This blog is about Hinduism, basically. Hinduism, or Sanatana Dharma, is one of my passions. This blog would be my avenue to muse over the thoughts and teachings I'm currently going through in this stage of my life.

I'm attending a Diploma course in Hinduism Studies. I find it really useful to build up my almost-non-existent knowledge in Hinduism. Only after going to the lessons do I realise that there is actually so much more to be learnt and that I'm such an ignorant person! I want to share this so-little knowledge I've gained so far with my readers and I would be very happy if someone gets benefitted from my writings here.

What is Vaidika Dharma? It is just an another name for Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma has become such a common name that most are using it in the blogger's world. I wanted my blog to be a little uniquely named and as such I've given it as Vaidika Dharma. I will use the word "Hinduism" for convenience's sake, although it was a name that was only recently given to this particular practice of Sanatana Dharma.

Hinduism is nothing but a collective philosophical and religious thought by ancient Indians. The stress here is on the "ancient" because the current Indians do not own rights to the teachings that were given by our Rishis. Hinduism is unique in comparison to Judeo-Christian religions such as Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Hinduism does not have a single founder, we do not worship a single God, we have more than one philosophical school of thought and no one scriptural authority!

We do not have a founder to be named, but if he has to be named then there is only one person. He is Vyasa. We cannot actually call him a founder because there were many before him. But he is a very important person. Before his time, the Veda was passed down only through word of mouth. It was Vyasa who compiled the Veda into 4 different Vedas (Yajur, Sama, Atharva, and Rig). It was Vyasa who wrote the Puranas. It was Vyasa who wrote the Mahabharatha, and together with it, the Bhagavad Gita. He also wrote the Brahma Sutra. He systemized the Vedic "Hindu" thought. We will talk more about scriptures in the next blog post.

There are three important persons who have helped in the evolution of Hinduism. They are Swamis Ramakrishna, Shivananda, and Chinmayananda. Their scriptural compilation and teachings of Hinduism gave birth to Modern Hinduism. Hinduism is a religion that keeps growing and evolving. It NEVER stops! This is very unlike the other religions in the world. You name it! The word "Sanatana" itself means ever-lasting, universal and eternal. The teachings of Sanatana Dharma is relevant at all times because there is continuous evolution. "Dharma" means, the way of life.

In Hinduism, the goal is not to attain Moksha. This is a common misconception that everyone has. There are two lifestyles that is presented to man for him to choose. If he wants to experience the pleasures of life, he could choose to live a life as an house-holder. If he doesn't want the pleasures but wants to be a spiritual person, he can renounce all his pleasures in life and commence his journey towards moksha. Both lifestyles are equally important in Sanatana Dharma. A materialistic goal is also a spiritual goal according to Hinduism.

What do you call the people who follow Sanatana Dharma? Well, there is a word in the scriptures given to those who follow this teaching. It is "manushya". It is originating from the root word "manu", meaning first man. "Manu" comes from the root word, "man", which means mind. Another word for "man" is "manas". Now where does this word "manas" comes from? The brain, antahkarana, is made up of 4 parts: ego (ahankara), memory (citta), intellect (buddhi) and manas (questioning tendency). So essentially, "manushya" means a man who wants to know and therefore questions! This leads to conclude that essentially everyone is born a Hindu!! Because all humans born in this world strive for knowledge and want to know. This is a simple yet a beautiful truth and shows that Sanatana Dharma is actually for everyone!!!