HINDU RELIGIOUS TRADITION

                                                        

A large number of people are not aware of the significance of Hindu Religious Tradition. They are under the impression that it is full of outdated ideas and superstitions. To a certain extent modern thoughts and values have contributed to this assessment. The Hindu Religious Tradition lays prominent stress on the place of intellect in spiritual development. From time immemorial our ancestors and sages have never encouraged blind faith. The conversation between the sage Yajnavalkya and his wife Maitreyi  in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad identifies  thee stages in the path of Self Realization viz  Sravana, Manana  and Nidhi dhyasana

         A study of scriptures under a qualified Guru is called Sravana. In Manana a constant reflection upon what has been learnt is the requisite. This is necessary to create intellectual conviction in the mind. The third Nidhidhyasa leads to meditation and direct realization of the unity of all things in God. While intellectual element is indispensible, it should not stop at this lest the person may become proud and arrogant. According to the Upanishads the Self cannot be obtained by mere reading of the scriptures or logical acumen. Knowledge should lead to experience and direct perception should come from intellectual conviction. Thus the last stage of spiritual journey is meditation. Certain exercises in meditation are prescribed by the Upanishads as preliminary steps. They are termed as Upasanas where  a few objects or symbols are selected and meditated upon. Thus we come across meditations on the five elements, prana and on the mystic syllable OM! The aim of the Upanishads is to prepare the aspirant for the final stage of identifying himself with Brahman the Absolute!

          Apart from these rather technical aids and suggestions, indirect lead is afforded by the beautiful stories that enlighten us through the Upanishads. We have the story of Nachiketas in the Katha Upanishad, of Bhrugu in the Taittiriya, of Satyakama, Upakosala, and swetaketu in Chandogya Upanishads. In all these stories we find that enlightenment comes to the seeker through his earnest enquiry or his deep meditation under the guidance of a competent and well known master who himself is a realized soul.

            Four fundamental questions of vital significance for any religious tradition are God and his creation and of man and his salvation. The teachings of the Upanishadic seers is unique and incomparable in these spheres. Their invaluable contribution to religious tradition include 1 their stress on the eternal and impersonal  Absolute of pure Being 2 their finding of the law of spiritual progression inherent in all creatures and its application to all spheres of life 3 their insight into man’s inner being and 4  their view of man’s progress in the world through  life and death and of his ‘ glorious ultimate destiny beyond the illusion of time and space.’ These shall be of everlasting interest to all humanity till the distant goal is reached.