Tag: Hinduism

Swami Vivekananda: A Timeless Beacon of Wisdom & Unity

By Prosenjit Nath

Swami Vivekananda, one of India’s foremost spiritual leaders, left an indelible mark on humanity through his profound teachings and vision for a better world. His ideas, deeply rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, continue to resonate with extraordinary relevance in the modern era, offering transformative solutions to the challenges of the 21st century. From inspiring personal development to advocating societal transformation, his teachings provide enduring guidance for individuals and nations alike, lighting the path toward progress and harmony.

Vivekananda’s call for universal brotherhood and interfaith harmony serves as a beacon of hope in a world increasingly divided by religious, cultural, and ideological differences. At the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, his groundbreaking address captivated audiences with its profound emphasis on the unity of all religions and the need for mutual respect. Declaring, “We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true,” Vivekananda appealed for global harmony. His assertion that all spiritual paths lead to the same divine truth challenges humanity to rise above petty sectarianism and divisive dogmas. Today, as the flames of intolerance fuel conflicts across the globe, his message underscores the urgent need for dialogue, understanding, and coexistence among diverse communities. His vision compels individuals and societies to embrace diversity, fostering bridges of compassion and understanding that transcend superficial differences.

Swami Vivekananda’s belief in the transformative potential of youth was central to his vision for a rejuvenated society. He regarded young minds as the backbone of a nation’s progress, urging them to cultivate self-confidence, discipline, and a resolute sense of purpose. His famous exhortation, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached,” continues to inspire young people striving for excellence in various spheres. To Vivekananda, youth were not merely the inheritors of the future but the architects of societal change, capable of transforming their energy, idealism, and innovation into powerful forces for progress. In an age marked by distractions and uncertainties, his teachings encourage young individuals to harness their potential constructively, contributing meaningfully to society. By emphasizing moral courage and ethical behavior, Vivekananda’s philosophy equips the youth to address modern challenges with resilience, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to higher ideals.

Vivekananda’s vision of education extended far beyond the confines of academic learning. He championed a holistic approach that nurtures character, moral values, and the spirit of inquiry. According to him, “Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man.” True education, in his view, empowers individuals to face life’s challenges with courage and wisdom. In today’s world, where education often prioritizes rote learning and material success, Vivekananda’s perspective advocates for a balanced system that fosters intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. His call for blending ancient wisdom with modern knowledge offers a framework for creating an education system that not only imparts skills but also instills virtues such as empathy, perseverance, and self-awareness. By aligning education with the holistic development of individuals, his teachings lay the groundwork for a society that values both competence and compassion, inspiring a generation of enlightened individuals capable of leading with vision and humanity.

In the fast-paced modern world, where many individuals grapple with stress, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of emptiness despite material success, Vivekananda’s teachings on spirituality provide a roadmap for achieving inner peace and fulfillment. He urged people to discover their true selves through meditation, selfless service, and devotion. His philosophy harmonizes spiritual and material pursuits, offering a path to leading a meaningful and balanced life. Vivekananda’s concept of ‘Practical Vedanta,’ which advocates applying spiritual principles in daily life, equips people to transcend mundane struggles and achieve a profound sense of purpose and connection with the universe. By reminding humanity of the inherent divinity within each individual, he encouraged self-belief and the pursuit of higher ideals, bridging the gap between worldly endeavors and spiritual aspirations.

Vivekananda was also a visionary advocate for the empowerment of women, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping a just and prosperous society. He passionately called for the education and upliftment of women, asserting that no society could progress without their active participation. “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved,” he declared, emphasizing the need for equality and inclusion. In today’s world, where gender disparities persist, his teachings inspire efforts to dismantle patriarchal structures and promote inclusivity. Vivekananda regarded women as custodians of culture and morality, urging them to pursue education, independence, and self-realization. His forward-thinking views continue to serve as a guide for fostering a more equitable society where women can contribute fully and freely, enriching humanity with their unique strengths and perspectives.

While Swami Vivekananda was a passionate advocate for Indian culture and heritage, he also envisioned a world united by shared values and mutual respect. He encouraged Indians to take pride in their roots while embracing global perspectives, embodying a dual vision of nationalism and universalism. His statement, “Each nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfill, a destiny to reach,” reflects his belief in the unique contributions of every culture to global progress. In an era of globalization, where fostering cultural identity and international collaboration are equally vital, Vivekananda’s teachings inspire nations to strike a balance between preserving their traditions and participating in the global exchange of ideas and innovations. His vision of global citizenship calls for unity in diversity, reminding humanity of its shared destiny and collective responsibility.

Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy of selfless service remains a cornerstone of his teachings. Declaring, “Man service is service to God,” he emphasized the transformative power of helping others. His call to alleviate suffering and uplift the marginalized aligns seamlessly with the principles of modern social justice movements. In an age marked by growing inequality and environmental crises, his teachings inspire individuals and organizations to work toward a more equitable and sustainable world. Vivekananda’s idea of service transcends mere charity, advocating for empowerment and systemic change that addresses the root causes of inequality. By fostering a sense of responsibility toward the less fortunate, he urged humanity to build a world founded on dignity, compassion, and collective well-being.

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings transcend the boundaries of time and geography, addressing the fundamental issues of human existence with timeless wisdom. His vision of a harmonious world, empowered individuals, and enlightened societies continues to shine as a guiding light in the modern scenario. By embracing his ideals of universal love, self-realization, and selfless service, humanity can navigate the complexities of contemporary life with courage and clarity. His call to rise to the highest potential invites every individual to contribute to a future rooted in peace, progress, and unity. As the challenges of the 21st century test humanity’s resilience and vision, Vivekananda’s legacy remains a source of inspiration, guiding us toward a world where dignity, compassion, and understanding prevail. In a world yearning for solutions to division and despair, his message offers hope and direction—a timeless reminder of the enduring power of wisdom and the boundless potential of the human spirit.

World Hindu Congress

Call It Hindu-Ness, Not Hinduism: World Hindu Congress

By LokMarg

On the second day of the World Hindu Congress, which kicked off in the Thai capital, Bangkok, on Friday drawing over 2000 delegates from 61 countries, a significant declaration was adopted advocating the term ‘Hindu-ness’ over ‘Hinduism’ when referring to the faith in English.

The Congress adopted the declaration asserting that ‘Hinduism’ misrepresents the global Hindu community and their inherent goodness.

The declaration specifies that in the words ‘Hindu Dharma’, the first word, ‘Hindu’, is ‘unbounded’, signifying all that his ‘Sanatan’, meaning eternal.

“The word ‘Hindu’ is followed by ‘Dharma’, which means that which sustains,” the declaration adds.

“Hindu Dharma, thus, signifies all that which eternally upholds everything; an individual, a family, a community, a society, and even nature–both animate and inanimate,” it states further.

“In contrast, Hinduism is totally different because it is suffixed with an ‘ism’. The term ‘ism’ is defined as an oppressive and discriminatory attitude or belief. In the mid-nineteenth century, in the United States of America, the phrase ‘the isms’ was used to collectively refer to radical social reform movements and various non-mainstream spiritual or religious movements in a derogatory manner. The term ‘Hinduism’ should be understood in such a context,” the declaration specifies.

“One should also note that the term ‘Hinduism’ was introduced in the popular lexicon by Sir Monier-Monier Willimas via his handbook ‘Hinduism’. The handbook was published in 1877 by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. This intellectually dishonest terminology is the seed behind the vicious anti-Hindu narratives over the last 150 years,” it notes, adding, “It is for these reasons that many of our elders preferred the term ‘Hindutva’ over Hinduism, as the former is a more accurate term since it includes the gamut (spectrum) of all that the word ‘Hindu’ implies. We agree with them and should do the same.”

Hindutva is not a complicated word, it states, adding that it simply means ‘Hindu-ness’.

“Others have used the alternative ‘Sanatan Dharma’, often abbreviated as ‘Sanatan’,” it notes, adding, “However, in the present public discourse, many academicians and intellectuals regularly portray Hindutva as the antithesis of Hindu Dharma, i.e., extremely negatively. Some of them argue like that because of their ignorance. But most are anti-Hindutva because of their visceral hatred and biases against Hindu Dharma. Many politicians driven by political agendas and personal prejudices have also joined that group and are criticising Sanatan Dharma, or Sanatan, with increasing regularity and vitriol.”

The statement assumes significance as DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, addressing a seminar in Chennai, had ranted against ‘Sanatana’ or Sanatan Dharma, equating it with “fever, malaria, dengue, and corona” and asking for it to be abolished.

The remark evoked outrage from the BJP and seers, who demanded that the DMK leader take back his words and issue an unconditional apology.

“On behalf of the global Hindu community, the World Hindu Congress declares that such malicious criticism of Hindutva, or Sanatan Dharma, or Sanatan, or Hindu Dharma actually targets Hindu society and all that is beautiful, just, good, and noble in it,” the declaration adds.

“In reality, these are attacks against goodness itself. The World Hindu Congress strongly condemns such attacks and urges Hindus worldwide for manifestation of Hindutva through organised global efforts and overcoming those who are engaging in such anti-Hindu attacks and bigotry so that we are victorious,” it states further. (ANI)

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Madras High Court

Free Speech Cannot Be Hate Speech: Madras HC Judge

By LokMarg

Amid the debate and political row over DMK minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s comments, the Madras High Court has said that Sanatana Dharma is a set of ‘eternal duties’ which can be gathered from multiple sources relating to Hinduism or those practising the Hindu way of life and includes “the duty to the nation, duty to the King, King’s duty to his people, duty to one’s parents and Gurus, care for the poor, and whole lot of other duties”.

Justice N. Seshasayee said in his order on September 15 that the court is conscious of “the very vociferous, and at time noisy debates on pro and anti Sanatana Dharma” and the court could not help pondering over with genuine concern for what is going around.

The court also said that when free speech is exercised in matters pertaining to religion, it is necessary for one to ensure that no one is injured and “free speech cannot be hate speech”.

“Somewhere, an idea appears to have gained ground that Sanadhana Dharma is all about, and only about, promoting casteism and untouchability. Untouchability in a country of equal citizens, cannot be tolerated, and even if it is seen as permitted somewhere within the principles of ‘Sanathana dharma’, it still cannot have a space to stay, since Article 17 of the Constitution has declared that untouchability has been abolished. It is part of the fundamental right,” the court said.

“And, under Art. 51A(a), it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to, ‘abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions..’.  Therefore, untouchability, either within or outside Sanatana Dharma can no longer be Constitutional, though sadly it still exits,” it added.

The court referred to the arguments on behalf of the petitioner Elangovan and said he had submitted with considerable force that nowhere Sanatana Dharma either approves or promotes untouchability, and it only insists the practitioners of Hinduism to treat all equally.

“ ‘As religious practices move with time, some bad or evil practices may un-noticingly creep into it. They are the weeds required to be removed. But why should the crop be chopped?’ – This, in short the essence of the submissions of the learned counsel,” the court noted.  

The court was hearing a petition challenging a circular issued by a local government college asking girl students to share their thoughts on the topic ‘Opposition to Sanadhana’ on the birth anniversary of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK founder CN Annadurai.

The court disposed of the plea after noting that the circular had already been withdrawn by the college.

“This Court is conscious to the very vociferous, and at time noisy debates on pro and anti Sanathana Dharma. It has also broadly understood Sanathana Dharama as a set of ‘eternal duties’, and that it cannot be traced to one specific literature, but has to be gathered from multiple sources which, either relate to Hinduism, or which those who practice the Hindu way of life, have come to accept,” the court said.

“It includes the duty to the nation, duty to the King, King’s duty to his people, duty to one’s parents and Gurus, care for the poor, and whole lot of other duties. If the topic chosen by the impugned circular is now tested on the plane of these duties, it would then mean that all these duties are liable to be destroyed. Should not a citizen love his country? Is he not under a duty to serve his nation? Should not the parents be cared? With genuine concern for what is going round, this Court could not help pondering over it,” the order said.

The court said it is conscious that every citizen has a fundamental right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

“While right to free speech is inalienable, it is also important to underscore that one is adequately informed, as it adds value to what is spoken. It should not be forgotten that the Constitutional framers have very consciously has not made right to free speech as an absolute right. They have restricted it with Article 19(2),” the order said.

It said Article 25 has granted all citizens the fundamental right to practice any religion.

“Every religion is founded on faith, and faith by nature accommodates irrationality. Therefore, when free speech is exercised in matters pertaining to religion, it is necessary for one to ensure that no one is injured,” the court said.

“In other words free speech cannot be hate speech, as the Hon’ble Supreme Court has cautioned. The users of free speech must not ignore to factor these aspects while exercising their right. If this is ignored, the course of any debate will get derailed, and the objective behind it will lose significance,” it added.

The court said it would be appreciable, if free speech encourages dispassionate, and healthy public debates, and helps society to move forward.

“How free speech is seen exercised these days? If the free speech made through the social media is taken as a basis, anyone who has little to do with science, or rocket, or space, will be lecturing on rocket science. While this is also accommodated within the right to free speech, yet it may he helpful to gain some attention, and may not take it beyond.

“It would be appreciable, if free speech encourages dispassionate, and healthy public debates, and help the society to move forward, along the lines which the Constitution envisages. At the end of the day, every citizen traces his existence to the Constitution, and hence it is his duty to abide by its values, its ethos, and to hold an uncompromising abidance to its spirits. This should not be forgotten. Hope it prevails,” the order said.  (ANI)

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Chhattisgarh congress

Chhattisgarh: Cong Creates Hatred Towards Hinduism, says BJP

By LokMarg

After the video of a Congress mayor in Chhattisgarh criticising Hindu deities at an event went viral on the internet, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said on Wednesday that the Congress’ only intention is to spread hatred towards Hinduism.

Trivedi was addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi.
“Today, a video from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh came to the fore, in which Congress’ Mayor is seen making derogatory remarks about Hindu deities,” the BJP spokesperson said, adding that Congress’ only intention is to spread hatred towards Hinduism and humiliate them.

A video has surfaced on social media, in which an anti-Hindu oath is being administered at an event. According to reports, a state-level Buddhism conference was organized in the Mohra ward of Rajnandgaon. People at large are seen taking an oath not to believe in Hindu gods and goddesses.

After the purported video filled with blasphemous statements, the BJP is now asking for detailed clarification over the incident from the Congress party.

Recently, the former working president of the party’s Karnataka unit Satish Jarkiholi’s statement against Hindus went viral. The BJP spokesperson said, “Two days ago the former working president of Congress party in Karnataka used a derogatory word for the word Hindu. It needs to be investigated what mantra Rahul Gandhi is whispering in the ears of people in his Bharat Jodo Yatra.”

“I feel the general public is discerning whatever is happening in the country. The Prime Minister said that the ‘Amrit Mahotsav’ will dissolve all the poison in it. The so-called Param Shiv Bhakt Hindu, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi should come up and speak on the matter,” Sudhanshu Trivedi said in the press briefing. (ANI)