Hinduism - Revision history

SysopJ: /* Articles */

2023-11-24T18:48:39Z

Articles

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	=== Books ===		=== Books ===
	=== Articles ===		=== Articles ===
			* [https://www.theosophy.world/encyclopedia/hinduism Hinduism] in Theosophy World.

	=== Video ===		=== Video ===
	* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-StYD8cmnA "Eternal Law & Transcending Religion"] by Ravi Ravindra. Lecture at the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023.		* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-StYD8cmnA "Eternal Law & Transcending Religion"] by Ravi Ravindra. Lecture at the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023.

SysopJ at 19:18, 19 November 2023

2023-11-19T19:18:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:18, 19 November 2023
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	'''Hinduism''' is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). While many Hindus feel that this belief system is ageless and eternal, most scholars believe that it began in the Indus Valley somewhere between 2300 and 1500 BCE.<ref>https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism</ref> It is regarded as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with very diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times. It has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.		'''Hinduism''' is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). While many Hindus feel that this belief system is ageless and eternal, most scholars believe that it began in the Indus Valley somewhere between 2300 and 1500 BCE.<ref>https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism</ref> It is regarded as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with very diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times. It has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.

	Ravi Ravindra, professor emeritus of physics, philosophy, and comparative religion, and a well-known theosophical teacher, was born in India. He tells us that it is an odd fact that neither the term ''Hindu'' nor the name ''India'' are of Indian origin.<ref>Ravi Ravindra: "Eternal Law & Transcending Religion." Lecture at the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023~~. YOUTUBE LINK HERE~~.</ref> The Sindhu River (also known as the Indus River) at one time divided the Persian from the Indian territories. Most Persians began this word with an H rather than an S sound, so it became Hindu, and the opposite side of the river was known as Hindustan, the land of the Hindus. Thus the word was originally a geographic term; at some point the H became silent and the land became known as India. The way of life now called the Hindu religion was known to its native practitioners as ''Sanaten Dharma'' or Eternal Law.<ref>ibid.</ref>		Ravi Ravindra, professor emeritus of physics, philosophy, and comparative religion, and a well-known theosophical teacher, was born in India. He tells us that it is an odd fact that neither the term ''Hindu'' nor the name ''India'' are of Indian origin.<ref>Ravi Ravindra: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-StYD8cmnA "Eternal Law & Transcending Religion."] Lecture at the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023.</ref> The Sindhu River (also known as the Indus River) at one time divided the Persian from the Indian territories. Most Persians began this word with an H rather than an S sound, so it became Hindu, and the opposite side of the river was known as Hindustan, the land of the Hindus. Thus the word was originally a geographic term; at some point the H became silent and the land became known as India. The way of life now called the Hindu religion was known to its native practitioners as ''Sanaten Dharma'' or Eternal Law.<ref>ibid.</ref>

	== Scriptures ==		== Scriptures ==
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	Some early theosophists who were Brahmins gave up their high caste status to join the Society; for some of them this resulted in being estranged from or even disowned by their families. Djual Khool, a young man who joined the Society very early on (in the 1880s), was known as “the Disinherited” and actually signed letters that way on occasion. N. Sri Ram served as International President from 1953 to 1973. His reputation in theosophical circles is that of a quiet, humble scholar and beloved teacher. Equally well-known is Rukmini Devi, who married theosophist George Arundale in 1920, with her family’s blessing. She is known for revitalizing classical Indian dance, bringing it to the public as a spiritual practice. In 1936, she and her husband founded an arts academy, which is now known as Kalakshetra (“holy place of arts”) and is still a thriving institution.<ref>See https://www.kalakshetra.in/</ref>		Some early theosophists who were Brahmins gave up their high caste status to join the Society; for some of them this resulted in being estranged from or even disowned by their families. Djual Khool, a young man who joined the Society very early on (in the 1880s), was known as “the Disinherited” and actually signed letters that way on occasion. N. Sri Ram served as International President from 1953 to 1973. His reputation in theosophical circles is that of a quiet, humble scholar and beloved teacher. Equally well-known is Rukmini Devi, who married theosophist George Arundale in 1920, with her family’s blessing. She is known for revitalizing classical Indian dance, bringing it to the public as a spiritual practice. In 1936, she and her husband founded an arts academy, which is now known as Kalakshetra (“holy place of arts”) and is still a thriving institution.<ref>See https://www.kalakshetra.in/</ref>

			== Additional resources ==
			=== Websites ===
			=== Books ===
			=== Articles ===
			=== Video ===
			* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-StYD8cmnA "Eternal Law & Transcending Religion"] by Ravi Ravindra. Lecture at the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023.
	== References ==		== References ==

Linda Dorr at 23:25, 27 July 2023

2023-07-27T23:25:42Z

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	'''Hinduism''' is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). While many Hindus feel that this belief system is ageless and eternal, most scholars believe that it began in the Indus Valley somewhere between 2300 and 1500 BCE.<ref>https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism</ref> It is regarded as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with very diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times. It has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.		'''Hinduism''' is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). While many Hindus feel that this belief system is ageless and eternal, most scholars believe that it began in the Indus Valley somewhere between 2300 and 1500 BCE.<ref>https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism</ref> It is regarded as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with very diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times. It has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.

	Ravi Ravindra, professor emeritus of physics, philosophy, and comparative religion, and a well-known theosophical teacher, was born in India. He tells us that it is an odd fact that neither the term ''Hindu'' nor the name ''India'' are of Indian origin.<ref>Ravi Ravindra: ~~On Hinduism~~. Lecture ~~given on Day 3 of~~ the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023. YOUTUBE LINK HERE.</ref> The Sindhu River (also known as the Indus River) at one time divided the Persian from the Indian territories. Most Persians began this word with an H rather than an S sound, so it became Hindu, and the opposite side of the river was known as Hindustan, the land of the Hindus. Thus the word was originally a geographic term; at some point the H became silent and the land became known as India. The way of life now called the Hindu religion was known to its native practitioners as ''Sanaten Dharma'' or Eternal Law.<ref>ibid.</ref>		Ravi Ravindra, professor emeritus of physics, philosophy, and comparative religion, and a well-known theosophical teacher, was born in India. He tells us that it is an odd fact that neither the term ''Hindu'' nor the name ''India'' are of Indian origin.<ref>Ravi Ravindra: "Eternal Law & Transcending Religion." Lecture at the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023. YOUTUBE LINK HERE.</ref> The Sindhu River (also known as the Indus River) at one time divided the Persian from the Indian territories. Most Persians began this word with an H rather than an S sound, so it became Hindu, and the opposite side of the river was known as Hindustan, the land of the Hindus. Thus the word was originally a geographic term; at some point the H became silent and the land became known as India. The way of life now called the Hindu religion was known to its native practitioners as ''Sanaten Dharma'' or Eternal Law.<ref>ibid.</ref>

	== Scriptures ==		== Scriptures ==

Linda Dorr at 20:45, 27 July 2023

2023-07-27T20:45:52Z

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	Mme Blavatsky stated that every religion “started originally as a clear and unadulterated stream from the Mother-Source. The fact that each became in time polluted with purely human speculations and even inventions … does not prevent any from having been pure in its early beginnings.”<ref>H. P. Blavatsky: Collected Writings, vol 10, p. 167. From “Is Theosophy a Religion?” originally published in Lucifer, November 1888. See http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v10/y1888_085.htm</ref> Hinduism is only one of many ways to view and experience the Divine.		Mme Blavatsky stated that every religion “started originally as a clear and unadulterated stream from the Mother-Source. The fact that each became in time polluted with purely human speculations and even inventions … does not prevent any from having been pure in its early beginnings.”<ref>H. P. Blavatsky: Collected Writings, vol 10, p. 167. From “Is Theosophy a Religion?” originally published in Lucifer, November 1888. See http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v10/y1888_085.htm</ref> Hinduism is only one of many ways to view and experience the Divine.

			== Hindu Members ==

			The international headquarters of the Theosophical Society have been located in India since 1882. Needless to say, there are many Hindus who have been and are members of the Society. The Mahatma Gandhi, while not a long-time member (although he found common ground with the majority of theosophical teachings, he objected to the Esoteric Section as too elitist), was very familiar with the Society and several of its members. Earlier theosophists who are still well known include T. Subba Row (1856–1890), a young Indian vakil (attorney), a Brahmin, whose devout Hinduism sometimes caused him to argue with other theosophists against bringing little-known Hindu principles into greater public awareness. I.K. Taimni (1898–1978), a professor of chemistry at Allahabad University, was a lifetime member of the Theosophical Society, as was his wife. Both these men wrote many theosophical articles and books.

			Professor emeritus Ravi Ravindra (b. 1939) has also written numerous books and articles, for both theosophical and non-theosophical publications and publishers. He is a highly popular theosophical speaker.

			Some early theosophists who were Brahmins gave up their high caste status to join the Society; for some of them this resulted in being estranged from or even disowned by their families. Djual Khool, a young man who joined the Society very early on (in the 1880s), was known as “the Disinherited” and actually signed letters that way on occasion. N. Sri Ram served as International President from 1953 to 1973. His reputation in theosophical circles is that of a quiet, humble scholar and beloved teacher. Equally well-known is Rukmini Devi, who married theosophist George Arundale in 1920, with her family’s blessing. She is known for revitalizing classical Indian dance, bringing it to the public as a spiritual practice. In 1936, she and her husband founded an arts academy, which is now known as Kalakshetra (“holy place of arts”) and is still a thriving institution.<ref>See https://www.kalakshetra.in/</ref>


	== References ==		== References ==

Linda Dorr at 19:40, 27 July 2023

2023-07-27T19:40:43Z

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	'''Hinduism''' is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). While many Hindus feel that this belief system is ageless and eternal, most scholars believe that it began in the Indus Valley somewhere between 2300 and 1500 BCE.<ref>https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism</ref> It is regarded as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with very diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times. It has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.		'''Hinduism''' is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). While many Hindus feel that this belief system is ageless and eternal, most scholars believe that it began in the Indus Valley somewhere between 2300 and 1500 BCE.<ref>https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism</ref> It is regarded as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with very diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times. It has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.

	Ravi Ravindra, professor emeritus of physics, philosophy, and comparative religion, and a well-known theosophical teacher, was born in India. He tells us that it is an odd fact that neither the term ''Hindu'' nor the name ''India'' are of Indian origin.<ref>Ravi Ravindra: On Hinduism. Lecture given on Day 3 of the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023. YOUTUBE LINK HERE.</ref> The Sindhu River (also known as the Indus River) at one time divided the Persian from the Indian territories. Most Persians began this word with an H rather than an S sound, so it became Hindu, and the opposite side of the river was known as Hindustan, the land of the Hindus. Thus the word was originally a geographic term~~. At~~ some point the H became silent and the land became known as India. The way of life now called the Hindu religion was known to its native practitioners as ''Sanaten Dharma'' or Eternal Law.		Ravi Ravindra, professor emeritus of physics, philosophy, and comparative religion, and a well-known theosophical teacher, was born in India. He tells us that it is an odd fact that neither the term ''Hindu'' nor the name ''India'' are of Indian origin.<ref>Ravi Ravindra: On Hinduism. Lecture given on Day 3 of the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023. YOUTUBE LINK HERE.</ref> The Sindhu River (also known as the Indus River) at one time divided the Persian from the Indian territories. Most Persians began this word with an H rather than an S sound, so it became Hindu, and the opposite side of the river was known as Hindustan, the land of the Hindus. Thus the word was originally a geographic term; at some point the H became silent and the land became known as India. The way of life now called the Hindu religion was known to its native practitioners as ''Sanaten Dharma'' or Eternal Law.<ref>ibid.</ref>

	== Scriptures ==		== Scriptures ==

Linda Dorr at 21:31, 20 July 2023

2023-07-20T21:31:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 20 July 2023
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	'''Hinduism''' is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). While many Hindus feel that this belief system is ageless and eternal, most scholars believe that it began in the Indus Valley somewhere between 2300 and 1500 BCE.<ref>https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism</ref> It is regarded as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with very diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times. It has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.		'''Hinduism''' is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). While many Hindus feel that this belief system is ageless and eternal, most scholars believe that it began in the Indus Valley somewhere between 2300 and 1500 BCE.<ref>https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism</ref> It is regarded as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with very diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times. It has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.

	Ravi Ravindra, a well-known theosophical teacher born in India, tells us that it is an odd fact that neither the term ''Hindu'' nor the name ''India'' are of Indian origin.<ref>Ravi Ravindra: On Hinduism. Lecture given on Day 3 of the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023. YOUTUBE LINK HERE.</ref> The Sindhu River (also known as the Indus River) at one time divided the Persian from the Indian territories. Most Persians began this word with an H rather than an S sound, so it became Hindu, and the opposite side of the river was known as Hindustan, the land of the Hindus. Thus the word was originally a geographic term. At some point the H became silent and the land became known as India. The way of life now called the Hindu religion was known to its native practitioners as ''Sanaten Dharma'' or Eternal Law.		Ravi Ravindra, professor emeritus of physics, philosophy, and comparative religion, and a well-known theosophical teacher, was born in India. He tells us that it is an odd fact that neither the term ''Hindu'' nor the name ''India'' are of Indian origin.<ref>Ravi Ravindra: On Hinduism. Lecture given on Day 3 of the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023. YOUTUBE LINK HERE.</ref> The Sindhu River (also known as the Indus River) at one time divided the Persian from the Indian territories. Most Persians began this word with an H rather than an S sound, so it became Hindu, and the opposite side of the river was known as Hindustan, the land of the Hindus. Thus the word was originally a geographic term. At some point the H became silent and the land became known as India. The way of life now called the Hindu religion was known to its native practitioners as ''Sanaten Dharma'' or Eternal Law.

	== Scriptures ==		== Scriptures ==

Linda Dorr at 21:16, 20 July 2023

2023-07-20T21:16:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:16, 20 July 2023
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	<br>		<br>
	'''Hinduism''' is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). While many Hindus feel that this belief system is ageless and eternal, most scholars believe that it began in the Indus Valley somewhere between 2300 and 1500 BCE.<ref>https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism</ref> It is regarded as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with very diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times. It has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.		'''Hinduism''' is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal, Mauritius and Bali (Indonesia). While many Hindus feel that this belief system is ageless and eternal, most scholars believe that it began in the Indus Valley somewhere between 2300 and 1500 BCE.<ref>https://www.history.com/topics/religion/hinduism</ref> It is regarded as a fusion or synthesis of various Indian cultures and traditions, with very diverse roots and no founder. This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times. It has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book; Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist.

			Ravi Ravindra, a well-known theosophical teacher born in India, tells us that it is an odd fact that neither the term ''Hindu'' nor the name ''India'' are of Indian origin.<ref>Ravi Ravindra: On Hinduism. Lecture given on Day 3 of the 137th Summer National Convention of the Theosophical Society in America, July 16, 2023. YOUTUBE LINK HERE.</ref> The Sindhu River (also known as the Indus River) at one time divided the Persian from the Indian territories. Most Persians began this word with an H rather than an S sound, so it became Hindu, and the opposite side of the river was known as Hindustan, the land of the Hindus. Thus the word was originally a geographic term. At some point the H became silent and the land became known as India. The way of life now called the Hindu religion was known to its native practitioners as ''Sanaten Dharma'' or Eternal Law.

	== Scriptures ==		== Scriptures ==

Linda Dorr: /* The Esoteric Side and Theosophy */

2023-07-06T20:32:10Z

The Esoteric Side and Theosophy

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	== The Esoteric Side and Theosophy ==		== The Esoteric Side and Theosophy ==

	~~The~~ manifested universe might more properly be understood as having been ‘’emanated’’ rather than ‘’created.’’ It is cyclic; it comes into being slowly, evolves over eons into the various forms of life and intelligence, and then just as slowly dissolves back into Oneness. It is often described as “The Great Breath.” That is, when Brahman awakens and breathes out, a universe is formed; when He inhales, the universe is just as slowly dissolved — all beings and things return to the One for a period of rest. This also lasts eons, and then the cycle repeats itself. Brahman both contains everything and is within everything: He is “concealed as the Self in every creature”<ref>Besant, Annie: ''Seven Great Religions''. Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1966, p. 12 (First Edition 1897)</ref> and indeed in everything else as well, from stones to plants to the air we breathe.		Helena Blavatsky co-founded the Theosophical Society to bring knowledge of the ageless wisdom of the East to the Western world. Many Theosophical teachings reflect Hindu philosophy, including the idea that the manifested universe might more properly be understood as having been ‘’emanated’’ rather than ‘’created.’’ It is cyclic; it comes into being slowly, evolves over eons into the various forms of life and intelligence, and then just as slowly dissolves back into Oneness. It is often described as “The Great Breath.” That is, when Brahman awakens and breathes out, a universe is formed; when He inhales, the universe is just as slowly dissolved — all beings and things return to the One for a period of rest. This also lasts eons, and then the cycle repeats itself. Brahman both contains everything and is within everything: He is “concealed as the Self in every creature”<ref>Besant, Annie: ''Seven Great Religions''. Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1966, p. 12 (First Edition 1897)</ref> and indeed in everything else as well, from stones to plants to the air we breathe.

	The human mind is more powerful than many of us realize. “By our thoughts we evolve,” and the more varied our thoughts are, “the more openings do they make through which the sun of truth can shine.”<ref>ibid., p. 8</ref> Hinduism (and Theosophy) finds diverse opinions about God, about the Divine, to be a very good thing, since by itself any one opinion “expresses so small a fragment of the mighty truth,” and taking all opinions into account gives us a more complete picture.<ref>ibid.</ref>		The human mind is more powerful than many of us realize. “By our thoughts we evolve,” and the more varied our thoughts are, “the more openings do they make through which the sun of truth can shine.”<ref>ibid., p. 8</ref> Hinduism (and Theosophy) finds diverse opinions about God, about the Divine, to be a very good thing, since by itself any one opinion “expresses so small a fragment of the mighty truth,” and taking all opinions into account gives us a more complete picture.<ref>ibid.</ref>

	Our actions, of course, are also fundamental. Karma, which with reincarnation is part of a “twin doctrine,” is central to both Hinduism and Theosophy. This is the cosmic Law of Cause and Effect, which returns to each of us “exactly the results” of what we have sown,<ref>ibid., p. 14</ref> whether in this lifetime or a future one. It is not a question of reward or punishment; it simply bestows on us the consequences of our motives and actions. Motive is key; a good deed performed in the hope of reward is essentially selfish, while inadvertently causing pain to another despite our good intentions is still altruistic. We will reap the consequences, but our wish to be of service and our remorse at causing pain will ameliorate those results.		Our actions, of course, are also fundamental. Karma, which with reincarnation is part of a “twin doctrine,” is central to both Hinduism and Theosophy. This is the cosmic Law of Cause and Effect, which returns to each of us “exactly the results” of what we have sown,<ref>ibid., p. 14</ref> whether in this lifetime or a future one. It is not a question of reward or punishment; it simply bestows on us the consequences of our motives and actions. Motive is key; a good deed performed in the hope of reward is essentially selfish, while inadvertently causing pain to another despite our good intentions is still altruistic. We will reap the consequences, but our wish to be of service and our remorse at causing pain will ameliorate those results.

			Mme Blavatsky stated that every religion “started originally as a clear and unadulterated stream from the Mother-Source. The fact that each became in time polluted with purely human speculations and even inventions … does not prevent any from having been pure in its early beginnings.”<ref>H. P. Blavatsky: Collected Writings, vol 10, p. 167. From “Is Theosophy a Religion?” originally published in Lucifer, November 1888. See http://www.katinkahesselink.net/blavatsky/articles/v10/y1888_085.htm</ref> Hinduism is only one of many ways to view and experience the Divine.

	== References ==		== References ==

Linda Dorr: /* Yoga */

2023-07-06T19:57:10Z

Yoga

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	Yoga is perhaps the true essence of Hinduism. The Western scholar Georg Feuerstein called it “… an esoteric tradition within Hinduism. It is one of the world’s oldest and most continuous branches of spiritual inquiry and, second only to shamanism, the longest and most intense experiment of the human spirit. [Its] purpose has been to explore … the properties and very limits of consciousness.”<ref>Georg Feuerstein, PhD: ''The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga''. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1997, p. xiii</ref> Swami Rama of the Himalayas tells us that “yoga” is a Sanskrit word meaning “union,” that the mystics of all religions practice yoga “in one way or the other,” and that yoga is described in aphorisms in the Christian Bible (in Genesis and in Revelation). This is not surprising, since “Yoga means union with the universal Spirit.”<ref>Swami Rama: ''Lectures on Yoga''. Kanpur, India: Bhargava Press (no copyright date, although it appears to have been published in the early 1970s), p. 1</ref> An Indian colleague noted that the swami described yoga as the science which elevates our mind’s ability to “perceive and assimilate infinite conscious movements” occurring around us in the universe.<ref>ibid., p. i, (Introduction)</ref> He noted further that, while religion teaches us what to do, “yoga teaches us how to be.”<ref>ibid., p. ii</ref>		Yoga is perhaps the true essence of Hinduism. The Western scholar Georg Feuerstein called it “… an esoteric tradition within Hinduism. It is one of the world’s oldest and most continuous branches of spiritual inquiry and, second only to shamanism, the longest and most intense experiment of the human spirit. [Its] purpose has been to explore … the properties and very limits of consciousness.”<ref>Georg Feuerstein, PhD: ''The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga''. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1997, p. xiii</ref> Swami Rama of the Himalayas tells us that “yoga” is a Sanskrit word meaning “union,” that the mystics of all religions practice yoga “in one way or the other,” and that yoga is described in aphorisms in the Christian Bible (in Genesis and in Revelation). This is not surprising, since “Yoga means union with the universal Spirit.”<ref>Swami Rama: ''Lectures on Yoga''. Kanpur, India: Bhargava Press (no copyright date, although it appears to have been published in the early 1970s), p. 1</ref> An Indian colleague noted that the swami described yoga as the science which elevates our mind’s ability to “perceive and assimilate infinite conscious movements” occurring around us in the universe.<ref>ibid., p. i, (Introduction)</ref> He noted further that, while religion teaches us what to do, “yoga teaches us how to be.”<ref>ibid., p. ii</ref>

	The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a collection of 196 verses (sutras) describing the practice of yoga, are considered a fundamental text. Believed to have been composed sometime between 250 BCE and 250 CE, the sutras explain that concentration or “total attention” is the first objective. “Levels of attention are intimately correlated with levels of consciousness and levels of being.”<ref>Ravi Ravindra: ''The Wisdom of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. A New Translation and Guide''. Sandpoint, Idaho: Morning Light Press, 2009, p. xi</ref> The sutras have also been noted to be “the essence of practical transcendental psychology.” <ref>Charles Johnston: ''The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: The Book of the Spiritual Man'' (3rd ed). New York: Jon W. Fergus, 2014, p. vi. (Originally serialized in the ''Theosophical Quarterly'', 1909-1911.)</ref> There are many translations and commentaries on Patanjali’s sutras, a classic among students of meditative yoga.		The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, a collection of 196 verses (sutras) describing the practice of yoga, are considered a fundamental text. Believed to have been composed sometime between 250 BCE and 250 CE, the sutras explain that concentration or “total attention” is the first objective. “Levels of attention are intimately correlated with levels of consciousness and levels of being.”<ref>Ravi Ravindra: ''The Wisdom of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. A New Translation and Guide''. Sandpoint, Idaho: Morning Light Press, 2009, p. xi</ref> The sutras have also been noted to be “the essence of practical transcendental psychology.” <ref>Charles Johnston: ''The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: The Book of the Spiritual Man'' (3rd ed). New York: Jon W. Fergus, 2014, p. vi. (Originally serialized in the ''Theosophical Quarterly'', 1909-1911.)</ref> There are many translations and commentaries on Patanjali’s sutras, which constitute a classic among students of meditative yoga.

	Annie Besant, the second International President of the Theosophical Society, noted that “Discussion has no place in true Yoga. Discussion belongs to the intellect, not to the Spirit; and Yoga is a matter of the Spirit and not of the intellect. … the inner heart of Yoga is for those who, having realized that spiritual truth is attainable, have set their whole heart on the discovery ….”<ref>Annie Besant: ''Yoga. The Hatha Yoga and the Raja Yoga of India''. Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1954, p.5</ref>		Annie Besant, the second International President of the Theosophical Society, noted that “Discussion has no place in true Yoga. Discussion belongs to the intellect, not to the Spirit; and Yoga is a matter of the Spirit and not of the intellect. … the inner heart of Yoga is for those who, having realized that spiritual truth is attainable, have set their whole heart on the discovery ….”<ref>Annie Besant: ''Yoga. The Hatha Yoga and the Raja Yoga of India''. Adyar, Madras, India: The Theosophical Publishing House, 1954, p.5</ref>

Linda Dorr: /* Basic Tenets */

2023-06-29T21:06:03Z

Basic Tenets

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	What other religions might call ''God'', Hinduism calls ''Brahman'': a universal, Supreme Being “who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality”<ref>https://www.hinduismtoday.com/hindu-basics/nine-beliefs-of-hinduism/</ref> — in other words, who is both personal and impersonal at the same time.		What other religions might call ''God'', Hinduism calls ''Brahman'': a universal, Supreme Being “who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality”<ref>https://www.hinduismtoday.com/hindu-basics/nine-beliefs-of-hinduism/</ref> — in other words, who is both personal and impersonal at the same time.

	While Brahman is the Supreme Being, he seems to be infinitely divisible. The Hindu pantheon is incredibly diverse and densely populated, a world of millions upon millions of divine beings, all considered to be part of Brahman. As in other traditions, there are three primary aspects of the Absolute Divinity: Brahma, the creator of everything; Shiva, the destroyer; and Vishnu, who preserves order in the universe.<ref>https://www.lotussculpture.com/hindu-gods-indian-gods-brahman-how-many.html</ref> All of these immortal beings have other aspects as well. Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu who appeared to be a humble cowherd, is one of the most venerated deities, the subject of countless texts, sculptures and other art forms.<ref> https://www.lotussculpture.com/krishna-hindu-god-radha-gopis-avatar-meaning.html</ref>. In the Western world, the Bhagavad Gita is probably the most well-known of these.		While Brahman is the Supreme Being, he seems to be infinitely divisible. The Hindu pantheon is incredibly diverse and densely populated, a world of millions upon millions of divine beings, all considered to be part of Brahman. As in other traditions, there are three primary aspects of the Absolute Divinity: Brahma, the creator of everything; Shiva, the destroyer; and Vishnu, who preserves order in the universe.<ref>https://www.lotussculpture.com/hindu-gods-indian-gods-brahman-how-many.html</ref> All of these immortal beings have other aspects as well. Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu who appeared to be a humble cowherd, is one of the most venerated deities, the subject of countless texts, sculptures and other art forms.<ref> https://www.lotussculpture.com/krishna-hindu-god-radha-gopis-avatar-meaning.html</ref>. In the Western world, the ''Bhagavad Gita'' is probably the most well-known of these.

	The practice of ahimsa, doing no harm, is central to Hinduism, since all life is sacred and worthy of respect. The religion itself is not dogmatic, although people (of all faiths) are sometimes dogmatic. Hinduism recognizes that any true spiritual path is valid. As such, it teaches self-discipline, right conduct, meditation, and self-inventory. <ref>https://www.hinduismtoday.com/hindu-basics/nine-beliefs-of-hinduism/</ref>		The practice of ahimsa, doing no harm, is central to Hinduism, since all life is sacred and worthy of respect. The religion itself is not dogmatic, although people (of all faiths) are sometimes dogmatic. Hinduism recognizes that any true spiritual path is valid. As such, it teaches self-discipline, right conduct, meditation, and self-inventory. <ref>https://www.hinduismtoday.com/hindu-basics/nine-beliefs-of-hinduism/</ref>