Guest guest Posted October 12, 2005 Report Share Posted October 12, 2005 - " DJ C " <jnanayogin <vivekananda Wednesday, October 12, 2005 6:15 PM A question or two. Hello Mr.Lakhani. I read with great interest your recent article in " Hinduism today " magazine " Inspirers for a modern hinduism " & as I'm but a humble student of the Sanatana Dharma who's been troubled by a couple of knotty questions I thought I'd ask for your opinion. Any help or idea's would be wonderful. 1). In so far as the " Hindu epics " are concerned, what characters stand out as making a practical connection between current society & classical standards in measuring of one's spiritual progress? 2). As changes in times/lifestyles demand a new language & presentation of universal fundamentals of spirituality, what tree examples could you say illustrate concepts which have undergone transformation? Many thanks in advance, Have a great day & namaste! D.J.Clare. ================response==================== Namaste DJ Clare You have raised some interesting questions, we will request our list members to respond. (1) Almost every heroic character from the epics can teach the modern world a thing or two. We will request our list members to respond to you directly or via the list. (2) Regarding the issue of use of new language & presentation, we are hoping our list members will respond by giving specific examples of how and what 'newer metaphors' are more suited to our times. jay Vivekananda Centre London Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 13, 2005 Report Share Posted October 13, 2005 In my view Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda are the link between the ancient Avatars and modern scientific period in human evolution. Reading Swami Vivekanada's volumes will help us understand our great heros such as Rama, Sita,Krishna and Rishis in depth and we will appreciate our religion as the Sanatan Dharam (Eternal Religion). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 17, 2005 Report Share Posted October 17, 2005 Om Namah Sivaya 'In so far as the " Hindu epics " are concerned, what characters stand out as making a practical connection between current society & classical standards in measuring of one's spiritual progress?' Although Hindu epics are old it need not follow that they should become time-barred. The fundamental tenets of right living are unchanging. There cannot be any sort of difference in the fundamentals. Modifications, alterations and adjustments are necessary; but these should be effected in the external modes of interpretation and methods of application to suit the changing times and the new environments of a new generation. For example in the ancient time people used chariots to travel, it doesn’t mean we must ever use that means, of course we can use the modern transport system. There is no harm in changing the externals so long as it does not affect the fundamental principles. Fundamental virtues like Non-injury, Truthfulness, Non-stealing, DIVINE CONDUCT (controlling lust by remain celibate when single and faithful in marriage), Patience, Steadfastness, Compassion, Honesty, Moderate appetite, Purity, etc., will continue to be applicable to the life of humanity. Violation of these would always be a signal for coming calamity. For example we can clearly notice that the breach of the Divine Conduct causes immense social problems in the UK, creating too many single mums, family instability (high divorce rate), Sexual diseases have increased dramatically, etc. The Ramayana describes how a man should behave towards his superiors, equals and inferiors, how a man should lead his life in this world, how he can obtain his release, freedom and perfection, may be learnt from this excellent epic. Sri Hanuman stands as an ideal unique Karma Yogin and Bramachari (celibate). The life of Sita is regarded as the most perfect example of womanly fidelity, chastity and sweetness. The Mahabharata contains very noble moral teachings, useful lessons of all kinds, many beautiful stories and episodes, discourses, sermons, parables and dialogues which set forth the principles of morals. The industrial revolution does not compel anyone to lower the moral standard. No doubt, it might have facilitated this fall to some extent. The real mischief was done by the misleaders of mankind who deliberately exalted material values over spiritual values. It is never too late to mend. Even now, if the heart of man be cleansed of the dross of selfishness and righteousness enthroned in it, the moral standard can be kept high in spite of the most spectacular industrial development. Hindu Ethics: http://www.himalayanacademy.com/resources/books/weaver/content.htm _________ How much free photo storage do you get? Store your holiday snaps for FREE with Photos http://uk.photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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