I have been thinking recently about our state of temples. They have changed their forms from being cultural and binding factors to just business centres. mostly people who are visiting the temples are doing mechanical things. how can we revive the temples as discussion forums for arts, culture, social responsibilities from being just "transactional" in nature. there are satsangas being organized in the temples, but they just follow the bhakthi movement. how can we revive usage of sanskrit, learning of vedas, and then to create a more responsible generation than ours? ideas are welcome...
There is little doubt some will try this with the Vedas as well, in my opinion. Already missionaries try these things in India.
ReplyDeleteCorrect observation. The problem with pseudo scholars is that they try to repackage and sell it back - instead of practicing and benefiting from ancient teachings from Sanatana dharma, Tao, Buddhism, Shinto etc. So ultimately all their efforts towards learning these ancient teachings are for the materialistic benefits and not spiritual growth. Thus they stoop down much lower than the ordinary people the so called followers who these people lead !. On the other hand, I know many westerners met some in Ramanashram and in Rishikesh, who are really serious about their spiritual growth. Such people are the real beneficiaries of these ancient teachings - this attitude applies to Indians also
ReplyDeleteThose are important points you make. The western mind is interesting in the fact that it believes itself supreme too often. Certainly there are some sincere westerners, but regrettably there is a much larger number that believe themselves enlightened within a week or two, or book or two that are anxious to explain Hinduism to India. I personally believe India is too trusting of the western mind and in this trust looses sight of western samskaras that permeate the mind of the westerner. thus has given birth to an almost Christian/Hindu dogma in the west that bares little resemblance to either of the traditions.
ReplyDeletePerhaps in this millenia thats how Sanatana Dharma transforms itself and relearns its roots. There is a saying that by sharing happiness you will be happy. As long as there is some one who shares the knowledge just for the sake of it, they will get benefited as well.
ReplyDeletePerhaps, but according to the teachings all of this will be governed by the Kali Yuga, and it does not set forth a rosy picture, but likewise people can change it to a degree, but currently things fit more according to the teachings described for the Kali Yuga. It is likely we are in an ascending cycle of the yuga, but this will quite long.
ReplyDeleteYou can see some of this in the 'Parashara Smiriti'. Though this covers some rules for Brahmins, one can glimpse into problem areas as well. This should be available as a free download online.
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