More on Hinduism, Temples and Advaita - Unity in Diversity

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Greetings Advaitin:

 

The existence and practice of different religions demonstrate that no

single religious perspective is absolute and complete. The Hindu

philosophy and logic provide unassailable strength to the concept of the

fundamental unity in the worship of a multitude of gods. Hinduism is

highly individualistic and Hindus love the freedom to worship their

personal choice of an icon to visualize the abstract Brahman. That

explains the rapid growth of temples, gods, and rituals across India and

beyond. Even illiterate villagers are proud and enthusiastic to

elaborate on stories about their temple gods and their significance.

Every temple located whether in a village or a town is endowed with a

Sthalpurana (story specifically related to the temple deity). Such

stories invariably are more adventurous and heroic than "Superman"

episodes, but with a divine touch. Every temple celebrates an annual

festival to honor the temple deity - the eternal hero or heroine of the

town. The temple epitomizes God in a spiritual form and the various

parts of his body symbolizes philosophical concepts. It serves as the

symbolic link between Human and God, between Material and Spiritual and

between Obvious and Ideal. Names of the miscellaneous segments of the

temple designate different organs of the human body (garbhagraha

(Sanctum Sanatorium) represents the human heart).

 

There is plenty of information available in Vedas on the integration of

rituals and philosophy in Hindu civilization. But information alone

rarely will change people's opinions or ideas. A vast amount of

information is currently available in the Internet, developed by a

diversified group of dedicated individuals. Some of those sites do not

focus on the audience psychology and the messages fail to portray the

symbolism behind Idol worship. They concentrate more on the

intellectual logic without emotional appeal.

 

What is the incentive for those who do not appreciate Hinduism to go

through the volumes of Vedas and Puranas to grasp the Truth?

Credibility and Goodwill are other two factors which can influence

favorable public opinion. First, the person who represents and

communicates need credibility and should create reputation for

trustworthiness and expertise. Such integrity is necessary to change

negative opinion Hindu religious customs and beliefs. The response to

our viewpoint will be determined largely by whether we are liked,

respected, and trusted. Good parents follow the goodwill approach to

raise their kids. It is a time-consuming process but it yields higher

dividends. Goodwill when created, will sustain the reputation for longer

time duration! If we show kindness and respect to other viewpoints, they

are more likely to listen and respect our viewpoints. Religious disputes

and doctrinal conflicts are always motivated by egoism.

 

Hinduism, like the Banyan tree contain many branches. The branches of

Banyan tree developed their own roots and Banyan trees look

magnificently large occupying a large field of space. Hinduism with

thousands of years of history and growth has also branched out into

Vaishnavam, Advaitam, Shivam, Sakthism, Jainism, Buddhism, etc. Each

branch of Hinduism in appearance displays separate identity. In

reality, Hinduism is a single unified complex entity with diversified

beliefs, traditions and customs. Hinduism strongly emphasizes swadharma

(Values based on individual beliefs) and is often identified with the

name "SanAtana Dharma" to signify that it is ancient and eternal.

SanAtana Dharma is the solemn pledge to lead a harmonious life without

disturbing peace in the nature! It requires Hindus to respect and

sustain their environment and consider it as a part of their own soul.

Shankara's Advaita Vedanta is integrated within the scope of Hinduism

and his goal was to protect and preserve "SanAtana Dharma."

 

Ram Chandran

Burke, VA