The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation
The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation
The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation
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Freedom to choose an Ishta Devata( personal Deity) realizing such freedom could<br />
result in different choices of deities<br />
Belief in Free Will and its relationship to Karma( personal responsibility and<br />
accountability)<br />
Freedom to pursue PurushArtha or Chaturvarga (the four goals of life dharma,<br />
artha, kama and moksha) on the path to Self Realization<br />
Freeedom to choose the appropriate path (Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga,<br />
Raja Yoga) or combination thereof toachieve Self Fulfillment depending on<br />
onesVasanas<br />
Observe the ethical responsibilities enjoined by the Dharma (Ethics, integrity and<br />
building of character)<br />
19. Do Hindus have a Chief among all Swamis, like a Pope,<br />
sort of a Parama Rishi if you will <br />
No. <strong>The</strong> Dharma does not believe in interposing another entity between the Atman<br />
and the ParamAtman, another individual however learned though he may be. <strong>The</strong><br />
Guru points the path, lights the way, and may even suggest the appropriate goals,<br />
but no other person can dictate these to any individual. <strong>The</strong> Freedom to choose is<br />
the single most important characteristic of the Hindu faith. Hinduism does not<br />
believe in a one size fits all doctrine, and does not demand a uniformity in worship,<br />
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