Hinduism - 2

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Four Facts of Hindu Religion

 

Hindus believe in the divinity of the Vedas, the worlds most ancient scripture,

and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed. These primordial hymns are Gods

word and the bedrock of Santana Dharma, the eternal religion which has neither

beginning nor end. The four facts of Hindu religion are:

 

1. Karma

 

Karma is what the soul undergoes in one of two ways, according to whether its

actions are virtuous or not; but both kinds subsist until the end of enjoyment

in this world. (Svayambhu Agama)

 

God¢s cosmic law of karma governs our life experiences through cause and effect.

As Gods force of gravity shapes cosmic order, karma shapes experiential order.

Through karma, your thoughts, emotions and deeds-whether good, bad or mixed

return to you. Thus, karma is your teacher. It imparts the lessons you need and

are able to meed.  For it is a divine law that no karmic situation will arise

that exceeds your ability to resolve it. Karma is not fate. You have free will.

No God or external force is controlling your life. It is your own karmic

creation. To be responsible for your karma is strength. To blame another is

weakness. Therefore, remember Gods great law of karma and act wisely.

 

2. Reincarnation

 

Through his past works he shall return once more to birth, entering whatever

form his heart is set on. This mighty soul unborn grows not old, nor dies, for

the soul is immortal and fearless. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad)

 

 

Your soul is an immortal body of light. It¢s Absolute and super conscious

essence is identical to with God. Yet, this identity needs to be realized and

unfolded within the soul. Toward this goal your soul undertakes many, many

lifetimes in a physical body. You are now the sum total of all your past lives.

You undergo every conceivable human experience as the forces of the body, ego

and desire manifest. In the latter lives the forces are transmuted toward

spirituality. Finally, your soul realizes God. After resolving all residual

karmas, your soul no longer incarnates into human form. As the Agamas and Vedas

teach, the soul continues its evolution in the inner worlds. Therefore, you live

joyously, strive for spiritual elucidation and do not fear death.

 

3. Dharma

 

May noble wisdom come to us from all sides, undeceived, unhindered, overflowing,

so that the Devas may always help us onward, unceasing is their care, our

Guardians day by day. (Rig Veda)

 

 

Dharma is Gods Devine Law, the law of being. Dharma is to the individual what

its normal development is to a seed-the orderly fulfillment of an inherent

nature and destiny. When following dharma you are in harmony with the cosmic

order; you abide close to God. The moral dimension of Hindu dharma is embodied

in the eight yamas (restrains) and eight niyamas (observances). The yamas are:

non-violence not stealing; disciplining desire; abjuring lust and greed; curbing

arrogance and anger; not lying; avoiding injustice; shunning wrongdoing and evil

company. The niyamas: be pure in body, mind and speech; love mankind; seek

contentment; cultivate devotion; develop forbearance; give charitably; study the

scriptures; perform penance and sacrifice. Every person has his or her path;

worship God, and your dharma will become clear.

 

4. Worship

 

Offering of perfumed substances, flowers, and incense, lamps and fresh fruits -

these are the five elements of the traditional puja which culminates with

offering of the lamps. (Kamika Agama)

 

 

Worship expresses our profound love for God. Puja, bhajan, prayer and meditation

are all worshipful means of direct, personal communion with God and Gods. God,

Gods and devas are all real beings dwelling in the inner worlds. They can and

want to help you in every aspect of your life. This they do in accord with your

own patterns of karma and dharma. Daily, personal puja at home keeps you

God-conscious and your home holy. God has established many temples to allow us

to intimately communicate with Him. Temple puja opens a channel to God. Through

His personal presence and Sakti, prayers are answered, karma softened, spiritual

elucidation guided. Surrender, worship with intense love, and God hears.

 

These four facts-karma, reincarnation, dharma, worship are the essence of the

Vedas and Agamas and the fabric of every Hindus life. Speak of them to all who

will listen. They are the heritage of all souls.