History of Buddhism In the history of Buddhism we notice four distinct stages of development which helped the religion to become a powerful factor in the culture not only India but also of a large part of the world. The first stage of the development of Buddhism movement is marked by the first…
Read more
Hindu Goddesses Saraswati and Lakshmi Hindu Goddesses Saraswati Saraswati, the consort of Brahma, the female Shakti or energizing principle which gives the creator his remarkable power. Saraswati, literally means flowing water, because the nature of wisdom is that it wets and ennobles the person who cherishes it; it is not stagnant but cannot…
Read more
Hindu God Surya From the Vedic times worship of Surya, i.e. the Sun can be traced. It came down through ages with slight modifications and in the 3rd century B.C. Sun worship became very popular. The Greek writers refer to Sun god and the Kushana rulers issued coins with the name and image…
Read more
Four Buddhist Councils This article contains brief description on the Four Buddhist Councils. Introduction From time to time four different Councils of the Buddhists were called to celebrate important events or to decide policy matters of great importance. 1. The First Buddhist Council The first council was called in about 487 B.C. on…
Read more
Dharma Shastra in Hinduism Introduction Dharma Shastras are part of the Smriti tradition, the secular heritage as distinct from the revealed. Smritis deal with the practical application of eternal principles according to changing times, and varying social requirements. They are relative, not absolute. If Dharma is stability, Shastras are the method and technique…
Read more
Concept of Nirvana in Buddhism In his search for that ultimate liberation, Buddha brought the concept of Nirvana. Nirvana was the eternal salvation from the misery of existence. To enjoy the bliss of Nirvana, he advised man to follow the Middle Path or the Noble Eight-fold Path of a purer life. It should…
Read more
Complete Life History of Gautama Buddha Early life Much of the life of Buddha is shrouded in mystery. But much of it also appears clearer from the Buddhist sources. It said that from his childhood young Gautama showed signs of detachment towards the worldly life. Yet as a Khyatriya prince he was given…
Read more
Brief note on Four Vedas (Hindu Vedas) Introduction The word ‘Veda’ comes from the root ‘Vid – to know, leading to ‘Vidya’, knowledge which leads further to vision, meaning revelation, self-realization. The Veda is the book of knowledge of Changeless Reality. The four Vedas form a body of religious literature called Shruti. ‘Shruti’…
Read more
A brief note on Ashoka’s Dhamma The scholars believe that the Dhamma (the Sanskrit Dharma) which Ashoka tried to propagate was not simply the teachings of Buddhism, but it contained the noblest ideas of humanism which are the essence of all religions. His pillar and rock edicts enlighten us about Ashoka’s idea of…
Read more
Birth of Gautama Buddha The name of Gautama Buddha has enriched the history of Indian more than any other name. The founder of the largest religion on earth, he was the only man in history to be regarded as God by a larger part of mankind. Birth Gautama was born in the Kshatriya…
Read more