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A note from the famous writer Jayamohan:
In 1980’s, during my college days, despite half of us in the student population being Hindus, we used to see intense proselytisation efforts by both Christians and Muslims, who accused us of having only rituals & practices;
A note from the famous writer Jayamohan:
In 1980’s, during my college days, despite half of us in the student population being Hindus, we used to see intense proselytisation efforts by both Christians and Muslims, who accused us of having only rituals & practices;
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they continued to debate against & tauntingly accuse Hinduism of lacking any Scriptures, all the while gloating that they had revelations from their Gods as Scriptures for themselves.
they continued to debate against & tauntingly accuse Hinduism of lacking any Scriptures, all the while gloating that they had revelations from their Gods as Scriptures for themselves.
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Then, none of us Hindus had any significant understanding about any Hindu Scriptures. We also lacked philosophical grounding & spiritual depth in our religion. We were also led to believe that there wasn’t much to boast about such contents too.
Then, none of us Hindus had any significant understanding about any Hindu Scriptures. We also lacked philosophical grounding & spiritual depth in our religion. We were also led to believe that there wasn’t much to boast about such contents too.
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In this background (of weakness amongst Hindus regarding knowledge about Hinduism), we also had another enemy joining hands with these Abrahamic faiths - the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK). The latter continued in the same aggressive vein as the former two - picking easy holes ...
In this background (of weakness amongst Hindus regarding knowledge about Hinduism), we also had another enemy joining hands with these Abrahamic faiths - the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK). The latter continued in the same aggressive vein as the former two - picking easy holes ...
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in the narratives of the Puranas, using a modern lens: the simplest one, for example, being the birth of Ayyappan, the Lord of Sabarimala, to Shiva & Vishnu. Their line of “rationalist” argument was if Ayyappan was born of Shiva & Vishnu,
in the narratives of the Puranas, using a modern lens: the simplest one, for example, being the birth of Ayyappan, the Lord of Sabarimala, to Shiva & Vishnu. Their line of “rationalist” argument was if Ayyappan was born of Shiva & Vishnu,
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... he (Aiyappan) was a product of that homosexual union. This implied that they were challenging the trio of their divinity.
None of our religious or spiritual leaders had the depth to counter these accusations & frontal attacks.
... he (Aiyappan) was a product of that homosexual union. This implied that they were challenging the trio of their divinity.
None of our religious or spiritual leaders had the depth to counter these accusations & frontal attacks.
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They had gotten too immersed in the rituals & practices, and while being given to the Puranic narrative, they lacked a perspective that considered the modernity of society.
They just seemed out of depth.
They had gotten too immersed in the rituals & practices, and while being given to the Puranic narrative, they lacked a perspective that considered the modernity of society.
They just seemed out of depth.
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I had queried about these “rational” questions to Thirumuruga Kirupaananda Vaariaar, an esteemed spiritual guru, to whom Lord Muruga was the prime figure in the pantheon of Hindu Gods. All he had to offer was “Pray to the spear of Lord Muruga, which will save you”.
I had queried about these “rational” questions to Thirumuruga Kirupaananda Vaariaar, an esteemed spiritual guru, to whom Lord Muruga was the prime figure in the pantheon of Hindu Gods. All he had to offer was “Pray to the spear of Lord Muruga, which will save you”.
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Despite this despondent situation, there were other, not so well-known, folks who had a solid Hindu grounding on philosophical traditions and spiritual knowledge. They, however, were known within a small circle of devotees, and to popularise them & take their knowledge ...
Despite this despondent situation, there were other, not so well-known, folks who had a solid Hindu grounding on philosophical traditions and spiritual knowledge. They, however, were known within a small circle of devotees, and to popularise them & take their knowledge ...
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... to the multitude, there was a marked absence of media and organisational support. It was an arduous task to take the next steps to create Hindu organisations.
It is in this context we should consider the so-called “corporate” gurus.
... to the multitude, there was a marked absence of media and organisational support. It was an arduous task to take the next steps to create Hindu organisations.
It is in this context we should consider the so-called “corporate” gurus.
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Particularly, Jaggi Vasudev, Vedatri Maharishi & Sri Sri Ravishankar. The resounding shrill echo of Late DGS Dhinakaran (of Jesus Calls Ministries) challenging Hindus to think if they had any Scriptures at all comes to mind vividly now.
Particularly, Jaggi Vasudev, Vedatri Maharishi & Sri Sri Ravishankar. The resounding shrill echo of Late DGS Dhinakaran (of Jesus Calls Ministries) challenging Hindus to think if they had any Scriptures at all comes to mind vividly now.
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Today in that same ground, where DGS uttered those words, Jaggi Vasudev attracts thousands as devotees to his teachings on Patanjali Yoga Sutra and Upanishads. The wheels of time have indeed turned.
Can the same anti-Hindu rhetoric be directed at a Hindu Youth today?
Today in that same ground, where DGS uttered those words, Jaggi Vasudev attracts thousands as devotees to his teachings on Patanjali Yoga Sutra and Upanishads. The wheels of time have indeed turned.
Can the same anti-Hindu rhetoric be directed at a Hindu Youth today?
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Amazing Yoga Sutras, Deep Philosophical Treatises and Incredible Epics are all very much a part of Hindu faith is the answer, I am confident, which a single boy, if not a handful, will be able to present to nullify the derisive question.
Amazing Yoga Sutras, Deep Philosophical Treatises and Incredible Epics are all very much a part of Hindu faith is the answer, I am confident, which a single boy, if not a handful, will be able to present to nullify the derisive question.
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Not just that, the same boy is likely to add, there are Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Yoga Vashishtam and Upanishads to contend with as well would be a further rebuttal.
However, it is pertinent to note that we have taken nearly 20-years or more to reach this level of confidence ..
Not just that, the same boy is likely to add, there are Patanjali Yoga Sutra, Yoga Vashishtam and Upanishads to contend with as well would be a further rebuttal.
However, it is pertinent to note that we have taken nearly 20-years or more to reach this level of confidence ..
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... and that too, on the back of a massive organisation like Jaggi’s.
In Nagercoil, around 8 years back, a meeting by DK saw one “rational” leader ridiculing Ayyappan, as narrated above.
... and that too, on the back of a massive organisation like Jaggi’s.
In Nagercoil, around 8 years back, a meeting by DK saw one “rational” leader ridiculing Ayyappan, as narrated above.
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A young boy, all of 18, stood up & said “Shiva is Yog Shakti, Vishnu is Bhog Shakti - both united to give birth to Ayyappan. This is a symbolic representation of the truth. This approach of defining the truth & disseminating the abstract is prevalent across all faith systems..
A young boy, all of 18, stood up & said “Shiva is Yog Shakti, Vishnu is Bhog Shakti - both united to give birth to Ayyappan. This is a symbolic representation of the truth. This approach of defining the truth & disseminating the abstract is prevalent across all faith systems..
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... So please stop blabbering”.
The black-shirt DK man, in a desperate attempt to hide his embarrassment, had to shift goal posts and said “Bro, I think you should also read Robert Ingersoll, Karl Marx and Periyar EV Ramaswamy”....
... So please stop blabbering”.
The black-shirt DK man, in a desperate attempt to hide his embarrassment, had to shift goal posts and said “Bro, I think you should also read Robert Ingersoll, Karl Marx and Periyar EV Ramaswamy”....
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To which, pat said the boy, “Sir, you seem out-dated. I recommend to you Joseph Campbell. Also something about Semiology. Learn how the science of signs works and then come along, let us talk; till then, as I said, don’t please blabber”
To which, pat said the boy, “Sir, you seem out-dated. I recommend to you Joseph Campbell. Also something about Semiology. Learn how the science of signs works and then come along, let us talk; till then, as I said, don’t please blabber”
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Pleasantly surprised, I called him over and I learnt that he had been taught by Jaggi Vasudev in Nagercoil a response for the same question that the DK man posed. That is when the respect for these “corporate” gurus climbed multiple notches in my mind.
Pleasantly surprised, I called him over and I learnt that he had been taught by Jaggi Vasudev in Nagercoil a response for the same question that the DK man posed. That is when the respect for these “corporate” gurus climbed multiple notches in my mind.
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This is what is a corporate set-up. I too can share the right responses for various deliberate & pointed questions. They might at best reach 50,000 people. The reach, however, of Jaggi’s organization will be viral, enabling such teachings to reach 5,00,00,000 or more people.
This is what is a corporate set-up. I too can share the right responses for various deliberate & pointed questions. They might at best reach 50,000 people. The reach, however, of Jaggi’s organization will be viral, enabling such teachings to reach 5,00,00,000 or more people.
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The anti-Hindu brigade has had a 50-year head-start. EVR went fund-raising travelling village to village. Thulabharam (or donations by donee’s weight) was another favourite tactic of his. Using those funds, he created fiery orators and they went about “evangelising” people...
The anti-Hindu brigade has had a 50-year head-start. EVR went fund-raising travelling village to village. Thulabharam (or donations by donee’s weight) was another favourite tactic of his. Using those funds, he created fiery orators and they went about “evangelising” people...
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Even today, that group of DK followers is a very strong and politically backed establishment, far more mightier than the organization that Jaggi Vasudev is putting together.
On the other side, the proselytising religions are also massive in their set-up.
Even today, that group of DK followers is a very strong and politically backed establishment, far more mightier than the organization that Jaggi Vasudev is putting together.
On the other side, the proselytising religions are also massive in their set-up.
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Wealth, Power, Connections, Espionage, Honey-traps: all are fair game & are available at their disposal. It requires another equivalent organization, fantastically powerful, determined & capable, to dismantle their messaging, falsehood narratives & deliberate hatred ...
Wealth, Power, Connections, Espionage, Honey-traps: all are fair game & are available at their disposal. It requires another equivalent organization, fantastically powerful, determined & capable, to dismantle their messaging, falsehood narratives & deliberate hatred ...
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The small beginnings have been made in the organisations set up by Jaggi Vasudev & Sri Sri Ravishankar. But these are not going to be enough; we need more.
Already these organisations are facing the brunt of lies & vitriol being directed at them ...
The small beginnings have been made in the organisations set up by Jaggi Vasudev & Sri Sri Ravishankar. But these are not going to be enough; we need more.
Already these organisations are facing the brunt of lies & vitriol being directed at them ...
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... by the forces supportive of the proselytising faiths, while also being tolerant about the corruption within & taints on these "faith" machines.
There is a reason for such desperate mud-slinging - it is not a Dharmic Discussion or Faith Face-off. It is panic.
... by the forces supportive of the proselytising faiths, while also being tolerant about the corruption within & taints on these "faith" machines.
There is a reason for such desperate mud-slinging - it is not a Dharmic Discussion or Faith Face-off. It is panic.
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One example should suffice to substantiate the panic - the media support for & tentacles of these proselytisers. The number of channels and programs that carry their messages can’t be easily counted.
One example should suffice to substantiate the panic - the media support for & tentacles of these proselytisers. The number of channels and programs that carry their messages can’t be easily counted.
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Look how wonderfully they are networked and how much of money is being poured in towards that side of the messaging efforts!
Jaggi or Sri Sri, unfortunately, don’t have a full-fledged & powerful TV ministry yet.
Look how wonderfully they are networked and how much of money is being poured in towards that side of the messaging efforts!
Jaggi or Sri Sri, unfortunately, don’t have a full-fledged & powerful TV ministry yet.
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Probably they don’t have funds as much, yet. (I believe we must contribute as much, and very quickly, for them to be able to get started).
The pertinent question here, however, is why does the so-called rationalist group refuse to accept these organizations (Isha or AOL) ..
Probably they don’t have funds as much, yet. (I believe we must contribute as much, and very quickly, for them to be able to get started).
The pertinent question here, however, is why does the so-called rationalist group refuse to accept these organizations (Isha or AOL) ..
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.. as opponents worthy of engagement (or association) like they have adopted their proselytising cousins from the Abrahamic faith?
.. as opponents worthy of engagement (or association) like they have adopted their proselytising cousins from the Abrahamic faith?
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I offer a simple answer:
That Youth, I talked about, in the Ayyappan meeting 8 years ago in Nagerkoil, who responded heroically, thus blunting their false & farcical rhetoric - it is him (and folks like him & the truth carried by him) they are petrified about !!
I offer a simple answer:
That Youth, I talked about, in the Ayyappan meeting 8 years ago in Nagerkoil, who responded heroically, thus blunting their false & farcical rhetoric - it is him (and folks like him & the truth carried by him) they are petrified about !!
AF
The original essay belongs to Writer Jayamohan - @jeyamohanwriter
#WhatsappForward
As said in the Tamil original, I subscribe to these thoughts of Jayamohan Sir !!
The original essay belongs to Writer Jayamohan - @jeyamohanwriter
#WhatsappForward
As said in the Tamil original, I subscribe to these thoughts of Jayamohan Sir !!
AH
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