Hindu Dharma

Introduction
If we think of Hinduism in a limited context, we may think of it as a religion and then whoever is born in that religion is considered a Hindu, that is, a Hindu by birth or a JanmaHindu. However, Hindu Dharma is in reality an attitude; it is far more than a religious ideology. This article goes by the definition of Hindu given in the Hindu holy text the 'Merutantra', which essentially shows that to be a Hindu is an attitude.

1. Definition
Sattva, Raja and Tama:

The three subtle basic components of sattva, raja and tama are the very fabric of creation. Unknown to modern sciences, they permeate through all living and non-living, tangible and intangible things. The vibrations emitted by anything are dependent on the predominant subtle basic component. It also influences the behaviour of all things. The proportion of these components in human beings can only be changed by spiritual practice.In the holy text the 'Merutantra', the word ‘Hindu’ is defined as 'Hinani Gunani dushyati iti Hindu' means that which destroys or dushyati the inferior raja-tama components or gunas (subtle spiritual components) Thus, to be a Hindu is to follow a way of life that enhances the spiritually pure sattva component and sattva predominant qualities like love, humility, courage, expansiveness, and overcomes the spiritually impure raja-tama predominant attitudes like anger, attachment, jealousy, greed, lust and pride.

1.1 Hindu by birth and action
One can be a Hindu by his actions (karmas) or birth (Janma).
Karma Hindu -> is a Hindu by his deeds and qualities or spiritual components
Janma Hindu -> is a Hindu by birth.
Since to be a Hindu is an attitude, a KarmaHindu is a true Hindu. He is Hindu by action and thought, a follower of Dharma and spreads Dharma, that is, a sattvik or spiritually pure way of life.

1.2 Saints on who is a Hindu
Sometimes, people who would like to follow the Hindu way of life or be called Hindu, inquire about ritualistic procedures, such as Diksha to convert into Hindu Dharma. We also hear from time to time about people being accepted into Hindu Dharma after such rituals are performed by Hindu Dharma authorities. Here we present some teachings by Hindu Saints on who is a Hindu

His Holiness Sree Gulabrao Maharaj from on who should be called a Hindu:

"One who accepts the Vedas, Vendangas, Puranas and related sects, and one who has been born in a traditionally Hindu family.
One who sincerely accepts the above (the Vedas, Vendangas, Puranas and related sects) is also called a Hindu by initiation (DikshaHindu).
One who does not accept any of the above two, but has only been born to Hindu parents is merely Hindu by birth (Janmaartha Hindu or JanmaHindu).
The best definition is if both factors are present (as in point a. above), but if only one of the factors is present (as in points b. and c. above), I consider the definition of a Hindu by initiation to be superior."

His Holiness Kane Maharaj on the definition of a Hindu:

"One who despises raja-tama predominant, inferior attitudes, and the resulting inferior physical, verbal and mental actions,
One who is immersed in a sattva predominant attitude and hence, one who considers worship of the divine (spiritual practice) as the sole purpose of life and attains God-realization, and
One who follows the matchless path (Karmayoga) to guide society (in spiritual practice)
should be called a Hindu. This is an expansive definition of the word Hindu. Thus, Hindu is a spiritually pure (sattva predominant) attitude. It means to be a seeker (sadhak) of the divine."

Source: forum for hindu awakening

http://www.forumforhinduawakening.org/

Labels: dharma, diksha, divine, hindu, holy, karma, karmayoga, Know your Dharma, raja, ritual, sadhak, saint, saints, sattva, seeker, spiritual, tama, yoga