Hundreds of years after his death, the Sai Baba of Shirdi (1838-1918) remains one of the most widely revered saints. He is worshipped by millions of Hindus, Muslims and others. Born to Hindu parents and brought up by a fakir, he was a harsh critic of religious orthodoxy and detested the Hindu-Muslim divide. He believed that the central message of both Hinduism and Islam was love, service and freedom.
Another saint who attracted both Muslims and Hindus was Kabir (1398-1448/55). He was born to or adopted by a Muslim family of weavers and so he was well acquainted with Islam. But going by his evergreen poems, it appears he had an intimate knowledge and understanding of Hindu thought and mythology too. He was critical of religious orthodoxy and authoritarianism and chided Hindus and Muslims alike.
Contrary to what is widely believed, India’s spiritual story is not all about Brahmanical beliefs, debates and disputes about Sanskrit literature, Upanishads and the Gita or even the caste system.
Lorem Ipsum wrote: ↑Sat Aug 13, 2022 5:39 pm
History of South Asia?
Well, I was going to title it "History of Indian Philosophy" but then figured that might be confused with North American Indians. History of South Asia is more inclusive, and perhaps a little less awkward. Such a title would also imply a discussion of more than just philosophy.
Self-Styled Hindu Leaders of Today Should Know, Hatred Is a Grave Spiritual Sin by M.R. Narayan Swamy
October 16, 2022
Introduction:
(Janata Weekly) “Anger defeats the very purpose for which it is aroused,” advised Paramhansa Yogananda, one of the greatest yogis India ever produced. “Anger is not an antidote for anger. A strong wrath may cause another to suppress his weaker wrath. But it will not kill the weaker wrath.”
Anger, Yogananda explained, gives birth to jealousy, hatred, spite, revengefulness, destructive instinct, wild ideas, brain paralysis and even temporary insanity. “A sage is content in the knowledge that the Lord is running the universe… He is free from rage, animosity and resentment.”
Yogananda, whose Autobiography of a Yogi was rated one of the 10 best spiritual books of the 20th century, was not saying anything new. He echoed what a long line of Indian spiritual and religious icons as well as Hindu religious classics have repeatedly underlined.
Passion, anger, hate and fear belong to the mind and not to the soul, explained the revered Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, who headed the Kachi Kamakoti Peetham at Kancheepuram for 87 long years. Ticking off some devotees who harboured a dislike for Muslims, Chandrashekhara Bharathi, the 34th Acharya of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, was blunt: “Enmity, hatred, jealousy and retaliation do not foster religious sentiments and spiritual growth.” The Vishnu Purana tells the faithful not to transact with others unkindly, not to speak out another’s faults publicly, not to create enmity with another human and to avoid speaking if the words are going to give pain to the listener.
Yet, we have a bizarre situation where those who consider themselves leaders of the Hindu community keep abusing and spewing hatred against the minorities, shaming Hindu religious principles. And the worst part is they parrot the name of Lord Rama who, after felling the Lanka king who had abducted his wife, told his younger brother Lakshmana to go to where Ravana was lying gravely wounded, not dead yet, and seek his blessings. When the bewildered Lakshmana did what he was told but complained that Ravana did not speak to him, Rama chided him for going and standing near Ravana’s head; he was asked to go back and be near the dying man’s feet. Even after what Ravana had done, Rama showed no trace of hatred for his foe.
Hatred is perfectly natural to our species and is practiced by all races and creeds. It maybe idiocy but who ever said our species is above being idiotic?
