Philosophy Of Hindu Sadhana

None else could have made a better presentation on the practice side of Hindu religion, with its underlining concepts of Hindu faith, than Dr. Nalini Kanta Brahma. His classic work, Philosophy of Hindu Sadhana, is now being relaunched in the Eastern Economy Edition for the benefit of students, researchers, and all those who have an abiding interest in philosophy and religion. The author stresses those characteristics of Hindu religion that bring out its kinship with the higher religious thoughts of the world so that the reader can discern a common fabric of organic unity of higher religions. The text brings to fore the correlation between theory and practice of different Hindu philosophical systems. Sadhana, the instrument to attain perfection as propounded in Hindu Philosophy—being a means to a better end—has been discussed in the text in its various forms as followed by different religious systems of the Hindus. Part I of the book deals with the function and characteristics of Hindu Sadhana in general. Part II elucidates the specific forms of Hindu Sadhana that includes Karma, the path of prescribed actions, Jnana, the path of higher intellect, and Bhakti, the path of devotional worship. The book also deals with Yoga, the form of Sadhana as propounded by Patanjali. Finally, it emphasizes the importance and value of discipline and devotion that are inherent in the good practice of Hindu religion.

Sadhana: The Realisation of Life is a great religious text by Rabindranath Tagore that deals with values and Hindu philosophy and it contains this passage: " The meaning of the living words that come out of the experiences of great hearts can never be exhausted by any one system of logical interpretation. They have to be endlessly explained by the commentaries of individual lives, and they gain an added mystery in each new revelation. To me the verses of the Upanishads and the teachings of Buddha have ever been things of the spirit, and therefore endowed with boundless vital growth; and I have used them, both in my own life and in my preaching, as being instinct with individual meaning for me, as for others, and awaiting for their confirmation, my own special testimony, which must have its value because of its individuality."

Perhaps it is well for me to explain that the subject-matter of the papers published in this book has not been philosophically treated, nor has it been approached from the scholar's point of view. The writer has been brought up in a family where texts of the Upanishads are used in daily worship; and he has had before him the example of his father, who lived his long life in the closest communion with God, while not neglecting his duties to the world, or allowing his keen interest in all human affairs to suffer any abatement. So in these papers, it may be hoped, western readers will have an opportunity of coming into touch with the ancient spirit of India as revealed in our sacred texts and manifested in the life of to-day. (Author's Preface)

After presenting a general survey of spiritual practice in the different schools of Indian philosophy, the author focuses on the Trika School, popularly called Kashmir Shaivism. He deals clearly and exhaustively with such topics as Shaktipat (the descent of Divine Grace), Diksha (initiation), and the role of the Guru. His treatment of the various paths (upayas) appropriate for the different types of practitioners is especially useful. The book ends with a chapter on enlightenment (jivanmukti). This chapter not only presents the meaning of self-realization-in-this-lifetime, but offers material on this topic for the first time in English.

After presenting a general survey of spiritual practice in the different schools of Indian philosophy, the author focuses on the Trika School, popularly called Kashmir Shaivism. He deals clearly and exhaustively with such topics as Shaktipat (the descent of Divine Grace), Diksha (initiation), and the role of the Guru. His treatment of the various paths (upayas) appropriate for the different types of practitioners is especially useful. The book ends with a chapter on enlightenment (jivanmukti). This chapter not only presents the meaning of self-realization-in-this-lifetime, but offers material on this topic for the first time in English.