) in simple modern English for those advanced students who have 9. Dialogue: Ajtsatru-Gargya……………...…. 61 read Bhagavad-Gita and other 9 Principal 10. Yajnavalkya and maitreyi ……………....…..63 Upanishads. Simpler important verses are 11. Meditation taught through horse’s head.. 65 12. Yajnavalkya: The best Vedic Scholar…… 66 printed in underlined-bold; comm- 13. Three ‘Da’ …………………………….…….…78 entaries from translators, references&Glossary. Commentary…………………………….……... 84 14. Each soul is dear to the other………...……90 By 15. The Wisdom of the Wise (Yagnavalkya)… 91 16. Gargi and the Imperishable ……………..…94 Swami Swahananda 17. Janaka and Yajnavalkya 1 ……………..…..95 and 18. Janaka and Yajnavalkya 2 …………..……..97 Swami Madhavananda et al. 19. The Process of Reincarnation…… …..… 100 Editor: Ramananda Prasad End of Commenrary …………….…..……….105 A Brief Sanskrit Glossary On page 844 of 908 of the pdf: www.gita-society.com/108Upanishads.pdf INTERNATIONAL GITA ***** Editor’s note: Most of the materials in this book are SOCIETY taken from the above webpage which does not have a Copyright mark. -
Thought Power
THOUGHT POWER By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA 6(59(/29(*,9( 385,)<0(',7$7( 5($/,=( Sri Swami Sivananda So Says Founder of Sri Swami Sivananda The Divine Life Society A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION Eleventh Edition: 1996 (8,000 Copies) World Wide Web (WWW) Reprint : 1997 WWW site: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/~pkanagar/divine/ This WWW reprint is for free distribution © The Divine Life Trust Society ISBN 81-7052-017-7 Published By THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY P.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR—249 192 Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh, Himalayas, India. ii PUBLISHERS’ NOTE The value of this great little work is evident even from a mere reading of its table of contents. It is a book of perennial interest and many-sided usefulness for self-culture, self- knowledge, acquisition of the power of personality and success in life. It is a work that edifies, imparts illumination to the intelligence, and empowers human will for good and for achievement of greatness. Students, grown-up persons, doctors, lawyers, businessmen, seekers after Truth and lovers of God—all are bound to find in the pages of this publication plenty of specific guidance for thought-culture and thought power and for living a positive, dynamic, rich, triumphant and joyous life. —THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY. iii PREFACE This instructive book carries in itself a life-transforming value. None who reads it, with the needed interest and attention, will ever feel inclined to remain unchanged in personal nature and untransformed in conduct and character. A good deal of careful judgment and confidence would assist us in asserting that no one who reads this work, will fail to resist the readiness to make of his own will a Power that alters and exalts his own life and destiny. -
From Rig-Veda to Upanishads
McMASTER UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE AMERICAN LECTURES ON THE HISTORY OF RELIGIONS. I. Buddhism.—The History and Literature of Bud dhism. By T. W. Rhys-Davids, LL.D., Ph.D. II. Primitive Religions.—The Religions of Primitive Peoples. By D. G. Brinton, A.M., M.D., LL.D., Sc.D. III. Israel.—Jewish Religions. Life after the Exile. By Rev. T. K. Cheyne, M.A., D.D. IV. Israel.—Religion of Israel to the Exile. By Karl Budde, D.D. V. Ancient Egyptians.—The Religion of the Ancient Egyptians. By G. Steindorff, Ph.D. VI. Religion in Japan.—The Development of Re ligion in Japan. By George W. Knox, D.D. VII. The Veda.—The Religion of the Veda. By Maurice Bloomfdjld, Ph.D., LL.D. In activepreparation : VIII. Islam.—The Religion of Islam. By Iguaz Goldziher, Ph.D., Litt.D. G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS NEW YORK AND LONDON AMERICAN LECTURES ON THE HISTORY OF RELIGIONS SERIES— SEVENTH 1906-1907 THE RELIGION OFTHE VEDA THE ANCIENT RELIGION OF INDIA (From Rig-Veda to Upanishads) BY MAURICE BLOOMFIELD, Ph.D., LL.D. Professor of Sanskrit and Comparative Philology in Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS NEW YORK AND LONDON Zbe "ftntcfcerbocher press 1908 Copyright, 1008 BY G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS TEbe lttUcfterbocfter ©re»g, new Jtort PREFACE. THIS volume reproduces with some little ampli fication six lectures on the Religion of the Veda given before various learned institutions of America during the fall and winter of 1906-07. The period of time and the amount of literature embraced in the term Vedic are large ; moreover any discussion of this religion that deserves the name must also include a glance at the prehistoric periods which preceded the religion of the Veda. -
OCTOBER 2020 No
THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love! Salutations and prostrations unto Thee. Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient. Thou art Satchidananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss Absolute). Thou art the Indweller of all beings. Grant us an understanding heart, Equal vision, balanced mind, Faith, devotion and wisdom. Grant us inner spiritual strength To resist temptations and to control the mind. Free us from egoism, lust, greed, hatred, anger and jealousy. Fill our hearts with divine virtues. Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms. Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms. Let us ever remember Thee. Let us ever sing Thy glories. Let Thy Name be ever on our lips. Let us abide in Thee for ever and ever. —Swami Sivananda NOW OR NEVER! Stick to the spiritual path at all cost. Apply yourself diligently. Waste not even a single precious minute as life is short and time is eeting. That tomorrow will never come. Now or never. Stand up with the rm resolve: I will become a Yogi in this very birth, this very moment. Gird up your loins. Do rigid constant Yoga Sadhana. Walk along the path of Yoga in the footsteps of Jnanadeva, Gorakhnath, Sadasiva Brahman and Tailanga Swami. THE DIVINE LIFE Vol. LXXIX OCTOBER 2020 No. 03 PRASNOPANISHAD CHATURTHA PRASNA (QUESTION IV) SAURYAYANI AND PIPPALADA g ¶Xm VoOgm@{^^yVmo ^d˶̡f Xod… ñdßZmÞ ní¶Ë¶W VX¡Vpñ‘ÄN>ara EVËgwI§ ^d{V && 6Ÿ&& 6. When he is overpowered by light, then that god (mind) sees no dreams and that time the bliss arises in this body.