Since last couple of years, I am trying to know my religion. I have been ignorant. But the things happening around me, in my country have made me curious about my religion. Reading books, articles, trying to understand the festivals and rituals has added much to my knowledge. I am always searching for books written on Hindu Dharma. This quest has lead me to a book named “How I became a Hindu” By David Frawley.
Reading a book on Hindu Dharma written by a Hindu may contain biased views. So I thought of reading this book which has been authored by a person who was a Christian. An American Christian whose uncle worked for a Christian missionary. David Frawley studied Hindu Dharma for almost 20 years before accepting Hindu Dharma in 1991 with a new name, Vamadeva Shashtri. This book is his journey to India, across India and across globe learning and spreading Hindu Dharma.
The present situation is such that, Hindu Dharma is being attacked from all sides. The major role is being played by Christian missionaries and Muslim Madarsa. David Frawley explains how these missionaries and Madarsas are being funded by foreign sources to convert innocent and ignorant Hindus. The same money is also used to spread lies and hatred about the Hindu festivals and rituals. Often Hinduism is criticized for it’s caste system. You’ll understand that the differences that exist in our caste system are also present in Christianity and Islam.
He narrates about his spiritual experience in his conquest to self realization. His discovery of Yoga and meditation techniques which helped him reach a higher consciousness. During his travel across India he met Swamis, mystical sadhus and siddhas. The numerous temple visits across the country which strengthened his belief in Hindu Dharma. After accepting Hindu Dharma in 1991, He has dedicated his life towards writing books, articles and giving speeches in support of Hindu Dharma. He has been honored with Padma Bhushan for his contribution towards India and Hinduism.
If you are a Hindu and if you haven’t read this book, then you must. If you are not a Hindu and want to know about Hinduism, then this book is the best possible start for you. This book has given me a new purpose to know about my Dharma. The references used by the author will keep me busy reading for months. I have no doubt that this book will give you a fresh perspective on Hindu Dharma. Add this to your “must read” list.
Tag: hindu
Black and White
A ray of light has two colors at the extremes. Colors are not colors when these two are taken out of the stream. Colors are meaningless but we gave them meanings. Different cultures, different religions have different level of importance to these colors. The only common are two colors. Black and White. Almost everywhere White signifies peace and good whereas Black signifies evil or bad. Though common significance these two “colors” plays important role in many countries.
Somewhere in an unknown place in this world two piglets are born from the same mother. It is unusual as most of the times the number is more than two. One of them was Black and other was White. White was very proud of his color and always teased Black for his color. The aggressive nature of Black always resulted in fights. Their mother was now unable to handle the childrens. She always wanted both of them to stay together. Not just stay together, but happily stay together.
One day a quick brown fox jumps over the fence and starts searching for his lunch. Just then his eyes catch the piglets. There was a dog house with a jammed door but there was no dog. Hence “the lazy dog” doesn’t come in picture. Effort by only one was not enough to open the door. They dash the door together. Door opens where they hide safely. That fox goes away with empty hands. Now both the pigs realize their mistake. They hug and live happily together. Continue reading →
Gudhipadava
गुढीपाडव्याच्या शुभेच्छा. नवीन वर्ष सुखाचे, आनंदाचे आणि समृद्धिचे जाओ.
