<!--QuoteBegin-"RayC"+-->QUOTE("RayC")<!--QuoteEBegin-->I am not too much in religion and so I will not get into a discussion on a subject which I have very little knowledge.
However, just a thought I would append for experts to analyse and discuss, if they will.
Of the major ancient structured religions, Hinduism has survived and still has a reckonable size of adherents. Judaism, Zoraastrianism, Buddhism etc which existed in the past is a pale shadow of what they were at one time.
I believe the reason why Hinduism has survived is not because of its scriptures (in fact, very few actually know them in detail) but self realisation of higher ideals without the total dependence on a Book, Messenger, Prophet, Son of God etc; in other words, total unfettered manner in which to pursue oneâs own path! No shackles, no regimentation, but freedom of the Mind and Soul! One requires no clergy to realise the Truth of Existence.
Kalidas sums it up with - Look to this day, for it is the day of days. In its brief space lies the verities and realities of Existence!
The invaders may have destroyed the outward manifestation of Hinduism i.e. temples and idols, but the âbodyâ of Hinduism could not be destroyed since it was in the mind of the man professing to be a Hindu. And each Hindu having his own interpretation. You could kill a million, but there would still be a Hindu, following his own mind and soul. Thus, you cannot kill an ideology!
But when you are depended on a set of rules and regimentation as in other major religions, there are disagreement in interpretation of the word of God or Messenger. It leads to factional fights and strife as in Islam and even Christianity. In all religions, the Temporal supersedes the Spiritual, but since in Hinduism there is no explicit words of God, each Hindu interprets the religion as they like and that is why they have survived! Free as the elements of Nature! No, big boss to excommunicate or declare one an apostate.
It is well summarized in the story of King Alexander and the monk he meets! Alexander, the ruler of half the land on earth, is impressed by the life of this monk and wishes to take him to Greece with him. But the monk refuses. The king promises all the riches, a comfortable life and a big piece of land, but the monk refuses to move! Alexander finally draws his sword and says if he doesnt not oblige, he will simply kill the monk!
At this the monk laughs and says, "This is the stupidest thing you have ever said! I have realized I am not the body but the soul, and my soul cannot be pierced by any weapon or burnt by a fire. It is immortal!"
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There are two other instances.
1) an Indian summarily dismisses the original contrarian Socrates' <i>inquiry into human affairs</i>
2) an Indian <i>gymnosophist </i>fearlessly ascends his own funeral pyre after accompanying Alexander's retinue into West Asia.
However, just a thought I would append for experts to analyse and discuss, if they will.
Of the major ancient structured religions, Hinduism has survived and still has a reckonable size of adherents. Judaism, Zoraastrianism, Buddhism etc which existed in the past is a pale shadow of what they were at one time.
I believe the reason why Hinduism has survived is not because of its scriptures (in fact, very few actually know them in detail) but self realisation of higher ideals without the total dependence on a Book, Messenger, Prophet, Son of God etc; in other words, total unfettered manner in which to pursue oneâs own path! No shackles, no regimentation, but freedom of the Mind and Soul! One requires no clergy to realise the Truth of Existence.
Kalidas sums it up with - Look to this day, for it is the day of days. In its brief space lies the verities and realities of Existence!
The invaders may have destroyed the outward manifestation of Hinduism i.e. temples and idols, but the âbodyâ of Hinduism could not be destroyed since it was in the mind of the man professing to be a Hindu. And each Hindu having his own interpretation. You could kill a million, but there would still be a Hindu, following his own mind and soul. Thus, you cannot kill an ideology!
But when you are depended on a set of rules and regimentation as in other major religions, there are disagreement in interpretation of the word of God or Messenger. It leads to factional fights and strife as in Islam and even Christianity. In all religions, the Temporal supersedes the Spiritual, but since in Hinduism there is no explicit words of God, each Hindu interprets the religion as they like and that is why they have survived! Free as the elements of Nature! No, big boss to excommunicate or declare one an apostate.
It is well summarized in the story of King Alexander and the monk he meets! Alexander, the ruler of half the land on earth, is impressed by the life of this monk and wishes to take him to Greece with him. But the monk refuses. The king promises all the riches, a comfortable life and a big piece of land, but the monk refuses to move! Alexander finally draws his sword and says if he doesnt not oblige, he will simply kill the monk!
At this the monk laughs and says, "This is the stupidest thing you have ever said! I have realized I am not the body but the soul, and my soul cannot be pierced by any weapon or burnt by a fire. It is immortal!"
.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
There are two other instances.
1) an Indian summarily dismisses the original contrarian Socrates' <i>inquiry into human affairs</i>
2) an Indian <i>gymnosophist </i>fearlessly ascends his own funeral pyre after accompanying Alexander's retinue into West Asia.