By: M.V. Kamath

Scores of books on Hinduism have been written in the past and, no doubt, many more will be written in the years to come. What exactly is intended to mean by "Hinduism"? The word did not exist in Vedic times. Nor when Sankara wrote his great treatises. Nor when Madhava (13th century) propagated dwaita or Ramanuja elaborated on Vishishtadwaita. It encompasses rites, rituals, philosophy, lifestyle, myths and mythology, the whole works. When Nirad Chaudhuri was asked to write a book on Hinduism by Oxford University Press, his reply was that he had always intended to do so on his own, only, he had been kept at bay "by The magnitude and complexity of the subject". In the end he did write on the subject but there are many who have disputed his version That if one may say so is par for the course. In the last one hundred years, several books have been written on the subject and they include some of the greatest names, in our times, names like Swami Vivekananda, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Dr, Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, the sage of Kanchi, Swami Chimnayananda...to name a few. Amongst the foreigners who have written knowledgeably about the philosophies of India can be mentioned Heinrich Zimmerr David Frawley's Hinduism: The 'Eternal Tradition' is a recent addition to the list which deserves close attention.  In other words for the inquiring mind there is an entire library of books on Hinduism lo read and digest. Then what makes R.V. Bhasin's The Essence of Hinduism special?

The first thing to realize is that this is not a fully philosophical treatise; it does not presume to give a commentary either on the Vedas or Upaniahads, the Gita, or previous commentaries thereon. What it covers is in short the entire gamut of what generally goes by the word 'Hinduism' within known and accepted parameters, briefly, concisely and meaningfully spelt out by him. It is not the dinner; it is surely a good appetizer It should egg one on to do more, and profounder, reading. The sub-ject as the author understands it himself has been well put for the special readership, who indeed will benefit enormously from this book. The book is divided inlo two sections. The first section is informative and deals with the basic ingredients such as Dharma, Smrili and Shruti, Yoga and the Gunas, Gods and Goddesses, the Gayain, and religious festivals. Vedic philosophy is also briefly discussed. And this is augmented by an introduction to Neo-Hinduism, to the Bhakti Movement and to some of its great propagators like Ramand (14lh Century), Kabir (15th Century), Namdeo, Nanak, Vallabhacharya, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Mirabai.

Section II goes into science and spiritualism, time, space and causation, the three states of consciousness, the world as we see it (perception), the much misunderstood concept of Maya, the theory of re-incarnation and the essential attributes of human conduct. Importantly, the book places Hinduism in its historical contest to present a holistic view of the subject. The book will serve very well all modern Hindu families. The author claims to have been moved by the thought that Hindu children whether in India or in the great Hindu diaspora know so little of Hinduism and are all-too-often misled by the rantings of the secularists who never cease to run down the religion and what it is and what it stands for Hinduism is not taught in schools at any stage; primary, lower or higher secondary. That is considered in conformity with the state secularism. Religion, according to this diktat, should only be learnt at home, if then, the sad part of it all is that Hindu parents are, alas, often ignorant of their religion, and can only relate it to some feasts and festivities, whether it is Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, or Diwali. Beyond that they may speak vaguely of 'Maya and Punarjanma'. They quote Manu Smriti, ignoring the fact that we now do not go by Manu Smriti but by the Hindu Code. This book therefore is apt for its excellent summarized content and it is timely for the intended readership.

The essentials of Hinduism are little understood. It has lasted despite murderous assaults made on it over the centuries by invasive and  alien religions. That, surely, is reflective of its strength and relevance for all  people al all times. The author in his daily contact with Hindus from all stations in life was deeply moved by the prevailing ignorance among the people of what their religion is all about. It is to correct this lacuna that he has struggled to prepare this brief survey.

(Should that make you happy, that I shall do)
 

M.V. Kamath
Former Editor of The Illustratated Weekly of India
 

R.V.BHASIN
The Author

 

FOREWORD NO. II

By: B.N- Srikrishna
Chief Justice
 

The name is as ubiquitous as its origin and nature. Scholars say that an ancient civilization flourished in the upper Indian valles of seven rivers known as “Saptha Sindhus”. Under the Irano-Gre-cian influence, 'Saptha Sindhu' became "Haptha Hindu", ulti­mately, tht civilization itself came to be known as 'Hindu'. ‘Hin­duism' is a compendious word, of recent origin, to describe the ideas and ideology of that civilization, which later spread throughout India. Its connotation transcends mere religious and encom­passes the very way of life.

Catholicity is a unique feature of Hinduism, lt does not have one God, one book, or one dogma. It is incomparable in its ability lo imbibe ideas and doctrines from all over, assimilate and adapt them as its own. "Aa no bhadrah kratavo yantu vishwatah" ('may auspicious thoughts come to us from everywhere¹) is its credo. Believer and non-believer, theist and atheist, mundane and spiritual, are equally accommodated in its fold. Its apparently con­flicting, yet singular, nature led lo its fascinated study by einent western scholars, unity in apparent diversity is its attraction. It defies exact definition. It has many faces, each with its own al­luring charm, none of which represents the whole.

I have read with interest Mr_. Bhasin's book, The Essence of Hinduism. As the author says in the preface, the book is mainly intended to cater to  the youth, largely westernised or brought up abroad, with no moorings in Indian culture and thought. For them, it could serve as a catalyst to excite their curiosity lo learn more to discover their roots.

To a scholar of Indian History, culture or Shastras, several state­ments made in the book may be unacceptable; some may even be open to dispute or debate. Debate and dissent arc certainly welcome. "Vaade vaade jayate tattvabodhah" ('From debate is born true knowledge'). To the person unacquainted with Hinduism, the book offers an overview. The author's efforts would be amply rewarded if that happens.

B.N- Srikrishna
Chief Justice
 

The Hon'ble Chief justice of Kerala High Court, Shri B,N Shri krishnaji is not only a legal luminary but he is also a brahmagyani, knowing much about Hinduism, its philosophy and history. A foreword by such a person is an acknowledgment ofthe quality of this humble publication, which will perhaps serve its intended purpose.

R. V. Rhasin
The Author

 

CONTENTS OF THE BOOK