In various cultures, the theme of repentance is deeply prevalent. To Jews it means following God’s will and achieving atonement, in Christianity it’s linked to the purification of sins through Jesus Christ, and in Islam, the concept involves rejecting other beliefs and adhering strictly to the teachings of the Quran. However, in India, repentance is viewed as a mental catharsis and a personal choice, with no connection to conversion or the remission of sins. It’s an act of self-purification leading to changed thoughts, desires, habits, and actions. Indians believe in submitting all actions to God, without hoping for any reward. Repentance is a concept that significantly defines the Indian Identity.
Category Archives: Indian Identity-Indian Culture
Bharat Darshan -The Fear of Samsara
The article explores the Indian concept of Samsara, describing it as life’s journey, challenging and akin to swimming across an unknown, perilous ocean. This idea, rooted in Indian cultural traditions, induces a fear that motivates people to seek spiritual refuge. Though the fear of the divine plays a significant motivating role in religions like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Indian traditions teach devotees to be fearless, assuring them of divine protection marked by the ABHAYA HASTA or ABHAYA MUDRA. Indians use names of deities as a shield during the harsh journey of Samsara, which differentiates and defines the Indian identity.
Bharat Darshan – Success with Humility
The post discusses the significance of Lord Ganesha, attributing him with the capacity to hold all knowledge just as an elephant grasps objects with its trunk. It emphasizes the belief that Ganesha removes obstacles and allows the accomplishment of goals. These successes are then viewed as divine blessings rather than solely personal achievements, promoting humility. The concept of living in sync with a cyclical rhythm of sunrise and sunset is introduced. The grand illusion of time leads to the quest for the Absolute and Unchanging reality, which is facilitated by praying to Lord Ganesha. In this quest, the author seeks inspiration from Lord Rama, just as poets Bammera Potana and Valmiki did in their works. The narrative ends with a prayer to the Supreme Lord for protection.
Bharat Darshan – “Proud to be an Indian”
The post centers on the significance of Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh as a symbol of dignity, pride, and courage for India. Her act of self-immolation in defense of her honor and the preservation of her essence inspires great pride among Indians. The author, Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham, a veteran of the Indian Army and a student of Indian history, discusses his personal experiences, underscoring the exemplary courage exhibited by the Indian army. He expounds on the concept of “essence and existence,” defining man’s essence as what he intrinsically is and existence as his actions. He attributes Rani Padmini’s victory over death to her defending her essence while dissolving her physical existence.
Bharat Darshan – The two-sides of Gandhi’s Leadership
This piece critically examines Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership in India’s struggle for independence and partition. Gandhi is celebrated for nonviolent resistance, yet the author assesses whether his “ahimsa” principle neglected the right to self-defense, especially during violent clashes during partition. The author argues that Gandhi’s response to proposals for partition, India’s subsequent violent separation, and ensuing mass displacement indicate failed leadership. Moreover, the piece re-evaluates the roles of Gandhi, Nehru, and Jinnah during this period. It suggests they lacked authority to accept partition, accuses them of abandonment for not ensuring partition’s peaceful implementation, and questions their underlying adherence to non-violence, citing violence’s necessity for justice and protection.
Bharat Darshan. The Celebration of Narasimha Jayanti or Narasimha Chaturdashi on Thursday, May 04, 2023.
What’s in a Name? In the Indian tradition, all people including the LORD God Creator that we worship make their appearances under the influence of the Date, the Time, and the Place.
Bharat Darshan – The role of Cultural Nationalism vs Secular Nationalism in the Defense of the Republic of India
If Indians seek their existence as a Nation, they have to forget the parochial differences to develop national individualities and the primary focus of allegiance must be the Republic of India and not that of the local language, religion, or culture.
Light is God, God is Light, the Light Bulb Connection to the Reality of Existence
The instant the light bulb comes to life, it becomes a source of light and being a source of light, it would represent God. My mother told me that she would be reminded of God’s presence when the light bulb is switched on.
The doctrine of Individualism
The word individual is derived from Latin, ‘Individualis’-that which is not divided-an individual. Individualism can be defined as follows:1. a belief that stresses the primary importance and worth of each person and in the virtues of self-reliance and personal independence
Bharat Darshan. Defining Indian Identity. What’s in a Name? The Celebration of Narasimha Jayanti or Narasimha Chaturdashi on Saturday, May 14, 2022.
What’s in a Name? In the Indian tradition, all people including the LORD God Creator that we worship make their appearances under the influence of the Date, the Time, and the Place.