Who is a Hindu?: Gods and judges, Spiritual : Today Indya

Who is a Hindu?: Gods and judges

Spiritual

devdutt

The text Manusmriti does not call itself Manusmriti (recollected reflections of Manu on social affairs); it calls itself Manavadharma-shastra (a treatise on human social conduct). It has a thousand verses for Brahmins, a thousand verses for the king and his law, only eight verses for vaishyas (merchants) and barely two for shudras (service providers). Yet the British saw it as a Hindu rulebook paralleling Sharia, the Muslim rulebook. Sharia derives authority from the words of god and god’s messenger, concepts unfamiliar to Hinduism.

Manusmriti states that it is based on Shurti (Vedic ideas), Smriti (tradition), the behaviour of good people and the approval of conscience (atmasantushti). In other words, they were contextual and needed to be adapted with space (sthan), time (kala) and people (patra). Though most popular as a Hindu rulebook, Manusmriti is part of a thousand-year legacy of Hindu code texts known first as Dharmasutras (aphorisms) and later as Dharmashastras (verses) composed by Brahmins. While Buddhist monks were compiling the ‘Dhammapada’, or the path one should follow to realise the Buddhist truth, which was essentially a monastic way of living, Brahmins were compiling Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras, aimed enabling a man to lead a fulfilled life as a householder.

The texts were written between 500 BCE to about 500 CE by many authors, apart from the legendary Manu. They are full of variations, indicating that they were continuously adapted to suit local and contextual needs. There are some general things in the dharma shastras like speak the truth, and seek the higher goals over the lower goals. Manusmriti explains how the world was created and why kingship was established. However, most of these dharma texts deal with general behaviour (achar), legal codes of conduct (vyavahara) dealing with marriage, inheritance, property disputes, public safety and women’s security and various penances for atonement. Attention is given to ‘varna’ and ‘ashrama’, i.e. one’s role based on one’s family vocation and stage of life. The sage Apasthamba wrote on social conduct over 2,400 years ago. And he declares that no god or celestial being comes and reveals what is good or what is bad. Laws do not announce things as good or bad. Humans must figure it out themselves based on precedence and conscience. This is a pragmatic person, not a prophet revealing the word of god on how people should live. This tone is found throughout the dharmasutra-dharmashastra texts. The humanistic approach is more in line with modern times than Abrahamic dogma, where everyone seeks validation from the word of god or the life of god’s messenger. The pages of the Jewish Talmud, for example, are designed in concentric format, the centre capturing the oldest law of god, and around it, commentaries and interpretation of scholars in history over the past 2,000 years. Islam relies on Quran (word of God) and hadith (words of the Prophet on daily behaviour or sunna). Here there is an overwhelming sense that ultimately one is answerable to god.

Dharmashastras certainly favour Brahmin men, not because they were divine, but because they were its creators, custodians and commentators, whose skills in statecraft made them popular among kings. It was said a king who didn’t not rule using dharma, as explained by Brahmins, created anarchy. In fact, the king was created to take humans out of the forest, towards civilisation. Hence these rulebooks.

Rules are supposed to make us humans. It is unfortunate that those who came up with these theories and rules, both the Brahmins and kings, did not apply these principles of dharma on themselves. They chose to dominate the meek using might as alpha beasts do, rather than exploring their humanity, using their strength to help the weak. Replacing Manusmriti with the Constitution has not changed this basic problem of regulating power between the mighty and the meek. We may have rejected corrupt kings and Brahmins and aristocrats, replaced caste hierarchy with egalitarian principles, but we still have corrupt, sexist and casteist politicians and bureaucrats and judges. We forget that humans make laws, but laws cannot create humans.

Article Original Source : http://devdutt.com/articles/applied-mythology/society/25708.html

These 10 'pujas' have powerful blessings

Spiritual

speakingtree

The deepest desire of many of us is to live a peaceful life in the calming lap of Mother Nature, but there are some who desire to have some add-ons, like a successful career, luxurious lifestyle, growing fame, and wealth, etc.

Being a Hindu, I grew up learning the importance of both Karma and Dharma in life and how establishing its balance can lead us to ultimate salvation. What I also learned was that there was a divine power, which controlled the fruit of our actions.

In Hinduism, ‘puja’ is an act of reverence offered to God or the divine power, whichever one believes. It is done through invocations, singing bhajans, chanting mantras and performing sacred rituals. It is a way through which a Hindu makes a divine connection with his/her deity.

Pujas are important events in the lives of Hindu devotees. Even with our fast-paced lives and strict schedules, we try to make time to offer pujas in order to seek God’s blessings and ensure a prosperous life.

According to sacred scriptures, the following pujas are believed to carry powerful blessings of Gods and Goddess; whosoever performs these pujas with pure intention and devotion is believed to have all their desires fulfilled.

#1. Ganesh Puja

Lord Ganesh is one of the most important deities in Hinduism and no other pooja can be performed without worshipping him first. However, even an exclusive pooja of Lord Ganesh has many amazing benefits for a devotee’s life. Ganesh Pooja ushers in good health, wealth, prosperity, and success.

#2. Lakshmi Puja

Maa Lakshmi is one of the key forms of Shakti and is widely revered by her devotees. She is one of the Trimurti goddesses of Hinduism, along with Durga and Saraswati. No wonder, Lakshmi Pooja offers many key benefits for a person’s life.

#3. Shanidev Puja

The offering of oil to Swayambhu Shanidev at the holy shrine of Shingnapur is the most powerful remedy for Shani Dosha. Devotees from across the nation visit Shanidev’s temple at Shingnapur to perform tel-abhishekam, which also gets rid of bad karmic influences, marital and personal problems, besides eliminating Shani Dosh completely.

#4. Parthiv Shivling Puja

Parthiv Shivling Pooja is a special pooja dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Parthiv Shivling is a Shivling made of mud/sand. As many as 108 Parthi Shivlings are made on the banks of the holy Ganga river, with abhishek being performed on your behalf. This pooja can be done at the Omkareshwar and Kashi Jyotirlinga temples and has several benefits. It is an effective cure for Grah Dosh, diseases, misfortune, accidents and reduces stress as well.

#5. Kaalsarp Dosh Nivarana Puja

Kaalsarp Yog exists when all seven planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury) are aligned between Rahu and Ketu. People born during this period are said to be suffering from misfortune and death-like painful experiences throughout their lives. The Kaalsarp Dosh Nivaran Pooja is quite effective in removing the negative effects of Kaalsarp Dosh, which immensely improves the lives of devotees.

#6. Mangal Dosh Nivarana Puja

Mars or Mangal is a fiery planet and one of the main Navagrahas that hugely influence life on earth. Mangal Dosh Nivarana Pooja removes obstacles in personal and professional life, gets rid of Manglik Dosh, and encourages positive thoughts and actions.

#7. Mahamrityunjay Mantra Jaap

The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is one of the most powerful Shiva mantras and is also extremely effective in seeking his blessings. It has the power to destroy all negative spiritual effects, creates a kavach of protection over one’s family and helps one become ambitious.

#8. Satyanarayan Katha and Havan

Satyanarayan is one of the most famous forms of Lord Vishnu, who is widely revered by Hindus everywhere. This form of Lord Vishnu is considered as the embodiment of truth and is quite famous amongst Vishnu bhakts. Performing Satyanarayan Pooja during Purnima days is considered particularly auspicious. It helps one become successful in life and improves one’s body and mind.

#9. Hanuman Puja

Hanumanji is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is also regarded as an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. Hanuman Puja is done before sunrise with Hanuman Chalisa Jaap. Performing Hanumanji’s Pooja and aarti offers many benefits for you and your family. This pooja removes fear from the hearts of devotees and gives them courage to face all difficulties of life.

#10. Katyayani Pooja

Maa Katyayani is a manifestation of Maa Shakti, who is one of the key deities of Hinduism. Each year, millions of devotees visit the various Shaktipeeth temples to offer Pooja to Maa Katyayani. It is one of the most important Devi Poojas and has tremendous benefits. Katyayani Pooja can eliminate Manglik Dosh, bring happiness to married life, and overall benefits to the quality of family life.

Article Original Source : https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/these-10-pujas-have-powerful-blessings?utm...