Isvara, Gods, Guru and Human Being

A small clarity on Isvara, Gods, Guru and Human Beings

There is always a doubt among us on the following:

1. Who is Isvara?

2. Who are these Gods?

3. Why do we need Guru?

4. As Human Beings, what should be our attitude towards the above all?

I am not an authority to describe Isvara. Infact, I have not realized Isvara. But, if someone asks me if you believe Isvara, then, I would say, I don't believe Isvara. I know that he Exists. When I say, I don't believe, for some of you, a doubt arises. How can a person know, when he do not believe? The answer is - the word "belief" is a beaten to death word. In fact, there is in most cases - "a blind belief". A blind belief can be there for a person who do not have capacity to learn about Isvara. But, when we have the time, opportunity and right attitude, the question of belief that someone has talked very positively about Isvara and hence we have to believe is out of question. Hinduism is our way of life. Since times immemorial, we have followed a "Sampradaya" to pray God or Goddess without questioning the source. However, as the time is passing by and while India is unfortunately evolving as a Secular Country, the credibility of Hindu Legacy is doubted not by other followers of religion but by our own Hindu Millennial Generation. 

The young generation is not so comfortable to pursue daily worship or follow rituals as per the Hindu tradition. The biggest challenge for Hindu Parents is to teach the young generation the spirit of Hindu Religion not as they learned but how the young generation can learn. The Puranic stories from the Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavatam may be treated as myths or fiction by the young generation. Hence, there is a need by the Hindu Religious Institutions to bring the essence of Sacred Texts and position them in such a way that a Young Scientific Mind will try to pursue knowing the truth without doubting the text. 

The purpose of the article is to give some of my insights on Who is Isvara, Gods, Guru and how a Human Being should know the spirit of the three eternal concepts. But, as I mentioned in the earlier paragraph that, it is our prime responsibility to teach the young scientific mind about the spirit of any Hindu Ritual. Hence, I wish to offer the insights or Dharma behind some of the rituals we experience in our Hindu way of life.

1. Why should we go to a Temple?

Discussion: Since ancient times, Temple is regarded as place of learning. During ancient times, people visited temple not just to look and pray at the idol, but, also clarified some of their personal issues from the priest who stayed in the temple for long hours. It is important to know that the Priest is not just a wage earner who stays in the temple to offer "Prasadam" to the devotees but, the so called "Priest" is a Scholarly Person who devoted time and energy to learn the Vedas from the Guru Sampradaya. The Vedas elaborates the energy permeated in the Universe. Hence, the Priest, during the 3 "Sandhyas" (Morning Sandhya, Afternoon and Evening Sandhya) offers prayers to the Supreme Energy permeated in the Universe. He doesn't think for anything else other than deeper contemplation of the supreme source of energy. He is called as "Brahmin". Brahmin is the person who wants to know "Brahman" (the supreme source of energy). Brahmin is one of the four Varna's. The other three are Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra. In Bhagavat Gita, Lord Sri Krishna mentioned it very clearly that, the Four Varnas did not evolve on the basis of BIRTH. But, Lord Sri Krishna emphasized that Varna is based on the "Gunas or Karma's" that a person does. 

There is a myth in the society that Brahmins by and large dominated the Vedic Learning. However, the truth is any person from any Varna is eligible to learn about "Brahman". Let me share with you a story about what Hindu Puranas authoritatively mentioned about Vedic Learning. This story is one of the many puranic stories which emphasize that Varna's are based on the Gunas and Karma (activities that a person does) and not just based on the birth. 

The Story of Satyakama Jabali

Satyakama was the son of a woman named Jabali. He had a strong wish to study and so he left home in search of a guru. He went to the ashram of sage Gautam and requested him to make him his pupil. Gautam questioned him, "Before I make you my pupil, I need to know about your family." This puzzled Satyakama, as he had no idea about his family except his mother. But to join the ashram he would not lie. He told the sage that he would ask his mother. So he went to Jabali. His mother told him, " Go to the sage and tell him that her Mother doesn't know who her Father was. 

Jabali went back to Sage Gautam bowed with respect and said - "My mother said to tell you that her name is Jabala and my name is Satyakama – and I know nothing more about my family," Satyakama explained without fear. "So I am Satyakama Jabala."

Sage Gautama was happy with the Truthfulness of the Satyakama and appreciated his mother for teaching his son to be Truthful. He agreed to teach Satyakama about "the knowledge of Brahman".

There are many instances like this which proves that our Sanatana Dharma doesn't bias people basing on birth. For example - the followers of Hindu Religion regard "Ramayana" & "Mahabharata" as sacred texts. There are legends about Valmiki who authored Ramayana. It was known from the legends that Valmiki before becoming the "Rishi" was a road-side thief. Sage Veda Vyasa has authored Mahabharata and Bhagavatam. Rishi Vyasa was born to a fisher-woman. What caste does fisher-woman represent in today's context? Did our Hindu Dharma reject the sacred texts by looking into the background of Rishis? Absolutely not! 

The word "Sanatana Dharma" means Sanatana = eternal and Dharma = Righteousness. The land of Bharat believed in the Sanatana Dharma which was there since times immemorial, which is there now and which will remain after. If God is regarded as one, then all the faiths should merge into that "Oneness". If for instance, monotheistic religions emerge out of an "Individual" who is regarded as "Saviour", even then these monotheistic religions should converge into the "Absolute". Every sacred text which comes out from the faiths, should not be the end by itself but should direct the intellect of the devotees to the "Absolute" who is beyond our sensory capacities. Hindu Religion believes that "the Purusha", the absolute, has permeated in all living and non-living beings. Hence, in Hindu Religion, mountains, trees, snakes, rivers, rocks are worshiped. People who are new to this religion or those who do not know the spirit of Hindu Religion may feel embarrassed by observing people praying a snake or a rock or a river. But, the attitude is that Hindus see the "Absolute" in all which includes "Saviours" from other religions. 

Advaitha (no second), is the philosophy offered by Adi Sankara. The principle of Advaitha says that there is no second but everything boils down to "Oneness". From that "One", "Many" are manifested. "Avidya" or "Ignorance" hinders us to know that Truth. It is our Duty to know the Truth by conquering "Avidya".  

Let's come back to our mainstream question about "Why we need to go to Temple". We discussed that the Temple Priest is a scholarly person and always contemplates on "Brahman". His mind is filled with the "Truth" and nothing else. In his Prayers, he invokes the Gods and seeks the Almighty to Save his Country and Countrymen from Evil and Bless the Country and King with Prosperity. 

The Vedic Prayer after invoking all the God's goes like this --

"Sarve sujana Sukhino Bhavantu

Sarve jana Sujano Bhavantu"

&

Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu!

The prayer meant that - All men (both genders included) who are practicing Dharma or struggling while practicing Dharma should be protected and allowed to be safe. Alternatively, All men who are going away from practicing Dharma or moving away from being Dharmic should be transformed to be Good. Finally, the prayer ends by saying - "The entire Loka and beyond should be Safe and Protected by the Grace of Almighty". 

Isn't it profound to know that Hindu Dharma extends its prayer not just for the safety of its own members but the safety of all people on the land and elsewhere in the universe? Hindu Dharma embraces all people from different sections of the society. There should not be any doubt from any other community that their religious interests will be at stake. If we look at the world right now, Christians are not safe in USA due to Terrorism from ISIS. Muslims cannot peacefully follow their religious rituals in communist countries like China. The Dalai Lama, a Buddhist Monk, who earned Nobel Peace Prize, is banned in China. Likewise, many ethnic sections may not have the privilege to exercise their Freedom of Religion safely in other countries except in India, the Land of Bharat. 

The Constitution of India made it very clear that India follows "Secular" principles for Religious Harmony. A Hindu in Pakistan cannot get justice in Pakistan court due to his minority status in Pakistan. A Muslim cannot offer his prayers in public places in China. Yet, a Buddhist, a Jain, a Christian and a Muslim can preach and practice his religion just like any majority religion practices. The Supreme Court in India protects the interests of minority religious institutions. 

As Jiddu Krishna Murthy, a great philosopher from Madanapalli, Andhra Pradesh said - "Truth is a pathless land". Which means that there may be many faiths, but finally, the destination is "One". Hence, Bharat is the only place in the world where religious harmony is assured. However, due to softness in the laws of constitution there are times and even now when people from outside took interest to disturb the rich secular fabric of India. Missionaries from the West are engaged to convert as many people as possible to Christianity. The question is - Is India short of religions? Or is it true that Christianity is failing in West? The goal of a missionary is to help the weaker sections of the people recognizing their needs. There is no need for conversion from one faith to another. A simple question is - by converting we assure that "God is not that...But, God is this..." It is foolish to say that God is only that "Single Person". When a God is not that, How can a God be this? It means that by few ignorant people for fulfilling their vested interests or to disturb the rich fabric of Bharat, they resort to such kind of cheap tricks. Why can't the individual be left to his judgment with regards to his Spiritual Interests? Why can't people be left alone to their own Conscience to know the Truth?  By offering commercial incentives with an assurance that innocent people get converted, is it right on the part of concerned religious heads to encourage conversion? What does the Sacred Text say? Does it say that - Let all people believe "Me and only Me"? If those who do not believe me, I order, "Convert them or kill them"? If the religious text says the same, then we should doubt the basic philosophy of that religious text. And, I am confident that no religious texts say anything like that. Hence, the problem is not in the religious texts, but, in the people who are involved to disturb the secular fabric and the institutions that support for the undesirable cause.

So, a Hindu Priest, while always contemplating on the almighty and seeking for peace is gifted with the knowledge of "Vivekam" (discrimination between right and wrong). Hence, people approach the priest in the temple to take a decision that favours the family interest. 

The Second reason for visiting a temple is to know its Archaeological Significance.  How the temple was constructed?What material was used? What special features are there in the temple to appreciate the craftsmanship of the sculpture. Not only that, the temple is a representation of the culture of the region and temple expressed the value and significance of the king through "Sasanas". Hence, there is more than the religious sentiments to know from a temple. There is no doubt that an Idol of a specific God is installed by following Agama Sastras. People visit to offer their prayers to the Idol in the Sanctum Sanctorium. The prayer offered to the God is in a way showing gratitude to the invisible force which is taking care of the devotees well being.

2. Who are these Gods?
Discussion: The Shastras mention that after the creation, the One Absolute, has appointed Gods such as - Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, Yama, Rudra's, etc to manage the creation. Hence, devotees do Yagnas or Homams to please the Gods and seek "Phala" for healthy living in the society. Unlike Monotheistic Religions which disregard "Idol" worship, Hindu religion follows Idol Worship but doesn't stop there. Worship in Hindu Religion is a Process. To know and experience the "Absolute" requires deeper contemplation of the "Truth". It's not so easy given the fact that Human Being's Mind is engulfed with Manas (Mind), Buddhi (Intellect), Chittam (consciousness) and Ahamkaram (I'ness). Proper training of these faculties to know the "Absolute Truth" will result in "Yogam" (the relationship with the absolute). Ancient Rishis or Sages moved away from the daily living (distractions), wandered in forests and established Ashrams to have solitude and achieve the state of "Yogam". Rishis could achieve Yogam but, in the current worldly affairs, its not possible to still our mind for a minute. When a Mind cannot be stilled without any thought, how is it possible to imagine the "absolute" by an ordinary person. Man is not just Rational, but also an Emotional Human Being. He loves to speak and express his desires. Hence, for the sake of devotees who could not pursue 'meta-thinking" capabilities to know the Brahman, Hinduism came out with "Forms" that characterize the "Divinity". Every name that is meant to a God is not just a name but an important quality of the God. When we say, Vishnu Sahasranama, it doesn't mean that Lord Vishnu has 1000 names. Sahasra not only indicates 1000, but also means unlimited. Every "Nama" is a quality of the Diety. By chanting the name of the diety, the Devotee is trying to gain the quality of the Diety in himself. As a matter of Truth, Sanatana Dharma says - "Aham Brahmasmi", I am Brahman. Every individual born on this planet is "Brahman". The individual has to discover this truth in his life time. Hence, when we chant the qualities of the Deity, we are actually knowing or recognizing our own qualities. Once, we fully become aware of the divine inherent qualities within, we cease to exist. Our life ends, but our living continues. 

3. Why do we need Guru?
Discussion: When Isvara, created this Universe by providing all the necessaries of life sustenance. We know this fact, people in stone age lived their life as wanderers, living in the jungle and eating whatever then could get from the nature. But, the conditions have changed. Yet, there is enough in the nature to be offered to the mankind by the grace of Isvara. Isvara, when he created human being, he was given all the necessary abilities for our own development. Philosophically speaking, Isvara made us understand that - What we sow, so shall we Reap! Which means that if we do good, we receive good and if we do bad, we receive it as well. Good or Bad are called "Punyam" and "Papam". Whatever Man, enjoys in this material world, is because of his Good Deeds (Punyam) and the suffering is because of ill deeds (Papam). As Hindus believe in re-birth, hence, the suffering that I experience today, might not be from the same time period of existence, however, the suffering can also because of accumulated from previous birth. Hence, by knowing the cause of suffering, we should not attribute the cause (good/bad) to Isvara. He left us free and we can determine our own fate. 

If Isvara is not the cause of our actions, then for what is he meant for? This needs a better understanding. Every being on Earth carries his life in fulfillment of his desires. But, if any being thinks beyond the normal desires of life and contemplates on supreme knowledge in an anticipation that life for him is trivial and curious to  know above the materialistic living, then the role of Isvara is essential. Isvara, will now has to incarnate himself as a "Guru" at a right time, at a right place, and thus offer the Wisdom of Life and Beyond to those beings who are qualified enough to know about life, living and beyond. The Guru, who is none else than Isvara, will take a human birth and live an ordinary life. He with his discourses and activities will set an example to the ordinary about the Art of Living. The Guru can recognize the being's internal state of preparation on the spiritual aspects and will set a path that will help the being to finally achieve the Truth. The Guru also recognizes the factors that hinders the spiritual journey and offers the devotees the essential wisdom to understand the factors and take control over them. 

To summarize, We Need a Guru, to raise our spiritual awareness and lead us to the Truth. We should Pray Isvara to grant us such Guru. In our normal prayers to Isvara, we should pray about something what Isvara has the capability to offer us. It is our ignorance that we seek in our prayers - a house, a bride/groom or job or house and the list goes on. But, is Isvara who has created the Universe of Universes to help us with a job or a hourse? Absolutely not. Hence, our prayers should be more than what we are capable of doing. So, according to my Guru, Sri Sivananda Murthy Garu, we should pray Isvara like this -

Oh Isvara, Let People of Bharat Live in Peace and Harmony
Let Bharat achieve Prosperity
Let the people of Bharat follow the Dharma 
Let the people of Bharat Unite towards safeguarding and protecting its country from negative internal and external forces
Let the people of Bharat protect the Nature (also the natural beings in the nature such as trees, animals, rare species etc)
Let Bharat be the Moral Leader of the World.

The above is a small prayer which only Isvara can bestow us. At an individual level, I cannot think of achieving it. I can do a Dharmic activity at a micro level. But, can I get assurance that all will follow the way I am doing! Hence, let me do my duty and seek the support of Isvara at a Macro level. Once, an individual prays for the good of Society, Country and World, automatically, Isvara will take care of our responsibilities. Hence, our prayers should be at a higher level that will support Isvara's objective.

With this I end this elaborate article.

Sarve sujana sukhino bhavantu
Sarve jana sujana bhavantu
Om Santi Santi Santi