Hinduism for converts

[K.Venugopal]

Is it possible to fully grasp, understand and benefit from the scriptures (Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita) or teachings of Vedanta if we approach Brahman as we might Allah or Jehovah, for example?

I personally have found that calling Brahman "God" can lead to misconceptions for someone new to the subtleties carrying Abrahamic concepts. There is no wrong in this, but I think it needs to be recognised. For example to call Brahman impersonal may lead some to reject before Brahman is even investigated within. Thoughts?

Idol worship is recommended in Hinduism as one's connect to the divine. It would be well to note that no idol worship tradition comes without its own mantras (incantations), scriptures or literature. When we get to understand the mantras or read the scriptures it would become clear that they are talking on a larger scale though they have made things easy for us to grasp through idol worship. It would also be seen that whatever be the idols in Hinduism, the mantras and scriptures are all based on the same principles, which can all be distilled to the principle of Advaita (non-duality), no less. Once we reach such a level of education, the need for idol worship itself drops off (or we may retain its practice for the benefit of others) and we seek to be in rhythm with the divinity within us through meditative (or mystical/occult) processes. We are eventually destined to say "Aham Bhrahmasmi". Till then the concept of Brahman would be the highest our mind may be able to formulate.

P.S. May I also add that the Abrahamic religions do not have the concept of Brahman. Brahman is the non dual whole. The God/Allah concept of the Abrahamic religions is equivalent to the Ishwar concept of Hinduism.

 

[Onkara]

Hi K.V
Yes, there is a point when the concept is seen as just that, a concept. The point when "Aham Brahmasmi" is know intuitively, without concept then the position you describe is true.

"Aham Brahmasmi" does not imply that devotion stops, as you say we are in rhythm with the divinity within us. At this point one comes to rest as that Atman in the Atman, not forgetting that the Atman is Brahman. As part of this being comes bliss.

However for many who are new to the Sanatana Dharma path, there is not the recognition that Aham Brahmasmi. How should they begin?

 

[zenzero]

Friend Onkarah,

However for many who are new to the Sanatana Dharma path, there is not the recognition that Aham Brahmasmi. How should they begin?

Everyone is part of the PATH, some unconscious and some conscious.
When the unconscious becomes conscious what is not known will be known.
Its all a question of time and space of the individual form from where either evolution takes care or by revolution one takes care oneself through that understanding and that is being conscious as evolution takes care of the unconscious.

Love & rgds

 

[Satsangi]

Hi K.V
However for many who are new to the Sanatana Dharma path, there is not the recognition that Aham Brahmasmi. How should they begin?

"Aham Brahmasmi" is a Shruti and has to be universally recognized to my knowledge, but the interpretation may not be the same as in Advaita. The below link may explain how Dvaita sees "Aham Brahmasmi."

Chapter 4: Dvaita Viveka – Discrimination of Duality, Verses 38-56 - Commentary on the Panchadasi

Regards,

 

[Onkara]

Hi Satsangi
So the Jñana path
I left the question opened as I was wondering if people would normally start with Bhakti or puja? I appreciate sect and personal disposition plays a role, but perhaps from the shoes of a westener who has not heard of a shruti, I was wondering if the advise would be to begin worship as well or as a main part of their path?

 

[Satsangi]

Hi Satsangi
So the Jñana path
I left the question opened as I was wondering if people would normally start with Bhakti or puja? I appreciate sect and personal disposition plays a role, but perhaps from the shoes of a westener who has not heard of a shruti, I was wondering if the advise would be to begin worship as well or as a main part of their path?

Hi Onkarah,

My suggestion would be to examine their personal inclination in a deep way and then choose the type of path that is suitable for them. Each individual has a personal impression of the Divine which reflects their own mind/inclinations. One starts with that and the rest unfolds on its own as the Devotee progresses.

My opinion is that one should also explore and try to advance on the following parameters/paths besides their own primary inclination- Dharma, Bhakti, Jnana, Vairagya.

Regards,

 

[Onkara]

Hi Satsangi
That is an insightful reply. I won't have the chance to start again, in this life at least, but as I was attracted through Vedanta i.e. Jñana, I have always wondered how others begin too and assumed it was puja

 

[Satsangi]

Hi Satsangi
That is an insightful reply. I won't have the chance to start again, in this life at least, but as I was attracted through Vedanta i.e. Jñana, I have always wondered how others begin too and assumed it was puja

Hi Onkarah,

You will not have the next birth; Jnana itself is liberating. The parameters of Jnana, Bhakti, Vairagya and Dharma complement each other and cover the pitfalls of the other path.

Regards,

 

[K.Venugopal]

However for many who are new to the Sanatana Dharma path, there is not the recognition that Aham Brahmasmi. How should they begin?

The answers given to this question by zenzero and Satsangi are very insightful. I think beginnings (in the pursuit of spiritual path) occurs when something stirs in us that makes us take a fresh look at ourselves and our circumstances. It is probably difficult to pinpoint when or how exactly the stirring occurs - maybe it is an inherent tendency in our very living. The point is to recognize the stirrings and cherish them so that the spiritual path grows upon us.