Essentials of Hinduism - 50(+) Questions And Answers

Essentials of Hinduism

50(+) Questions And Answers

Spirituality

41) When is a person considered as (i) Religious; (ii) Spiritual; (iii) Superspiritual or Brahma Jnani?

i) Religious = majority of good people in this World can be considered as Religious – they pray one time or the other to God, go to Temple and pray to make them good and request God to satisfy their desires;

ii) Spiritual = these are minority group that can be considered as Spiritual = these are also good people who perform intense prayer every day, go to Temple, they have true love for God but not intense enough to please God, they have some limited amount of Bhakti and Jnyana but may not be aware of the correct path to obtain the Moksha;

iii) Superspiritual or Brahma Gnyani = these kind of people can be counted easily, because, not that many may exist. Some may even learn and practice the Nitya Karmas, Sanatana Dharma, teachings of Vedas, Sastras, Vedanta and/or Bhagavad Gita. These people may seek Moksha with a good knowledge of the path to obtain the Moksha. These people have considerable Bhakti, Jnyana and Vyragya. These people are tired of their rebirths and genuinely want Moksha. At the same time, they have the genuine love of God and their Karmas may be described as completely selfless act. They may qualify to obtain God’s grace in the current birth or in the next birth or after few births to get the Moksha.

42) Can we discuss our everyday spiritual practices to others?

We should never discuss our everyday spiritual practices to others. Spirituality should be kept strictly private; the Spirituality Karmas should be practiced exclusively between the God and yourself.

43) Is our current birth due to a promotion or demotion as compared to our last birth?

If we are enjoying a good comfortable life with minimum sufferings that could be the result of our Prarabda Karmas, then our current birth may be considered as a promotion compared to our last birth. On the contrary, if we are experiencing too much sufferings due to finances or bad health problems, that could be a demotion.

44) What are Prarabda Karmas, Sanchita Karmas and Agama Karmas?

Prarabda Karmas are the Karmas of our previous life that are now in effect and we experience in this life. This life will end only when we exhaust all our Prarabda Karmas. Sanchita Karmas are the accumulated Karmas of all our past lives. These Karmas have still not become effective.

Agama Karmas are the Karmas of our present life. These Karmas will become the Prarabda Karmas in our next life and some may even become the Sanchita Karmas.

45) If we acquire good theoretical knowledge about Vedas, Gita, Sanatana Dharma etc but do not practice in the real life, what good it is?

This is not of much value to us. If we fail to practice the acquired knowledge in real life, the strong reason could be - our past Sanchita Karmas and/or Prarabda Karma effects have too strong influence on our current life that may prevent the person to practice in his real life.

46) What is Jnyana – explain in simple language?

Jnyana is acquiring knowledge and understanding about Paramatma.

47) How can we know that we are growing Spiritually?

The most important indication to know that we are growing Spiritually is, we enjoy thinking and talking to others about Paramatma at all times. We experience an inner peace and tranquility. We get an anxiety to talk to others about Paramatma. We get an urge to preach about Spirituality to others.

48) What is the exact source of our Vedas?

The exact source for our Vedas is Paramatma Vasudeva.

49) Clarify who are Vaishnavites, Shaivites and Smaarthaas?

Vaishnavites are staunch followers of Lord MahaVishnu. Infact, these people even go one step further. They do not go to the Shiva Temple. Shaivites are staunch followers of Lord Shiva. Infact, these people go one step further. They do not go to the Vishnu Temple. Smarthas are followers of Smriti in their everyday life.

50) In order to get rid of our sins from our past lives and the present life, is there a Homa that can be performed?

Perform Homa for Gayatri Devi to get rid of sins. Keep chanting Gayatri Japas with total devotion and focused concentration on an ongoing basis for the rest of your life. This is the only way to get rid of sins from our past lives and the present life.

51) In which of the 14 Worlds of Paramatma are the following located: Navagrahas, Ashta Dik Paalakaas, Sun, Moon.

Navagrahas: Location = Bhu Loka;

Ashta Dik Paalakaas: Location = Spread through the 14 Worlds;

Sun: Location = Suvar Loka - provides Sunlight to Bhu Loka, Bhuvar Loka and Suvar Loka;

Moon: Location = Bhu Loka.

52) Explain in simple language, what is meant by Self Realization?

Self Realization is the English equivalent for Brahma Jnyana. Brahma Jnyana is acquiring knowledge and understanding about Paramatma, as well as, experiencing Paramatma inside.

This article is a snippet from the Book Essentials of Hinduism, Authored by G.S Nilakantan. Essential of Hinduism is available online at www.giri.in and across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture and Tradition.