The Eternal Path

Note: This article has been published with permission from the original author, Koti Shreekrishna Tatachar.

HINDUISM (Sanatana Dharma or The Eternal Path)

H stands for Harmony
Hinduism respects all religions and thus aspires for mutual tolerance and respect.
Hinduism does not encourage hate or distrust.
Hinduism is intolerant of intolerance.
It does not actively seek converts.

It has the capacity to assimilate all the Faiths and the Philosophies.

I for Incarnation (Avataara)
God descends to Earth in any form and under any sky as may be needed to uphold DHARMA (righteousness). There is no space, time, form or numerical limitation to Avataaras. Another way to look at this is: History has shown that during a great crisis, someone rises to the occasion, assumes leadership, and brings about change.

N for Non-Violence (Ahimsa)
Hinduism recognizes that life supports life. One should avoid causing unnecessary injury (in thoughts, words or deeds) to one-self or other fellow beings including other life forms.Vegetarianism is glorified by some Hindu sects, but never a prerequisite to be a Hindu. While eating, it is recommended to eat with an attitude of gratitude and without a sense of entitlement.

D for Dharma (Righteousness)
We should always protect Dharma (support what is right). This is regarded as a necessity, because Dharma is the basis of harmonious life. If we don't support Dharma, it will be as if chopping the very branches of the tree (of life) we are resting on.

U for Unity of existence
Everything and all beings are inter connected or inter related and are essentially the manifestation or extension of the one Supreme Being. Hindu worldview emphasizes conduct more than creed. It celebrates the diversity of existence and embraces the world as part of a big family.

I for Inherent Value
The God is Omnipresent & Omnipotent. Both the manifest and the un-manifest are a projection of God. They are supported, directed and controlled by God as well. The God can be worshipped in any 'Form' or 'No Form'. Just as the Flag is a symbol of a Nation, an Idol for the Hindu is symbolic of the God. A Hindu worships the God enshrined in the Idol, not the idol itself.

S for Supreme Reality (Brahman)
Supreme Reality is both unmanifested and with form, impersonal and personal, transcendent and immanent. The Supreme Reality is known by many names.

M for Moksha & Mantra
Dharma (Virtue), Artha (Material prosperity), Kama (pleasures) & Moksha (liberation from cycles of birth & death, harmonious union with God) are the goals of life.
The secondary objectives (Artha & Kama) are sandwiched between the primary objectives of (Dharma & Moksha).
Adherence to one's own inherent talents (attitudes & aptitudes) in achieving these goals is suggested.
Moksha is the ultimate goal of Hindu life.
There are numerous paths and innumerable opportunities.
It can happen by one way or the other and in one life or the other.

The various paths for Moksha include:
Karma Yoga - Selfless good deeds
Gnaana Yoga - Knowledge of Brahman
Bhakti Yoga - Faith or Devotion
Prapatti (sharNaagati) Yoga - Total Surrender
Raaja Yoga - Control of body, mind and intellect
Mantra Yoga - Union with God through repetition of a Mantra, etc.

Mantra is a sacred word or a verse used for prayer. Some examples below:

The most sacred Mantra of Hinduism is AUM/OM. AUM represents our beginning (Spring), being (Summer), passing away (Fall) and immortality (Winter). The A, U and M are followed by silence.
OM iti Brahma, OM iteedam Sarvam (Shiksha Valli, Taittireeya Upanishad )
OM is Brahman, All this is OM (OM is The One - OM is The Many)
(OM is the WOMb of everything)

sarvE bhavantu suKhinah sarvE santu niraamayaah.
May all be happy, may all be healthy
sarvE bhadraaNi pashyantu ma-kashchit dhuhkha-bhaag bhavEt.
May all be prosperous, may none suffer

Om shaantih shaantih shaantihi
Om Peace Peace Peace. Peace in all our 3 realms of existence
(Surroundings, body and mind)

-  Koti Shreekrishna

Note:  

Shree Koti Shreekrishna's Hinduism write-ups can be found at:
http://www.fmhtcc.org/HINDUISM_Primer_v6.pdf
http://www.fmhtcc.org/HINDUISM_Advanced_Topics_v6.pdf

Shree Koti Shreekrishna's translation works can be found at:

http://www.cincinnatitemple.com/articles/puruSHasUktam.pdf
http://newbhagavadgita.blogspot.com/2009/01/contents.html - A New Bhagavad Gita Translation by Koti and Hari

Freedom!

Real freedom is recognizing that the spirit within is free, eternal, unfettered and blissful. You, the atman (self) are already free and the body is but a vehicle in this lifetime.

Tangents to a circle!

I keep going to thinking about the circle -
interestingly the only way to enter a circle is a tangent and the only way to exit a circle is also a tangent! Once in a circle, it is impossible to know where one entered it esp. after a few rounds...
It is that tangent all seem to want - ultimately.

Finding the Good in all

When will we learn to find,
that which is good in all;
In all events and things,
In all beings around.

When will we learn to seek,
and filter out the unpalatable;
To listen to the song behind the words,
A symphony amidst cacophony!

When will one learn to realize,
amidst all chaotic things,
Lies a core of peace, tranquility and bliss,
That only they alone can find

The very reason for this poem,
Is it an attachment to the world,
Or arising out of compassion in detachment!
When will there be peace residing in one and all!

When will people see that criticism is like a spice,
add too much and it spoils the taste.
When indeed will we all find,
The good residing in all!