The Basics of My Way of Life

I was born in a supposedly Hindu family and have tried to live a Hindu way of life for the last 72 years of my life. However, after my extensive reading, personal experiences and a variety of interactions with people of various ideals I now have culled my own main principles of the Hindu way of life.

I know that God exists and He is the One Absolute Om. Over the years people have split the one trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh into several divine forms to suit their needs, understanding and interpretations.

I take all human beings as equal and if they behave well they all are divine.

I believe that we are able co-exist in this world through love, peace and empathy.

I believe that our good and effective conduct and activities enable us to live in harmony.

I believe that water is the greatest purifying agent; all good believable scriptures are excellent means to cleanse our body, mind and soul and the sacred prayers need to be chanted for posterity, peace and efficient living.

I have learnt that there are certain disciplines that a good human being should follow in order to co-exist in this difficult and increasingly precarious universe. These, among many other acceptable human qualities, include the following:

·       Truth, Beauty and Goodness

·       Non-violence

·       No desire to possess more than what one needs

·       Refrain from stealing

·       Non corruptive existence

·       Cleanliness

·       Contentment

·       Intelligent reading and discourse

·       Austerity

·       Perseverance

·       Penance

·       Prayers

Unfortunately I have not been very successful in following these disciplines and thus I have not properly followed the Hindu way of life myself. However, I tried to be a good human being and that is what matters for my modern living. So my conclusions about my way of life differ from many of my contemporaries but I stand by my contentions because they give me satisfaction to press on regardless.

Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life for people who want to follow certain principles and disciplines. In my view it is a culture more than a religion.

Hinduism does not have any one founder and it does not have a Bible or a Koran to which controversies can be referred for resolution. Consequently, it does not require its adherents to accept any one idea. It is thus cultural, not creedal, with a history contemporaneous with the peoples with which it is associated.

Hinduism is a unique faith! The most obvious misconception about Hinduism is that we tend to see it as just another religion. To be precise, Hinduism is a way of life, a dharma. Dharma does not mean religion. It is the law that governs all actions. Thus, contrary to popular perception, Hinduism is not just a religion in the tradition sense of the term. Out of this misinterpretation, has come most of the other misconceptions about Hinduism.

Over the years the people who followed these traditions have been misinterpreting a lot of ideas and beliefs. So by now many of the original ideas and ideals have lost their originality and have become either obsolete or unbelievable.

Writings we now categorize as Hindu scriptures include not just books relating to spirituality but also secular pursuits like science, medicine and engineering. Some can be believed but many are myths and legends to substantiate certain contentions. This is another reason why it defies classification as a religion per se. Further, it cannot be claimed to be essentially a school of metaphysics. Nor can it be described as 'other worldly'. In fact, one can almost identify Hinduism with a civilization that is flourishing even now.

Words like Hindu or Hinduism are anachronisms. They do not exist in the Indian cultural lexicon. People have coined them to suit their needs in different points of history. Nowhere in the scriptures is there any reference to Hinduism. So people who still cling to these archaic ideas need to change and adapt and adopt the modern way of life to suit their current and future needs, situations and circumstances. 

Incidentally, these are my personal beliefs. This the reason why I do my own prayers in the form, style and methods that I strongly feel are free from all superstitions and unnecessary conducts. There is no need for any person with intellect to engage a person to do the prayers for them.

My interpretation of Chapter 18 of the Bahagvat Geeta is simply this:

Division of labour is based on one’s ability.

The division of labour into the four categories: Intellectuals, Protectors, Entrepreneurs, and Laborers. This is also based on the qualities inherent in people’s nature or the natural propensities, and not necessarily as one’s birth right.

Intellectuals have serenity, self-control, austerity, purity, patience, honesty, transcendental knowledge, transcendental experience, and belief in God. 

Those having the qualities of heroism, vigour, firmness, dexterity, steadfastness in battle, charity, and administrative skills are called Protectors.

Those who are good at cultivation, cattle rearing, business, trade, and industry are Entrepreneurs.   

Labourers are all those who are very good in service and labour type of work.

I do not fully understand the complexity that was wrongly developed by people with vested interests to falsely establish and maintain such castes and creeds that have divided the community for ages into what was called Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaishys and Sudras. Let us all pray the way we want and become a happy human being.

Dr Ram Lakhan Prasad.