Hinduism: Wisdom and way
By INDIRA MAHARAJ
TWO weeks ago, an interactive CD ROM, Hinduism: Wisdom and Way, by
Professor of Religion Anantanand Rambachan, and Craig Rice, of St Olaf
University, USA—one created with the young in mind, said its
creators—was launched among interested persons in a packed assembly hall
at the Divali Nagar.
One of the most attractive features of this CD Rom is that it explains the
fundamentals of Hinduism, some of its most elevated concepts and its world
view—it makes no pretensions at being exhaustive as it is impossible with
antiquity of Hinduism, to do so—in the simplest of language (there is
also an accompanying narration). Among the various topics covered are the
Hindu scriptures, the oneness of God in spite of the many names given to
Him in the Hindu tradition, the purpose of (murtis) icons, the meaning of
worship, the law of karma, reincarnation, liberation, the cardinal virtues
and the five duties.
The first chapter “Scriptures” informs the reader that Hinduism has no
founder but is based around the body of knowledge. This knowledge is to be
found in the four Vedas, the Rg, the Yajur, the Atharva and the Sama Veda,
which are divided into four sections, the Mantras, the Brahmanas, the
Aranyakas and the Upanishads. It also summarises the events of the Hindu
texts, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana and the Puranas for the uninitiated.
Probably, one of the most interesting and illuminating chapters in this CD
is that entitled “God” which deals with the nature of God, an aspect of
Hinduism which is so often inadequately covered, ignored, or shied away
from by teachers, pundits. Quoting from the Aitereya, the Mundaka and the
Chandogya Upanishads, and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, it explores the concept
of God as being not merely the efficient but the material cause of the
universe, as a spider making its web out of its own body (Mundaka
Upanishad), that God is above gender, the world exists in God, God exists
equally in everything, the concept of avatar and God being the moral ruler
of the world also explored. We are also presented with the ten avatars,
incarnations of God.
“One God Many Forms” deals with the often-misunderstood notion that
there are many Gods in Hinduism, a notion conveniently utilised by
marauding evangelicals. It explains God may have many name and forms,
indicative of varying functions. The concept of ishta devta, where one
worships one personal favourite form of God is examined.
“The importance of murtis, icons of Hinduism” is a must-read chapter.
It explains the difference between a murti, an icon, an image used to
explain the nature of God in Hinduism, as opposed to word idol—the word
used by westerners—an usage which implies that the idol is in fact God.
This is very important for the young and the old alike especially in the
20th century market place of religions, where the Evangelicals are
marketing that latter concept to gain adherents.
Apart from its wealth of written information, the CD Rom introduces us to
Hinduism through very integral forms of its culture—singing and dancing.
A graceful, female dancer doing an invocation to Lord Ganesh, the first to
be worshipped, opens the book. Chanting, especially from the Bhagavad Gita,
by the popular Chinmaya Mission’s Swami Brahmananda and Ravi Shankar’s
Chants of India are there. Popular bhajans and prayers, the Gaayitri mantra
Omkaar, Twa Mewa Mata by known singers, Anuradha Paudwal, Hari Om Sharan,
Vipin Sachdev and even one composed by professor Rambachan on Gandhi, are
there.
Video clips are also used to enhance the presentation. We see Ramana
Maharishi, one of Hinduism’s great teachers of the 20th century, and
Gandhi, the famous exponent of ahimsa—non-violence. We are also taken
through the 16 stages of puja.
A creative game, the OM game in which children match different artistic
forms of the symbol, makes it attractive to children. Its creators, in a
future version of this book, could certainly include more of these creative
games for children and others for older folks.
The creators of the CD ROM Hinduism: Wisdom and Way have to be complimented
on this very creative approach in its presentation of Hinduism. It is the
way to go in this age of technology and where knowledge of one’s
tradition is the most secure way of preserving it.
Though it was said that the CD ROM was created with the young in mind, it
certainly is beneficial to everyone, young or old, Hindu or non-Hindu.
While it is it is good for children, it is ideal for parents who want to
impart the knowledge of Hinduism but may possess limitations in doing so.
This CD Rom can inspire to one to pursue Hinduism it at a deeper level. It
is definitely an item for a Hindu home.
• tinkbell@tstt.net.tt
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