Today is the birth anniversary of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, considered one of the greatest philosophers ever, and one of the foremost proponents of Advaita Vedanta.
It is very sad that in today's India, it is fashionable to talk disparagingly about anything and everything associated with "Hinduism." If you talk with pride about Hindus and Hindu culture, you are quickly branded as a Hindu fundamentalist. Of course, the so-called representatives of 'Hindutva' have also contributed a lot to this sad state of affairs.
But if you really care to know what the Sanatana Dharma is all about, go and learn about Adi Sankara and read his commentaries. If you keep an open mind, I have no doubt you will come back feeling proud.
There is no doubt that today's Hindu society is a mess and is very despicable just like every other society in this world. But blaming Hindu Dharma for all the ills in Hindu society is like blaming somebody else for your own sins.
Ok... I don't want this post to be a rant about pseudo-secularists. So I stop here. Otherwise, this post will never end.
There is another reason why 'Sankara Jayanthi' is so special to me. Today, Vaishaakha Suddha Panchami, also happens to be the birthday of my paternal grandfather, who has had the most positive influence than anybody on me. He passed away a few years ago but there hasn't been a single day I haven't conversed with him. He was highly knowledgable about Advaita Vedanta and led a very pious life. Remembering him today is very special to me.
It is very sad that in today's India, it is fashionable to talk disparagingly about anything and everything associated with "Hinduism." If you talk with pride about Hindus and Hindu culture, you are quickly branded as a Hindu fundamentalist. Of course, the so-called representatives of 'Hindutva' have also contributed a lot to this sad state of affairs.
But if you really care to know what the Sanatana Dharma is all about, go and learn about Adi Sankara and read his commentaries. If you keep an open mind, I have no doubt you will come back feeling proud.
There is no doubt that today's Hindu society is a mess and is very despicable just like every other society in this world. But blaming Hindu Dharma for all the ills in Hindu society is like blaming somebody else for your own sins.
Ok... I don't want this post to be a rant about pseudo-secularists. So I stop here. Otherwise, this post will never end.
There is another reason why 'Sankara Jayanthi' is so special to me. Today, Vaishaakha Suddha Panchami, also happens to be the birthday of my paternal grandfather, who has had the most positive influence than anybody on me. He passed away a few years ago but there hasn't been a single day I haven't conversed with him. He was highly knowledgable about Advaita Vedanta and led a very pious life. Remembering him today is very special to me.
