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Hinduism primarily and ultimately questions the very existence of God. Is such a God there? If yes, what is His nature? Can He be known and realized? Ultimately, Hinduism comes to the conclusion that the Supreme Reality or God is actually in the way of Knowledge. It is called ‘prajñānaṃ Brahma’.

[Weekly satsangs are regularly taking place in CIRD, Malaysia where devotees and disciples listen to Swamiji’s discourses, and then discuss the topic amongst themselves. On December 9, they heard Swamiji’s talk on Hinduism. The theme gave rise to many thoughts and doubts. What is life? How should it be led? How can we get our elevation? How can fulfillment be had? Where lies the final redemption? Does Hinduism provide answers to all these? Their queries to Swamiji during the subsequent Telesatsang reflected their thoughts and aspirations.]

Q: Devotees from Malaysia: Praṇāms Swamiji. Twenty of us have gathered here today. We have a number of points to clarify. The first question is: Is Hinduism a religion or a spiritual science?

Swamiji: Hinduism was evolved on the Gangetic plains. Thousands of years ago, the world had no ‘religion’ at all. And the word ‘religion’ had not found a place in any language. Nevertheless, people started thinking, and a way of life governed by discipline, values and ideals aimed at enrichment, ennoblement and fulfillment got evolved. Generally, Hinduism is explained in this manner.

A system of morality based on the concept of God is religion. In religion, everything revolves around God and there is nothing besides God. This God is generally considered to be away from us and we are to propitiate Him and seek His blessing for our well-being.

Hinduism does not end there. Hinduism primarily and ultimately questions the very existence of God. Is such a God there? If yes, what is His nature? Can He be known and realized? Ultimately, Hinduism comes to the conclusion that the Supreme Reality or God is actually in the way of Knowledge. It is called ‘prajñānaṃ Brahma’. The word ‘Brahma’ means Ultimate Reality; prajñānaṃ means ‘Knowledge in full measure’.

What does this mean? Knowledge cannot be found anywhere outside – it is only within our own personality. If that Knowledge is going to be declared as the Supreme Reality, then what do you think of the religion which proclaims it! Many of the things in Hinduism are not based on the concept of God. We may refer to the Soul, or at times, we may talk of the Supreme Reality. But finally, everything comes down to mento-intellectual sublimity, refinement and enlightenment.

Hinduism is thus not at all a mere system of morality. It is more profound. It has got its own discipline. In Bhagavad Gita – which is accepted as a Universal Text– there are many verses where no reference is made to God. No reference is made to the Soul also. But even then, Bhagavad Gita never fails to focus on śreyas – the supreme goal, the supreme value and the supreme fulfillment in one’s life.

That is why Hinduism cannot be contained within the gamut of religions. It is not just a religion. In the Supreme Court of India there was a discussion about Hinduism. And our thoughtful judges finally opined that “Hinduism is not a religion – it is a way of life”.

There are two meanings for the phrase ‘Sanātana-dharma’. It is that ‘dharma’ or a way of life which makes the practitioner immortal, eternal. Fruition of the very practice makes the practitioner eternal, sanātana. Another meaning is: A way of life based upon the Eternal Truth. Where do you place its profundity and loftiness? Can such a system be considered as one of the so many religions of the world?

Hinduism is the science of all religions. A religion is based on the concept of God. In Hinduism this concept is explained clearly. Concept belongs to the conceiving mind. It is the mind that conceives God. Thus, the conceiver and the conceiving mind become the Truth and not an abstract or elusive God. That is why Hinduism is the science of all religions. And because it is a science, it becomes spiritual.

Another point is worth mentioning. In all Hindu practices you will find a close blend of religion, spirituality and philosophy. There is no practice in Hinduism which is not based upon rational understanding. Hindus worship the tulasi or tulasi plant. Why? It has got scientific, medicinal value. So too the vilva plant, which is also worshipped. It looks after diabetic conditions. There are many such practices based on scientific findings.

– Vicharasethu-Jan 2008