Hinduism and Srikrishna

Everybody knows that there is no single human authority accepted by all the Hindus nor has there been any movement to create such a central authority. There is also no ecclesiastical or hierarchical binding authority in Hinduism. In spite of all the above considerations, there is a definite body of knowledge and common themes that can be clearly identified as Hinduism. This core of knowledge and practice that is common themes can be clearly identified as Hinduism. The Risis or Vedic seers function as a binding force. Authority resides in the Risis, and there are several of them. Rather than vie for a complete monopoly on wisdom, these Risis respect one another and work collaboratively. Risihood in Hinduism is knowledge-based, and such knowledge can be cultivated. But methods of science and logic may be applied here. This knowledge is progressive and dynamic, capable of continuous development. The Risis can also cultivate supernormal faculties and are very important in Hindu tradition.

Festivals, ceremonies and rituals are integrating and uniting force in the Hindu tradition, pilgrimages and temples play the same role. There is a huge literature of stories, mythologies and legends that affect the imaginative man. There is also integration at the conceptual level. At this level, many systems of philosophy are developed. The classical philosophies like Nyaya, Vaisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta come under this category. "Again, there is no conflict over holding the single, universal truth. Rather, each system is recognised and respected by the others."

Hinduism encompasses an entire civilization and way of life that has evolved since the dawn of human civilization. The Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad-Gita and the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata play an important role in the development and practice of Hinduism. These, the ancient holy scriptures of the world, uphold the eternal truth of the eternal existence of the supreme Lord Srikrishna. "Owing to the eternal will-to-communicate the God descends on earth to re-unite His Joyful Self with His created beings." Essentially God manifests Himself in human form to crush and annihilate worldly vices and revive eternal values. Lord Krishna has bound Himself to man and to that consists the greatest glory of human existences. He came down with His full divine manifestations and raised human civilization to a celestial plane. Thus came Sri Gauranga and brought a heavenly unification of mankind irrespective of caste, creed and races. The Bhakti movement of that time, espousing whole hearted devotion to God in one aspect or another, opened up what was previously esoteric knowledge and practice for large numbers of people. Means were made available for everyone to realise God, to reach the goal, with no conflict between knowledge and practice.

Sri Krishna focused on the unity of religions. His Gita is a deep reservoir of knowledge. There is also a wide range of spiritual disciplines and practices, such as Karma-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, Raja-Yoga and Tantra. These disciplines are significant to Hindus as well as practical and beneficial to all of humanity. The meanings and intention of the Gita have historically found elaboration and explication in the Smritis, the two great epics and various major and minor puranas. Sri Krishna attracts all beings towards Himself so that they may realise the depth of His infinite mercy and love. He maintains an existence of concrete bliss. The entity of the creatures of the cosmos is part and parcel of Lord Krishna. There is a chronological order in the manifestation of the supreme Lord.

Modern civilisation is now in a state of transition. If we are to survive shall have to we brace through is a moral and spiritual revolution which should embrace the whole of the world. In this context, a penetrating thought and look into the totality of Lord Sri Krishna alone can save the cosmic existence and sanctify the coming world. Philosophy of Sri Krishna can contribute so much to life and its fulfilment not only for the Hindu community, but for the emerging world community of the 21st century and beyond. Hindu ancient wisdom continues to be a catalytic force in the transformation of the universe.

Prem Ranjan Dev is president, Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Parishad.