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Showing posts from January, 2019

“Punya” - there is no equivalent word in English.

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PUNYA   ( Sanskrit : पुण्य ) is a difficult word to translate; there is no equivalent English word to convey its exact intended meaning.  It is generally taken to mean following according to the context it is used. saintly                  virtue                    holy                      sacred pure                      good                     meritorious          virtuous righteous              just                       auspicious            lucky favourable            agreeable             pleasing               lovely beautiful               sweet                   fragrant                solemn   festive   PUNYA  is the outcome of doing prescribed works, and  PĀPA , the prohibited. All works pertaining to the body, to the mind and to speech are  karma , the good and bad with reference to actions make for  punya  and  pāpa  respectively. Punya  ( पुण्य ,) is referred to as good karma  or a virtue that contributes benefits in this and

“Religion” is not the exact translation of word “Dharma”.

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“Dharma” & “Religion” are not equivalent. Dharma  (Sanskrit:  धर्म ) is a key concept with multiple meanings in Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and others. There is no single-word translation for  dharma  in Western languages. In Hinduism,  dharma  signifies behaviours that are considered to be in accord with the order that makes life and universe possible. Following meanings are mentioned in various dictionaries for the words Dharma & Religion.  Meaning of word “Dharma” Meaning of word “Religion” duties rights laws conduct virtues custom cult model quality order right way of living path of life things a person must do as their religious and moral duty In Buddhism,  dharma  means "cosmic law and order". faith belief divinity worship creed teaching doctrine  theology The belief  in and worship of a God or gods, or any such  system o

Scriptures & Guru Are Necessary Says Bhagvad Gita.

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What is the importance of spiritual master and scriptures in our daily lives?  What does Bhagvad Gita say on the necessity of Guru or acharya and holy books? For spiritual practices to bear results they have to be executed under the guidance of an  Acharya  or spiritual master. Spiritual practices cannot be performed on the basis of the views and votes of ignorant public. The spiritual master is a person who knows the intricacies of scriptures. He must be equally competent to teach them to his disciples.  Excerpts from Bhagvad Gita are presented so that readers can make their own judgment on the importance of scriptures and spiritual master.      From Chapter 4 Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth. From Chapter 13 “Aacharyopasanam”  (Follow the teachers who instruct by personal c