Hinduism: A Religion For The Modern Age - Hardcover

Without belittling the monotheistic faiths, a clear exposition is given of the differences between the Hindu way of thinking in spiritual matters and that of the followers of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Attempts to modify the core of Hinduism to show that it is in essential agreement with the monotheistic faiths deprive it of its uniqueness and identity, and threatens its existence as a unique and vibrant tradition. Dharma and Karma form the determinants of action that guide Hindus in daily lives. The evolutionary nature of the decision-making process is based on dharma. Karma, contrary to the common usage of the term, if forward-looking because it requires an acceptance of the present situation and continuous work in the future. Just like the sacred stories, various HIndu practices of bhajans, vratas, offering food to the deity, pilgrimages of holy places, and religious festivals are often considered to be unimportant or even undesirable. However, taken together they constitute the Hindu tradition that is consistent with the Hindu concept of divinity, and HIndu way of looking at the universe. These features have enabled Hinduism to survive the last one thousand years against all odds. There are features of Hinduism that make it eminently suitable for the modern age when groups of different backgrounds and ideologies are forced to interact on a regular basis. The evolutionary nature of Hinduism allows it to adjust to the rapid pace of changes in the modern age; its eco-friendly attitude is a requirement in these days of environmental degradations that threaten the very existence of humans on this planet. Hinduism teaches a respect for all forms of life. The concept of humans as inhabitants of the earth along with all other creatures is in agreement with scientific findings.