L-9 National Culture And Heritage

HINDUISM: Religion and philosophy II

The religious philosophers are of opinion that there is no conflict between

reason and faith in Hinduism. So there is no conflict between philosophy and religion in
the simple sense of these terms, for philosopher’s deals with certain basic fundamental
questions such as what is truth? What is meaning? What is knowledge? What is a
beauty etc., etc., and what is purpose of life and so on. So philosophy tries to justify a
particular view on grounds of faith, or a set of beliefs.

Hinduism justifies religious doctrines on rational grounds. Therefore,

philosophy and religion in Hinduism are not opposed to each other. Rather one supports
the other. So Hinduism tries to justify rational grounds our duties towards other human
beings, to any creatures, or nature at large. Hence it is a religion without any dogma.
That is why it is a religion without any ‘dogmas’. Hinduism is also called ‘Sanatona
Dharma’. Sonatana means to hold or to sustain. It means also ‘eternal’ or’ everlasting’
and the word ‘Dhar’ means as mentioned alone Therefore the word Sonatana Dhar
means ‘the eternal rules or laws which promote the well-being of the whole laws.

The Vedas ( lit.’ knowledge’), the Upanishads (treaties on philosophical

discourse, although literally means sitting down to’). Bhagavad-Gita (lit. means ‘the
song of God’), two great epics viz, ‘Ramayana’ and the ‘Mahabharata’, of which the
Bhagavad-Gita is a part of the two epics ‘Upanishads’. The Purana (lit. ancient tales)
contain the essence of Hinduism. Hence almost all Hindu philosophy has derived from
the roots of in some of these scriptures, especially the Vedas and Upanishads and
derived their inspiration from them.

Religion or Dharma is an integral part of Hindu philosophy. However, in

course of the realization of this ultimate goal of life earthly pleasures (Karma) or
possession of wealth (artha) have not been discarded. They are accepted as possible
means for promoting human well-being. So, Hinduism can not have asceticism.
Hinduism, therefore, takes a positive attitude towards our life, existence and the world.

Hinduism tries to justify the existence and distinction between good and evil,
justice and injustice, truth and false hood, knowledge and ignorance, virtue and vice,
love and hatred, unselfish actions, and between being and non-being in this world.
Besides, all the sects of Hinduism emphasize the development of good, justice, virtue,
love, knowledge and truth. It should be acknowledge that we can not achieve the
ultimate goal without promoting these ideals.

As regards the paths for the realization of ultimate goal, it is claimed that
‘Bhagavad-Gita’ has laid down only three paths for the achievements of ‘Moksa’ i.e.

Courtesy by: Kaisar Syed 1

L-9 National Culture And Heritage

(Freedom from bondage). These are called (i) the paths of devotions (or love), (ii) ‘The
paths of knowledge’, and (iii) ‘The paths of holy or unselfish work’. Different sects of
Hinduism or different systems of Hindu philosophy emphasize three paths in varying
degrees. In fact, some even claim that each of these paths will lead an individual to the
ultimate goal. Since Hinduism emphasizes both ‘action and knowledge’ it is not opposed
to science, which gives us knowledge about the empirical world, for the performance of
a good, just or a virtuous action. Hinduism aims at the well being of the entire creation,
so it is better than any other religions which fall short of this ideal. Hence Hinduism can
not be refuted by skeptic, or replaced by any doctrine, or ideal which fall shoot of
Hinduism.

In modern times most of the old Vedic elaborate rituals are being replaced by
‘image worship of gods and goddesses, social ceremonies such as wedding rites as
well as ceremony after death called ( Sradhya ), and sacred festivals such as ‘Holi’ or
‘Durga’ Puja. In this context, different gods and goddesses represent different as
aspects of the ‘ultimate reality’ or ‘The Almighty’. It must be pointed out that one of the
main purposes of these worships (Puja) is meditative identification of the worshipper
with the divine presence in and through the image of the duty. For, as it is understand
that it is an occasion for the commitment and the promotion of our ideals. An example
could be given as the symbolic explanation what I just said above.

Durga Puja is the biggest and the most popular festival in Bengal and in
certain parts of North India. The word ‘Durga’ means ‘one who dispels danger or
misery’. So, Durga is one of the manifestations of the ultimate reality and she is also
known as ‘Uma’ or Parvati’. The goddess Durga represents the power (Sakti) to
eliminate evil, danger, injustice, suffering etc. She is depicted as slaying the buffalo-
demon ‘Mahi sasura’ which is the embodiment of evil or injustice. Hence, according to
the ‘puranas’ Durga was created for the purpose of slaying the buffalo-demon. In fact, to
her devotees and worshippers she appears as kindly mother, and is the expression of
goodness, grace and virtue. At the same time she is also known as the wife of ‘Lord
Shiva’, who is another manifestation of the ultimate reality and known as ‘the god of
creation and reproduction’. Shiva Durga had 2 sons, Kartika and Ganisha, they also
have two daughters Laksmi is the goddess of good fortune and prosperity and is the
wife of Lord Vishnu, who is the preserver of the world or creation. Suraswati is the
goddess of leering and art. Her husband is Brahma who is the creator of this world as
well.

Courtesy by: Kaisar Syed 2