When the inner Self or Brahman ... is uncovered, it is called Self Realization

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" Swami Chinmayananda once said, (and I paraphrase), " I am not

interested in converting anyone into Hinduism. I am interested in

converting Hindus into Hindu religion. " It rings true today as we

have neglected the study of the religion of our ancestors that has

survived thousands of years and has had the unique capacity to adapt

and change with the times. The Hindu religion is aptly called

`Sanatana Dharma' which is synonymous with `a religion

with no beginning or ending, that will survive forever.'

 

The fundamental question like what is Hinduism is difficult to

answer in simple words and to justly convey the essence of the

religion of Hinduism. A more detailed and organized study of the

evolution and history of the religion is necessary to fully

understand the tenets of the religion. But it need not be

complicated or esoteric for a commoner to comprehend. The

philosophy, so well explained in the Upanishads can be followed by

anyone once the basic concept of the religion is understood.

 

Who is a Hindu? In simple terms, " He who accepts the Scriptures

(such as the Vedas, Smritis, Puranas and Tantras), as the basis of

his religion and of the rule of conduct (or Dharma), and he who

believes in one Supreme God (Brahman), in the Law of retributive

justice (or Karma), and in reincarnation (punarjanma), is a

Hindu. " To really understand this simple statement one has to

know what the scriptures are and what are the laws that govern the

life of a Hindu.

 

What is Hinduism?

 

It is important to recognize four important fundamental doctrines to

fully understand Hinduism. These are derived from the philosophical

Vedic texts of Upanishads.

 

The phenomenal world of matter, animals, humans and even gods is a

manifestation of a Supreme Being called Brahman, without whom

nothing would exist.

 

The human beings are capable of not only merely knowing about the

existence of Brahman; they can also realize its existence by direct

intuition and discursive reasoning.

 

The human being possesses a dual nature: one is Jiva-atman or the

phenomenal ego and the other is an eternal Self (antar-atman), which

is an inner spirit designed in the same mold as Brahman. If he so

desires, it is possible to identify himself with the inner spirit

and therefore with Brahman.

 

The only purpose of man's life on earth is to identify himself

with the eternal Self called Brahman and unite with it through

knowledge (jnana), service (karma) and/or devotion (bhakti).

 

Vedic religion as practiced for thousands of years has little

resemblance to current day Hinduism. However the common binding

thread is the acceptance of the Vedas as supreme scriptures in both

variations of religion. Today much importance is given to the

worship of a personal God (bhakti), whereas in yesteryears the main

form of worship was sacrifice. Nevertheless, the ultimate goal of

the sacrificial Vedic religion and the bhakti form of Hinduism, as

practiced today, is the same. It is the aim of attaining salvation

or moksha. (Buddhism calls it nirvana and Jainism, mukti). When the

inner Self or Brahman in every soul is uncovered, it is called Self

Realization or salvation. This act will release a soul from the

burden of repeated births and deaths (punarjanma and punar-mrthyu). "

 

http://www.indianest.com/hinduism/040.htm