Weaknesses of Hindu Religion #1

Weaknesses of Hindu Religion #1

1) More Ritual, No teaching

Despite having its roots in the deep thoughts of enlightened beings (the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita), the Hindu religion that we see today is highly ritualized and lacks any basic moral teaching at temples other than the "do good" boards you see when you visit temples. Most of the moral teaching comes only by reading mythological books (puranas). Most children used to get their knowledge at home and the source was most likely their grandparents. Now children no longer live along with their grandparents and most Indian middle class parents are too busy trying to make a living. So far, I have only talked about educated families. But what about children with uneducated grandparents or parents? They are the most vulnerable to religious conversion because they must have not heard of any teaching in their lifetime except for a few lessons about inspiring persons at school. Unfortunately the priest has failed to do his primary job of imparting moral education from sutras and sastras to the common man. If generations are brought up like this, they do not even show any interest even if such a teaching is available to them. I have seen in ISKCON temples in the US where most Indians stay for the ritual and prasad but they walk away as soon as someone starts to give a talk or read from the Bhagavad Gita. This lack of teaching creates misunderstanding and varied and differing opinions about the great law of Karma.

But the biggest ray of hope today lies in the emerging Gurus who are imparting teachings to the great Indian middle class. They are creating a better understanding of the ancient teachings to the common man, giving techniques to make life happier for oneself and for the sangha as a whole. These are the real Buddhas and Krishnas of modern age and I offer my respects to all of them. The "age of priest is fading away and making way to the age of the guru". The guru can come from any class or caste! (no reservations here). I urge all the priests to start looking for something else to do. Even if you don't your governments will make sure you go ! I will talk about endowments departments later!