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How great concepts in Hindu scriptures, evolved over centuries, have stood the test of time

By N.S. Venkataraman* 
If there were a discussion on the art of living, many people would enthusiastically participate and listen to the views of experts. On the other hand, if there were a discussion on the art of dying, very few people would listen. The reality is that no one likes the word "death" and everyone tries to avoid thinking about it. When a close relative or friend passes away, mourners and loved ones feel sad. However, they believe their own end is not imminent. Nevertheless, in their subconscious minds, the fear of death persists.
From time immemorial, deep thinkers worldwide have pondered the process of death and strived to gain clarity about the purpose of life, its origin, and where one goes after death. Over the centuries, based on the thought processes of these deep thinkers, various religions have been founded.
While the founders of religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism are known, and their founding dates are generally established, the founder and founding date of Hinduism remain unknown. Ardent followers of Hinduism often believe that the religion was bestowed by God Himself.
What is clear is that the basic philosophy and approaches stated in Hindu religious scriptures and their explanations have evolved over centuries by deep thinkers (known as saints and rishis in India). They have been further refined and explained by generations of deep thinkers. While it is universally agreed that the evolution of Hinduism has occurred over centuries, some believe it continues to be fine-tuned in accordance with advancements in science, technology, and other global developments. Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharshi's call to everyone to introspect "Who am I?" is one such example of this fine-tuning.
However, it is evident that the basic tenets of Hinduism have remained unchanged and uncorrupted over centuries.
Scriptures such as the Vedas and Upanishads explain the basic tenets of Hinduism firmly and clearly, without ambiguity. These tenets are further elucidated in the great epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata, written by deep thinkers with extraordinary understanding.
These two epics describe human behavior in various circumstances and highlight the essence of Hindu philosophy, as exemplified by the thoughts and actions of Lord Rama and the pronouncements of Lord Krishna in the Gita during the Kurukshetra War. These epics, based on the fundamental concepts of Hinduism, provide guidelines for humans on how to lead a life of bliss and eternal happiness.
In subsequent periods, great Hindu saints such as Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, and others who wrote in vernacular Indian languages, such as Manickavasagar and Thirunavukkarasar in Tamil, and many others in other languages, further emphasized the lofty principles enunciated in ancient Hindu scriptures and facilitated understanding of these concepts even by the uninitiated.
In recent memory, great Hindu philosophers like Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Bhagwan Sri Ramana Maharshi, and Kanchi Paramacharya have explained the basic concepts in tune with developing socio-economic conditions and the emerging aspirations of the common person.
Hindu religious scriptures discuss the existence of Paramatma (God, the Almighty) and Jeevatma (the individual), stressing that the Jeevatma must ultimately become one with Paramatma, which should be the ultimate goal of every individual.
Hinduism emphasizes that a life of detachment, goodwill for everyone, adherence to moral and ethical values, and avoidance of ego and hatred will inevitably lead one to meditate and realize the God within. These attributes are termed "Sanatana Dharma."
What has been consistently stressed over centuries by saints and deep thinkers is the need to surrender oneself to the Almighty (God). God must be realized within one's mind, and this can be a simple process of realization by an earnest seeker who has a sustained interest in meditation and introspection about the purpose of life. This leads to mental bliss within oneself. Hinduism describes this state as Ananda (mental bliss).
Hinduism describes God by various names and forms associated with numerous stories and events. While some critics raise questions about this, those with a deep understanding of Hindu philosophy know that Hinduism does not suggest multiple gods but only one Almighty.
God is mentioned by multiple names in Hinduism to cater to the different mental makeups of individuals, who can choose a particular name or names with different attributes to focus their minds on God, pray fervently, and lead a life of piety. If one prays to Lord Rama, they will realize Lord Rama in their mind as the Almighty. Similarly, if one prays to Lord Krishna, they will realize Lord Krishna in their mind as the Almighty. This image is permanently etched in the mind.
There are also critics who question whether the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other mythological stories could have actually happened. This question is unnecessary and unproductive.
What is important are the ideas and morals explained in Hindu scriptures and the two great epics, which lay down the approach everyone should adopt in life. Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are deemed to be Almighty by devotees, and that is what is significant.
Some religions state that at the end of life, one goes to hell or heaven depending on their actions during their lifetime. Hinduism, on the other hand, speaks of births and rebirths.
Hindu religious concepts center around the concept of Karma (actions of individuals) and explain the process of birth and death by stressing the multiple births one takes based on their deeds in life. By leading a blemishless life with Sanatana Dharma as the focus, it can be ensured that the Jeevatma (individual) takes no more births and merges with Paramatma (God).
The great concepts in Hindu scriptures, evolved over centuries, have stood the test of time and will continue to do so.
They have satisfied billions of people worldwide who crave understanding of the life process and the daunting question of where one goes after death.
Billions of people have realized that these advocacies and thought processes are the only ultimate and well-researched explanations for the life process.
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*Trustee, Nandini Voice For The Deprived, Chennai

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