The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation

16. You say sutras are aphorisms and were used in the interest of brevity. can you
elaborate........................................................................................................................................ 50
17. What is the situation regarding the Caste system in Hindu society Was such a
system endorsed by the ancient Vedics in any of the scriptures. Did the Hindu scriptures
endorse Untouchability ........................................................................................................... 52
18. What are the central core tenets of the Sanatana Dharma If you had to pick the
most important 5 among them which ones would you pick................................................... 52
19. Do Hindus have a Chief among all Swamis, like a Pope, sort of a Parama Rishi if
you will ........................................................................................................................................ 53
20. We have all heard of the great philosopher statesman of India ,and in modern
times we have had such statesmen as Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Can you name one
such person from the ancient times........................................................................................ 55
21. What are the methods of acquiring knowledge (pramAna) in the various
Dhaarmic faiths............................................................................................................................. 55
22. What is Vairagya What role does it play in Hindu ethics........................................ 60
23. What if any are the obligatory duties of the Hindu ................................................. 60
Chapter 2.............................................................................................................................. 63
The ethical value system and the Goals of the Hindu...................................................... 63
2.1 The Goal and the means to get there .................................................................................... 63
2.2 The Indic tradition is a srautic tradition .................................................................................. 64
2.3 GuNAs......................................................................................................................................... 65
2.4 The cardinal Virtues according to Hinduism ......................................................................... 66
2.5 Paths to Self Realization .......................................................................................................... 67
2.6 A person’s karma can be classified as follows ..................................................................... 71
2.7 Sreyas and Preyas (The Path of the good and the Path of the pleasant)........................ 72
2.8 Acts versus Knowledge ............................................................................................................ 78
Chapter 3.............................................................................................................................. 86
The Core Values .................................................................................................................. 86
Chapter 4.............................................................................................................................. 88
Some important quotations................................................................................................ 88
Chapter 5.............................................................................................................................. 99
The Essential teachings of the Bhagavad Gita ........................................................................... 99
भगवद् गीता ......................................................................................................................................... 99
5.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................. 99
5.2 Dating of the text ................................................................................................................. 100
5.3 The Scripture of Yoga......................................................................................................... 101
5.4 The essential ideas for an integrated life according to the Bhagavad Gita................ 104
Chapter 6............................................................................................................................ 106
A Telugu Wedding ......................................................................................................................... 106
Telugu Wedding ............................................................................................................................. 106
11