Christian Philosophy and Hindus

Dear J,

A direct question. I am a Hindu. I am interested in Vedanta. I am also interested in Shaivism. I am taking yoga classes. How can I benefit from Christian education?

A. Rajapandian

Dear Rajapandiyan,

Since you are interested in Vedanta, I will answer from that angle.

Why did sages of Vedanta like Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Vivekananda, Narayanaguru, Natarajaguru, and Nitya Chaitanya Yati need Christian philosophy and the Bible? For the same reason, you too need it.

If your question is more philosophical, I will provide an answer. Udayana wrote Nyayakusumanjali, one of the original texts of the Vedanta tradition. In it, he gives logical explanations for the existence of Brahman. Two of the explanations he gives are Sruthe and Anavadyat. Sruthe signifies the creation of the books of original wisdom, i.e., Vedhas, also known as Sruthis, across the world. Anavadyat signifies the creation of great souls, i.e., rishis, throughout humanity. These two phenomena are evidence of Brahman’s existence. Vedanta knowledge is only available to those who truly understand these two concepts.

Religion shapes our hearts. Religion gives us philosophy and culture. However, it also highlights the distinctions between our religion and other religions. We cannot attain true knowledge without overcoming those limits. Vedanta teaches that a divisive outlook (bhedhabudhi) leads to ignorance and sorrow.

The one who learns other religions expands his inner self. He spreads the wisdom he has attained to all of humanity. The flexibility of views and comprehensiveness of knowledge that Christian education provides to a Hindu practitioner (Atma Sadhaka) is very important.

Jeyamohan

Previous articleBangalore LitFest
Next articleMy Books in the USA