Promod Puri's Blog: Hinduism:beyond rituals,customs and traditions, page 121

ASSEMBLY OF GOD

By Promod Puri

Besides His numinous and varied perceptions God also offers a meaningful perspective which can be created by the assembly of good thoughts. And the divine residency begins in that on-going construction.

Basically it is an eloquent temperament we are trying to build which gives rationality and practicality to the institution of God.

The ecumenical concept of God of being the supreme governor who creates, sustains and destroys the universe, and everything else including what influences our lives, does not reveal the reasons behind all the puzzles and mysteries of His or Her observable deeds.

In other words our perception of God as being a creator with His mystical powers which sustains the universe, can not comprehend many universal and natural phenomenons.

One reason is that man is just one of the millions of creatures who in actuality is microscopic in His infinite and colossal universe. Still our imaginations and metaphysical attempts know no boundaries to fathom His magnanimity.

For a moment let us compare a human being to a small ant who is trying to study God up there in the celestial world.

But we don’t. Because this has been ingrained in our cognitive senses that man is the favored work of God as being the most intelligent among all His living creations. And that we are the only ones capable of studying His multi-dimensional but conceptual-based existence.

Perhaps, that little ant may be thinking the same. It may be believing humans walking tall up on the ground are the unintelligent creatures. Or we are the gods for the ant. Who knows!

Philosophers, saints, scientists and even common man have all tried to study God and came up with varied perceptions and explanations. Imagination is very basic part of human psychology.

However, these discernments seldom explain what role God plays or His reasons of our happinesses, sorrows and everything else we come across in our day-to-day lives. We see, face or endure tragedies around us everyday in this world of turmoil. And then ask God ‘why’.

While respecting some or most of the known realizations and imageries about Him, we take another view of God which we assemble by intelligent and ethical thoughts to help us in explaining His involvements in the events we experience in our lives.

In this endeavor by mobilizing rational and moral thinking we are creating those karmas which can rationally explain the cause or causes of events personally experienced by us or happening around us where God may be involved or may be not.

We are the major players to generate events and thus know the reasons of their results. Nevertheless we can leave unexplained experiences as part of His mysterious ‘lila’ or play.

Instilling nobility or divinity in our thoughts is a continuous exercise of creating virtuous karmas. And that is where the grammar of God is involved both as a verb and as a noun merging into one entity.

It is a disciplined and conscientious undertaking to attain the practicality of God in our midst.

We are told to be honest, humble and sincere, be considerate and helpful to others, be merciful, forget and forgive, love fellow beings and care for the environments, including animals, plants and the nature. And everything else which is pious, pure and morally firm to bring us closer to God realization.

While retaining the truism of these universal teachings we can contextualize them through our intellective senses to guide our day-to-day personal lives. This is where the blueprint of our construction begins to apprehend His pragmatics.

We start our project by following the Gyatri Mantra, which besides being symbolic in spiritual invoking, stimulates the very basis of our thought processes towards righteous karmas or deeds which we are seeking.

ॐ भूर्भुवस्व: | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम् | भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात्

Aum bhur bhuvah swah, tat savitur varenvam.

Bhargo devasya dhimahi, dhiyo yo nah prochodayay.

Attributed to goddess Gyatri, the hymn from the Rig Veda, is one of the most recited and highly revered mantras in the Hindu theology.

In its unique composition Gayatri mantra has three approaches to spiritual realization. First, it establishes the nature of God and praises His attributions. Second, it is a mantra for meditation and contemplation. Third, it expresses sentiments of divine prayer seeking an illuminated path of righteousness thru His energetic light.

The mantra is addressed to God (Om). And the translation goes like this:

Oh God, You are the giver of life, You can free us from all the pains, You are present all over, You give happiness, You are the creator of this universe and beyond. We humbly submit to You, and concentrate on your pious, sin-quelling and pervading Energy. This Energy produced and released by You illuminates our mental faculties. We seek from You that this Energy resides in all our thinking processes. Consequently our thoughts are always inspired to undertake only those actions which can lead us to be on the path of righteousness.

The key word in the mantra is Energy. And by recognizing the presence of the divine energy that our mental faculties are enlightened. We pray for the residency of this very Energy to keep guiding us in creating, adopting and following noble thoughts.

As we understand thinking is a mental activity of brain. And thought is a product of thinking. Creation of one’s own thought, import of thought, its acceptance or its rejection are all considered as thought. In other words the act involved in all these considerations is a thought in itself.

Thought has multiple executions like establishing a reason, imagination, understanding, judgement, remembering, opinion, belief or just being conscious of time and place, etc.

According to the biology of thought, the latter’s processing and transmission happen in the nerve cells of brain. These cells are called neurons. With a population of close to 100 billion, neurons while communicating with each other receive and deliver information. Neurons function along with trillions of connectors called synapses transmitting signals among neurons.

Neurons are “electrically excitable”, meaning they live by some energy.

How thinking is created or triggered in the first place, what goes on in the brain neurons to process a thinking, what stimulates that thinking, are the questions for which the answers are being sought by academic disciplines.

One explanation is that thinking is a subconscious brain activity for which the neurons and synapses are just the tools to handle that activity for transmitting a thought or thoughts. Other theories are that the creation of thought is an un-explained biological process, or it is the conversion of energy particles into an object called thought.

In whatever means a thought is created the role of the divine energy is to bestow the enlightenment in establishing common sense and logic in a thought. It is in this enlightenment that the nature of thought is underlined. Its acceptance or rejection can be exercised.

As thought begets more thoughts or ideas, the process arouses our intelligent and psychological senses of understanding, experiencing, interpretation and behavior. A cognitive arrangement is thus developed.

It is in this arrangement that we undertake our karmas.

A karma is an intelligent and conscious act leading toward path of more karmas which influence and determine the nature of destiny. Good karma leads to good future, bad karma leads to bad future. “As you sow, so you reap”, is true in the working of karma.

Newton’s law of motion: that every action leads to a reaction, is an application of the law of Karma.

Karma is not a deep philosophy. Rather it is a working assignment for the thinker of a thought or doer of a deed, and accepting the outcome of that executed assignment.

karma is a doer’s consciousness which initiates and directs an action, as well as registers its aftermath. It is an infallible fact that consciousness after inducing an action always acquires its reaction.

Virtuous karmas directed by enlightened consciousness produce the results we are seeking to realize that particular perspective of God which offers His involvement and guidance in every moment of our day-to-day lives.

AMBEDKAR & CASTEISM

“My study of the caste problem involves four main points: that is spite of the composite make-up of the Hindu population, there is a deep cultural unity; and there was one caste to start with; that classes have become castes through imitation and excommunication” – Dr. Ambedkar (Collected Works, Vol. 1)

Promod Puri’s recent book which will be launched on April 24 at the Strawberry Hill Library in Surrey,  “Hinduism: beyond rituals, customs, and tradition’s ” is a welcome addition to the constructive dialogue and debate that is now occurring to better understand the challenges and opportunities to address caste based problems.

By facilitating constructive and healthy debates, opening up communication channels, social relations and sharing opportunities, creating an inclusive world where people of diverse religious or political views come attain fraternity, one of the principles of Dr. Ambedkar is not too far from becoming a reality.

Puri’s book is also very timely- and is a great tribute to Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar on his 125th birth anniversary year.

“As a key person in drafting of the constitution he (Dr. Ambedkar) was successful in making adequate inclusion on women’s rights in addition to all other general provisions applicable to all”, notes Puri.

“Ambedkar was a fearless and dedicated soldier who fought to uproot casteism from the contaminated soil of India’s social and religious culture”, adds Puri.

While more is needed to be done to implement principles of fraternity, it is also a matter of pride that Dr. Ambedkar has now earned the well deserved recognition and respect as a nation builder. Celebrations have occurred or are in the works at mainstream institutions across the world. On fine example is Surrey Central Library’s decision to proudly display Dr. Ambedkar related books on its display case.  This is also the first time the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has decided to pay tributes to Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar at all of its mission/consulates across the world. In Vancouver, the His Excellency, Shri Rajiv Chander, earned immense respect by organizing the 125th birth anniversary celebrations at its office on 325 Howe Street in Vancouver.

Puri’s book along with the consulates initiative of celebrating Dr. Ambedkar is a great example of inclusion an bringing  stop to the ‘excommunication’ that was institutionalized an grained as a part of the ‘Indian culture’.

I congratulate and salute all individuals and organizations who are bringing an end to this process of ‘excommunication’ and challenging all to open thee minds and hearts.

Jai Bhim to all,

Jai Birdi

Executive Director

Chetna Association of Canada

Book Explores Ambedkar’s Message

“My study of the caste problem involves four main points: that is spite of the composite make-up of the Hindu population, there is a deep cultural unity; and there was one caste to start with; that classes have become castes through imitation and excommunication” – Dr. Ambedkar (Collected Works, Vol. 1)

Promod Puri’s recent book which will be launched on April 24 at the Strawberry Hill Library in Surrey,  “Hinduism: beyond rituals, customs, and tradition’s ” is a welcome addition to the constructive dialogue and debate that is now occurring to better understand the challenges and opportunities to address caste based problems.

By facilitating constructive and healthy debates, opening up communication channels, social relations and sharing opportunities, creating an inclusive world where people of diverse religious or political views come attain fraternity, one of the principles of Dr. Ambedkar is not too far from becoming a reality.

Puri’s book is also very timely- and is a great tribute to Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar on his 125th birth anniversary year.

“As a key person in drafting of the constitution he (Dr. Ambedkar) was successful in making adequate inclusion on women’s rights in addition to all other general provisions applicable to all”, notes Puri.

“Ambedkar was a fearless and dedicated soldier who fought to uproot casteism from the contaminated soil of India’s social and religious culture”, adds Puri.

While more is needed to be done to implement principles of fraternity, it is also a matter of pride that Dr. Ambedkar has now earned the well deserved recognition and respect as a nation builder. Celebrations have occurred or are in the works at mainstream institutions across the world. On fine example is Surrey Central Library’s decision to proudly display Dr. Ambedkar related books on its display case.  This is also the first time the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has decided to pay tributes to Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar at all of its mission/consulates across the world. In Vancouver, the His Excellency, Shri Rajiv Chander, earned immense respect by organizing the 125th birth anniversary celebrations at its office on 325 Howe Street in Vancouver.

Puri’s book along with the consulates initiative of celebrating Dr. Ambedkar is a great example of inclusion an bringing  stop to the ‘excommunication’ that was institutionalized an grained as a part of the ‘Indian culture’.

I congratulate and salute all individuals and organizations who are bringing an end to this process of ‘excommunication’ and challenging all to open thee minds and hearts.

Jai Bhim to all,

Jai Birdi
Executive Director
Chetna Association of Canada

Delightful blend of scholarly and analytical explanation

Review by Acharya S.P.Dwivedi Promod Puri is a distinguished South Asian journalist and prolific essayist. In his book- “Hinduism” he tried to cover the historical evolution of Hindu dharma and its…

Source: Delightful blend of scholarly and analytical explanation

HINDU SOCIAL CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS

Review by Acharya S.P.Dwivedi

Promod Puri is a distinguished South Asian journalist and prolific essayist. In his book- “Hinduism” he tried to cover the historical evolution of Hindu dharma and its major philosophies, theistic doctrines, social codes, rituals and practices.  He admits openly, “Hinduism is a democracy of conflicting, contradicting and controversial thoughts and theories” (Preface iii) with that feeling it would have been difficult for him “to pick and choose” the paths, philosophies or doctrines. He neither claims that book is an academic  research paper nor meant for teaching. Furthermore, he admits that the understanding and facts he acquired about Hinduism is mostly based on internet and his personal experiences, and that reflects his humbleness too.

As far as methodology is concerned Puri has applied analytical approach. He  interprets everything  rationally and  denounces irrational snobbery. Being a  Hindu, he doesn’t use any smoke screen to hide his anguish, frustration or guilt-consciousness, and out rightly condemns  centuries old  decayed, dis-functional and torturous  Hindu social traditions and customs. He dealt in length demonic treatment of untouchables and downtrodden (Dalit) segments of society.

He focuses on issues and challenges which modern person of Hindu community are facing. Commendable job in putting Hindu religion from historical development to present practices.  This Puri has done on his own terms without any obsession of classical tradition of discussion based on school of  philosophies and theistic doctrines. He identified the tumult of terrific inhuman practices and racked the truth which is all spread over religiously regulated life of a common person of Hindu community.

He writes thoughtfully and straight from the heart. His intelligence is not dimmed because of his repetition on the subject of untouchables. His book and its contents will motivate not only Hindu reform- loving people but all those also  who will  cherish his banner of equality, dignity and justice to all living beings on earth. He moves from Hindu problem and turns it a global one. Puri emerges as a vanguard of Hindu reforms.

Puri came up with the categories of philosophies, yogas, scriptures and sciences, music, dance and drama and thoroughly explained it. Of course, he cited several quotations from Manu Smriti to buttress his arguments. It would not be out of way to say that- ‘one life is not enough to cover  all Hindu scriptures’.   Of course, Puri has no commitment with any particular  Hindu creed or  ideology.  Although, Puri seems to be leaning on Western scholars  while describing the  period  of the development  of Hindu religion and writings of scriptures but adhered with the basic values.

As for as the symbolic significance of idolatry, spirituality, karma-dharma and  temple rituals are concerned, he picked up the true spirit of  Hindu belief system and offered impressive interpretations for example-  “Idolatry establishes direct one to one relationship between a devotee and the divinity”(p.36),  “ Arti and several other elaborate adoration  generate a spiritually charged atmosphere of reverence and sacredness” (p.45), and “ Hinduism’s democratic framework the management of self is what we call a way of life” (p.122).    He quoted three verses/mantras 1. Om purnamidam…2.Aum bhur bhuvah… 3.Aum dyauh shanti…  because of their  sublime quality of universality, peacefulness, harmony and secularism. Obviously, he enriched the Hinduism by adding the scientific interpretation of above mantras including Aum and  Naad  etc.

He dealt in length the caste and class problem in Hindu society which has degraded and horribly contaminated the social and religious fabric. I have discovered two traits 1. Exposing the social imbalance and 2. Hope for the improvement. In support of the later trait he has described the reform movements and invaluable contribution of the Messiah of Acchoots and Dalits- Dr. B.R.Ambedkar. Puri completely rejected an irrational and non-logical writings of Manu and appeared as a radical and anti-traditionalist.

There is marked difference in the present Hindu society because of an enhancement in  education, urbanization and constitutional laws that are en-cracking  upon the inflexible traditions.(p83) People are severing their relationship with evil Hindu customs and rituals. It can be safely admitted that reform movement in Hindu religion is gathering momentum. “Consequent to Hinduism’s democratic framework the management of self is what we call a way of life”, a mantra to be enchanted. (p.122)

His lucidity of language carries the freshness and clearness that is immensely impressive, and easily comprehensible. Puri is a writer of uncommon brilliance and interpretive innovations, and  he applied  effectively appropriate terminology to strengthen his arguments.

This book appears to be his life’s work and carries delightful blend of scholarly and analytical explanation, and further it provides general reader a concise and easily understood facts of Hinduism. It fulfills the need of authentic exposition of Hinduism. Finally, I would like to conclude that  Promod  Puri’s works stand out before us to be complimented  and appreciated.

 

 

 

Delightful blend of scholarly and analytical explanation

Review by Acharya S.P.Dwivedi

Promod Puri is a distinguished South Asian journalist and prolific essayist. In his book- “Hinduism” he tried to cover the historical evolution of Hindu dharma and its major philosophies, theistic doctrines, social codes, rituals and practices.  He admits openly, “Hinduism is a democracy of conflicting, contradicting and controversial thoughts and theories” (Preface iii) with that feeling it would have been difficult for him “to pick and choose” the paths, philosophies or doctrines. He neither claims that book is an academic  research paper nor meant for teaching. Furthermore, he admits that the understanding and facts he acquired about Hinduism is mostly based on internet and his personal experiences, and that reflects his humbleness too.

As far as methodology is concerned Puri has applied analytical approach. He  interprets everything  rationally and  denounces irrational snobbery. Being a  Hindu, he doesn’t use any smoke screen to hide his anguish, frustration or guilt-consciousness, and out rightly condemns  centuries old  decayed, dis-functional and torturous  Hindu social traditions and customs. He dealt in length demonic treatment of untouchables and downtrodden (Dalit) segments of society.

He focuses on issues and challenges which modern person of Hindu community are facing. Commendable job in putting Hindu religion from historical development to present practices.  This Puri has done on his own terms without any obsession of classical tradition of discussion based on school of  philosophies and theistic doctrines. He identified the tumult of terrific inhuman practices and racked the truth which is all spread over religiously regulated life of a common person of Hindu community.

He writes thoughtfully and straight from the heart. His intelligence is not dimmed because of his repetition on the subject of untouchables. His book and its contents will motivate not only Hindu reform- loving people but all those also  who will  cherish his banner of equality, dignity and justice to all living beings on earth. He moves from Hindu problem and turns it a global one. Puri emerges as a vanguard of Hindu reforms.

Puri came up with the categories of philosophies, yogas, scriptures and sciences, music, dance and drama and thoroughly explained it. Of course, he cited several quotations from Manu Smriti to buttress his arguments. It would not be out of way to say that- ‘one life is not enough to cover  all Hindu scriptures’.   Of course, Puri has no commitment with any particular  Hindu creed or  ideology.  Although, Puri seems to be leaning on Western scholars  while describing the  period  of the development  of Hindu religion and writings of scriptures but adhered with the basic values.

As for as the symbolic significance of idolatry, spirituality, karma-dharma and  temple rituals are concerned, he picked up the true spirit of  Hindu belief system and offered impressive interpretations for example-  “Idolatry establishes direct one to one relationship between a devotee and the divinity”(p.36),  “ Arti and several other elaborate adoration  generate a spiritually charged atmosphere of reverence and sacredness” (p.45), and “ Hinduism’s democratic framework the management of self is what we call a way of life” (p.122).    He quoted three verses/mantras 1. Om purnamidam…2.Aum bhur bhuvah… 3.Aum dyauh shanti…  because of their  sublime quality of universality, peacefulness, harmony and secularism. Obviously, he enriched the Hinduism by adding the scientific interpretation of above mantras including Aum and  Naad  etc.

He dealt in length the caste and class problem in Hindu society which has degraded and horribly contaminated the social and religious fabric. I have discovered two traits 1. Exposing the social imbalance and 2. Hope for the improvement. In support of the later trait he has described the reform movements and invaluable contribution of the Messiah of Acchoots and Dalits- Dr. B.R.Ambedkar. Puri completely rejected an irrational and non-logical writings of Manu and appeared as a radical and anti-traditionalist.

There is marked difference in the present Hindu society because of an enhancement in  education, urbanization and constitutional laws that are en-cracking  upon the inflexible traditions.(p83) People are severing their relationship with evil Hindu customs and rituals. It can be safely admitted that reform movement in Hindu religion is gathering momentum. “Consequent to Hinduism’s democratic framework the management of self is what we call a way of life”, a mantra to be enchanted. (p.122)

His lucidity of language carries the freshness and clearness that is immensely impressive, and easily comprehensible. Puri is a writer of uncommon brilliance andj interpretive innovations, and  he applied  effectively appropriate terminology to strengthen his arguments.

This book appears to be his life’s work and carries delightful blend of scholarly and analytical explanation, and further it provides general reader a concise and easily understood facts of Hinduism. It fulfills the need of authentic exposition of Hinduism. Finally, I would like to conclude that  Promod  Puri’s works stand out before us to be complimented  and appreciated.

 

 

 

BOOK LAUNCH

SURREY – The Global Hindu Foundation of Canada is organizing a book launch of a senior and renowned journalist Promod Puri’s “Hinduism” on April 24,2016 at 7399-122St,Strawberry Hill,Public Library…

Source: BOOK LAUNCH

BOOK LAUNCH

SURREY – The Global Hindu Foundation of Canada is organizing a book launch of a senior and renowned journalist Promod Puri’s “Hinduism” on April 24,2016 at 7399-122St,Strawberry Hill,Public Library in Surrey. The program will commence at 1.30 PM. Speakers from media, literary, social and religious circles will present an analytical review of the book.

It will be followed by the recitals of poems: Kavi-Darbar in which invited poets of Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu languages will take part. The Kavi Darbar has been sponsored by South Asian Literary Society of Canada, Hindi Literary Society and Writers International Network Canada. It is free and open to all. Because of the limitation of seats , please call to Acharya Dwivedi 604 507 3099.

ARTICLES & QUOTES BY THE AUTHOR

GOD: A Perspective View By Promod Puri Besides His numinous and varied perceptions God also offers a meaningful perspective which can be created by the assembly of good thoughts. And the divine re…

Source: ARTICLES & QUOTES BY THE AUTHOR

READERS SPEAK & REVIEWS

BOOK REVIEW FROM INDIE BOOK REVIEWERS 1st Review: The way he writes and puts it all together is very educational, eye-opening, and ultimately transformative. This book, “Hinduism: Beyond Rituals. C…

Source: READERS SPEAK & REVIEWS