Today, 24 Aug 2010, being Avani Avittam, I gathered some thoughts to put forth and publish it is as my realization about Hindu way of life. Since everyone is always busy with important things, and also because I am unable to gather my thoughts and put forth in a short time (even though as Kumon Instructor I realized it is based on this philosophy), I thought of writing this as a blog. I would welcome constructive corrections or suggestions.
Observing certain rituals and customs does not put a person as exercising supremacy or racism over others. Every caste in Hinduism has a purpose of their own, their rituals and their traditions. Same is true for followers of other religions as well.
Now coming to Brahmin traditions and rituals, these as well as the rituals for other castes have been structured by wise sages who were the authority in the Social life sciences field. These are not the results of the imaginations of parents in their spare time. (This is a blog, not to be taken as directed to any one personally). Quoting from a reference:
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"Literature regarded as central to the Vedic Hindu literary tradition was predominantly composed in Sanskrit. Indeed, much of the morphology and linguistic philosophy inherent in the learning of Sanskrit is inextricably linked to study of the Vedas and other Vedic texts.
Vedic literature is divided into two categories: Śruti - that which is heard (i.e. revelation) and Smriti - that which is remembered (i.e. tradition, not revelation). The Vedas constituting the former category are considered scripture by many followers of Vedic religion. The post-Vedic scriptures form the latter category: the various shastras and the itihaases, or histories in epic verse. A sort of cross-over between the religious epics and Upanishads of the Vedas is the Bhagavad Gita, considered to be revered scripture by almost all Hindus today."
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Quoting the following from by the late Sankaracharya Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal (known as periyava) whose painting is in our house and everyone who visits home is in awe of.
"..for a person to develop good qualities, one's mind should be pure and without bad thoughts. Even though everyone wishes to have good heart, it is not possible all the time. The kid who is very mischievous at home, develops discipline once he starts attending school regularly. In the same way, for a person to have good thoughts all the time, the actions told in our dharma such as doing daily worship (even if it is for 5 minutes), applying vibhuti (for male), feeding guests and other creatures (like rice for crow daily) , visiting temples and many other good actions will keep the mind focused away from ill thoughts or bad actions."
Further quoting his Holiness:
"When we look in the mirror, we cannot see our face if the mirror is dirty or shaking. The mirror has to be clean as well as steady. In the same way, our mind should be clean and focused. Only then we will be able to see the reflection of the creator who is embodied in all of us, who has given us food and necessities to take care of this body that really belongs to Him. Daily dharmic activities help us to achieve this cleanliness of mind which leads to the realization of the Supreme God within us."
As Brahmins by birth, they have certain duties. The basic duties are:
1. Spend a few minutes in the morning and evening thinking of God.
2. Daily gayathri and of course wear poonal at all times.
3. Observe and help the lady of the house follow the traditions and the festivals.
4. Do observe shrardha if your ancestors who are not alive. This is done for well being of all the those who are alive.
5. Eat only Satvic foods always (No meat, drinks) No onions or garlic on important festival dates.
One may occasionally observe a person who is born a brahmin but not following these basics. He can be compared to a rich car driver who does not follow the road rules. Instead of following him as an example of successful rich man in material life, we as the person who observes basic expectations as a brahmin may become a role model for a good spiritual life.
It looks like we are unable to spend even these minimal minutes on being a brahmin, but spend a majority of time being a Vaishya (Merchant-- chasing money and work or spending time thinking about work-- and not able to spare time for family and dharmic activities) and Kshatriyas ( even though we don't fight any battles, we like to rebel against anyone talking traditions). Of course, we shun away from doing the role of cleaning the house or doing service to others.
A Brahmin is one who observes all these four facets of life, namely Brahmin, Vyshya, Kshatriya and Shudra not as seprate embodiments but all in the same person. However, only one of those facets manifests itself in each lifetime. The goal is to ascend to the spirtual facet of Brahmin and then perform duties accordingly to attain eternal Moksha or no further rebirth in any form whatsoever. That is the state of most Sages and Rishis. They are buried in body and not cremated because their physical form is now liberated from their Soul which has now united with the Supreme God.
This is the the simple essence of Hinduism that one has to understand to be a good Hindu.
Usha Sundar
