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Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom http://hinduismpath.com/ Dr. Hiro Badlani email [email protected] Page 1 of 462 Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom http://hinduismpath.com/ CONTENTS Pages: Author 5 About the Book 5 Foreword 7 Preface 8 Chapter wise: 1. The World of Cosmic Consciousness 11 2. Evolution 16 3. The Origin of Religion 20 4. Roots of Hinduism in the Ancient Cultures of India 24 5. Ancient Hindu Scriptures—An Ever Flowing River of Knowledge 32 6. Vedas—The Foundation of Hinduism 41 7. The Spiritual Teachings of the Vedas 48 8. The Essence of the Vedic Philosophy 52 9. Vedas through the Passage of Time 60 10. Upanishads—Culmination of the Vedas 67 11. Spirituality in Everyday Hindu Life 75 12. The Secret of the Hereafter 80 13. The Code of Conduct 85 14. Consciousness—Cosmic Intelligence of the Divine 91 15. Soul—The Seed of Divinity 98 16. The Divine Path of Virtue 104 17. The Hindu Trinity (Trimurti) 112 18. Shiva—The Mystic Divine of Meditation 117 19. Sri Rama—The Lord of Propriety 124 Dr. Hiro Badlani email [email protected] Page 2 of 462 Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom http://hinduismpath.com/ 20. Victory of Righteousness over Unrighteousness 129 21. Mahabharata—The War Within 133 22. Bhagavad Gita—The Song Celestial 138 23. The True Detachment (Vairagya) 143 24. The Yoga of Action (Karma) 154 25. Journey of the Spiritual Soul 160 26. Idol Worship—The Plethora of Gods 166 27. Goddesses in Hinduism—The Icons of Female Power 173 28. A Few More Spiritual Stars 179 29. Jainism—Renunciation and Nonviolence 189 30. Spiritual Teachings of the Mahavira 195 31. Buddhism Emerges 201 32. The Spiritual Teachings of Buddha 209 33. Srimad Bhagavatam—A New Trend in Hinduism 217 34. The Spiritual Teachings of the Srimad Bhagavatam 224 35. Srimad Bhagavatam—Continued Spiritual Teachings 228 36. Srimad Bhagavatam—Continued Spiritual Teachings 232 37. Hindu Renaissance—An Era of Sri Adi Shankar Acharya 236 38. The Era of Bhakti Yoga—The Golden Period of Devotional Faith 244 39. Sikhism—the Youngest Religion of the World 253 40. Sikhism—the Spiritual Teachings 258 41. Hinduism in Modern Era—Spiritual Masters of the Recent Period 263 42. Hinduism in Modern Era—Spiritual Masters of the Recent Period 273 43. Hinduism and Science 284 44. Meditation—The Spiritual Practice 288 45. Yoga—Union with the Divine 296 46. Guru and the Holy Company (Satsanga) 301 Dr. Hiro Badlani email [email protected] Page 3 of 462 Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom http://hinduismpath.com/ 47. Ayurveda—The Most ancient Medical science 308 48. Vegetarianism—the Compassionate Way of Living 313 49. Hindu Society Today—the Dynamic Patterns in Motion 320 50. Hindu Wedding—Nuptials for Eternity 328 51. Hindu Mythology—The World of Sacred Fantasies 335 52. Symbols and Icons in Hinduism 339 53. Hindu Customs 345 54. Hindu Festivals 355 55. Hinduism and Interfaith—The Future Trends in our World 363 56. Hinduism and Fine Arts 371 57. The Evolution of Hindu Temples 376 58. The Abode of God is the Heart of Hinduism 383 59. A Pilgrimage through India 388 60. Hindu Temples in the United States and Canada 402 61. Hindu Temples in the Rest of the World 413 62. Hindu Prayers—The Trail of Divine Unfoldment 417 63. Hindu Prayers—The Ocean of Spiritual Pearls 423 Conclusion—A Legacy for Hindu Youth Diaspora 432 Bibliography 440 Consulted Articles 446 Glossary 457 Dr. Hiro Badlani email [email protected] Page 4 of 462 Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom http://hinduismpath.com/ HINDUISM - PATH OF ANCIENT WISDOM By Dr. Hiro Badlani (Dr. Hiro Badlani practiced ophthalmology for 40 years in Mumbai, India. After retiring, he moved to the U.S. to join his children. Dr. Badlani has dedicated the last decade, what he calls “the second inning” of his life, to the study of Hinduism and its teachings.) About the Book Dr. Hiro Badlani, retired ophthalmologist from Mumbai, presently settled in U.S.A., worked passionately for over ten years, and wrote this volume after meticulous research. In nearly 400 pages, divided in 65 small easy to read chapters, in lucid narrative style, this book has been acclaimed as mini-encyclopedia of Hinduism, covering all the aspects from its very origin till the modern period. The highlight of Dr. Hiro Badlani email [email protected] Page 5 of 462 Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom http://hinduismpath.com/ the book is that it is completely non-dogmatic and non-fundamental in its approach. Graciously blessed on behalf of H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Swaminarayan Sanstha, with an inspiring message from H.H.Swami Hari Dass from Mount Maddona, California, and crowned with the American publisher’s coveted Editor Choice Award, the book is presented in excellent state-of-the-art printing standard. The book emphasizes the essential unity and homogeneity of all the religions; spiritual teachings form the core of the book. “Without the spiritual teachings what other role any religions has to play?” says the author. Engaging with this book will not only educate you, but imbue you with personal peace and happiness, becoming an experience both elegant and empowering. Dedicated especially to the Hindu Youth Diaspora, now living in many countries around the globe, to acquaint them of their glorious ancient culture, the book will appeal to anyone who is interested in knowing the philosophy and teachings of Hinduism, the oldest living faith of the world today. Those interested may obtain the book, after rendering appropriate cost, from the following: 1. From the author: Dr. HIRO BADLANI [email protected] 2. http://www.amazon.com/HINDUISM-ANCIENT-WISDOM-Hiro- Badlani/dp/0595436366 3. http://ebooks.ebookmall.com/ebook/332602-ebook.htm 4. http://books.rediff.com/book/ISBN:0595701833 Dr. Hiro Badlani email [email protected] Page 6 of 462 Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom http://hinduismpath.com/ FOREWORD Hinduism, the world's oldest living religion, embodies a wide spectrum of philosophies, beliefs, and customs. It has prompted thinkers from an array of cultures and ages-from Apollonius Tyaneus, a first century Greek thinker, to Voltaire, Mark Twain, and Albert Einstein-to extol its influence.Now, Dr. Hiro G. Badlani brings you Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom, an easy-to-understand guidebook that delves into Hinduism's spiritual and historical perspectives. For more than ten years, Dr. Badlani has passionately channeled his resources and inner reflections into learning about this ancient religion. His meticulous research, combined with guidance from spiritual masters, sages, and swamis has brought forth in this volume. This mini-encyclopedia covers all aspects of Hinduism in a series of small chapters. Spiritual teachings form the book's core, for without the spiritual teachings, what function can any religion play? Still, however, information is presented in a non-dogmatic manner, stressing the basic unity and homogeneity of all religions. With its powerful narrative and roots in spiritual storytelling, this book is perfect for anyone who desires authentic information on Hinduism. Engaging with this book will not only educate you, but imbue you with personal peace and happiness, becoming an experience both elegant and empowering. Dr. Hiro Badlani email [email protected] Page 7 of 462 Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom http://hinduismpath.com/ PREFACE Why I Wrote This Book? Writing this book has been like playing the second inning of my life. The first inning was my medical career of over forty years in Mumbai, India. After retiring, my wife and I set up base in the United States. It was then that a friend gave me a book titled The Essentials of Hinduism by the learned Swami Bhaskarananda of Seattle, Washington. The book fascinated me so much that I read it many times and later developed a close relationship with the author. I resumed a childhood habit of reading extensively, but this time, my reading was not for just any book; rather, it was exclusively for works on Hinduism. There was an urge to explore and search the deeper meaning embedded in the Hindu faith. Over the past ten years, I have read more than one hundred books, taking notes and underlining the important passages, and I have devoted virtually all my resources to this passion of knowing more about Hinduism and doing inner reflection. I also discussed various aspects of the Hindu religion with many spiritual masters, sages, swamis, and other academic scholars, who helped formulate the concept of this book. With the vast storehouse of information in many philosophical volumes, the different interpretations, and the mystic descriptions—some of which I am still unable to fully understand—it seemed like a Herculean task to make something out of this mountain of data, but I decided to take a very simple route. I have chosen to write a straightforward book that is easy to read and understand and to present it with the fewest controversies, complex theories, and critical judgment. Dr. Hiro Badlani email [email protected] Page 8 of 462 Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom http://hinduismpath.com/ In the bargain, I admittedly have compromised its academic authority. In fact, this book is not written as a scholarly treatise; it is more for nonacademic who would like to have some authentic information on Hinduism. It is designed to entice the young reader; in particular, the youthful Hindu Diaspora in America and other countries where Hindus are now settling in large numbers. At the same time, I hope that many non-Hindus who would like to learn about Hindu philosophy and India will find this book useful.
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