PREFACE to "MYTHS, MIRACLES and MYsticism"

[Guest guest]

EXPLAINING THE UNEXPLAINED

 

MYTHS, MIRACLES AND MYSTICISM in Hinduism

 

WHAT DO THEY SIGNIFY?

 

Preface

 

All Religions of the World abound in Myths, Miracles and Mysticism. In

the age of Rationalism and Scientific approach today, the tendency to

dismiss them as figments of imagination forbids a proper appreciation of

their significance.

 

Here is an attempt to show that even granting the ' imagination' content

thereof, they do have far reaching effects in molding our attitudes and

character and demand our attention and respect, if for no other reason.

 

Myths : The worst sufferer at the hands of the so-called Rationalists

are 'Myths'. In fact, the term is defined in the dictionary as

'legendary fiction','fabulous narrative' etc implying that they cannot

be factual but fictitious, not real but made up. Nothing can be far from

truth. A certain amount of belief and faith ( if not, Superstition) in

what generations of our forebears have believed and handed down to us is

necessary, if we are to benefit from them.

 

In the following pages, we allude to a few episodes randomly selected

from the Hindu scriptures. We hasten to assure you that it is not our

intention to explain the inexplicable or defend the indefensible or

justify the unjustifiable. All we seek is to figure out whether and if

so,what moral values these episodes hold for us and whether and if so,

how far they are relevant to the modern times.

 

Miracles : Of late,a surge of interest is noticed in the occurrence of

miracles because their occurrence is contemporaneous. If magic and

miracles can happen now

(though not frequently), We are tempted to believe in similar happenings

in ages past. This invests a certain amount of respectability (if not

acceptance) of 'Miracles' which 'Myths' do not enjoy.

 

We allude to a few miraculous episodes which include ' Divine' miracles

as also the 'Siddhi' and 'Non Siddhi' miracles performed by human beings

in modern times. We discuss also the role of Godmen who turn Conmen, The

efficacy of ' Mantra' which bestow miraculous powers on even ordinary

folk, in solving even our mundane problems, provided they are

practiced strictly according to the 'Upadesa' (initiation) at the feet

of a qualified 'Guru'.

 

Mysticism : Even in the ultra modern times we live in, we face certain

experiences which neither Science nor intellectual eminence is able even

to comprehend, let alone explain or influence in any way. We allude to a

few of these mystical experiences of both benevolent and malevolent

kinds besides those that do not fall under either category.

 

I hope the readers would find the presentation interesting and look

forward to a feedback and constructive criticism that can help in

enriching the contents and encouraging my further efforts.

 

* While my book entitled " Hinduism Rediscovered " is ready for

publication, my other books getting ready to be published in the "

Explaining the Unexplained " series are:

* How to discern the dividing line between Beliefs, Faiths and

Superstitions?

* Dreams, Moles and Omens - Do they really inflence our lives?

* What, How and more importantly the why of Fasts, Feasts and

Festivals ?

* How far the Vedic Rites, Non- Vedic Rites and Rites of Passages are

still relevant in modern times ? and

* A study of Comparative Religions

ANBIL RAMASWAMY

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