In the previous post I described Manu's basic framework for Hindu Dharma, on which I propose to hang my beliefs. In this I lean heavily on Amartya Sen's "The Argumentative Indian," not because there are no other expositions, but this is one to which I can relate.
Sen's thesis is that Indian philosophy,which covers Hindu Dharma, is traditionally based on argument and counter-argument which is much more extensive than exists in any other culture..The debate between Krishna and Arjuna, which gave rise to the Bhagvad Gita, is a shining example of this tradition.
"--Mahabharata presents, sequentially each of the two arguments with much care and sympathy--- the carnage towards the end of the Mahabharata can even be seen as something of a vindication for Arjuna's profound doubts."Scepticism, doubt and respect for heterodoxy (beliefs which fly in the face of convention) are integral to India tradition.
In the Mahabharata, after King Parikshit's Rajsuya Yagna all those assembled adjudged it to have been performed with unparalleled devotion and integrity and therefore a major success.Then a mongoose, with a body half of pure gold, rolls in the ashes of the sacrificial fire and says" No.This is not the equal of the other." Being questioned, he relates the story of a poor Brahmin,his wife,son and daughter-in-law suffering from starvation caused by an extensive drought. When they do manage to collect a handful of grain from their parched field to prepare their only meal in days, they are visited by a guest to whom, one by one, they yield their share of food.All die, Having rolled in the ashes of their cremation fire , the mongoose finds half his body turn into gold.He is still looking for a comparable fire to transform his other half.
Why did this little tale find itself woven into the Mahabharata, one wonders.Doubt and scepticism in the Hindu tradition,probably. Essential antidotes to hubris.Or is it a warning to kings to beware of sycophancy?
Agnosticism and atheism are built into Hindu philosophy as counter-arguments to be refuted.The rishi Charvaka was a strong proponent of this school of thought; and there is no doubt his views influenced others as well.
"The doubts sometime take the form of agnosticism,sometimes that of atheism----- Gautam Buddha's special strategy of combining his theoretical scepticism about God with a practical subversion of the question by making the choice of good behavior completely independent of any God."
My previous post, and my current one up to now, has given me the understanding I need to identify myself as a Hindu agnostic with a strong belief in the Hindu Dharma.
Sen's thesis is that Indian philosophy,which covers Hindu Dharma, is traditionally based on argument and counter-argument which is much more extensive than exists in any other culture..The debate between Krishna and Arjuna, which gave rise to the Bhagvad Gita, is a shining example of this tradition.
"--Mahabharata presents, sequentially each of the two arguments with much care and sympathy--- the carnage towards the end of the Mahabharata can even be seen as something of a vindication for Arjuna's profound doubts."Scepticism, doubt and respect for heterodoxy (beliefs which fly in the face of convention) are integral to India tradition.
In the Mahabharata, after King Parikshit's Rajsuya Yagna all those assembled adjudged it to have been performed with unparalleled devotion and integrity and therefore a major success.Then a mongoose, with a body half of pure gold, rolls in the ashes of the sacrificial fire and says" No.This is not the equal of the other." Being questioned, he relates the story of a poor Brahmin,his wife,son and daughter-in-law suffering from starvation caused by an extensive drought. When they do manage to collect a handful of grain from their parched field to prepare their only meal in days, they are visited by a guest to whom, one by one, they yield their share of food.All die, Having rolled in the ashes of their cremation fire , the mongoose finds half his body turn into gold.He is still looking for a comparable fire to transform his other half.
Why did this little tale find itself woven into the Mahabharata, one wonders.Doubt and scepticism in the Hindu tradition,probably. Essential antidotes to hubris.Or is it a warning to kings to beware of sycophancy?
Agnosticism and atheism are built into Hindu philosophy as counter-arguments to be refuted.The rishi Charvaka was a strong proponent of this school of thought; and there is no doubt his views influenced others as well.
"The doubts sometime take the form of agnosticism,sometimes that of atheism----- Gautam Buddha's special strategy of combining his theoretical scepticism about God with a practical subversion of the question by making the choice of good behavior completely independent of any God."
My previous post, and my current one up to now, has given me the understanding I need to identify myself as a Hindu agnostic with a strong belief in the Hindu Dharma.
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