WRITTEN BY LONDON SWAMINATHAN

Post No. 12,573

Date uploaded in London – –  –  10 October , 2023                  

Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.

this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.

tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com

https://www.pustaka.co.in/home/author/london-swaminathan

Xxx

Miss V

To:swami_48@yahoo.com

Mon, Oct 9 at 1:17 PM

Good afternoon Sir,

I am a 20-year old Tamil-Hindu living overseas. My parents are not very well versed on this religious topic and hence I have turned to the internet.

Recently I came across your blog, Tamil and Vedas, and was very intrigued by your writings and knowledge on Hinduism. I have a few questions regarding the religion and would like your help with them.

1. What is the Hindu view on organ donation? Some say the soul won’t rest peacefully if it is not fully cremated. And others cite incidents like the giving of an eye to the Lingam (though this is done pre-death). As I am legally required to opt in or out of the organ donation programme in my country, I would like to know the religious guidelines regarding this before making a decision.

2. What is 1 book all Hindus should read (and try to follow)?

3. Hinduism is perceived differently by Hindus all over the globe, if we want accurate information on something, where can we go to? (Since many old texts would be lost or translation won’t do them justice if they were translated from Sanskrit etc.)

4. Are there any must/ strict do’s or don’t s in Hinduism? For instance, in Islam pork-eating is strictly prohibited. However, I know of many India-based and overseas Hindus who still consume Beef. Just because religious texts and practices are generally not enforced on us, I feel many people flout various ideas and tweak Hinduism to fit their agendas. Is my thinking flawed?

5. How does Yoga and meditation come into play with Hinduism? These are practices I’d like to incorporate for more mindful living, but there are various differing advices and opinions on these subjects. Is there any reliable group/ person/ text I can rely on?

I look forward to your assistance with these information.

Thank you,

V

xxxxx

London Swaminathan Reply

Dear Miss V

First, thank you very much for approaching me. I don’t know whether you know any other Indian language.

But let me first quote some English books and some information from recent press reports.

1.ORGAN DONATION

This question was put to me when I addressed a meeting of Medical Students in London many years ago. I showed them several examples from our scriptures where organ donations appeared. But I added Hindus would like to burn their bodies as it is without taking out any parts.

But now I also support Organ Donation for a few reasons.

Dharma, i.e. the Rule of Hindu Law, is decided by the elders, the geographical location and the  time/ period you live. Manu makes it very clear saying Kaala, Desa, Varthamana make the rules. And he adds, above all these Your conscience is the highest decision making authority.

Very Recently, RSS chief Mohan Bhagavat also spoke in support of the Organ donation. RSS is the largest Hindu organisation in the World. Present Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Previous PM, Sri  Atal Behari Vajpayee are from RSS. Thae means they can influence a large chunk of Hindus around the world.

The second reason is what I have seen during Covid/ Chinese Virus attack. Several Hindu bodies were put in black colour bin bags and burnt without proper rituals. When the living being becomes dead body,  it loses all respect. In that case, why shouldn’t we give our parts if they can help someone to survive?

There is another reason as well. In the hospitals round the world Muslim dead bodies escape post mortem saying they have to do the burial within 24 hours, where as the Hindu dead bodies are given after 10 days. Or 15 days. What happens during these two weeks?

The body goes to Funeral Directors; they take out all body parts and stuff it with some other stuff; it was reported in newspapers, they even sell some body parts illegally. If it is true, why shouldn’t we donate our organs?  If the body parts are in good condition, they will be removed by the people concerned. I mean the Organ Donation Institutes.

So, in the Western World, organ donation makes sense. But Organ donation must always remain Optional. Those who donate must inform their close family members as well.

Xxx

Now to your Second Question

WHAT BOOK SHOULD I READ TO UNDERSTAND HINDUISM?

A book is available in all Indian languages and that is the

SAYINGS OF SRI RAMAKRISHNA.

I would not recommend you Bhagavad Gita or Upansihads or Brahma Sutra or Puranas and Epics. If you want to understand Hinduism in full without sectarian bias, you have to go to Chinmaya Mission or Ramakrishna Mission. All other Babas, Anandas, Swamijis are 50% Hindus. They claim they are GODS or Vishnu only god or Shiva only God. So, please don’t go to these Godmen; they are after name, fame and money. First ,they will ask your e mail and mobile number. Then you must know what they are after.

 Swami Vivekananda’s English talks are good. That runs to 1000s of pages. But his Guru Ramakrishna Paramahmsa explains highest principles of Hinduism with the simplest examples and stories.

The total number of pages is 353 in English , 456 pages in Tamil.

He praises Siva, Vishnu, Kali, Vedas, Gita, Upanishads, Rama, Krishna, Ganges, Idol worship, Bhajans etc.

This is the only book you don’t need any explanation or commentary. They are self-explanatory. I have been reading them from my school days. After that I have read over 1000 books in the British Library in London or London University library. But they are complicated research works. I have written 111  books in Tamil and English.

Hindu saints are great people. They command big respect. They keep Hindu folk not converting to other religions. But their Personal life wont  satisfy you fully spiritually. Great saints like Ramakrishna, Ramana Maharishi and Kanchi Paramacharya (1894-1994) are no more. You have to wait for another 100 or 200 years to see such great people.

Still you are free to go to anyone and listen to his or her Upadesa (teachings) and join the Sat Sangh(prayer). But stop there; if you listen to the gossip in their Mutts or Ashrams, then you will lose faith.  It is same with most of the religions.

To err is Human.

Approaching them or believing them is like crossing Half the Well.

xxxx

SAYINGS OF SRI RAMAKRISHNA

SRI RAMAKRISHNA MATH,

MYLAPORE, CHENNAI 600 004

RS 55 (2012 Edition)

(Tamil Book Rs.70)

Xxx

Then read Bhagavad Gita with Swami Chidbhavananda’s commentary or Swami Chinmayananda’s commentary.

If you want to understand Hindu Rituals, way of life, better read

“Hindu Dharma”.

“Hindu Dharma” is a book published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan which contains English translation of two volumes of the Tamil Book “Deivatthin Kural” containing Kanchi Shankaracharya’s Speeches.

If you have still time, please read all the 7+ volumes of Swami Vivekananda.

I have read all these books and that is the reason I recommend you.

Xxx

Now let me take your third question

3. Hinduism is perceived differently by Hindus all over the globe, if we want accurate information on something, where can we go to? (Since many old texts would be lost or translation won’t do them justice if they were translated from Sanskrit etc.)

To be continued………………………………..

Tags–Questions, on Hinduism, Good book, organ donation