maabaglamukhidivyalok

संस्कर (Sacraments)

Hinduism is essentially a spoken tradition, and sound is the primary means of spiritual expression. Speech is personified as Vak, a form of goddess Sarasvati. As the deity of scholarship and the arts, Sarasvati symbolises the intimate relationship within Hinduism between culture and religion, which until recently were practically inseparable. There are 64 traditional arts, which comprise a wide variety of skills, crafts, and artistic activities including music, painting, sculpture, singing, cooking, architecture, creating colourful patterns, applying cosmetics, producing perfumes, flower arranging, and caring for trees. Their variety and the inclusion of practical crafts suggest art is an integral part of life, rather than a vocation aimed at pleasing the elite. These arts were part of the process of spiritual culture, of refining and uplifting the tastes, values, and sentiments of human society. The word for culture is Sanskriti, "refinement," suggesting a means for extracting the spiritual essence of life (Brahman). "Sanskrit" similarly means "the most refined language." The similarity of the two words reflects the close relationship between religious scholarship and culture as a vehicle of spiritual expression.

About the Vedas

The Veda refers to a collection of vedic mantras in vedic Sanskrit. Vedas are eternal in nature and hence self-evident. These matras were also known as Shruti and Amnaya. Veda mantra is not manmade, in the sense that it is not born of human intellect, imagination, or speculation.

Mantras are deep spiritual truths and phenomena revealed by the Devatas (Vedic Spiritual Gods) to the rishis (sages) in their deep meditation. Each mantra is a verse revealed to men and women of wisdom known as rishis. All of them were not revealed at the same time.

The rishis numbered over 500, including women such as Vaak, Ambrini, Apara, Lopamudra, Turya, Ghosha, etc. They were preserved orally for a long time. Only about 5000 years ago, they were committed to writing by Vyasa (Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa).

These mantras are the earliest literary or poetic works of entire humanity. There are 3 types of mantras with the names of Rk Mantra, Yajus Mantra, and Saman Mantra. In course of time, around 4000 BCE, the single collection of mantras was divided into 4 collections based on their use:

Rg Veda: Mantras to invoke Vedic Gods
Yajur Veda: Mantras to perform Yajnas
Sama Veda: Mantras for Chanting
Atharva Veda: Mantras for Administration of Vedic Yajna

उत्सव (Festivals)

Hindus observe sacred occasions by festive observances. All festivals in Hinduism are predominantly religious in character and significance. Many festivals are seasonal. Some celebrate harvest and birth of God or Heroes. Some are dedicated to important events. Many are dedicated to Shiva & Parvati, Vishnu & Lakshmi and Brahma & Saraswati. Hinduism is rich in its unique festivals and customs which are being celebrated through centuries. From Diwali the festival of lights to Holi, Bengali New Year, the festival of colors to Rakshabandhan, a special festival for brothers and sisters, Hindu festivals are colorful, fun yet with a deep social and religious significance. 'Utsava' is the Sanskrit word for Hindu festivals, meaning 'to cause to grow Upward'. A festival may be observed with acts of worship, offerings to deities, fasting, feasting, vigil, rituals, fairs, charity, celebrations, Puja, Homa, aarti, etc. They celebrate individual and community life of Hindus without distinction of caste, gender or class.

देवालय (Temples)

Hindus observe sacred occasions by festive observances. All festivals in Hinduism are predominantly religious in character and significance. Many festivals are seasonal. Some celebrate harvest and birth of God or Heroes. Some are dedicated to important events. Many are dedicated to Shiva & Parvati, Vishnu & Lakshmi and Brahma & Saraswati. Hinduism is rich in its unique festivals and customs which are being celebrated through centuries. From Diwali the festival of lights to Holi, Bengali New Year, the festival of colors to Rakshabandhan, a special festival for brothers and sisters, Hindu festivals are colorful, fun yet with a deep social and religious significance. 'Utsava' is the Sanskrit word for Hindu festivals, meaning 'to cause to grow Upward'. A festival may be observed with acts of worship, offerings to deities, fasting, feasting, vigil, rituals, fairs, charity, celebrations, Puja, Homa, aarti, etc. They celebrate individual and community life of Hindus without distinction of caste, gender or class.

आश्रम - मट (Ashrams/Math)

Traditionally, an ashram (Sanskrit/Hindi: आश्रम) is a spiritual hermitage. Additionally, today the term ashram often denotes a locus of Indian cultural activity such as yoga, music study or religious instruction, the moral equivalent of a studio or dojo. An ashram would typically, but not always, be located far from human habitation, in forests or mountainous regions, amidst refreshing natural surroundings conducive to spiritual instruction and meditation. The residents of an ashram regularly performed spiritual and physical exercises, such as the various forms of Yoga. Other sacrifices and penances, such as Yajnas were also performed. Many ashrams also served as Gurukuls or residential schools for children. Sabarmati Ashram where Gandhi stayed. Ashrams have been a powerful symbol throughout Hindu history and theology. Most Hindu kings, until the medieval ages, are known to have had a sage who would advise the royal family in spiritual matters, or in times of crisis, who was called the rajguru, which literally translates to royal teacher. A world-weary emperor going to this guru's ashram, and finding solace and tranquility, is a recurring motif in many folktales and legends of ancient India. Sometimes, the goal of a pilgrimage to the ashram was not tranquility, but instruction in some art, especially warfare. In the Hindu epic Ramayana, the protagonist princes of ancient Ayodhya, Rama and Lakshmana, go to the Rishi Vishvamitra's ashram to protect his Yajnas from being defiled by emissary-demons of Ravana. After they prove their mettle, the princes receive martial instruction from the sage, especially in the use of Divine weapons, called Divyastras (Sanskrit Divya: Divine + Astra: missile weapon; the Sanskrit word 'astra' means missile weapon, such as an arrow, as opposed to 'shastra', which means a hand-to-hand weapon, such as a mace.) In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, in his youth, goes to the ashram of Sage Sandipani, to gain knowledge of both intellectual and spiritual matters.

" Social Justice: Ensuring Equality for All "

Hindutva Jagrat refers to the awakening of Hindu identity and the promotion of Hindu cultural values and traditions. It emphasizes the unity and strength of the Hindu community, promoting the significance of Hinduism in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape. The term "Jagrat" translates to awakening or rising, symbolizing a resurgence of pride in one's religion, heritage, and values. Hindutva Jagrat calls for the preservation and revitalization of Hindu traditions in the face of modern challenges. It advocates for a unified approach to address issues related to religion, culture, and social justice within the Hindu community.

" Combating Poverty and Economic Inequality "

Economic inequality is a significant challenge to social justice, as it leads to disparities in living standards and access to essential services. A society that values social justice must work towards reducing poverty by ensuring fair wages, access to employment, and affordable housing. This involves addressing issues such as income inequality, social security, and public welfare programs. Social justice advocates for policies that redistribute wealth in ways that lift people out of poverty and reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. By promoting economic fairness, social justice creates a more equitable society where everyone can meet their basic needs and live with dignity.

" Promoting Education and Healthcare Access "

Education and healthcare are key components of social justice because they are fundamental to individuals' well-being and opportunities for advancement. Social justice calls for equal access to quality education and healthcare services for all members of society, particularly for those who have been historically marginalized. By investing in these areas, society can break the cycle of poverty, improve public health, and empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society. Social justice ensures that everyone, regardless of their economic status, has access to the tools necessary to lead a fulfilling and productive life.

" Strengthening Hindu Social and Political Influence " "

In addition to cultural revival, Hindutva Jagrat also aims to strengthen the social and political influence of Hindus. By encouraging active participation in politics, social issues, and governance, Hindutva Jagrat seeks to ensure that the Hindu community's voice is heard in decision-making processes. This movement advocates for policies and initiatives that protect the interests of Hindus, promote social justice, and ensure the preservation of religious rights. Through political engagement, Hindutva Jagrat empowers Hindus to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the nation.