There have been mystics outside of Hinduism who have seen revelations that reflect Hindu beliefs. Indeed often their writings would seem to be more like Hindu writings than those of their own religion. One of those is Julian of Norwich, 1342 to 1423. In Revelations of Divine Love she wrote:
“HE [God] ALSO SHOWED ME a little thing, the size of a hazelnut, lying in the palm of my hand. It was as round as a ball, as it seemed to me. I looked at it with the eyes of my understanding and thought, “What can this be?” My question was answered in general terms in this fashion: “It is everything that is made.” I marveled at how this could be, for it seemed to me that it might suddenly fall into nothingness, it was so small. An answer for this was given to my understanding: “It lasts, and ever shall last, because God loves it. And in this fashion all things have their being by the grace of God…. It is necessary for us to know the littleness of creatures in order to reduce them to nothingness in our judgment, so that we may love and have the uncreated God. The reason we are not fully at ease in heart and soul is because we seek rest within them, and pay no attention to our God, who is Almighty, All-wise, All-good and the only real rest.”
Here are the ideas of Advaita Vedanta (God in everything), the illusion of Evil and the distraction of May from someone who had never heard of Hinduism. Note also that there is no Judgement day, the world lasts for ever. Surely this is proof of the universality of revelation and the ultimate truths in Hinduism.
Posted in books, hinduism, other religions, religion
What attracts me to Hinduism more than to other religions? Well there are several things. Firstly Hinduism is consistent with the goodness, mercy and love of God in a way other religions are not. Some religions claim that God is good and loving, but then say that only those who believe their particular religion (or even sect within a religion) will be saved. All others, no matter how good they are will be condemned to eternal punishment. I cannot see how this can be if God is good and merciful.
Also Hinduism acknowledges that spiritual progress is our own responsibility. I know that all major religions encourage leading a good life and spiritual awareness, but in some religions this has nothing to do with your spiritual destination. In these other religions a good person of another faith is condemned, whereas a believer will be forgiven no matter what kind of debaucheries they commit. How can heaven remain heaven if there are murderers, thieves and so on? Surely only the spiritually pure can go to heaven, and this must involve some change of self.
Hinduism gives practical ways of increasing spiritual purity and becoming closer to God. Also, it acknowledges that at heart we are pure and good. In this context spiritual progress is self realisation. In contrast some other religions see us as evil at heart, tainted with original sin. This means that spiritual progress is seen as a denial of the true self.
Some religions see themselves as incidental to every day life. People turn up for services and to receive forgiveness, then go on their way. My wife pointed out to me that Hinduism encourages spirituality as an integral part of life. Bhakti yoga in sees this as the main path to enlightenment.
Finally, Hinduism sees validity in all religions. All are seen as possible paths to God. This does not mean that Hinduism is purely relativistic. Hinduism is the original pure religion. Other religions started when prophets were not fully understood. The “Sermon on the mount according to Vedanta” illustrates how Hinduism can show the true messge from Jesus.
I wrote before that I was worried about visiting a Hindu temple, because I did not know what the “real Hindus” would think . Well, thanks to Deepak on the Orkut site, I finally got the courage to visit. Deepak reminded me of the story of the father, the son and the donkey. This story reminded me that if we always worry about what others think we will end up doing nothing.
Anyway, I need not have worried. I arrived at the temple at a quiet time and the only person there was a priest who was looking through some papers. I performed a namaste to the deities and then sat down and meditated for a while. The priest finished his papers and asked whether he could help me. I asked him about some of the deities that I did not recognise and he told me about them. He then offered me prashad and some holy water, which I took. A younger man came in and told me that they were preparing for a function so the priest could not talk to me for long. The priest said that he was going to perform a short puja before the function and asked whether I would like to stay. During this time several other people came an went, and all greeted me in a friendly manner.
What struck me was how I really felt at home in this place, there was an atmosphere of holiness, peace and friendliness. As I left the priest asked me if I would come again, and I told him that I would. He said that he would tell me more about Hinduism but would also learn from me. He was a very approachable, peaceful and humble man, I know from the website that he has a Phd. and he still said that he wanted to learn from me. And to think that I was worried about being thought of as an ignorant non-Hindu!
Tagged convert, hindu, mandir, western hindu, westerner, white hindu
A young man, returning home from French school with many diplomas, thought he knew everything. His father said, “My son, come with me. I’ll teach you about life.”
So they bought a donkey and both got on to ride. As they approach a village, they saw a crowd gathering. “Those two heartless riders are going to crush that poor beast of burden.”
“Hear that, son?” asked the father. When they had left the village, he got off and pulled the donkey by the reins, with his son still on it.
At a second village, they heard murmurs. “What a rude little boy … why won’t he let his poor old father ride?” So the son climbed down and his father got on.
At a third village, a fat woman blocked their path, yelling, “Lazy old man! How dare you force a little boy to walk in the burning sun?” So the father got off, and he walked with his son alongside the donkey.
At the last village, they were met with whispers. “Are these two crazy or what? They’re walking alongside a perfectly strong animal!”
A little farther on, they stopped in the shade of a big tree. The father says, “Well, my son, have you been paying attention? People will always have something to say about what we do. But do what you must. That’s life.” From that day on, the son understood that he had a lot to learn.
“Ken menul def lu neex nep.”
You can’t please everyone.
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