Dear Visitor, 

Over the past several years I have received many heartfelt emails of appreciation and gratitude for the website. In this chapter I would like to share them with you. These messages have inspired me over the years to continue my efforts on updating the website with new information. 

I have selected the following messages from the hundreds of emails that I have received since the inception of this site. To protect the senders' identity all the names have been withheld. 

I will continue to include more selected emails as I receive them. 



Dear Sushama, 

I write only a very few words simply to express my DEEPEST and PROFOUNDEST THANKS to you for establishing this site and, thereby, making an absolutely inestimable contribution to the enlightenment of a sadly--nay, horrifyingly!--benighted world.  I thank you and all the Powers that Be for the invaluable knowledge you bring to mankind through this truly admirable endeavour and I fervently hope and pray that more and more people will be thus illuminated and properly educated.  This, in fact, is our only hope in a world dying from the exclusion of soul and spirit in our lives, from the deliberate suppression of the Ancient Wisdom and Science (now, thankfully, gradually being corroborated and confirmed by all the latest developments in science), from an long inherited but, hopefully not ineradicable, blindness to Reality and the Truth.  

I tell people everywhere about your site........BUT the wall of "the need to disbelieve" is colossal.  We will persevere.   

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.    

- From Greece - April, 2005.


Namaste Sushama Ji, 

.........................................................I sincerely hope that destiny makes you scroll through this emailful(l) of Emptiness, at least up to the line above this one. In my humble opinion, this Emptiness was the only thing that qualified as worthy token of appreciation for the tremendous devotion you have shown in preserving India's heritage through your website. You can definitely interpret this email as a sign of an I-am-short-of-words praise. But if you ask my opinion I would consider this to be a "blank email". Just as the receipt of a blank check fills most humans with tremendous monetary elation, fill this email with Everything that makes you Happy, tremendously Happy. That's the only thing I would love to gift you- Happiness.  

If we are destined to meet then one day we will surely meet. Till then loads of Love, Respect & Happiness from my side. 

Utthistha Bharata  ......(of course I learnt this through Chanakya :) ) 

Regards.

- Received April 23, 2012.
 


Hello Sushama Londhe,

I commend you on a well-written and cogent page that thoroughly explains in great detail your heritage.  I was led to this site by an individual, as I am seeking to learn about India , the people, traditions, culture, religion, philosophy etc. All the western terms which may or may not adequately describe what exists.

I am an aspiring student of philosophy, but sadly, in academia it is only the European tradition that is emphasized. This site has provided a window that we can all look into, and I must say, I remain in great awe and admiration at what I am learning. 


Best.

- Received Jan 5, 2008.


Dear Madam, 

Hope you will find this letter in the best of health. I am a medical doctor by profession and an avid reader of your fascinating website Hindu Wisdom.

I appreciate you very much for launching this informative site which has indeed helped me in my quest for knowing my ancestral heritage. You have done a remarkable job. I am dumb with admiration. Please accept my sincere good wishes.

 - A Muslim Doctor - Received October 2, 2011


Respected Sushama ji,

It is a great day for me to have chanced upon the site Hindu Wisdom. I would of course try and get a copy of the great book 'A tribute to Hinduism'. The Indians in USA have done great things. It is well known.
But from what I have seen of the book and the site I suspect what you have done is extraordinary.

I am a retired IAS officer. If you come to India, do let me know, I shall come and see you. Meanwhile, my salutations to you for your work.


  - Received October 14, 2014

 

Hello Sushma, 

I enjoy reading the web-site Hindu Wisdom.info, and I am reading through the web-site. 

I have been at this for more than 6 months, reading chapter-by-chapter, and the compilation is just amazing.  Thank you for collating and presenting so much information for easy access.  I cannot thank you enough for doing this in an on-going basis.  I plan to study through the cross-links as well on each and every chapter. 

Cross-references and quotes are extremely good.  My disappointment is that such info from Indian authors is relatively less than the Westerners.  This shows Indians’ lack of interest (?) or inadequacy to research and present their readings.  We have moved so much away from the essence of Hinduism but have retained only the ritual aspects of it.  We ensure that we do not find time to dwell into these things and take it for granted, hoping (and assuming) that these things will automatically flow into us !!!!. 

My personal experience shows me that only when you move away from it (India), your perspective clears, and is able to see (or perceive) as to what has been lost, how much are we lost in our ignorance and not following through what we received in scriptures and Vedas – even just for sake of knowledge.  Also, my complaint is that, we did not have enough people to teach us/tell as to what really is there.  I wish our forefathers have been able to teach us more on this, and walk us through the scientific & other aspects, instead of concentrating on the ritual aspects of our religion. 

I realize that I am lamenting on what was lost to us – not necessarily for our material well being but to be a good human being.  

My sincere and heart-felt thanks. 

- Received April 23, 2012.


Sushama,

Hi, I am a Malaysian, and a Hindu. I am 51 years old, and am learning more about my religion through your website. I was quite defenseless with very little to say in arguments pertaining to caste and some of our traditions with references to Hinduism.

I would like to thank you for all the effort you have put into making this website into the abundant info-center it is today.  

Warm Regards. 

-      - Received Jan 8th 2012


Sushma,

Namaskar.

I am writing this email to you to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for developing such a fantastic site on Hinduism, and India - with loads of general information and wisdom. The wealth of information that is present in the site is overwhelming – it is extremely educative. Thanks for sharing this wealth of information about our heritage with all of us.  Only if this could reach everyone on our planet! 

I also read your book "A Tribute to Hinduism" in English - I was wondering whether it is available in other languages. Let me know if you would need any help in getting it in translated in other vernacular languages - for the content is something that every Indian should be aware of.

- Received September 20, 2011


What a truly fascinating site - great insight, deeply evocative of strong morality and philosophy, thank you!

- Received August 2, 2011

London, United Kingdom.


Sushama,

Excellent site, I was born in Malaysia, never been to India, and have been a Hindu all my whole life. This site of yours had been one that had been very informative to me in terms of events that had taken place back in India during historic times.

Once again Thank You.

Regards.

- Received August 12, 2011 - Malaysia.


Good Day Sushama Londhe,  

Thank you for an amazing site. I live in South Africa in Durban, which has a huge Hindu community; we are currently celebrating 150 of Indians in our country. Hindu philosophy has interested me for many years. I have practiced Hatha yoga for a while now, but find spirituality is often missing within the western context. I am interested to hear your thoughts on whether or not an individual can be ‘called’ to the Hindu faith. I have found that many of the belief systems I have carried for years mirror those within Hindu philosophy. Is it possible to have this innate desire to practice Hinduism? And if so, where does one start, I meditate etc. but often contextual and intellectual philosophies become overwhelming for the western brain, having been brought up in a country that in the past focuses primarily on the Christian faith.  It’s not that my searching has brought me no luck, but with this internal longing comes a desire to do things correctly, and with the right intention and building up of knowledge. I thank you for your time in helping a 25 year old white girl out. 

Namasté - A warm welcome from South Africa!

- Received November 25, 2010.


Good Afternoon.
Namaste

I have read your web site information and I am now much better informed about Hinduism in general. I do not have any contact with any Hindus and so my knowledge of them was very limited. It is through this site and your proposed book that different peoples will understand each other and live in peace. 

I am delighted to be able to learn from your site.  I have been practicing Yoga for a few months and am amazed at the enormity of the Hindu faith. 

Kind Regards.
Om Shaaante Shaaante.
 

- Received December 4, 2006.


Dear Ms Londhe  

I am writing this email to tell you how much impressed I am from your website ‘’ Hindu Wisdom’’.  

I am also an Indian, from Delhi, I came to Germany two years back and the day I have come here I have been asked 20-30 times about the caste system in India. Earlier I couldn’t explain much because as you live in your country you don’t pay much attention to all those related to your country, but once you come out you are more or less responsible to make bad or good impression about your country.  

I started reading your website day before yesterday only and I liked it so much because it is not just a viewpoint of one person but the collection of what people have been saying or writing from long time back. Well I haven’t read everything yet as I don’t get much time because of my strange schedules of working, but surely it’s a must read for all Indians. I knew that India has a rich cultural heritage but have started realising it recently only.  

Thanks for doing this effort.  

With best regards
Graduate student
Tübingen , Germany. 

- Received January 8 2007  


"Hindu Wisdom" - An outstanding contribution - My salutations to you

Dear Ms. Londhe,

I am taken aback at the monumental effort you have put in developing this site over the last 14 years.  This work of you, if I may venture to say so - and say so very happily - is something inconceivable.  I firmly believe that no amount of praise is too big for this Himalayan undertaking that you have undertaken and continue to do so by adding continuously.  The amount of research needed to be done for performing a task of this range and magnitude is, by any standard, grotesque, and that you have accomplished it so commendably that
words fail me.

All I can say that "God should bestow upon you more than "
100 years longevity coupled with physical health and mental strength".

With your kind permission, I would like to pass this information on to the present-day student community so that they fully realise "
what their heritage is".

With high and warm regards,

- Received May 2010

 


Hari om

I thank you from the bottom of my heart, my deepest sense of gratitude for your contribution towards humanity with your website. You have absolutely no idea the magnitude of your service.  

May God give you the strength and inspiration to kindle a new renaissance, a Hindu awakening to free the world from the shackles of ignorance and misery. May your tribe grow like never before...I am simply short of words..

Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology
India .

- Received January 9 2007


Dear Madam, 

I am glad finding your websites. It will be useful for study and understand the Wisdom, but not only the Hindu wisdom. The very Knowledge is reflection of the universal Wisdom, interpreting by special real language and other interpretation media.  

What it means? I am born and educated in the surrounding of the Christianity, and this religion is like a branch or a spray on the tree, which is ancient Judaic base. The Learning both the Christianity and the Jewish religions are based on the limited texts, and there is not an universal Wisdom given to devotees.

I need complete my personal knowledge from other resources of the Wisdom. I am glad may to learn the knowledge of the India, e.g. Maha Bharat, that can enable me more understand some topics of Christian learning, I have born in this. What a pity, my knowledge of the English language is so unsatisfactory, I need use a dictionary so often! 

And from the other site of seeing, the information about religion items from India is fragmentary in my country, despite that, there is several authors scientists religionists and historians in Czech Republic, which was have published several very good translations of Indian text, for ex. translation of the Bhagavad Gítá from Mr. Janicek. But this literature written in my Czech language is a small deal, like any crumbs from the whole thematic of real religion.  

I am looking forward to learn your website. 

I think, Hindu people often do not understand such obstacles can meet an European heir of the both Jewish and Christian culture, because there is active in the life both a strong materialism in the practice and a rigid faithfulness to the texts. Which is not mentioned in the texts, this are not exist, such means the rigid witness of the Tradition. For example, one of the central problems is: 

There is only one word for the divine being, ´God´. Learning is not distinguishing the Creator, Preservator and Savior (both personal and national ones), and this Deity is ideally compared with idea of The Father. No other Deities are accepted. He is One only. Translation a text from both Christian or Judaist texts to Hindi language is very difficult and otherwise (vice versa). How to translate, for example the term Holy Spirit? I think, the closest word is the name Paramahamsa. But nobody knows this name, except specialists in the Hindu religion. 

All comparisons may be very large scene, but I can express my pleasure only for to find your venerable website. 

Good luck and my congratulations,

From Czech Republic.

- Received October 20, 2006.


Great work and suggestion

Hi Sushma,

I have been following your website for past 2 years and was excited to buy the book. Though the book only contained quotes, it is indeed a good work.

I am looking forward for the book containing the major chapters of the website.

Thanks for your work and getting us all enlightened on the ancient Vedic civilization. 

With regards,

- Received May 2010


Dear Sushama

You have done a great work with this website (Hindu wisdom). Heart felt wishes for all your future ventures, the vast content you had put up in the site is as vast as our Hindu culture. Your work does come closer to what Swami Vivekananda had started for India and her culture. The coming Hindu generations everywhere will always remember this endeavor.

Thank you and best wishes. 

From A Geriatric Physiotherapist  - Received November 17, 2006.


Jai Ganesha! 

Namaste, 

Thank you for this wonderful, in depth site.

We have been trying for years (with little response from the Hindu community) to get people to understand the Yoga/Hindu connection. It is great that some Hindus are beginning to wake up. We still have a very long way to go. 

In Dharma,

- Received Jan 16, 2011
 


To, Smt. Sushama Londhe  

Namaskar,  

First of all My Best Wishes on this festive occasion of Deepawali. We pray that the Almighty blesses you and your family with all that is noble and auspicious in life and hereafter.  

I have been fortunate to be born in a Hindu family and to have imbibed good samskaras from elders in the family. Since childhood, I was curious to know why there has been such a big mismatch between our traditional knowledge and the formal education system that portrays a perverse picture about our history. Brainwashing young, impressionable Indian minds in the name of modern science by the former colonists and their Indian sycophants have coloured our education system and the media beyond recognition. It has been to such an extent that we have almost a negative impression of our rich heritage. As a school student, it was puzzling for me to encounter declarations on imbibing virtues like truthfulness, while interpreting history (as written in Mahabharata and other literary texts) totally contrary to the one taught in our school history books (Darwinism to Industrial Revolution).   

Thanks to your in-depth research on Indian history and the free access to the literature that you have posted on this website, we have the wonderful opportunity to educate ourselves and share with like minded people the true greatness of our rich values and traditions. So, also bring to light, the real story of horrid repression and suffering of Indian and South American people and destruction of their rich and diverse cultures by the Europeans.   

We are forever indebted for this service you have single handedly and selflessly done for posterity. God Bless you with strength and courage to continue on this quest for truth. 

Best Regards.
Ph.D Student

From Portugal.

- Received October 20, 2006.


Namaste Ms. Sushama Londhe,  

I was born Christian and lived a sincere Christian life, but with no direction. My life seemed to be in disarray with so many conflicts and questions in my beliefs. I was not at peace. Doctrines were brainwashed into me as a child: not to even read about other religions, much less learn of or convert to them!

But, as is often the case, past dogmas are so different that unless one lays these influences aside and seeks the wisdom imparted by the Vedas, revelation of truth can be hindered. Now I rejoice in the revelation of the truth, and I am truly grateful and proud of being Hindu. Conversion to Hinduism was only as difficult as my resistance was to the truth, but never, ever has it been regrettable. The Lord is so faithful and loving to have been patiently processing me and forming my character. The ending of ego is truly the realization of the Supreme. I am now a faithful follower of Hinduism with peace and love for God's work. I acknowledge with many thanks to our Creator for the words of wisdom in the Vedas and Gita, which I greatly cherish.

I have found your web-site to be of great help in my spiritual struggle and indeed they are of a great encouragement to me. This year I suffered from many painful trials and even thought God was not faithful. In such dark and miserable situations it is browsing through your web-site and understanding the treasures in Hinduism past and present that has helped me to understand that no matter what happens God will never leave me. He truly loves us all. I sincerely thank you for your efforts. I am greatly blessed by reading the in-depth articles that have comforted, consoled and guided me. Thank you for refreshing my soul.

I pray that God will continue to give you the strength and wisdom to work for peace and proclaiming Hinduism with pride. 

United we shall preserve our unparalleled heritage so that we can pass the light to our children's children.

OM SHANTI

- received from Canada 6/7/2006


Hello Ms. Londhe,

I was raised a Christian, but I consider myself a Hindu now. I am in love with Sanatana Dharma and have been for a long time. 

Thank you so much for your website. I live in one of those "red" states in the central U.S, meaning I am surrounded by fundamentalist and evangelical Christians. Your site is like an oasis in the desert. It quenches my thirst. Many blessings to you for your hard, selfless work. 

- Received from Kansas, USA – October 5 2005.


I love your web site.  I appreciate the history you included. 

What the Europeans have done to the Hindus and the rest of the non-white world (I' m White, I can say that) is an embarrassment to all humanity and I am glad I have rid myself of as much of the influence of the west and it's "religion" as possible. Sit back and watch. Much of the west is sick of "Christianity", a religion of greed and control, and seeking to reunite with the balances of nature and that which is of nature (like, the human body is okay, or pleasure is okay).  

 

A dancing Lord Ganesha.

Lord Ganesha, in painting or bronze or stone or any form makes my heart sing with happiness.

***

I pray the world is a better place for that and the influences of a culture as beautiful and as ancient as that of the Hindus is recognized and accepted by all. Also, I love the section on art. 

Lord Ganesha, in painting or bronze or stone or any form makes my heart sing with happiness.

- Received in 2002


Dear Ms. Londhe, 

Though a regular visitor to your site for quite some time now, this, perhaps, is the first time I am writing to you. A lot of us, though we may sincerely aspire to, fail to go beyond the thought to put something into action even after life provides umpteen opportunities and the time. It is in this light, that with great sincerity, I congratulate you for the distance you have covered, seemingly, undeterred in your aspiration.  

Inspiration and what it can do, has what has over-awed this world and its peoples of human abilities. And this is what, in my considered opinion, led to the Hindu's contribution across the various planes of existence.  

I am sure that the attempt to encapsulate all this, even in the face of facts lost to the ravages of time and the societal dynamics it brings along, while humbling, must have also acted as a fuel to your inspiration. In short, your effort is laudable.       

I wish you are granted all the strength and support and that you may, for the benefit of this civilization, which today buckles under ignorance of its own abilities, cover far greater ground than what normally could be expected.  

Your website has helped in providing me a great reference point in most of my discussions on Hinduism and all that it had, has and will contribute to life. I am in anticipation of a published version of this collection.   

Please do let me know in whatever manner, I may be of help, through my limited orbit.   

Good luck and awaiting your publication. 

Regards,

- Received on October 24, 2006.


Dear Ms Londhe,

Namaskar!

I am always impressed at the tremendous output generated by our people. I have seen ordinary NRIs, who persevere and devote themselves to their hobby or profession with zeal, research and improvisation and excel in whatever they apply themselves to.

A friend referred me to your website and I have spent some time going through it. 

I am impressed and can appreciate efforts put in by you. Easy reading plus lovely pictures make for a grand ambience. 
I have saved the link for my future use and passed it on to like minded friends.


THANK YOU!

-  Received from Lausanne, Switzerland – November 5, 2005.


Hi;

Thanks for the great web site...I was a Muslim but I think Islam does not have spirituality at all...Now I consider myself a Hindu..

I think Hinduism is the most spiritual religion in the world.. I especially like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita...Keep up the good work...

- Received December 15, 2005.


Hola Sushama !

Your site is just great.

I'm a Nicaraguan yogini who is looking for the Vedic prayer "Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhawantu" in Sanskrit original but I cannot find anywhere.

Do you think you can help me? I wish you the best!  Namaste.

- Received March 6, 2005.


I enjoyed reading your webpage. I was raised a Christian but I no longer consider myself one.  

Hinduism appeals to me and I consider it the world's most reasonable religion. 

I can no longer believe a religion, like Christianity, that tells us that the majority of the human race will end up being tortured for trillions and trillions of years essentially, because someone (Adam) ate a forbidden fruit a few thousand years ago!  I now consider myself a Hindu.  I'm not sure if Hindus will accept me as one of them but I will continue hoping that they do!   

Om Shanti.

- Received in 1998.


 

Thai Lord Shiva.

***

A wonderful work containing nearly about all about Hinduism ! 

This is unique. Exclusive work ever produced after Ved_Vyaas's Mahabharatam.


Dear Sushama,

Even if I search the entire website dictionary, I probably will be searching for the right word to pay a tribute to you for bringing out such a wonderful website - www.hinduwisdom.info

Thank you, for enthralling me for I reached a pinnacle of happiness.

Respectfully.
 


Respected Ms Londhe, 

Heartfelt congratulations on your tremendous boon to Hindu society the facts unveiled in such a concise methodical and truthful fashion. It is a relief to know the glorious past of Hinduism vis a vis the virulent anti Hindu propaganda and shame and pain agenda of the powers that be. These colonial and racist assaults on Hindus can only ever be permanently extirpated and incomparable psyche damage reversed through websites and information such as your endeavors, which must be arduous, and hours of painstaking though no doubt enlightening and uplifting research. My soul would never find peace with the present dishonorable state of affairs of Hindus..but for the rock solid fact filled and spiritually enthused foundation you have established. I must say I did find the former title Tribute far more befitting as it juxtaposed and offset against the unfair tirades and insults and calumny heaped on Hindu Dharma.

I just hope and pray that Dharma will come out victorious from this centuries long extensions and rounds of pounding assaults and attacks. Just remember India cannot be great until Indians are great. It will it be an impossible task to raise the character of the fallen Hindus who have largely become so selfish and self centric in their blind and mindless material and sensual mundane pursuits. 

- Received October 18, 2006.


Om namah shivaya Om sairam

Dear, Ms. Sushama Londhe, 

First of all let me bow to you. Namahste. I saw your web site incidentally. There are no words to express truly. It is a pride movement. Thanks is not a word to express my gratitude. How did u create that web site .so much knowledge collected? How much desire and respect you have. And I saw many people responding on it and saw there is desire & respect but not able to implement it may be because they may not know the history in the right manner it is. By seeing it every one will realize what they are and what they should be. I am sure you are blessed by this venture.   

- received  6/ 11/06


I have been immersing my self more and more in this great religion. Raised a Christian, I now find there is little I believe in that faith. I respect Jesus, but I have little respect for Christians. Hinduism feels like my own skin. 

I love your site. It's a gift from God for us Indiaphiles and Bible-belt Hindus. 

 - From USA.


Thanks for an enlightening day I had after reading your collection about Hinduism. May the Lord Ganesha bless you for the good work you are doing.

- Received in 1998.


Hi there Sushama Londhe, your website on Hinduism is incredible and awesome.

Your knowledge is amazing.

Do you know much about Kumari Kandam?

Kind Regards.

 - received 6/17/06


Dear Ma'am,

Your website is exactly what I have been looking for, for a number of years now. 

Yours is the first page that I have seen describing Indian music as "the hum of the atoms and the music of the spheres". I'd thought people who loved Dhrupad were extinct! 

I wanted to say Thank You, and that maybe I could gather some knowledge to be able to contribute to your website. In particular, I'd like to be able to write about the Cosmic Microwave Background (which is what I work on) and how it is represented in a shlok that I heard from someone, which started with 'Naad sakal srishti' - since, in fact, the Early Universe did leave an imprint in the sky that seems to be harmonic.

I do maintain a webpage on India, although I cannot claim to possess a millionth of your knowledge, as I am a puny little grad student right now.

My Best Wishes, and I hope to be in touch with you and learn from you. 

- Received Jan, 2003.


Something drew me to click on your site-- and what a bonanza I found!  What great treasure!

I am a native Californian, born in San Francisco in 1945.  Raised a Christian, I met a Hindu holy man in 1975. He changed my life, and he's touched the lives of all my family.  I meditate with his successor, as do the rest of my family.  I'd say I'm currently somewhere between Christianity and Hinduism, in a niche that fits me very well, and would probably have most Christian ministers pulling out their hair.

You site provides a number of directions in theoretical physics-- which I will explore at length.  The split between the mathematical approaches to business and the softer more humanistic ones rages in academia.  It was flaming when I was at the Biz School as a doctoral student.

I need to get back to work, but it was lovely finding your site. One other thing --  I loved your quotes from Mark Twain. He's my great, great, half grandfather, according to family legend. My mother's grandmother was his half sister.

I look forward to exploring your site-- take a look at mine. Should we link?


Respected Sushmaji

Sadar Pranam.

I am a fourth year student of Computer Science and Engg. at IIT Kharagpur. We people have recently formed a forum namely "Students' Forum for India's Heritage" (SFIH). Through this forum we aim to learn, practice and promote the ageless and universal values of Indian Heritage.

The central library of IIT Kharagpur is organizing a book fair from March 5th to March 8th. SFIH is planning to hold a stall over there dedicated to the myriad facets of Indian Heritage.

Apart from keeping books of legendaries like Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda, we people are planning to have some of the articles which deal with various subjects from the net, get them printed and Xeroxed and offer them to the people.

I came across your site some time ago and found it marvelous. The articles are really superb and show a high degree of research and scholarly work. We wish to use the articles from this site for the above mentioned purpose. We would be copying the entire articles as it is giving all the adequate reference of yours. For the sake of handiness, we would be making smaller sub-sections as different articles.

Our purpose over here is to promote the knowledge and we would be selling the articles at the cost price. I seek your permission regarding this.

I would also like to invite you to IIT Kharagpur as and when you visit India. We people invite speakers to give lecture on various aspects of Indian Heritage. 

With deep regards  

- From IIT Kharagpur


I am Australian of Indian descent and Christian upbringing.

I am interested in Hinduism, particularly in the Bhagawad-Gita and the methods mentioned therein whereby the individual may aspire to self-fulfillment, etc.

I have been searching the Web for sites that would hold subject matter of interest.

I am surprised to find that while the Bible and the Koran are freely available for download from countless sites, I cannot find any free sites from which to download Hindu material, I have used key words: Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Mahabharata, etc and all I find are commercial sites requiring money.

I wonder whether you can help me find free info about the above subjects.


Hello, just wanted to let you know that your site is much appreciated.  I'm a 33 year old regular white guy, and you'd never guess from passing me on the street that so much of my being responds so strongly to Hinduism and India. 

Although basically Christian, I personally see Jesus Christ as an Avatar, like Krishna.  It is impossible to learn of Krishna and his actions and personality and not see the same qualities in Christ (and vice-versa.)  It astounds me that Americans, by and large, not only fail to make the connection but never even try. 

This site is helpful because anyone who wants to find God should never stop learning, and there is nothing more rich, complete and educational as Hinduism.  Western Society has labeled Hindu texts as Mythology without even looking at them, which is perhaps the biggest error (or most diabolical censorship) perpetrated on anyone who cares about the history of this planet.   

I do have a question though, if you would... 

I have heard it said that Hindus believe people should follow the religion that they are given by their own culture.  Is that basically true?  And if so, does that mean that outside interest in Hinduism is discouraged?   

I am often saddened by the lack of accessible material available to people such as myself who are interested in delving deep into Hindu Scripture and History.   

I suppose I have rambled on enough, thank you for your time.  

- Received August 16, 2005


I just checked out your site and it rocks! I'm Indian-American and just started getting interested in our culture, because I was brought up American and wasn't taught anything about the culture or religion. I was wondering if you could start offering the whole website on CD? The reason I think this is a good idea is for those who aren't always online. 

Also in case you ever stop your site, we can still have access to all that information about our culture. Also you could probably fit all that into a nice book! If you decide to put the website on CD I'll be sure to buy one! 

Later.

Received October 27, 2005.


Your web site is rich treasure of knowledge about India, Hinduism and the culture of India. I greatly enjoyed it and plan to return to it several times.

 

Baby Lord Krishna dancing.

May Lord Krishna bless you for this labour of love and service to India.

***

May Lord Krishna bless you for this labour of love and service to India.


Dear Sushma jee,

Namaskar!

I am so delighted reading about Hinduism.  I must give you 100% moral support to you for the lead role and having this web site launched.  It is really good.

Only one suggestion that is if you are looking for a true representation of Hinduism then you must read and refer to Books written by a person, Sir John Woodroffe. One of the astonishing book he has written is "The Serpent Power". I think he has done better than many Hindus and touched the most of the aspects of Hinduism truly.  He came to India as a civil servant of the Queen but he was transformed to Hinduism.  He has written many books but very truly.  Hope you will read his array of books and bring it to the attention of many like us.

Thanking you.

-  From Perth, Australia.


Marvelous collections, intelligent interpretations and gorgeous illustrations, in a very natural way, are highly appreciated. A vibrant philosophy in association with nature will only survive. Your work would be inspiring to our young generations. 

Thanks for your valuable time and devotion. 

- from Canada.


Hello Sushama,

I've been following your site since the hosting at geocities.  A superb work!   I’m glad now that its hosted on a faster server and reaches broader audiences. As a gentile Hellene I pay respect where respect is due. I've enjoyed your site and learned many things about Bharat and  Hinduism.

Your articles about the Christian cultural and political invasion of India are a direct kick in the teeth for quite a number of Western Anglo - Saxons whose beliefs are more than mediocre. So I'm pleased that India has preserved its vast culture and heritage through the millenniums, your site proves so and it is dedicated to the cause.

Salutations. 

-  Peace & Harmony. -  USA.


I congratulated you for the magnificent production some months ago ( approx. 12 months) and must say my spiritual strength and resolve has surpassed every obstacle and younger day "glitches"  since the fantastic refresher your production via the web. 

My wish and perhaps a suggestion is to reproduce the tribute in CD's.

Thank you once again.


Do you have a published document of this web-site documents?  

I love your website and recommend it to many people.


 

Yamuna river Goddess.

***

I was just writing to say that I love your website - A Tribute to Hinduism.   

It is so hard to find any information on ancient India anywhere on the internet, sadly it is a topic that has been long ignored.  Even though Hindus have made more contributions to science, math, history, warfare, philosophy, than any other nation in the world. 

Your website has such an enormous wealth of information, I recommend it and give links to it as often as I can.  It is easily the best site on the internet on ancient Hindu history. 

Keep up the good work!


Hello. I like the presentation (and contents) of your Tribute to Hinduism web site. 

It inspired me to make the presentation of my Sanskrit dictionary index page.

- Received from France - June 2004


I do not know how to thank and congratulate Sushama Londhe for the great feast that she presents in Hindu Wisdom. 

It has taken me over a fortnight to read or rather run through  much of it. Yet  I have not absorbed all that I have read.. But always this will serve me as a Reference Guide – and more so, as an inspiration to which I shall turn to, frequently.


I commend you for putting together a great site. I was 14 years old when my parents dragged me to USA in 1996. And ever since experiencing some cultural gap (or struggling culturally). It is indeed a great site.

It definitely gives Hindus the self pride and awareness of their rich culture. I have been exploring this site for some time now and I love it every minute of it.


Greetings:

I am not a Hindu but it gave me great pleasure to read your website when a highly respected friend recommended it, suggesting also that I read the Song of the Hindu which is quoted therein.

It was really good to read your extensive website and I have learnt much from it. I have referred it also to my friends at Oxford and others.

Two of  my learned friends from universities to whom I referred  your website have commented that the following paragraph in your introduction to Hindu culture is well put and gives a correct picture.

“India is the world's most ancient civilization. Nowhere on earth can you find such a rich and multi-layered tradition that has remained unbroken and largely unchanged for at least five thousand years. Bowing low before the onslaught of armies, and elements, India has survived every invasion, every natural disaster, every mortal disease and epidemic, the double helix of her genetic code transmitting its unmistakable imprint down five millennia to no less than a billion modern bearers. Indians have demonstrated greater cultural stamina than any other people on earth. The essential basis of Indian culture is Religion in the widest and most general sense of the world. An intuitive conviction that the Divine is immanent in everything permeated every phase of life”. 

I endorse their view. 

I have not gone through your website in its entirety. That will take time and I have every intention of finding that time to do so. But even  now from what I have seen so far, I am convinced that your website is most interesting and knowledgeable – and a boon to every researcher .


I happened to browse through "A tribute..". 

Amazing. I am overwhelmed to see the dedication and knowledge that characterize the website. A great service from you to Hindu Dharma. 

Thanks and good wishes.


Your site is amazing. The vast information is presented in a very lucid and beautiful manner. 

Please accept my congratulations.


 

Lord Agni - God of fire.

***

I happen to see Matrix Revolutions last night and there it was the Sanskrit shalokas sung in choir format when the movie ends. 

I do not have much knowledge of Sanskrit but despite that I did not fail to recognize the shalokas and my wife said it was the sahlokas which we found on your web site right on the first page!

Thanks again for the great web site!


You have taken on a great task and I wish you all success. I liked your web site a lot. Especially the verses from the Upanishads. My humble suggestion is that you also write the actual verses " Asitoma Sadgamaya..." before translating it to English, while also providing the exact location where this verse can be found in the Upanishads, for reader reference.

I shall surely recommend your website to my family and friends and acquaintances, so that they know people do care.

In my opinion a lot of Hindus feel threatened, and most of us have reason to feel this way.


I would like to express great delight by having reading your website. 

I think you've done a wonderful job thus far on enlightening the masses about our great culture. Please refer me to more info if possible.


Namaste

Thank you for the joy your great website gives to my family and me.

Every time we see it, it is updated, and ever-fresh with new material - and always dynamic and vibrant, like Hinduism itself, which as the inspiring Song that you quote, says:

Hinduism is a movement, not a position; a growing tradition and not a fixed revelation

A Hindu must grow and evolve, with all that was good in the past, with all that is good in the present, and with all goodness that future ages shall bring   

Thank you indeed for this truly inspiring website. 

With Respect


Truly awe-inspiring and a masterpiece. Hinduism will live on and great productions like your tribute deserves only the best. 

The greatness of Hinduism and it's philosophies will live forever in spite of all attempts to humiliate, ridicule and desecrate through political or financial agendas. 

A big thank you.


Hello Sushama,

I am very interested in making a documentary film series based on the information that you have gathered. 

I am located in New York City.  Please get in touch with me so we can speak further.


Hello 

I went through the site. It is very good. I came to Spiritualism, after I suffered a personal tragedy. Than I read Bhagwad Gita and I found a path, so clear, so Simple and that gave me direction, when none existed.

I was watching some Christian channels like CBN and was horrified to find the hate they preach against Hindus. I was appalled that some of the people on the show were Indians. Hindus cannot preach hate as they believe in diversity & tolerance. Please advise us how can we counter these people.


I happened to come across the link for your website on a communist forum board where one of the members had pasted a link to your website

Your website is amazing and has loads of information which will take me many days to go through.

Ironically Today when I came across this site and was feeling all good about myself and thinking how great Hinduism was I come to know on the news that Sonia Gandhi (an Italian) has as been declared as the prime minister of India.

A nation of 750million Hindus cannot produce one Hindu to lead a country.

Fate it seems is not without a sense of irony


An excellent site with a lot of dedication and hard work which obviously shows how our religion is close to your heart.

A great effort which has left me totally speechless!

Regards,


Hi there,

I am a regular rediff.com reader and noticed a reference to the web site in an article. I just spent about 1/2 hour browsing your web site and realize that there is a lot of information in there.

I am impressed with the contents and would like to recommend it to my friends.

- From Singapore


Dear  Sushamaaji,
Vanakkam (Namaskaar)

I really enjoyed your web page and the articles in it. The Quotes from scientist impressed me a lot. 

I am a Technocrat but interested in Journalism. The younger generation of the Hindu community who live abroad (North America & Europe, Australia) do not get much opportunity understand the concepts of Vedanta and Hinduism and the treasure of Science knowledge that existed during the Vedic time. ...

We also seek your permission to use some of the articles from web page quoting reference to your web page and also the writer of the article. Many cannot read in English as such we may have to translate them into Tamil.


 

Lord Mahakala - Cosmic Time.

***

Great website....I found it while searching on the connection between Stephen Hawking's black hole & dark matter theories  ...and Shiva's navel.

from USA. 


Hello Sushama,

What a fantastic web site!!!!!
I have been developing an interest in the Vedas for a while and your web site is an incredible resource.

In a word.....Thank you!!!!


Sushma,

I loved your site, its a revelation to read what is in there.  I hope you continue the work you have been doing .

Lets hope that someday the world understands they all come from the same moral and ethical precepts, that we are all in essence the same. The things we follow and/or believe in, are essentially from the same source. I hope there is some kind of movement or organization which is exploring these sites to bring this proof to the world.


Dear Sushamaji:

I am deeply impressed by your individual efforts to bring very useful information on the web. Thanks. 

Regards.


Namaste!

Your site is wonderful, especially for a beginner--that's me.  I'm a retired librarian who has been attending Gita classes at a local Hindu Temple, and for the first time last night I stepped up during Arati to receive the blessed water and some food.

I was looking for Sanskrit transliterations of the prayers before and after our study sessions (they end with Shanti, Shanti, Shanti) and the chanting that everyone does at some point during Arati--I believe that it's immediately after the actual ceremony, but I'm not sure.  The statue that is being revered is of Shiva, if that makes a difference. I am dazzled by all that is happening, so I might be confused.

Can you direct me to a part of your site that might have that information.  If not, I'll continue to search the web and some books I have.  When Swamiji, who is conducting the sessions, comes back in two weeks from a "sabbatical" in India, I will ask him for help with this.

Thanks again for your truly amazing site!


Dear Sushama,  

Congratulations!!! Someone referred me the site.  Wonderful.  

I think we need more people like you to project the Hinduism in true sense. Best regards,


I had occasion to go through the site and found it informative and interesting. It has factual information and lots of articles not available in mainstream publications.

- From Indian Institute of Management  - Bangalore.


Dear Sushama,

Greetings! and Salutations!

I have often visited Your web site, and am Really Very Impressed. Please accept My Appreciation for putting up such an Informative Web site. The Truths about Our Great Dharma have to be Known to All, especially the coming Generation. 

I Encourage You to keep up this Great and Noble Work. And in My Own Way, I'd be glad to Help.


Dear Sushama,

It is a magnificent work of art, I know a whole lot of sweat, blood and tears have gone into writing it.

It is good to see intellectuals such as your self undertake this immense works of genius and see to it that our beloved religion, Hinduism and alive and kicking.  

Best wishes,


Thanks for cresting an excellent site about Hinduism? Sanatan Dharma. 

I hope by reading its contents and articles one can easily understand basic philosophy of the ancient religion on Earth. 

Keep doing good work!!!


 

Prambanam temple, Indonesia.

***

Hello Sushmaji:

You have done a wonderful job in compiling the great works of Hindu art. I applaud your great efforts & hard work. 

I will refer it to young generation and also to my own children who after studying in American schools are brain washed and know very little of Hinduism. They will be convinced with this presentation, the authoritative sources to go over. Virtually Indians have been flooded with Christian and Muslim writings and their propaganda to erase Hinduism. 

Keep up the good work.  All the best!


Sushama: 

I'm very delighted by going through your site.  It's really fantastic.  I was happy to see your site as well.  I'm sure I'll be spreading the word around and if there is any help you need from us, let us know.  

Thanks a lot for guiding us to this site. 


Hello Sushamaji

I see your site with great interest and have found it very educational. 

I am a Lecturer here in the UK and if I can be of any assistance do let me know.


Dear Sushamaji, Congratulations!

You have produced a wonderful website. My son sent the link to me from Ottawa, Canada. I love it.


Hi

Namashkar & Vande Mataram

Congratulations for your brilliant sites. It's resourceful, breathtaking and very informative and I am pleased to include your site in the links in my future web page.


 

Lord Shiva and family - from Bihar.

***

Dear Sushama, 

I was at your site today from my office in Braunschweig, Germany and I am here for a short visit from India. Your effort in creating the site for our ancient religion is highly appreciated. 

Please continue this effort.


Congratulations for a great job!

I too came to the US 30 years ago, and now spend all my time and resources to research and upgrade the quality of portrayal of Indian civilization in the US - and to some extent in India.


Madam Sushma,

I visit your website almost twice a week and spend hours and hours.
I feel so pleasant and sentimental and I can not explain in words your great work.


GOD BLESS YOU.

I always listen to Annamaacharya keerthanas while reading the most valuable info on your site.

You are really great!!!
God Bless you madam!!!


Your site is very good. it is surely a result of dedicated research and tremendous efforts.

Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. I am actively recommending the site to my friends and acquaintances. The content being great, you can be assured that the site will gain in popularity on the basis of its valuable research alone. 

Keep up the good work. 


This site is really great. I will add a link soon, when the new version of my homepage will be online.

I  live in the Netherlands.  Namaskaar,

- From Netherlands.


Hi Sushama,

This is a great site you have got here. I enjoyed reading it and it was very informative. I would like to give you a suggestion about one more Issue that haunts India right now.

The issue is Aryan-Dravadian Divide. British have very conveniently put in this divide amongst us, saying that North Indians are Tall, Broad Shouldered and Fair Skinned Aryans and South Indian are short, stocky and dark skinned Dravidians. They are supposed to be of two different races. Also the description of the two race has bought a inferiority complex in south Indians and Superiority complex in North Indians. And if this thing is not checked it is going to fragment our country. Our people need to be awakened to the truth that there was no Aryan Invasion. But Arya's were Indians who went out and spread our culture everywhere.

Anyway, congratulations for the excellent content that you have here.

Warm regards,


Congratulations. You have done fantastic work!! I am really happy that some one has done this. 

I will do my best to popularize your site. 

With regards.


Hi Sushama,

It is really heart burning to see the work of these Missionaries. it is great work done by you. wish I could be of any help.


Dear Sushama

I run into your very impressive web site and intend to read through it. However I have a simple and short (I hope) question to ask you and this is in relation to some work that I do that involves Hinduism and children. 

Myself I am Jewish (although non-orthodox) and practice Yoga for many years. My question is this: Approached by a young child (10-12 yrs) what a typical Hindu father will tell his child in response to question such as: "who created the world?" will he refer to a God or Gods? Will he refer to particular Book? to a particular Event? or there is no such "typical answer".

Thank you and God bless you...  

- Received from Israel.


Hi, I'm from Sri Lanka. I visited your site. And all I got say to is - It's Magnificent.  Keep it up  

- Received from Sri Lanka.


Where do the Balts fit in this? There has been numerous reports that Lithuanian is just as old or even older than Sanskrit and that the Balts were really a colony of Hindus that went as far as the shores of the Baltic. There is even evidence that the ancient Balts were the ancestors of all Europeans and originators of western civilization. There is also proof of an ancient script around the first or second millenium BC written in Lithuanian. In the Vedas it says that there has been a migration from India to the Baltic. I was just thinking were the Balts originally Hindus or even the original Hindus. 

I'm just wondering. Keep up the good work on your website.


Dear Sushama,

I have been extremely pleased to see that you captured the essence of Hinduism in a very articulate form of what it takes to do such a horrendous job and in fact with so many revisions on the contents of this site. It is truly a pleasure for me to go through new items and re-read some old ones to invigorate my soul with an Indian mind and body.  

In the cyber world you have truly attained Moksha.  

I wish our young citizens of India visit this site and imbibe its contents to learn more about our heritage and wisdom left behind for us by our Seers/Rishis/Munis of the Vedic age. It saddens me to see, experience and witness in my numerous visit that the new generation of our old country from which I migrated to U.S. over forty years ago, has lost interest and yearning to know of our values and cultural heritage we have been left behind since the Vedic period. Only time will tell how we can preserve what so little has been preserved of the Vedic knowledge left for the generations of the future. In India , Sanskrit is almost forgotten by most, if not all, and spirituality seems to be on the exponential decline. It is a shame on our Indian institutions for lack of vision and financial support! 

My hearty congratulations to you again for such a great job. God bless you and your family for such a great dedication and effort for the Hindu cause. 

Respectfully,

A Professor from Pomona , California
Received 6/7/07


Hi,

You are great!!! Your collection is extraordinary and has given me new direction, new perspective.


Sushama Namaste, 

I was trying to get some good info on Quotes from Google and your web site came up. I must say, web site has lots of good info. Presentation is nice too. 

How often do you update the website? Any plans to add actual text from our great literature?  

With regards,


Namaste,

I have been recommending this site to virtually everyone I know or don't know!!! And am waiting anxiously for the next update.


Dear Sushama,

I am a regular visitor to your website and really appreciate the wealth of information that you have in your website.

Each time I visit, I have thought of one suggestion and for unknown reasons, I have kept postponing writing to you. 

The main page contains a link to 'contents' both at the top and the bottom - but they are not clearly visible and a lot of friends who I have referred this site has mentioned it to me. If the 'contents' link was increased in font and centered in the screen for better visibility, it would really help. I am sure this will help the overall aesthetic appeal of the website. 

Keep up the good work.


Dear Sushamaji,

Namaste! First of all let me congratulate you for the wonderful website, 'Hindu Wisdom'. I just downloaded the whole site with the help of a download manager.

Frankly, the website is almost perfect in all respects, presentation, contents etc. Please accept my deepest regards for this one-man crusade (to put it in your own words!)


 

Deva-Shakti.

***

I have been frequent visitor to your site and scan guestbook also. There is no entry after 4/15;so, out of curiosity, I clicked post entry and found no response. 

Please look into your site and remove the problem. With Warm Wishes,


Dear Sushma ji,
Pranaam.

Sushma ji, I have been a visitor at your site from long, and I admire your work a lot. 

I am a young Hindu student. I am 20 years old. I have learnt not much but enough of the greatness of Hinduism which confirms my belief that Hinduism is indeed greater than just a mere religion, and it has the potential in it to solve many of the Human maladies and many environmental, economic, social problems which the world is facing today, if it is revived. Your site specially the Quotes section is superb.

I am proud of you Sushma ji. You are doing a great job to preserve this great culture of the Rishis and avathars. You will no doubt be blessed for your great efforts.

- Received in 2002


Congratulations! Sushama. 

The site has forest of factual notes and wealth of information on Hinduism. My heart felt thanks goes to your good self for the time, effort and money spent on providing this service not only to Hindus but to our other brothers and sisters who have not fathomed the depth of Hinduism. 

My prayers to Almighty God to bless you and give you all powers to carry out this mammoth task that you have undertaken. 

My appeal to others, please give her all the support and help.


Dear Sushama,

Namaste. I saw your website. It is nothing but excellent. 

You gave an enormous amount of information in it. The organization is superb.


Dear Sushamaji, 

Being a second generation Indian born in Fiji I have found your website of immense value. 

Though we kept our religion due to our being Arya Samajist still your Website gives a total overview of the Sanatan Dharma which must be known by all for world peace and harmony. 

The chapter on Swami Dayanand Saraswati need to be expanded to give a proper recognition to the wonderful work done by the Arya Samajist for the last 100 years or so in the field of education, women education, reconversion, relief work, speaking against Gurudom which is a curse in Indian Society. Never before was there a need to caution people of the ills of modern Swamis who trot the world creating rich chelas and then building air conditioned palatial homes back in India and ride in air conditioned cars while the millions suffer and become prey to conversion by Christians and Moslems on the offer of food, clothing, education, etc.  No wonder Mother Theresa was judged in a recent survey by a national paper in India as the person who contributed much to the welfare of India after independence. Even Nehru came second.  

Keep up the good work and fill the need of not only recording but also of steering the future course of Hinduism for the betterment of Humanity.


Dear and Respected Sushma Behn,

It is a joy to read and re-read your website - Hindu Wisdom.

The comprehensive presentation on your website gives comfort, solace and reassurance, and more so, knowledge.


Smt. Sushama,

I received an email regarding your new website, and visited it with some optimism. 

I was thoroughly impressed and extremely pleasantly surprised at the extent and depth of your research, and how it was presented in such a user-friendly website. With such a great resource, people researching and studying Hinduism and India will benefit immensely.

I am a young Hindu residing in Florida, USA and am very interested in the study of my country, religion and it's culture. I have, however, in and out of my current high-school education, found that most resources, especially those from the western world, contain a strong anti-India bias, and do not even mention the past glory of India's prowess. 

Most of the credit for India's achievements have been given to China, Europe and the Muslim world, and western scholars do not seem to realize that India was the source of all these great achievements. 

Therefore I respect any attempt to change this harsh colonial viewpoint, and bring to light t the greatness of India; the greatness it will regain in the future. 

I would once again like to thank you for the immense respect I have for you for bringing to the world this wonderful resource.


 

Lord Ganesha, Eastern Java.

***

Namaste.

As I have said before, your website is one of the best sources for Hinduism. You have done a superb job in not only collecting the information but also in analyzing it very well also. 

Your new design is more user friendly and appealing than ever. I thank you for all the work you are doing and wish you continued success in propagating principles of Hinduism and the greatness of India.


Sushama,

I marvel your efforts for keeping this site updated. I find something new and dear to my heart to read and enjoy this site of our heritage

The entry with Ganesha's picture is the best of all. In fact, if I could say this: It is because of reverence and devotion of Ganesha all over of India- north to south, east to west- we have sustained all the political and religious upheavals and sufferings through numerous centuries of the past. Lord Ganesha will guide us- his devotees - in many unknown ways for times to come ad infinatum!

I was in Brazil with my family during Christmas holidays. There I saw and brought with me a small Brazilian artist hand-made Ganesha Murti in there flee market at Rio. We could not believe it! Your site provides the right type of dedication to our Vedic culture that has been long due- especially for passing the information to our new generation of Indian Diaspora born in the U.S. in these culturally tumultuous times of ours.  

Best Personal regards,



Hello,

I've been searching so long for such helpful information, thank you.

 

Throw you the Gods are speaking, might peace and prosperity be with you!

 

Thank you very much!


Dear Sushama,

What an excellent site and exhaustive contents. It is an encyclopedia on Hinduism and India. Great work. I am basically a writer. I have written a few articles (well researched) on Indian art through ages. A series that is still in the making. Would you be interested in seeing if it is fit to publish on your site?  

Thank you.
All the best. Keep up the good work.

- Received August 24' 2005


Dear Madam

I am based in India I have just finished doing my MBBS and am a qualified Doctor now.

Recently, I have been exchanging emails with a like-minded person over a wide range of issues. During our talks, I became acutely aware of the need to be acquainted with my own roots and  "religion". Hinduism has never been  a religion. It is I believe, a stream of thought that has been practiced since  millennia. In the recent attacks on Hinduism as majortianism by the "secular media" and the feeble rebuttal by the people in power reinforced the  commitment to know more about the same. What all Hinduism stands for? What  exactly is spirituality? These are some of the questions that were raised  in my mind and hence the quest to know the same online.

I chanced on your web site through a search engine after browsing through other web sites. The link mentioned for Mr. Rajeev Srinivasn is proof enough for the excellence of the same. I have high regards for him since he writes for the core Hindutva. I have been following his articles on rediff.com.

Keep the good work on, Madam. I suggest that you incorporate RSS feeds (XML) so that anytime this web site is updated, the subscribers can be intimated at the same instant the material is uploaded. JAI HIND.


Hi! Sushama, 

Very often I read Maayboli. This time I found your web page. Though I did not go through ( which I wil) all categories whatever I read made me to write to you without pause. It is a great work.

More after reading the chapters.


Dear Sushama,

I would like to express great delight by having reading your website. I think you've done a wonderful job thus far on enlightening the masses about our great culture. Please refer me to more info if possible.


I am writing to appreciate your effort in creating this wonderful website. I am a Hindu by birth and hail from the Southern part of India. I reached western shores for pursuing higher Studies. For the past couple of years I am in pursuit of the truth of science and God. I had a very conflicting opinion about God and the existence of the supernatural power. 

From the excerpts from your website and from several other books about religion and cosmic science. I am so happy to believe that the religion I hail from unifies science and religion and GOD as 'LIFE'. It has been a very enlightening experience after reading a number of lectures from Stephen Hawking and books about the existence of God and science and the universe and your website has given me an even better perspective.


 

Lord Shiva_Parvati marriage.

This site will take the cause of Hinduism forward in the way that great people like Swami Vivekanand, Dr Radhakrishnan, Arnold Toynbee have predicted.

***

Dear Sushamaji,
Pranam,

I visited your site “A Tribute to Hinduism”.  It is truly a massive site and I can just imagine the tremendous amount of effort that you have put in to create it.  Please accept my sincere appreciation of your endeavour.  

It will take the cause of Hinduism forward in the way that great people like Swami Vivekanand, Dr Radhakrishnan, Arnold Toynbee have predicted.

- Received in 2000


Congratulations. You have done fantastic work!! I am really happy that some one has done this. I will do my best to popularize your site. 

With regards.


Hi there,

I am a regular rediff reader and noticed a reference to the web site in an article. I just spent about 1/2 hour browsing your web site and realized that there is a lot of information in there.

I am impressed with the contents and would like to recommend it to my friends.

 - from Singapore - 2000


How could you ever get so much information in place.... Its so huge.. I keep  on reading your information... You have done a job which is worth more than admiration and appreciation.

But one thing is for sure, reading this gives me a sick feeling of being looted of not jus my wealth and belongings.. but my identity.. We young Hindus are struggling to identify the trueness of our culture in biased surroundings... God give us the courage to be able to discover and establish our trueness asap..

 - Received in 2000


I would like to congratulate you for all the efforts you have put in  to host this beautiful, wonderful site. You have given facts which are astonishing, yet  true.

Thank you or the  great site. This site is excellent and it is much more worth  than  the  pains you have taken. Please do update new information. This is the first time I have visited  the site. If time  permits,  I will certainly view it very very very very  often. So, please do update frequently.  

Bravo!  Continue  the  work. 

 - Received October 2000.


Namaste,

Your collection was simply fantastic, and gave me immense happiness. thank you.

I am rediscovering Hinduism. Though born into it, I feel as if I have been asleep for centuries. I am studying ancient indian history (as a
hobby). I am also trying to learn a bit of Sanskrit in my spare time. By profession, I am a software engineer.

- Received in 1998.


Dear Madam,

Today is India Independence day and I wish you on the occasion.

This site is really great, and more informative than anything that I have read so far on my country. Thanks a million times this is very well done. This gonna be there on top of my favorite's list.

Regards,

- From Bangalore - August 15 2005.


Hindu Wisdom is one of the most impressive and informative sites on Hinduism that I have seen in a long time.  It is meticulous and painstakingly researched and compiled.  I am deeply touched at your logical, sympathetic and informed portrayal of traditional attitudes and their value in today’s world.  So many Indians, especially Westernized Hindu intellectuals have an inferiority complex about our culture and religion – many often run it down. 

More power to you and your efforts. 

If I can be of any small assistance in your efforts, I would be honored. 

I am taking the liberty of referring your site below to a few scholarly and like-minded friends of mine.

- Received in 2001  

 

So many Indians, especially Westernized Hindu intellectuals have an inferiority complex about our culture and religion – many often run it down.   

***


Sushamaji, Namaste. I just surfaced, at this stage superficially, your Website. My first impressions are that it is wonderful.

Generations to come will thank you for such valuable information about our heritage and gives us a sense of pride. Many thanks.

- Received in 2002



Hello Ma'am,

My few words of praise are not nearly enough to express how good your website - Hindu Wisdom is. I was really, really impressed. I was born a Hindu, and will forever be a proud Hindu. I was especially very impressed at your collection of Ancient Indian Sciences and the Glimpses of India.

Thank you very much for enlightening us all in the world's greatest, oldest, and most compassionate religion & way of Life.


Ishwar aapko sada sukhi rakhe

 

- Received September 14, 2005.

 


Dear, Respected Sushama Londhe, 

I have been an admirer of your great and fascinating website for quite some time and almost every week, I refer to it. It has also been my pleasure to refer your websites to many individuals; various email lists and a number of websites. Recently, I sent a letter to Sindhi Internet Resource which has a membership of around 6500 Sindhis spread all over the world, As many among them subscribe to various Email lists and websites, some of them, hopefully, will circulate it further resulting in my message reaching many. 

I attach that letter in full. In particular, I reproduce hereunder, the last paragraph of my letter in which there is my reference to your auspicious website:  

“The point that needs to be stressed is that while knowledge of culture is important, we should never make the mistake of losing our knowledge of our own religion...  It is our duty as responsible citizens to see to it that our children are aware of our faith and our way of life.   A Christian, a Muslim, a Sikh, a Jew wears his religion as a badge of honor but some of us are even afraid to declare ourselves as Hindus and shudder if a Song that celebrates Hinduism is to be sung.  Such has become our perversion in the misguided understanding of the concept of secularism!  So, I respectfully submit that to deprive ourselves and our children of the knowledge of our religion is a kind of suicide of ourselves and genocide of our coming generations. Here again, please do not make the mistake of considering simply some rituals and celebration of some functions as the basis of religion. You need to read Return of the Aryans carefully. Also, I want you to read a masterly website www.hinduwisdom.info."

I am having this letter reproduced on other websites including the American Institute of Sindhulogy, which also has a membership of 7,000, mostly Sindhis but around 1200 to 1500 non-Sindhis as well.  Certainly, I will be writing from time to time to many institutions, organizations and individuals about your website and the knowledge, solace and comfort it provides.

With respect.

- Received September 11, 2005.


Dearest Aatmiyajan,

This is the first time I am posting anything on this wonderful website. I am myself a final year Electronics student at the University of York in the UK, originally from Gujarat. I have been a regular and almost fanatical reader of your website. I bow to you eternally for the efforts you have put in painfully to contribute to the revival of our religion.  

Thanks to your wealth of knowledge, I have become aware of innumerable aspects of Hinduism and History of India which the so-called secularist history text book writers in the NCERT(India) had neglected. I am sending this email because of something that I came across just recently and thought it to be a point worth raising here and get some intuitive input/advise from such a learned person as yourself. It fills me with pride that I am approaching you for this purpose and God forgive me for this ahamkaar but I just cant stop thinking of Maa Saraswati in yourself. 

I think this basic education of life and religion is missing in our Hindu society and those who are learned are either sitting without any hope or are capitalising on common man's ignorance rather than helping them overcome it!

The education that I want to stress here is not that of a highly metaphysical level, but rather of a very simplistic view of our religion. As mentioned before, I am just a new starter in this direction and from all that I have learnt, I have developed the understanding that for a saadhak, it is necessary to focus her/his mind while practising rituals. The concept of All-pervading, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Infinite God is highly vague to concentrate one's mind on while doing a puja. If one does try to go ahead with the "concept" of this "niraakaar, nirguun, nitya Brahman" then also there is still a likelihood of the saadhak getting confused about the rituals and the main purpose of it all. From my newly gained understanding I think the Personal Gods represent the "sagun" aspects of the Existence and these are variedly and vaguely categorised by the Smritis, mainly the Puranas, and hence the millions of Gods we have in Hinduism. The grand Rishis of the past developed this concept to help people like me who, when newly begun on the path of spirituality, can handle ourselves in a better way so as to assist in the practice rather than getting stuck in an endless cycle of questions, most of which would be essentially meaningless!

The Supreme Lord Himself has given consent to this ideology of Personal God or "vyakt saakaar roop" in the Shreemad Bhagvad Geeta thereby introducing the concept of Bhaktiyog or "sagoonopaasna" and declaring it to be at a higher level than the "niraakaar" form of devotion. But still, if one goes by the Vedantic teachings be it Dvaita, Advaita or Vishistadvaita, one does again need something "physical" to start with and eventually through "Gyaanyog" progress in their understanding of the Absolute Knowledge or the Brahman. So either way, if one takes Bhaktimarg or Gyaanmarg, the concept of Personal God is something that one cannot do without!

Praying for the well-being of yourself and your family, I remain ever gratefully and affectionately yours,

- Received May 12 2004.


Namaskar!

Thank you so much for your wonderful website. Recently my county school board chose some poor quality textbooks (inaccurate, incomplete and slanted information about India and Hinduism) and we had a petition and the community tried to enlighten the school board. When I signed the petition I listed your website as an excellent source of information about Hinduism.

Now my most important question: Do you have a hardcopy version of your website's pages available for purchase? I think I'll run through more than one printer cartridge, which is expensive, more than buying a book! ... and I want to print it all so I can curl up in bed and really read everything on the website, then add that as a book to my collection of books on the subject. (I'm a book person.)

Bahut bahut dhanyavad,

- Received April 8 2005.


Dear Sushama Londhe, 

I find your site illuminating, and it makes sense.  For quite a few years now, I have toyed with the ideas that you present so cogently in your articles.  I think it started when I was around 17 years old, when I read a quotation from a Hindu sage (who? I cannot remember): "Truth is like a diamond, it has many facets". Prior to that, perhaps 2 years previously, I had been entranced by a book titled "Mother India"; cannot remember the author. I must tell you that I am French born and bred, but have been living in Australia since 1951.  I am now aged 80, still a practicing clinical psychologist.  So, for the last 60 odd years, I had been looking for the "Truth".  In 1979, I went to India, still searching for that Truth, and I found it.  Or, at least, my teacher opened a door on to it, preaching Advaita.  He keeps on saying: find the god within you.  

Ever since I can remember, I could not relate to any established religion, even though I was brought up in a mainly Catholic environment although my father was a (non-practising) Calvinist. It is strange, but I remember the difficulties I had making sense of what the priests and nuns were teaching us, especially as I could not see them practising the tenets they were preaching.  In other words, their hypocrisy was flagrant.  In retrospect, I do not judge them now, as they must have found it impossible to apply to themselves these nonsensical ideas that they were trying make us swallow; in particular, the concept of separation from our Source (i.e. God) and the dire consequences of "sinning".     

 

Kaliya Krishna

We don't judge, we don't condemn, because we know that "Krishna is the doer"

***

The act of helping others takes on a totally different quality and significance when it is done in the light of Advaita as opposed to the separatist and evangelical culture of established religions.  As we help others, we help ourselves because there is no separation; conversely, as we hurt others, we hurt ourselves also. This is what Prema is about, true love, expansion.  It is simple.  We don't judge, we don't condemn, because we know that "Krishna is the doer", or whatever name you choose to give God, the Source, the Father.  It does not mean that, at the level of the body-mind, we should be exempted from paying for the consequences of our actions; even if we don't pay the price now, we know that the law of karma will apply, at one stage or another.  It is unavoidable, unless we repent sincerely, and then, even though cause and effect has to manifest itself, we do not suffer as much, if at all.  I could go on talking about the wonderful, inspiring philosophy of Vedanta, but I am sure that you know more than I do.   

Are you familiar with a book titled `Vedic "Aryan" and the Origins of Civilization' by Navaratna S. Rajaram and David Frawley.  The authors, a mathematician and a Vedic scholar argue that there was no such thing as an Aryan race.  They suggest that the so-called Aryans were, in fact, Vedic peoples from the northern part of India who migrated west due to the drying up of the Sarasvati river at a very early stage of our civilisation. This is how they brought their culture to the West. Their arguments are based on compelling research and evidence.  I highly recommend this book. 

Hope I have not bored you. Yours sincerely.

- Received December 2004.


Dear Ms. Londhe

I must congratulate you on the presentation of material in your website. I notice that there is not much about materials technology of the ancient Hindus in your website. I would like to contribute an article on the DELHI IRON PILLAR, on which we have published several research papers and also recently a complete book. Please let me know how to go about it. 

With warm regards.

Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engng
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur India. 208016.


- Received December 04.


For Kind Attention Of Sushama Londhe

Greetings.


For me, it is a source of continuing pleasure to read again the the excellent collection about Hinduism compiled so magnificently by Sushama Londhe.

It was a pleasure to read additional quotations by Ambassador Alexander M. Kadakin, Sandhya Jain, Sri Chinmoy, Robert P Goldman and indeed many other distinguished personalities.

Sushama Londhe clarifies that "this site is NOT associated with any religious or political organization".  I fully believe it because in fact my
own personal view which I submit with respect and reverence for Hinduism is that Hinduism itself, in its basic beliefs and its universal message, is not associated  with any religious or political organization. This assertion may appear strange but I must refer to my all-time-favorite quotation of Bhagwan S. Gidwani, author of "Return of the Aryans" (Please see quote No. 167). Gidwani  correctly points out the Hindu Way of Life by explaining its belief that:

"Those who love their own sects, idols and images more than Truth, will end up by loving themselves more than their gods...

" He who seeks to convert another to his own faith, offends against his own soul and the will of God and the law of humanity...

"In the Kingdom of God, there is no higher nor lower. The passion for perfection burns equally in all, for there is only one class even as there is only one God...

"The Hindu way of life?... Always it has been and always it shall be...that God wills a rich harmony - not a colorless uniformity..."A Hindu must enlarge the heritage of mankind  "For a Hindu is not a mere preserver of custom...

I must also add that there is so much other material of monumental importance in this website that consideration should be given by organizations to assist  Sushama Londhe  to produce its  printed volumes  to cater to a wider and more varied readership.

My most respectful salute to Sushama Londhe for this masterly compilation which represents a great contribution to literature on Hinduism.

With respect,

- Received November 2004.


Dear Mr. Sushama Londhe, 

Your site is inspirational, and has taught me a lot.   

I have been urging family and friends to visit your website (A tribute to Hinduism), and not just browse through it but actually sit down and read/understand the information gathered for us. 

If you ever need any assistance in gathering data, information or pretty much anything random - please let me know.  It would be a privilege to contribute to a public service such as this. 

Once again, what you have done here is amazing.  Thank You for taking the time to read this.

- Received March 05.


To Sushma Londhe, my respectful greetings for the excellence of the Tribute to Hinduism. I have not seen a better, more informative and more educative site. It charms, captivates and enlightens. It has taken me quite some time to read it all - yet I shall read it again - and many to whom I am referring this site will hopefully read it too. 

I have learnt much from it. 

I am captivated by the Song of the Hindu which comes at Quote 167. With elegance, it captures the very spirit of Hinduism that excludes none and includes all.  This most ancient religion of ours has indeed a message for all time to come. 

Thank you Sushmaji

- Received May 05.


I would like to use a picture for an essay (non commercial) from your excellent site; the one with a lady worshipping tulsi (courtesy London museum). Is it ok to do so with appropriate reference to the site?

Kind regards.

Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust
Sutton, UK

- Received May 04.


 

Lord Shiva head, Angkorwat, Cambodia.

***

Hey,

Just wanted to send you a mail saying well done, I have been viewing your website for a few years now and its impressive. It's nice to see Hinduism out there for people to see.  

I'm a film maker who lives in London, UK.   

Keep going with it.

- Received 2004.


Hi, 

You have done an extraordinary job in developing the Tribute to Hinduism web site. 

Please let me know if you need financial support to maintain the site. 

Though I am not independently wealthy, I would be honored to provide some measure of assistance. 

You are providing a great service to India, all Hindus worldwide and humanity in general. 

Thank you so much. Best regards,

- Received March 04.


Thank you for putting up that informative and highly educated website. 

I have quoted you in several of my papers. I am actually doing some research on Kashmir and was wondering if I get your assesment on this pivotal issue.

U C Berkeley.
March 2003.


Dear Sushama Londhe,

It is a magnificent site!  The paisley design on the left, the presentation of each page is so amazingly done. The articles will keep me engaged for a long time. Next time I go on Sulekha, I would like to draw attention to it if it is alright with you. But it is already so good.  If anything, you could create a separate menu on Sri Aurobindo and his thought - without which no mention of India is complete, and no intellectual discourse is attractive enough.

Best regards, 


Dear Sushama-ji, 

I came across your website this morning and was delighted to see the variety and depth of content that you have gathered. Congratulations! I am sure this will serve as a catalyst in the resurgence of India that has already begun. 

For the last few years I have been associated with a project to develop programmes for television based on Indian culture from an Indic and experiencial perspective. The project is held by a non-profit trust called Mother India Foundation, and we have already created nearly 200 hours of high-quality TV programmes. Our goal also is to catalyse a wider awakening among the youth. 

If we can get enough financial support, we intend to launch as an independent channel later this year by the name of Agni Television. It will be a kind of discovery channel of Indian culture. 

Seeing your website, I felt a deep resonance of common ideals and objectives. I wonder if there is any kind of collaboration possible with your work. Do let me know. 

In any case we will publicise your website widely through all means.


Dear Maam,

We wish to compliment to you and all your associates about the development of such a beautiful and informative sites. Hindu culture is prospering because of people like you taking self imitative and keeping the flag of Hinduism High in the world. If we can be of any help please do not hesitate to contact us.

with regards


Dear Sushama, 

I have taken the liberty to set up a Google-Ads campaign, on a series of selected Google search terms to advertise your site, this will hopefully increase click-thrus. 

Google Search with the following terms, will show your website on the right panel of the page.

  Warchowskis  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  ancient philosophy  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  descartes  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  eastern philosophy  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  indian philosophy  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  matrix and philosophy  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  matrix philosophy  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  metaphysics  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  mysticism  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  perennial philosophy  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  philosophical  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  philosophy of science  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  postmodernism  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  secular  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  the perennial philosophy  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  vedanta  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  world philosophy  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "about hindu"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "about hinduism"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "about yoga"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "ancient mythology"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "ancient religion"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "arthur schopenhaur"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "buddhist religion"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "early history"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "goddess spirituality"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "hare krishna"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "hindu culture"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "hindu gods"  Normal  0  0  -  -  -  - 
  "hindu om" 
 

It will cost me approx. £10 per day.... but I feel it a worthwhile donation..  Many thanks,


Sushma Londhe

Today I visited your web site and was very impressed with your hard work. The site is wonderfully designed, is colorful, and has a lot of very good information with numerous references and hundreds of graphics!

You must have put in thousands of hours over the last six years!

Truly a magnificent feat of accomplishment. My heart felt thanks and kudos.

August 1, 2003.


Dear Sushama Londhe,

I admire your effort and sincerity in creating such a unique knowledge base website for Hindus. Your website had educated a lot of people who knows very little about Hinduism including Hindus. As many of the Hindus, they themselves do not know their own religion well, due to this little knowledge they have, they often end up seeking refuge in other religion. One of the main reason behind this is the backward community in India which was earlier (prior to 1960's) subjected as the backward class and labeled as the untouchables have gone through severe discrimination. They are the one's who can easily be converted from Hinduism to any other religion because of inadequate knowledge and wrong ideas of Hinduism. As you have taken such a great idea in promoting and educating a huge amount of the mass about Hinduism, I would suggest your ideas and effort should take a bigger role in going to the rural and poor areas of the country and sharing with them the knowledge you have. For this you can expect any help from me in terms of money and guidance, I believe any Hindu in this group of readers would also be happy to contribute their part for this good work. Thank you and once again I really appreciate your excellent contribution. 

Sincerely one among you,
A Hindu brother.

7/29/06


Dear Ms. Londhe: 

Your site is very impressive, and shows a lot of devotion, thoughtful dedication and work.  

Have you thought about later on adding some mp3 files or video clips ? Maybe some recipes ? :) 

Regards,
 - received 5/27/06


Hey Ms.Londhe! 

Great job with the site-Personally I am intrigued and inspired by your work! 

I am a Hindu myself and I have learned a lot of stuff from your site than other source in my entire life. It was just a great experience! With the help of your site I could share the knowledge of Hinduism to many, many people! Oh yeah and keep up the great work!!

Thanks and have a great day!!! 

- Received 8/20/2006 


Respected Sushama Ji 

I visited “A Tribute to Hinduism” just few days back while looking for some pictures on net for an article about our rich Hindu history, and since that day I am spending all of my free time on this beautiful site.  

I am a proud and committed Hindu and spending maximum time to my ability everyday for the strengthening, awareness and uplifting of Hinduism. Though I have read, heard and taught about our glorious heritage and culture since my childhood, but never had found much of facts and references for the same. I never found all the material on Hinduism on net in such a systematic and unique way. Your site not only provides true information on Hinduism but also makes reader believe and trust the contents. In a way your site is a biggest library on our History. You have really worked very hard and have done much more than it’s expected from every Hindu for Bharatmata.  

I am sure you have countless admirers of your great contribution towards Hinduism and I am merely one of them, but as I wrote in your guestbook, I would really feel honored if I could do anything for this ‘Bhagirathi Prayaas”, I don’t know I am worth this or not but still I would request your good self to let me know if I could help you in any manner. Just like the little squirrel for ‘Ram Setu’. 

With warm regards, 

- Received 8/20/06


Dear Sushama,

Last five days, I couldn't take my eyes and mind of your website. 

Information and explanation opened my eyes. It makes me feel proud that we are fellow Hindu's. Your work and dedication merits high marks and appreciation. I rediscovered the Hindu in me with all the Vedics and shastras that you have placed in this website. 

Myself being born as a Hindu in Greater India, studied in Britain and working another part of greater India, my knowledge of Hinduism was little but this website not only well informed me about our teachings but has also kick started my journey to rediscover Hinduism to the extend of on site visit. Simply Brilliant. 

 -  Received 10/6/06 
Malaysia. 


Dear Sushama Londhe,

I admire your effort and sincerity in creating such a unique knowledge base website for Hindus. Your website had educated a lot of people who knows very little about Hinduism including Hindus. 

As many of the Hindus, they themselves do not know their own religion well, due to this little knowledge they have, they often end up seeking refuge in other religion. One of the main reason behind this is the backward community in India which was earlier (prior to 1960's) subjected as the backward class and labeled as the untouchables have gone through severe discrimination. They are the one's who can easily be converted from Hinduism to any other religion because of inadequate knowledge and wrong ideas of Hinduism. 

As you have taken such a great idea in promoting and educating a huge amount of the mass about Hinduism, I would suggest your ideas and effort should take a bigger role in going to the rural and poor areas of the country and sharing with them the knowledge you have. For this you can expect any help from me in terms of money and guidance, I believe any Hindu in this group of readers would also be happy to contribute their part for this good work. Thank you and once again I really appreciate your excellent contribution,

- Received 7/29/06


 

Hanuman Cham Vietnam.

***

Sushama,

Thank you so much for this beautiful site where you've brought together such a wealth of information related to Hinduism. You've done us all an immense service, especially at such unhappy times when so many people are trying to go out of their way to cast our beliefs and way of life in a negative light. I hope that Hindus, Indians who have left Hinduism without really having looked into it first, and anyone else to whom Hinduism may appeal, will come and read through your site and gain a better understanding of it and of India's history. Your site might also prevent less informed people from referring to any endeavours by Hindus to retain their religion in the face of aggressive conversion activities as 'Hindu fundamentalism'. I also hope that Indian children, so used to manufactured history and impressed with a false and ugly picture of the Hindu religion by so-called 'secular' Indian schools and institutions, may realize that there are a great many good things about the religion that have been hidden from them. Perhaps your site will change Indian parents' inactive stance on this matter, and push them into positive action, so that they will either teach their children such things themselves, or help to build schools that no longer indulge in blatantly rewritten histories and mudslinging at Hinduism. Thank you greatly.

I wanted to say a few additional things. For one thing, being a Hindu means that we all realise that the entire world (and cosmos too) is part of the one universal family. One may be an Indian today, but yesterday they might have been of another nationality or ethnicity. Tomorrow we may be born into another one. We might even be born as some other creature, whether animal or plant, of this planet or from elsewhere if aliens exist. To think that this spiritual heritage is solely ours is therefore a mistake.

It is our duty, therefore, to respect all people of this world, and cherish the ultimate indestructible unity that binds us all so definitely. It is that our souls are the God within all of us, indifferentiable. The same holds for all creatures, as we are all from that same Source. In each birth, we must all seek to realise our selves further with respect to that indivisible Truth that we call by many names, and we must also work to uphold Dharma for the benefit of all our fellows in this world. To think only of our selves, of our family, of our community or our countrymen, (or our species) is short-sighted, selfish, wrong and against Dharma. It is not what the ancient Rishis taught.

Yet I do understand that we must defend Dharma within our own country also, and strive to uphold our beliefs when faced with antagonistic systems of belief (whether it be communism or destructively proselytising religions) that are out to destroy not just our historic traditions and way of life, but also the accumulated spiritual knowledge of ancestors from long ago who had grasped profound truths and have guided our beliefs.

Whilst trying to restore the eternal Dharma in our country, we are compelled to attempt to abolish all evils in the world. This includes discrimination (casteism in India, and racism, anti-semitism and discrimination against homosexuals wherever it may occur) and the attack by self-righteous religions to impose themselves on other cultures.

Casteism can be done away with in the manner that many Hindu sages in India have shown, including the Kanchi Shankaraacharya (prior to the vindictive character assassination he underwent recently). We must show our firm support for the truth that one's Varna is not determined by one's birth, but by one's behaviour and aptitude. And that all professions serve society and that all are to be equally valued therefore. We must help all Hindus to discover where their individual aptitude lies. Although foreign and internal anti-Hindu interests are making it increasingly difficult to operate (and even closing down) Hindu institutions in India that attempt to bring equality to our Hindus through spiritual education, we must keep opening and supporting such schools and temples, until those anti-Hindu interests give up.

Complete gender equality will also be restored, especially when we teach that there is no inequality among anyone.

I'd also be most grateful to see us do something for the many other ancient cultures and belief systems that flourished in this world: those of the Americas, Africa and the South Pacific have suffered greatly due to the repeated onslaught of the two monotheist missionary religions. The same that Asia is undergoing and Europe underwent before.

In Africa, the numbers of people adhering to their ancestors' ancient cultures have been reduced by their beliefs having been systematically distorted, destroyed and replaced. Wars are ravaging the continent, often sponsored by external governments and multinational companies with interests in oil and diamonds. Pharmaceutical companies are an especial cause of misery. Children and their beloved parents are dying because of these wars. Millions have been ruthlessly murdered. Somehow, we MUST find a way to prevent this, how can we live with ourselves otherwise?

Likewise, the Aboriginals of Australia, the Native Americans of both north and south America, the indigenous people of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands have also been stripped of their glorious histories and beliefs, and subsequently their rightful appreciation for their ancestors' accomplishments and who they are.

A people with no knowledge of their original traditions and beliefs are a people left without an identity, who can easily be sidelined and left to forget and be forgotten. We cannot allow this to happen. Dharma forces us act.

Because our own country is suffering repeated assaults to its spirit, we cannot do much. We are stretched even now in order to hold onto Sanatana Dharma in India. Our Kshatriya minds are comparatively small in number still. But there are other possibilities that we can employ, even in our present troubled state.

Can we not encourage all others to (re-)discover and take pride in who they are? If famous or likeable Hindus, like Aishwarya Rai, would state that they are proud to adhere to their ancestral religions, if they express our sincere admiration for the world's other indigenous cultures when going as ambassadors to visit these countries, wouldn't Africans, Native Americans, etc. also perhaps reconsider the greatness of their own identities and way of life? With a positive view of their past, it will create within them a positive vision of their future and fuel fruitful attempts to realise this. Maybe they will take strength from the fact that they are not alone, that others have resisted and continue to resist conversion, that others too find themselves in this same undesirable situation.

At the very least, can we not suggest that they set up sites that pay homage to their stores of wisdom, their cultures and beliefs? In this way, they can retain their knowledge and create a storage for future generations, kept safe and intact from the havoc created by religions bent on removing all traces of 'heathen' practices.

If they ever wanted to, they can always incorporate in their beliefs any aspects unique to Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, Shintoism, Greek philosophy, and similar, that appeals to them. Any in the world wishing to adopt Hinduism can always do so, too.

We can also, as a country or if necessary as the smaller Hindu community, protest the misfortunes that other people are bending under, until we create public awareness and international governments act to improve the situations.

As we attempt to raise the Sanatana Dharma again (as Sri Aurobindo said), and in this way raise India from its knees, we must do the same for the world. It is the essence of Dharma. Aurobindo said that India's purpose is to ever serve as the repository of Dharma for the world. We will not ever impose our religious beliefs on others, but our preserved teachings can show righteous action and inspire harmonious behaviours.

From K.A. 12/6/05


I find this a very informative site. I am aware of the developments and current research in Indian studies, and the site's collection of focus articles with appropriate references lends credibility to the effort. Having said this, I would really be delighted to see a full-fledged discussion/article on the crucial question not adequately tackled: in spite of being one of the most advanced (in technology, philosophy, basic sciences, enterprise, military capabilities, trade, politics) societies, why did the Indians fail to resist the Islamic invasions? If society was so united (with or without the smriti's!) why did it fail to protect groups, which became (willingly or under duress) converted? Why were knowledge and its culture restricted (with prescriptions like the mutilation of the tongue or pouring molten metal into the ears of an individual who is not authorized by his birth to recite or listen to scriptures) to a hereditary group? These are not questions, which can be answered by apologetics. Being an Indian myself (I never mention my family's hereditary gotra, the varna, and the sub branches which are so meticulously maintained - incidentally how will we justify the 100's of sub branches in terms of professional specialization - for my so called varna, the branches should have been identifiable with different academic subject topics! - fortunately now with the Anglicization of our names I can get away without revealing my "birth varna")  

I  have personally seen at very close quarters the deep and intrinsic contempt of people of one particular varna towards other varna's - and although always not spoken out aloud in all parts of the country, it comes out in social interactions. It appeared to me, that claiming superiority by birth protects a certain class from competition and hence engenders stagnation - as many in that so called superior varna do not in reality show any exceptional abilities as a group. What they do show, I find, is a mastery of intrigue and jealousy, an almost sure indication of mediocrity - and nowhere is this illustrated more glaringly than in the list of upper level office bearers in most Indian mainstream political parties, including the left - just a list of the surnames/patronymics will suffice. The so-called sacred thread was a symbol of studentship, worn by students of both sexes, irrespective of "varna", and even the most diehard member of the so-called superior varna will not be able to deny this (I can quote the original verses), and was to be worn again as a grihastya (jointly again as a couple) for specific ceremonies and had to be maintained properly (I am sure no member of that "superior" varna will be ashamed to remember the real reason behind Brahma's forgetting to recite the Gayatri for a particular Sandhya and Ravana being deemed as a superior Brahmin for the Akaal Bodhaana!) If Brahma himself is deemed then to be a failed or incomplete Brahmin (not good enough to bring the goddess down to earth), who is left! But everywhere in India now, the "sacred thread" is touted as a hereditary varna symbol, restricted of course only to the males. 

Here abroad, in a Puja, a very self-conscious (shall I say self-conscious of his Brahmin-ness!) fellow Indian (who claimed his right to be the officiating priest by virtue of his scared thread) once began to read off Sanskrit sloka's using only a single "s" pronunciation among other such small simplifications such as loosing the aspirations and joined-consonants and the meter. It was so irritating that I could not help but intervene and recite the relevant portions myself. I feel that there is huge perception gap between what we want our ideal India to appear to be, and what in reality it is. I also feel that India's true heritage and greatness has been usurped and hijacked and maligned not only by anti-Indians or the revealed religions but also by elements within Indian society itself. And unless we go through the process of self-criticism and discard the floss (we do have scriptural precedence - recall Arjuna's prayaschitta for failing to keep his promise of destruction during the Mahabharatha war - where even hearing one's own praise was deemed equivalent to being burnt on corn-husk fire - as well as Upanishadic prescription for not stopping in the quest, and a constant reappraisal of current knowledge, beliefs and understanding). This is a great site, just let it not accommodate the corrupt and the incapable, with the danger of a resurgence of the type of theocracy that once justified all sorts of repression and criminal greed (Do people remember the Betal-Panchabingshati story of Mana-hshii - the case of the lovesick boy being transformed into a girl so that he could stay with his beloved - and the king is advised that "Brahmin's" are by character greedy - so that the "father-in-law" of the "girl" could be bought off! - surely the author was not anti-Indian or anti-Hindu!) ranging from Gouridaan to social boycott for failing to marry off a daughter before puberty or for the mere failing to provide a grand feast for a family occasion. (I do know of myriad incidents from my ancestral area). My apologies if I have hurt anyone's sentiments, and of any error in representing Sanskrit names properly in English. Looking forward to more from this site. Regards.

- From S Roy 2/13/06 - 12:18 PM

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You wrote, following Rajaram's book that, "It was Karl Marx, not any ancient Indian sage who insisted that India had no history, and what is called history is simply a record of successive intruders. This has now become the central dogma of the Marxist school as indeed it has for the inheritors of the Eurocentric colonial thinking like Michael Witzel. This is what brings together the Indian Marxists and some Western Indologists on the issue of the Aryan invasion (or migration)." I have to say this above quotation of Karl Marx is false and taken out of context giving it an incorrect meaning. Marx wrote in his article in the New York Daily Tribune, August, 1853 that: " Indian society has no history at all, at least no known history. What we call history, is but the history of the successive intruders who founded their empires on the passive basis of that unresisting and unchanging society. Arabs, Turks, Moguls, who had successively overrun India soon became Hindooized; the barbarian conquerors being, by an eternal law of history, conquered themselves by the superior civilization of their subjects" These words demonstrate Marx's admiration for Indian civilization. He was sad, just like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda, that there no history of development of Indian culture or society written at that time in 1853. The starting point of history of India in the books written in 1850 was the Alexander's invasion of India followed by invasions after invasions. 

Rabindranath Tagore wrote in his essay 'BharatVarsa", that " in our history books we can only read the mayhem and bloodshed caused by the Mughals, Pathans, Huns, but there was no explanation how among these chaos we had Guru Nanak, Tukaram and Sri Chaitanya" Karl Marx similarly criticized history-writting in those days and went ahead to write Indian history in the way he wanted, the result of which we get the books written by Karl Marx and Frederik Engels: British Rule of India, The First War of Independence of India and The Notes on Indian History. All these books are full of admiration for India, which was compared to Italy, one of the two foundation of European civilization. He wrote: "Hindostan is an Italy of Asiatic dimensions, the Himalayas for the Alps, the Plains of Bengal for the Plains of Lombardy, the Deccan for the Apennines, and the Isle of Ceylon for the Island of Sicily. The same rich variety in the products of the soil, and the same dismemberment in the political configuration. (in New York Daily Tribune, June 25, 1853 and London, Friday, June 10, 1853).

Marx has explained how British rule has transformed India from a prosperous self- sufficient country to a country of destitute and famines. For India, it meant destruction of her self-sufficient village economies along with both Indian industry and agriculture because of the free trade with Britain, excessive tax collections and absence of any public works. Later Ramesh Chandra Dutta has elaborated this thesis of Marx in his book 'The Economic History of India', published in 1902. Dadabhai Naoroji ( Poverty and Unbritish Rule in India. First published in 1901,Government of India) in his writings and lectures in the British parliament has followed Marx's analysis of India extensively to demonstrate how India was devastated through the British rule. British historians totally reject these. Marxists historians and intellectuals of the Soviet Union have interpreted Indian history and philosophy according to the Marxian methodology and tried to relate Indian thought to that of Marx-Engels-Lenin. However, there was no insult or derogatory remarks anywhere, but praise for the ancient India and pre-Muslim period of the Indian history. Prof. Gregory Bondarevsky, the leading historian of the USSR Academy of Sciences remarked, "This country was once a pearl in the crown of the British Empire, but for me, India became a pearl in my heart". One may accuse the Soviet historians of their pro-India bias, but not otherwise. For ancient India, " The cosmic hymn of the Rig Veda is, in our view, fundamentally a realistic work with strong elements of spontaneous materialism and dialectics. The Vedic literature has a great significance for the study of the forms of social life in ancient India" [in Vladimir Brodov's book 'Indian Philosophy in Modern Times'; Progress Publishers, Moscow, 1984]. Ivan Diakonov in the book Early Antiquity (published by the USSR Academy of Sciences) has collected the works of the scholars of the Oriental Institute on ancient India, which in spirit follows the work of Ramesh Chandra Mazumdar, denounced as communal historian by Irfan Habib. About the Muslim period of India the Soviet historians wrote, describing Aurangjeb as follows: "This cold calculating politician was a fanatical Moslem and his victory over Dara Shukoh signified the advent of a policy, which stripped Hindus of their rights... Between 1665 and 1669, he gave orders for Hindu temples to be destroyed and for mosques to be erected from their debris. Hindus were not allowed to wear any marks of honor, to ride elephants etc..The heaviest burden of all was the poll-tax on non-Moslems, or jizya, introduced in 1679..." [in The History of India by K.Antonova, G.Bongard-Levin, G.Kotovsky, Progress Publisher, Moscow 1979, p. 255). 

Modern India was summarized by the Soviet historians in the following way: " Progressive thought in India in the latter half of the 19th and early 20th century is characterized by the following features." "Direct links with the historical destiny of the country, with the search for the solution of political and economic problems and for the ways of the country's democratic transformation (Dayananda Sarasvati, Swami Vivekananda, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sri Aurobindo and others)" "Anti-colonialism. Links between the theory and practice of the national liberation struggle and the condition of the masses (Vivekananda, Tilak)." "Distinct rudiments of the ideas of petty-bourgeois Utopian socialism (Vivekananda)." "The struggle between two historical tendencies, the liberal and the democratic, as an expression of two paths of the country's capitalist development, reformist and radical." " The progressive trends aimed at connecting philosophy with real life, with the practice of the national liberation movement, reorienting traditional Vedanta in such a way as to strengthen its ties with all spheres of life, private, social and international." (In V. Brodov's book, Indian Philosophy in Modern Times, Progress Publishers, Moscow, 1984) Russian historians have emphasized various popular uprisings against the British rule in 18th and 19th centuries including the revolt of the Sanyasis mentioned in Ananda Math of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the revolutionary movements in the 20th century, the role of the ideology of Tilak, Vivekananda and Tagore, the revolt of the Indian Navy in 1946; but dismissed Gandhi-Nehru and the endless negotiations between the British and Gandhi. 

On the contrary, the Western historians put extreme emphasis on the process of transfer of power from the British to the pro-British Indian and Pakistani politicians like Gandhi-Nehru-Jinnah. The historians of JNU and AMU also put extreme importance to Gandhi-Nehru-Jinnah, dismissing every other aspect of the political and historical developments of India. Romila Thaper in her book, History of India, has dismissed the Indian revolutionaries as 'bomb throwing terrorists' in one sentence. She has spent only two sentences for Subhas Bose and the Azad Hind Fauz. It is worthwhile to remember that the Soviet Union has recognized the Azad Hind Government in 1942 and allowed Subhas Bose to open a consulate in the Soviet Union; while the British has branded him as a war criminal. British historians (the best example is The History of the Second World War written by Winston Churchill) do not mention Indian revolutionaries or Subhas Bose. Thus, the Indian historians of JNU, Delhi and AMU have followed the British historical tradition, not the Marxist one.

- From Prof. Dipak Basu 4/10/06 - 2:08 AM

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Engineering constructions of such feats do not evaporate in thin air, let’s not gloat in falsehood and be content. Did we ever lead the world in sciences? No. I mean modern sciences like electronics, engineering, surgical medicine, etc. or for that matter do we even have Sanskrit names for all the scientific terms of today’s science? No. The drawing plans of Vimanas are a crude collection, far away from today’s airships and seafaring vessels which will remain as solid proofs for tomorrow's archeologists as rich finds. Sushmaji I am a daily visitor of your site and I have no intention to criticize your hard work, only agree to disagree here.  

(Editor’s Note: It is fine to be skeptical regarding Vimanas, but I would like to point out that if archaeological finds have never been unearthed, it does not mean that Vimanas did not exist. It is possible that a nuclear holocaust or more powerful weapons like the ones mentioned in Mahabharata could have wiped them out. We can only speculate as we do with UFOs and life on other planets. It is our modern arrogance and pathetic ignorance that makes us think that we so called modern, westernized human beings are superior than those who came before us in the past. It is our insecurity and petty mindedness that refuses to give credit to past civilizations. Some decades ago historians termed Dwaraka as a myth, today very few people would say that after extensive excavations have proved otherwise. India ’s wealth was legendary. Alexander the Great, told his army that they were going to “Golden India” for her endless wealth. Coming to India became an obsession with the Europeans since land route were closed to them; hence Columbus sailed and landed instead in America . India was the impetus that indirectly made this possible. John Milton the English poet wrote in a poem referring to the wealth of India . If India was not a very rich country, why would the Mohemmedans or Europeans hanker to come to India ? The former called India “a golden bird of the East” and the latter came to India “to shake the pagoda tree” or to become as ‘rich as a nabob’. Profitable trade with Southeast Asia , China , Greece , Rome and other parts of the world had made ancient India rich. We were leaders in science or else we could not have devised those mind boggling time scales and cosmology many hundreds of years before European pioneers, Galileo and Copernicus could do it and they paid a price with their lives. While the West was still thinking, perhaps, of 6,000 years old universe – ancient India was already envisioning ages and eons and galaxies.  If India was not advanced in science then how do you explain Kanaada’s theories of atom, advances of medical science like surgery, the iron pillar in Delhi and the numerals and zero etc. The computer that you are using today to type this message would not have been possible without the Indian numerals and zero. The iron pillar in Delhi is still a marvel even with today’s technological standards that we are so vainly proud of? In the words of Grant Duff British historian of India . "Many of the advances in the sciences that we consider today to have been made in Europe were in fact made in India centuries ago." Recently the United States army adopted ancient Indian catamaran (Tamil word) making technology to construct fast ships. Finally, it is necessary to realize that innumerable horrendous invasions across her borders had left India in the words of Naipaul a ‘wounded civilization’. The chapters on Islamic Onslaught (800 +years)and European Imperialism (200 years) vividly describe the trauma that Indians collectively endured. An enslaved, traumatized and conquered people do not have the luxury or the time or the resource to think of science or art.  For example, suppose there were many major terrorist attacks in UK today like 9/11 that took place in the USA nobody would think science, would they? Warm regards)

- From Govind Bhudia received 4/27/07

***

Taking pride in our glorious and rich past is fine, but to hide behind our weaknesses and blame others for their prowess is unwarranted. The west has given us a vast amount of refined knowledge, if we say (as we all claim) that they took a lot from us in the past. The reason they were in Bharat were more or less the same reasons why our kings were in Afghanistan to Angkor Wat to Indonesia Bali and today you and I are in the west for very similar reasons. Boundries of nations will keep changing for as long as humans dominate this planet. My argument was the Vimanas was this that mythology and science should not be mixed, mythology and religion can not be challenged while science can be. Some Hindu organisations claim that the Kabba is a former Shiva temple is absurd, but the chemical and atomic structure of the iron pillar can be analysed. The structure of an ancient temple can be observed and studied in its entirety, but same can't be true for the mythological figurines that cover the walls of that temple. Namaste and regards.  

(Editorial Note: How can one assume that the weapons used in the Mahabharata and Ramayana were lower destruction capacity? How could these epics describe in such vivid details the after effects of a nuclear bomb? “The survivors lose their nails and hair, and their food becomes unfit for eating. For several subsequent years the Sun, the stars and the sky remain shrouded with clouds and bad weather.” These wars of Ramayana and Mahabharata took place thousands of years ago. There could be any number of reasons. We can only speculate at this point in history.  The West has borrowed heavily from India , without giving credit and justice for her achievements. Today the West has borrowed Yoga entirely and yet does not wish to credit its origins. On the other hand, India has learnt from the West and has always duly acknowledged her debt. All ancient civilizations have borrowed ideas from each other. There is nothing exceptional about it. Your analogy of the invasions by the Mohammedans and the British is not quite right. The reasons for the British coming to Bharat were entirely different. Afghanistan was very much part of ancient India . In fact Gandhari of the Mahabharata epic was from Afghanistan . We did not invade it. In case of Cambodia and South East Asia it was a cultural diffusion. The unique and distinctive feature of Indic civilization was that this cultural expansion was NEVER one of world domination, slaughter or military expeditions. This world domination by the Europeans has had disastrous outcome in Australia , Africa and Asia . Entire native populations, ancient ways of life and cultures have been wiped out.  On the other hand, Indic presence in South east Asia was entirely one of  peaceful coexistence. Our rulers did not send expeditions to Arabia to tear down sacred temples of foreign faiths or go to Scotland to forcibly convert people by the sword to Hinduism or Buddhism. If the Mohammedans and Europeans had NOT impoverished India for the last thousand years, there would be no need for people like you and me to come to the West. People seldom leave their homes, culture and families if their country is rich and prosperous. Coming back to the Vimanas it is entirely upon each individual what he/she wants to believe in. This site is a resource/encyclopedia of collected information and knowledge. Hinduism is not against science. It has never stifled debate and inquiry. In her long history of India there has never been religious persecution or book burning and hence a great tolerance for different viewpoints. Hinduism has always had an open attitude to science. That is why Swami Vivekananda had said wisely that one day science and religion will shake hands. Regards). 

- From Govind Bhudia received 5/1/07


Editor's Note - 8/16/07

Also being asked where one is from happens to most Indians around the world no matter how many decades one has lived in the West. Many times (barring a few exceptions) it is a mere curiosity if one looks different or has different skin or eye color or mere conversational piece. When people ask which caste you belong to they are merely seeking information on your background (since caste represented occupation). People tend to feel closer to, or have an affinity to a person from their own caste or class. It does not imply disrespect but mere curiosity. It helps people put others mentally in a certain category or pigeonhole so to speak. 

Hinduism believes that the Divine is enshrined and dwells in all souls including plants and animal life. We all are sparks of the one Great Reality. Hence Hindus worship plants and animals as a reflection of the Divine. Caste system was never a tenet of the Hindu faith nor was it ever approved of in Hindu scriptures like the Vedas and The Bhagavad Gita. Caste was a social system to make society work more efficiently. The British effectively and willfully misused it further their own agenda of divide and conquer and to continue to rule India as a colony. In their racist arrogance the British even refused to acknowledge Anglo Indians as English. They caused Irreparable damage to the Hindu psyche. Caste in Ancient India was not meant to be hereditary in fact it was supposed to be based on individual’s qualities. It was pretty much a fluid system and people (including sages and saints) moved up and around depending on their personal attributes. (Please refer to chapter on Caste System). Many centuries ago, like all man made systems, it broke down, got degraded, degenerated and was abused. Thus, depending on your qualities and your abilities you should pick a caste that comes closest to your personality. By doing so this will truly and effectively reflect the wisdom of Ancient India. Hope this answers some of your concerns and Good luck with your visit to India and hope it helps to connect you to your ancient roots. 


From Aditya Kumar - Received 2/5/08

In the case of the carbon atom the electrons occupy four tear drop shaped clouds in a tetrahedron-like arrangement. These clouds represent the areas in which the electrons spend most of their time. They move so rapidly in this zone that they form a cloud rather than a specific flight path recently a number of researchers have suggested that within these clouds exist specific zones that the electrons favor. These zones form a spiral around the surface of each of the tear drop shaped clouds. This new development came into the attention of a great Indian saint and mystic. Disciples were encouraged to develop the principle as it related to the carbon atom. In deep meditation one of those disciples, who was a chemist, spontaneously realized the true significance of this theory:
The electron's high probability zone formed spiral standing waves around the carbon atom's nucleus. When this configuration was viewed from certain angles the physicist was surprised to find that the spirals formed recognizable symbols. In the first view a 3-dimensional Aumkara could be seen. From a different angle that Aumkara became a flat, 2-dimensional Swastika. The Swastika, he concluded, was actually 2-D representation of the 3-D aumkara. Rotating the model to another angle shows those symbols change into the Greek Alpha and Omega. At a cosmic level the symbols of Eastern spirituality (Aumkara and Swastika) are literally and only different aspects of the same spiritual truth that is also represented by the symbols of Western spirituality (Alpha and Omega). All people, objects and even energy itself are expressions of the same divinity that so many religions, cultures and philosophies have tried to claim exclusively as their own. The Carbon atom, by containing within it these universal symbols, demonstrates that matter is a manifestation of the same Divine consciousness experienced by the saints and sages of all history. Matter is innately spiritual. The Universe does not exist separately from the Universal Consciousness; it is a direct expression of it. Living matter, which is carbon based, must have a unique role in this expression. A saint is one who lives in eternal experience of this all pervading divine purpose. All people, objects and even energy itself are expressions of the same divinity the alpha and omega are traditionally ascribed to Christ. In India the Deity called Ganesha presides over the Swastika and Aumkara. Thank you.


- Received from Rashmi Sahu - 4/27/09

Dear Sushma ji, regards, Recently I have requested Swami Ram Swarup ji to explain to me the Vedic Mantra Ekam Sata bahuda vadanti and its real meaning, as it is quite often misquoted by half baked saints and modern spiritual gurus. His explanation is as under  

"INDRAM MITRAM VARANNAMAGNIMAAHURATHO DIVYAH SA SUPARANNO GARUTMAAN. EKAM SAD VIPRA BAHUDHA VADANTYAGNIM YAMAM MATRISHVAANMAAHUHU.   (Rigveda mantra 1/164/46).
 
Rig-Veda mantra 1/164/46 says," EKAM SAD VIPRAH BAHUDHA VADANTI," i.e., EKAM SATAM means truth is Rishis, Munis who were/are learned of Vedas, BAHUDHA VADANTI utter so many names of God mentioned in Vedas like AGNIM YAMAM MATRISHVANAM AAHUHU  meaning-the name of God are Agni, Yam, Matrishva and  AAHUHU means "says". In Yajurveda mantra 32/1 the names of God stated are  AGNI, ADITYA, VAAYU, CHANDRMA, SHUKRAM, BRAHM, AAPAH, and PRAJAPATIHI ETC, ETC, ETC. I would explain the meaning of above all the names of God in brief due to shortage of time and space. AGNI= agrini i.e., at the top or who comes first or who was before the creation and according to the said qualities, here the meaning of Agni pertains to God i.e., God is eternal and therefore exists always before the creation etc. that is why Rigveda mantra 1/1/1 says AGNIM Eedey - in the said mantra the meaning of Agni is God according to the qualities and situation. Meaning of Eedey means desire. Therefore the meaning of Agnim Eedey is, "I am desirous of God. Similarly YAM means controller of universe, Matrishva means air i.e., like the air God gives life to human beings. Aditya means which can not be broken into pieces, Chandrma means like moon God gives calm/peace, Shukram means Almighty, Braham means the superior/the biggest/the greatest etc., in the universe, Aapah means omnipresent, Prajapatihi means one who nurses the universe. So all the said meanings have the qualities of God and hence the name of God in the Vedas, but these are always uttered by Rishis Munis, who are learned of Vedas, as mentioned in Rig-Veda mantra quoted above. Therefore only Rishis Munis who are learned of Vedas, utter or tell the holy name of God mentioned in Vedas and those who do not know Vedas can never utter the above holy names of God. But the said holy names, on the other hand, are even of surprising nature to them.  

One thing more, the holy names of God in the Vedas are according to the nature, knowledge and deeds (God creates, nurses, destroys and controls the universe etc.) of Almighty God. Therefore those names are eternal and countless.  So I am not able to mention here infinite names of Almighty God being beyond imagination, beyond calculation and beyond description etc., and we have to worship the said Almighty God whose description is in four Vedas, whose study has mostly been made stopped by the present saints who were against the Vedas and speak only charming stories etc., and never tells about Vedas. Whereas the description of Vedas is in Geeta, Ramayana,
six shastras, Upnishads and all ancient holy books. The reason why the present (most of them) saints do not quote Vedas is that they do not study the Vedas, do not do Yajyen and do not obey Ashtang Yoga Philosophy mentioned in Vedas which was too adopted by Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Mata Sita, King Harishchandra, king Dashrath and their subjects/ public etc."

Further I would like to incorporate the true mantra with real meaning. It is often said spirituality has no religion etc. I would say the all forms of yoga commercialized today are based on Great Rishi Patanjalis work Patanjali Yogardarshamam on astanga yoga. He was philosopher of Vedas and as per eternal philosophy of Vedas and yoga God manifested in him. Yoga is inseparable part of Vedas and its origination itself is from Vedas .I give you mantras with meaning from swami Ram Swarup ji so that you can update your Yoga section as we should clear all the misunderstanding regarding our glorious past :-

The Knowledge of yoga has emanated from Veda. Almighty God (the preserver, destroyer and creator) is the donor of this knowledge to Agni, aadtya Vaayu and angira rishi at the beginning of this creation. Lets here from Samadhist yogi Swami Ramswarup ji about this:-
Accordingly, we must also invent that when the Earth created and to whom the theory of YOGA was taught first? And how it spread?  

In this connection learned MATTERLIC in his book "The great secret" has written,
"let us once given ear to Rig Veda, the most authentic echo of the most immortal traditions."
"Let us note now it appreciates the formidable problems."
"There was neither Being nor non-Being. There was neither atmosphere nor heaven above the atmosphere. What moved, and whither? And in whose care? Were there waters and the bottomless deep?".
"There was then neither death nor immortality. The day was not divided from the night. Only one breathed in himself without extraneous breath and apart from Him , there was nothing."
"There, for the first time desire awoke within him, this was the first seed of the spirit. The sages, full of understanding, striving within their hearts, discovered in Non-Being the link with Being "

From the above description one can conclude that at the very beginning of creation, there was God alone with the matter (Prakriti) which was to be used to create the universe. Secondly there was no death because there was no life, as death is only possible if there is life. Thirdly God created all beings like man, woman, space, sun, moon, earth, water, flora and fauna etc. All our ancient Rishis and Saints realized this truth. Now listen the authentic echo of Yajur Veda in Mantra seven of Chapter thirty-one:
"After the creation of earth and all beings ,the knowledge of four Vedas originated from the almighty, omnipresent, worshipful and venerable GOD".

Manusmiriti in its Shalok 1/23 throw the same light in this connection :-
"The God Almighty created the earth and human being . Thereafter He showered His blessings to four Rishis by generating the knowledge of four Vedas in their souls to enable the mankind to attain the stage of Arth (Finance), Dharma (Religion), Kaam (good wishes and to get happy family life) and Moksh (Final liberation )".
The same truth is seen in the 3rd Sutra of Chapter 1 of Vedanta Darshana by Viyas Muni :
" Worship the God who is the origin of Four Vedas".
Similarly Guru Nanak Dev Ji also preached: "Onkar Veda Nirmaye" Meanings: "The Vedas were originated by God."

Similarly, there are so many statements of Vedas and other Holy books where it is clarified that the Almighty God is only the origin of four Vedas, Now we come on the point that from where the Yoga Education originated. In this connection please see the contents of Mantra No 4, Chapter 7 of Yajur Veda as under: "Aspirant of Yoga should learn and practice the eight fold of Yoga i.e. 5 Yamas-Non-violence, Truthfulness, Abstaining from theft, Celibacy and not to store the articles more than the requirement (Self Abnegation)".

5 Niyams- Cleanliness, Contentment, Austerity, Study of holy books and Trust in God. Their Niyamas are also five. Then Asana, Pranayama, Pratayahar, Dharana, Dhayana and Samadhi.  Again in the above Mantra it is preached that "O aspirant try to stop internal breathing (Paranayam) to perish away the false knowledge, sufferings, ravages of hatred and tension etc. Thus remove through the power of Yoga all ills and becoming abstemious attain the Yoga property and guard it". Yoga properties are eight sidhis (will be briefed afterwards) and realization of God (Samadhi). The same description of Yoga Education is seen in several Mantras of remaining three Vedas. Some mantras Are quoted below:
(a) Rig Veda Mantra I, Sukta 93 Mandal 9 Says:- When a Yogi has control on his 5 organs of action, 5 organs of perception and mind through the power of Yoga, in this way when he does meditation, then he sees God (realize God within his soul)
(b) Same Veda's Mantra No 50 says:- O God kindly be firmly established in our hearts during the Yogic and devotional morning practices inhalation, exhalation (Pranayam).
(c) Sama Veda Mantra no 908 also states: O Omnipresent God, Thou are realized by the Yogis/Tapsavis/wisers in their hearts through the power of Yoga i.e. Pranayam and meditation etc.
(d) The God has been realizing through the eight fold paths of Yoga by the Yogis.

From the above it is learnt that the Yoga knowledge is the origin of four Vedas and thereafter spread by Rishis/Munis/Gurus traditionally from mouths to mouths and ear to ear within man kinds considering the same the most authentic and immortal tradition which one is a right and true path to worship and realize God too by overcoming sorrows /sufferings /ills and death etc, attaining the final stage of Arth, Dharam, Kama and Moksh.
So, the most authenticated, immortal and traditional knowledge of Yoga to worship God is originated from God's voice in the shape of four Vedas at the time of creation on the Earth by him. That is why Manu Samriti says "Vedo Akilo Dharma Mulam".

Meaning - the most ancient authentic and immortal echo in the shape of four Vedas is the root of all religions in the world and accordingly the origin of worshipful Yoga philosophy is also has its origin from Vedas.

Sushma ji, you must clearly put these Vedic mantras in your yoga chapter. If you require my help for further mantras I will give you just let me know. I am myself practicing yoga for 9 years, on my personal quest I have searched my Indian roots I found it is in Vedas. However, we must also do yajna (havan esp. gayatri mantra) with yoga its wonderful effect on environment, consciousness and spiritual upliftment are manifold and cannot be expressed in words. All that glitters is not Gold is truly said, the glittering West and Christianity is fascinating for a second but in longer run it will make you hollow, selfish and make you believe only in survival of the fittest. Indians especially Hindus, please don’t exchange your culture and roots for Christianity your culture has deeper meaning which teaches you to look inward not outward. OM!


- Received 4/29/09 - from Australia.

Dear Madam, A previous guestbook entry provided a rather unique view of the interpretation of some mantras. However, a couple of things I must point out here are that:

1) Ekam Sat is correct and not 'Satam'.Sat refers to reality, and the underlying reality is Brahman. As I mentioned in my previous mail, everything being the body of Brahman, only the entity named Brahman is real. Taittiriya Upanishad establishes this point - He who knows Brahman to be existing, is existent. He who thinks Brahman to be non-existent, is non-existent. Yasya AtmA sariram, says Brihadaranyaka Up. Just as the body ceases to exist without the Self, similarly, we, the body of Brahman, need Him to exist.

2) He has many names, and this indicates that everything is His body. Agni, Vayu, Indra, Chandra, Siva, Brahma, etc. are His body, and hence, any mantra that pertains to these devas also pertain to Him, who is the Soul of their Soul. Brihadaranyaka Up. emphasies this by saying 'Anganyanya Devata'...'all these devas are your limbs'. NarayaNa Suktam says 'Sa Brahma, Sa Siva, Sendra, SOkshara...' meaning, He is Brahma, Siva, Indra, AtmA, as these entities constitute His body.

The etymological meanings of these names denote His attributes. 'Rudra' refers to destroyer of misery, 'Indra' refers to one who is radiant, etc. Brahman is a term that indicates that which is great and that which imparts greatness. This can apply to Paramatma, Jivatma (Jnana is great) and Prakrti (as it can grow). The name NArAyaNa is a proper noun, and thus, is the sole name denoting the ultimate reality alone, and nothing else. (Pls. refer Sankara Bhashya on Upanishads & Gita, Sri Ramanuja's Vedanta Sangraha and Madhva's Vishnu Tattva Vinirnaya for this)

The wise see Brahman along with His attributes, jivas and prakrti as one qualified entity, and understand that all names are indicative of His attributes.

3) The Vedas did not originate from Brahman. If Brahman authored a book, it leads to a logical see-saw : God authored a book, so it is divine...God exists because the divine book says so. This is a fallacy. Thus, the Veda is apaurusheya, or unauthored by man or god. This is proven by both Mimamsakas and Vedantins on the strength of pramanas. During pralaya, the Veda remains in the mind of Isvara and after shrishti, He propagates (ie, teaches) Veda to chaturmukha Brahma (refer Taittiriya NarayaNa which says, 'I surrender before that Brahman who taught the Veda to Brahma at the beginning of creation'.

Apaurusheyatva is svatah pramana, or self-proven. An anonymous book is presumed authored because all books are known to be authored. But Veda has a tradition of being known to be unauthored and hence, the logic does not apply. This and many other points enforced by Vedantins make it a logical premise to adapt.

Mistakes are committed due to authoredness. Veda being unauthored, has no flaws.

Someone wrongly mentioned that Vedanta says that Brahman originated vedas. Actually, Sutra 1.1.3 (Vedanta Sutras of BadarAyanA) say that Shruti, ie, Veda is the source of knowledge of Brahman. This was wrongly interpreted as Brahman being the source of Veda.

Apaurusheyatva does not mean Veda is independent of Brahman. As all Veda point to Brahman, it follows that they are dependent on Brahman's will for existence, although not authored by Him. Krishna says in Gita, 'I am the knower of the Veda' and not 'I authored Veda'. He is omniscient, so He knows Veda. He did not author it.

4) Yogas specified in the Upanishad are primarily bhakti yoga. This is not popular bhakti, but a highly advanced type of meditation like pouring an uninterrupted stream of oil into a vessel. The UpAsakA purifies himself by ashtanga yoga, then adopts one of the Brahma Vidyas in the Upanishads, and meditates lovingly on Brahman. He constantly meditates on the auspicious attributes of Brahman, its all-pervasive nature, its divine form and beauty, and its defining essential attributes (satyam, jnanam, anantam, anandam, amalatvam). He also meditates on the Self as the body of Brahman.

One can choose any of the 32 vidyas in the Upanishads. Whether it is the antaraditya vidya (Meditation on Brahman as inner controller of the Sun) or Sarvaantaratma Vidya (Brahman as the Self of all, ie, everything as its body), the result is the same.

One should not think meditation is different from bhakti. Yajnavalkya says in Brihad. Up. 'The Self, my dear, should be lovingly seen, heard and contemplated upon'. Meditation on Brahman is the product of unquenchable love and desire to know the object of love even further. So when Sri Krishna says in Gita, 'My Bhakta loves me uninterruptedly' and Upanishads say 'Meditate on Brahman uninterruptedly', the meaning is the same. What is meditation, is the same as loving contemplation, when the object being Brahman is so delectable.

This Bhakti Yoga is not the generic bhakti that involves name chanting, etc. Its a highly complicated process practiced by the likes of Vashishta, Vishvamitra, Vyasa, Suka, Parasara, etc. Vishvamitra says in Ramayana that he constantly remembers the glories of Sri Rama.

5) Lastly, the Rig Veda says there was neither being nor non-being. Sat here is Being and Asat is Non-Being. Sat refers to Conscious Jivas. During pralaya, their consciousness is compressed and they are put into slumber. Asat refers to prakrti. As prakrti is always changing in its state, Asat is interpreted as non-permanent.

During pralaya, there is neither sat nor asat because the consciousness of jivas is compressed so that they become indistnguishable from matter. The result is a primordial soup which is called sukshma state. Brahman still exists (because He is changeless)and has this sukshma state as His body. Then, He thinks 'May I become many, with name and form'. Thus, new shrishti begins with Jivas and Jagat acquiring name and form. MundakOpanishad compares this to the way the spider weaves a web and draws it in. Inside the spider, the web exists in form of chemicals and outside, it acquires the form of web.

Thank you for your patience.
Servant of Sri Hari, Narayana.


Guestbook entry received from Rashmi Sahu - 6/11/09

Dear Sushma ji, Regards, Anand Ji has quoted a verse from vedas regarding creation. Swami Ram Swarup ji in his book Vedas a Divine Light - part II has explained the process of creation beautifully with the proof of manusmriti and other upnishad. The same I am quoting for everybody's knowledge and I hope it will clear all the doubts about origination of Human beings. It may be further mentioned that scientist till date are not able to create a single DNA in Lab on their own. By reading and introspecting the following excerpts from the above mentioned book by Swami ji the doubts why Hindus worship Cow will also be cleared :-

The God has very beautifully described about His process of creation in Mandal 10, Sukta 129 of Rigveda which may be discussed as under:-

"NASADAASEENNO SADAASEETTADAANEEM NASEEDRAJO NO VYOMA PARO YAT, KIMAVAREEVAHA KUH KASYA SHARMANNAMBHAHA KIMASEEDGAHANAM GABHEERAM"

(TADAANEEM) Before the creation, when there when there was period of final destruction (ASAT) emptiness [zero](NA) not (AASEET) exist i.e it was the period of of final destruction, therefore prakriti made matters of the world like sun , water, living beings, bodies etc., were destroyed but here the Ved mantra states that it was not so that there was  nothing /the situation like zero , emptiness existed there. No, situation of emptiness was not there. (SAT) visible matters (NA) not (AASEET) was i.e during that time there was no visible matters present i.e. neither emptiness nor visible were there during the time of final destruction.(RAJAHA) space (NA) not (AASEET) was there i.e the space [sky etc] matters were not there.  For example : soul will be visible when any body will be provided by God to him. Body is like a cover therefore such cover was also not there.  (KUH) where (KASYA) whose (SHARMAN) to give pleasure i.e then where and for what there could be any place to get pleasure.(GAHANAM) deep (GABHEER) effective for all concerned  (AMBHA) water (KIM) how (AASEET) did exist, i.e., then how could there exist deep and effective water? i.e., water was also not there. Effective water means all living beings need water to survive and even to grow crops etc. therefore water effects all living beings.

In the next mantra 2 it is stated:-
"NA MRITYURASEEDAMRITAM NA TARHI NO RATRYA AHNA ASEETPRAKETAHA,
AANEEDVAATAM SVADHYA TADEKAM TASMADDHANYANNA PARAHA KIM CHANAASA." (Rigveda Mantra 10/129/2)
(MRITYUHU) death (NA) not (aaseet) exist i.e during that period of final destruction death did not exist.(TARHI) therefore at that time (AMRITAM0 salvation (NA) not i.e salvation was also not there. Idea is that when death was not there, it means birth was not there ande therefore human being was neither taking birth nor dying then who would try to get knowledge  and from where to get salvation.. therefore salvation was laso not there. (RATRYAHA) night (AHNAHA) day (PRAKETAHA) knowledge (NA) not (AASEET) exist. The knowledge of day and night like the previous creation which was subjected to final destruction was , not there. (TAT) nthen (EKAM) one matter alone. (AVAATAM) did not require air to survive. (SWADHYA) existed independently  (AANEET) alive matter did exist.
Idea is at that time, when there was nothing, then an alive matter who did not require air or food to survive, did exist independently and He was ALMIGHTY God alone. Again mantra states: (TASMAT) apart from Him (Anyat) no other (KIM CHANA) nothing ( PARAHA  NA AASA) was there. Idea : Apart from Almighty God, there was nothing . The idea of next mantra 3 is (ABHOO AASEET) that there was invisible, non - alive prakriti named  "ABHOO" from which non alive universe was created . God(TAT MAHINA) from  the prakriti made Mahat  Tatva i.e  mind and then the process of whole creation began.


The above views have been well written by Learned Metterlic in his book , "The Great secret" "Let us once give ear to Rigveda, the most authentic echo of the most immortal traditions, let us note how it appreciates the formidable problem."

 "There was neither being or non being.There was neither atmosphere nor heavens above the atmosphere. What moved, and whither? And in whose care ? Were there waters and the bottomless deep?" "There was then neither death nor immortality. The day was not divided from from the night. Only one breathed in Himself without extraneous breath and apart from Him, there was nothing."   "there, for the first time desire awoke within Him, this was the first seed of the spirit. The sages full of understanding, striving within their hearts, discovered in non-being the link with being." (Rigveda Mandal 10 sukta 129 mantra 1,2,4).

The creation is eternal and automatic. There is no date of creation.Hence, as stated earlier, all the knowledge of true subjects mentioned in present holy books and science etc., is already given in the eternal knowledge of Vedas. Knowledge is given by somebody then only knowledge is attained, Based on the said eternal law, the knowledge of four Vedas emanates direct from God and is originated in the heart of four rishis as stated in Rigveda mantra 10/81/1,2.  That is why, the said fact also stated by Rishi Patanjali in his Yog shastra sutra 1/26 stating "SAHA EESHEY POORVE SHAM API GURUHU KALENANAVACHCHEDAT"  (SAHA EESHEY) THE God (API) is also (GURUHU) Guru (POORVESHAM) of our ancient Rishis because the God is (KALENANAVACHCHEDAT) is always free from the binding of death. So when public including Rishi, muni gurus etc. are dead at the time of Final destruction ( One creation = 14 Manavantars) of previous universe then, only Almighty immortal God remains. Who at the time of another creation gives the knowledge of four Vedas to the above four rishis as quoted by Rigveda mantra above.

So based on the above eternal theory of attaining the knowledge , the upnishads were written by rishis (the one who have realized the secrets of creation in heart by astanga yoga and in whose heart almighty God has manifested). Rishi Aitreeys in his Aiteeryopnishad based on the above knowledge of Yajurveda Mantra and Rigveda Mandal 10 Sukta 129 writes about the first creation of holy Cow as under:
" ATMA VA IDMEK EVAGRA AASEENNANYATKINCHAN MISHAT SA EEKSHAT LOKANNU SRIJA ITI" (ATMA VAI)The Lord of the universe, Almighty God (AASEET) was (AGRE) present first alone i.e Almighty God was present alone before the creation which was to be created after final destruction of previous universe.
(NA)no (ANYAT) other (KINCHAN) anything (MISHAT) souls having bodies i.e, there was nothing not even souls having bodies except Almighty God( Here it should be noted that souls without bodies and prakriti in its original form, when it does not create universe sun, moon air etc., get shelter within God.Both soul and prakriti, in this form, are invisible and are in the minutest form i.e, even smallest than a minute atom.]

(SAHA) the God (EEKSHAT) thought [though God has no mind and never thinks but symbolically it is said, He thought to create. That is why the, the word 'EEkSHANN' has been used by Rishi Aitreeyo. (NU) sure (SRIJAEE) to create (LOKAN) lokas i.e earth, space, celestial bodies emitting light, living bodies etc (ITI) He thought like this (Rishi has written similar views as are of Rigveda Mandal 10, Sukta 129, Mantra 1.)
Let us consider the word 'EEKSHAT', as said in Yajurveda Mantra 40/8 God is formless, so He has no senses, perceptions and mind and therefore can not think. However, being Almighty, He does all his divine deeds of the universe without body, senses, perceptions and mind etc. The Upanishad states that the God created sun. celestial bodies emitting light , earth , space etc. Then again God thought that who will take care of my Creation in the form of Lokas? Then He created three Lokas.

Then after creating food grains, forests, water etc., and as stated in shloka1/4 the God created cow first as under:
 Fire, air, sun, directions, vegetation, moon, death and water 1.e eight lokpals were created. Here symbolically, in shloka 1/2/1 the eight lokpals said to the God to create residence where they could live. Then the Almighty God first of all created holy cow, then horse and then the body of human beings. Shloka 1/2/2 and 3 states: (TABHYAHA) for the eight lokpals (AANYAT) made and brought (GAAM) COW (ASHWAM) horses and (PURUSHAM AANYAT) made and brought. Idea: The God made and brought first cow , then horse and thereafter human beings. Though the human body is stated as the best creation of God wherein eight matters live yet the cow is first creation of God and will ever remain first creation, after final destruction, in every new creation. Secondly cow is a requirement of all human beings to live upon. In the beginning of creation when there were no parents etc. then non-sexual, young creation is made vide Sukta 129 of Rigveda mandal 10 and other veda mantras. It must be clear that universal laws are always unchangeable. So it is not possible that human beings previously were monkeys and thereafter the tail vanished etc. As stated in Rigveda mantra 10/190/3 , that the process of creation in each universe remains the same. Shwetashwropnishad shloka 6/8 states that Supreme knowledge, deeds and power of Almighty God are eternal and natural (automatic). 
God has no desire of creation etc., please. He is devoid of desires. As I have told above, the creation is eternal and automatic, however the creator is God. Automatically at an appropriate time, the minutest divine power of God ( Ikshan shakti) acts in non-alive prakriti and creation starts. So one should be cleared that God even does not create the universe. He is mere efficient cause (in Hindi Nimit Karann) . and the prakriti is eminent cause (in Hindi Upadaan karann). So, actually the God is Nimit-Upadan Karann of creation.

Rigveda  mandal 10 sukta 129 states that there are three eternal matters i.e.

(a) Almighty God: Almighty God who is alive, immortal, formless, creates, nurses and destroys the universe. He never indulges in any maya, mahamaya, illusion and deeds (good or bad. Yajurveda Mantra 40/8 and Yog shastra Sutra 1/26 also refer)
(b) Soul: Soul is alive, the purest, away from sins etc. but illusion covers the soul due to which soul has forgotten his original form and hence remains in sorrows, problems etc.
(c) Prakriti: Non-alive and has three qualities. i.e., Raj, tam, Satva. At a proper time, the power of God acts in prakriti and the universe is created. So the creation is eternal and automatic. So is the case of the soul i.e., automatically srishti is created and automatically souls come in body of living beings according to good or bad deeds. Raj , tam and Satva are the three qualities of prakriti. When the said Gunas reamin idle dormant i.e. do not work, then combination of these three Gunas (qualities) in the dormant stage is called prakriti and this time is called final destruction of the universe. Rajo gunn is the sign of sensuousnessetc., Tamo gunn signifies laziness and satto gunn signifies ego, pride etc. Human body is made of above three gunnas.

God and souls are alive and eternal . From God and souls nothing is made whereas from prakriti which is non alive, Universe is created .After final destruction of the universe at an appropriate time the power of God acts in prakriti  and first matter of the world "Mahat" i.e. intellect is made. Then from intellect "Ahankar", "Panch tan matrani" , "panch  mahabhoot", Sun, Moon Vegetation and every matter of the universe is originated. God and Soul are alive matter where as prakriti is no alive.Yajurveda Mantra 31/7 clarify that knowledge of Vedas emanates direct from God at the beginning of universe. Vedas support Tretawad  (there are three eternal matters God, Soul and prakrati), Advaitwad was introduced 1220 years ago by Adi Shankracharya, vishiht Advaitwad by  about 935 years ago by Ramanujacharya, and Dwaitawad was introduced 809 years ago by Madhavacharya.

Regarding GOD Yajurveda Mantra 40/8 states :
"SA PRAYYAGAACHHUKRAMKAYAMVRANNAMSNAVIRAM SHUDHAMPAAPVIDHAM. KAVIRMANISHIPARIBHUHU SWAYAMBHURYATHATATHYATOARTHAN VYADDHACHHSHVATIDHYAHA SAMAABHYAHA".

Yajurveda mantra 40/8 states that God is "SHUKRAM" Almighty, "AKAYAM" i.e bodiless, so does not take birth, "AVRANNAM" hole less and can not be converted into any part, so soul is also not a part of God, "ASNAVIRAM" i.e without nervous system, etc., "APAAPVIDHAM" sinless and does not love to those who are sinners, "PARI + AGAAT" i.e omnipresent, "KAVIHI" omniscient, "MANISHIHI" knows thoughts of every soul, "PARIBHUHU" who keeps behind the culprits/sinners, "SWAYAMBHUHU" who is eternal/beyond death and birth/has no father, mother etc. "SHAASHVATIBHYAHA SAMABHYAH" for eternal living beings, "YATHATATHYATAH" with truth, "ARTHAN" gives knowledge of all through Vedas, "VYADADHAAT" preaches , "SAH" He is GOD.

Yajurveda mantra 32/1 reflects following qualities of God:-
"TADEVAGNISTADADITYASTAD VAYUSTADU CHANDRAMAHA, TADEV SHUKRAM TAD BRAHMA TAAAPAHA SA PRAJAPATI"
The God is omniscient, everlasting, source of divine pleasure, immortal, pure, kind supreme judge, creator of universe, bearer and maintainer of universe. He is (Agni) omnipresent, (Aditya) form of light and immortal(Vaya) has unlimited divine powers and holds the universe, (CHANDRAMA) form of divine pleasure and gives the same to the worshipper (SHUKRAM) alive and Almighty (BRAHMA) most supreme (Apah ) omnipresent (Prajapati) lord of the universe. 

In Vedas as well as in fourth chapter of Yog Shastras of Rishi patanjali, it is mentioned that those who do not believe in God are provided more and more facilities by nature and such people get spoiled etc. On the contrary those who worship God, they naturally try to kill their desires and accordingly under the law, nature, help them to follow the true path to realize God.

I hope time and again I have said all siddha yogis have stressed on formlessness of God, except Ramkrishna paramhansa who was worshipper of Durga a yogini. No one has taught any new dharma, they all have taught whatever is already mentioned in our Holy Vedas, the eternal knowledge of God. As we do not know our Vedas so there is Sikhism, kabirpanthis, etc. Only Dayanand Saraswati of Arya samaj was clear in his views and had in depth knowledge of Vedas which reflects he clearly knew God. He said Vedas are truth like our rishis/munis. Siddha's like Shri Guru/ swami Samarath have stressed on Vedas. If you read clearly their biographies and are a practitioner of yoga you will understand. In stages of Samadhi you will see Vedas in Sanskrit only not bible/kuran etc , you will only hear eternal immortal voice of God as OM called OMKAR.. Rishi Patanjali in  "Patanjali Yoga Darshanam(also called yoga sutras) 1/7" and Rishi Kapil in " "Sankhya Shastra sutra" 1/66 have said Vedas are self proof. To arrive at truth, the statement be tallied with veda. Niyananda Bhagwan has said ". He is a Jnani who has given up worldly pleasures and, by practicing yoga, seen God. Ananda (bliss) is not in what you hear. Bliss is a matter of experience. Such a man is called a Mahatma. Those who have seen earthen and stone images do not become Mahatmas. He is a Mahatma who knows himself." "What is visible is transient. It is perishable. When the mind is merged in "Bindu" and "Nada," Nirvikalpa Samadhi is attained. Our attention is then entirely towards Ananda (eternal joy). Fixing the attention between the eyebrows, the Prana should enter the holy Brahmarandhra. Here the light of lights becomes visible to the divine eye. This is Mukti. This is eternally supreme joy. This is the place where the Manas ought to dwell. This is the eternal being whence the Vedas have sprung. This is seeing Paramatman in all. This is the real place of Jivatman." OM!


Received 6/15/09

Dear Madam: 

I have always been uncomfortable with God running Hell; a torture chamber is unbecoming of God. Recently there was this video of this young woman in the swat area of Pakistan controlled by the Taliban, being held down and mercilessly whipped, as she cried out in pain. Do we really think God would be so merciless and cruel?  

Besides the laws of Karma & Rebirth seem to clash with the concept of Hell. If we are punished in hell, then how can we suffer the consequences of karma from a previous birth? Doesn’t that mean we suffer twice for the same offense? If hell is the violent way of imparting a lesson then Karma is the non-violent way.  

Let’s take an example: A kid continues to misbehave in a store in spite of the admonishments of his father. While running around the store the kid breaks a product. What is the father to do? Simply forgiving the kid will achieve nothing but then is beating him the right answer? It did used to happen a lot in the olden days – parents used to use a leather belt or a cane to discipline their children. Such cruel & abusive methods must have left serious emotional scars on the child. Either way the child does not learn to take responsibility for his actions.  

Thankfully nowadays use of such physical violence against innocent children has declined. Today’s parents are encouraged to talk to their kids and use softer methods to teach the right values to their children. The right way is to either withhold the kid’s allowance towards the cost of the product or make him do chores around the house to pay for the cost of the product. The child learns to take responsibility for his actions, learns the cost of his misbehavior and the right lessons are imparted.  

Karma & Rebirth is the such Non-Violent way. One is not simply forgiven or given a beating, but is asked to take responsibility for the acts of a prior life, and is being a second chance to make things right. Come back in a second life and try to lessen the suffering of those whom you might have wronged.  

Another example: You are driving a car at night in a dense fog and you can barely see anything. Suddenly you hear a bump as if you had hit something. Do you continue to go forward, ignoring that you might have hit someone, and leave the forgiveness or punishment to God? Or do you stop the car, attend to the person whom you might have injured, take him to a hospital & pay the cost of his hospital care? The latter is about taking responsibility for our actions and doing the right thing. This is what Karma & Rebirth allows one to do.  

Besides with Rebirth, one is given the greatest Gift of all – the Gift of Life, over and over again! Why be limited to just one life when one can receive the greatest Gift over and over again?  

So, once and for all, let’s put away the concept of Hell, a brutal, violent, abusive place unworthy of God.  

Thank you. 
Chicago , IL

 

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