12-15-2005, 09:22 AM
these
While the idea is noble, I would like to say that in case of the Dharmic Religion, atleast for Sanathana Dharma, the "Religion" existed well befor the 'bell curve crystallized'. Thus the semblance of a Religion befits Semitic sects rather than the Dharmic fold. Secondly, Vedas (pronunciation "Vedaa:") is not a snapshot at a point in time (even if it was 10,000 years ago.) But Vedas are a reflection of Truth that is Eternal. A snapshot is stagnant and is timebound. Vedas are definitely not stagnant nor timebound. (I am not infering stagnancy from your post, but am throwing it in to support my argument.) Finally, if Dharmic Religions were taken as area specific, then China and most of South East Asia cannot benefit from Buddhism. Even Sanathana Dharma is transcendental to Space, Time and Creation. The common mistake even Hindus make is to equate the Vedas with the books. This is unconsciously mimicing the Semitic concept of Book = Religion formula. Vedas are Apaurusheya (not man made) and are said to be existing even before Creation (of the material Universe.)
The Manu Smrithi and other Smrithis lay down a PATH, or a way of life to be followed. Nitya Karma (day to day duties) as well as "kamya-karma" (optional category) are prescribed. While Kamya-Karma is optional, Nitya-Karma is mandatory. Like Sandhya Vandanam, Agnihotram, Aupasanam etc. Thus, laying down of rules, and 'way of life' is not the proprietary property of Semitic sects. In this case, The Great Manu is the "Law Giver" (even though He is more than that.) equivalent to the Prophet who gives the Laws.
As mentioned above, Dharmic Religion has do's and donâts. Shankaracharya's Sadhana Panchakam for example will highlight these. The Bhagavad Geetha too tells of actions that leads to Hell, Heaven, or Liberation. Thus, while one is free to heed or reject the advise, these Dos and Don'ts are very well defined in Dharmic religion. The only difference is, Hindus now a days have chosen to reject most of the Dos and Don'ts owing to ignorance, arrogance, self-image, social-limitations, or simply laziness.
The Vedas are not mental creations of the Rishis. These are documentation of the Revelations of the Universal Truths which are unshakable. When defining Gravity or Blackholes, one cannot put in irrational concoctions and call it an unbiased Truth. Similarly Vedaah are Eternal Truths which were orally taught, and later documented for human convenience. The concoction part thus does not even figure when discussing Vedas.
They are Nastika Darshanas not because they reject God, but as they reject Vedic Authority. Samkhya is Asthika Darshana - even though it does not accept Ishwara - as it accepts Vedic Authority.
Thus, people cannot ignore or pick and choose indiscriminately. It has to be part of Parampara which again is sanctioned by the Vedas.
While the idea is noble, I would like to say that in case of the Dharmic Religion, atleast for Sanathana Dharma, the "Religion" existed well befor the 'bell curve crystallized'. Thus the semblance of a Religion befits Semitic sects rather than the Dharmic fold. Secondly, Vedas (pronunciation "Vedaa:") is not a snapshot at a point in time (even if it was 10,000 years ago.) But Vedas are a reflection of Truth that is Eternal. A snapshot is stagnant and is timebound. Vedas are definitely not stagnant nor timebound. (I am not infering stagnancy from your post, but am throwing it in to support my argument.) Finally, if Dharmic Religions were taken as area specific, then China and most of South East Asia cannot benefit from Buddhism. Even Sanathana Dharma is transcendental to Space, Time and Creation. The common mistake even Hindus make is to equate the Vedas with the books. This is unconsciously mimicing the Semitic concept of Book = Religion formula. Vedas are Apaurusheya (not man made) and are said to be existing even before Creation (of the material Universe.)
The Manu Smrithi and other Smrithis lay down a PATH, or a way of life to be followed. Nitya Karma (day to day duties) as well as "kamya-karma" (optional category) are prescribed. While Kamya-Karma is optional, Nitya-Karma is mandatory. Like Sandhya Vandanam, Agnihotram, Aupasanam etc. Thus, laying down of rules, and 'way of life' is not the proprietary property of Semitic sects. In this case, The Great Manu is the "Law Giver" (even though He is more than that.) equivalent to the Prophet who gives the Laws.
As mentioned above, Dharmic Religion has do's and donâts. Shankaracharya's Sadhana Panchakam for example will highlight these. The Bhagavad Geetha too tells of actions that leads to Hell, Heaven, or Liberation. Thus, while one is free to heed or reject the advise, these Dos and Don'ts are very well defined in Dharmic religion. The only difference is, Hindus now a days have chosen to reject most of the Dos and Don'ts owing to ignorance, arrogance, self-image, social-limitations, or simply laziness.
The Vedas are not mental creations of the Rishis. These are documentation of the Revelations of the Universal Truths which are unshakable. When defining Gravity or Blackholes, one cannot put in irrational concoctions and call it an unbiased Truth. Similarly Vedaah are Eternal Truths which were orally taught, and later documented for human convenience. The concoction part thus does not even figure when discussing Vedas.
They are Nastika Darshanas not because they reject God, but as they reject Vedic Authority. Samkhya is Asthika Darshana - even though it does not accept Ishwara - as it accepts Vedic Authority.
Thus, people cannot ignore or pick and choose indiscriminately. It has to be part of Parampara which again is sanctioned by the Vedas.