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Speaking of Hindu dharma, Swamiji tells us that Hinduism is a way of life and not a religion. In religion, God is at an infinite distance and is invisible. Dharma is a lifestyle that we have evolved, which is practical and relevant at all times.

Vedas begin with karma Kanda–where there are prescriptions for elaborate Yagas and Yajnas. The end part of the Vedas are the Upanishads which are a source of knowledge. Every aspect of Vedic life is meant to reform, refine, attune, sharpen and brighten our own external and internal faculties. Our Hindu dharma clearly focuses on reforming, refining, attuning and enlightening our personality at different levels. This is the way of life that we have. It becomes a great cultural, self-disciplining and self-reforming and refining practice and pursuit. This is what is recorded in our Prasthāna trayam.

Prasthana Trayam is intended to take us to the ultimate goal of human life. Prasthana Trayam constitutes Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita. We cannot doubt the authorship of the Prasthana Trayam. Not only were they written, but were studied, pursued and perfected. The Vedas still exist because a few people in every generation passed them down to the next generation. The knowledge continues to exist becuase of the fidelity, tenacity, and loyalty of the people.

Epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana are intended to make people aware of the four-fold goal of human life–dharma, artha, Kama, and moksha.

PR 28 Jan 2013