Hinduism Its Meaning for the Liberation of the Spirit

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Although the published literature relating to the Hindu philosophy is vast, this book deals with the Hindu faith from a practical religious point of view.

The interpretation of a religion from a purely intellectual and academic view-point, however appealing it may be to the philosophical mind, rarely mirrors the true spirit of the religion. This book containing the reflections of Swami Nikhilananda, an eminent monk of the Ramakrishna Order and one who had all along been in active service in the field of Hindu Religion both in India and abroad, accomplishes the task admirably well.

This book can serve as a handbook on Hindu religion to those who wish to take to an integrated study of the ancient faith.

Swami Nikhilananda hailed from eastern Bengal (now Bangladesh) and had his education in the University of Calcutta. He chose journalism as his profession. He then joined the Indian freedom movement and was incarcerated for a period in an English prison camp.

Even as a boy, he became acquainted with the teachings of Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda through his devoted parents. These teachings made an indelible impression on his young mind and brought him in touch with the direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna. He was initiated by the Holy Mother. He also met the direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna-Swamis Brahmananda, Saradananda, Shivananda, Turiyananda, Premananda, Akhandananda, Abhedananda, and Vijnanananda as well as Mahendranath Gupta, the recorder of The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna among others.

After coming under their influence, he abandoned his political efforts and renounced the world to join the Ramakrishna Order. Asa brahmachari, for many years he devoted himself to the study of the scriptures under eminent teachers, practised spiritual disciplines, and served the Order in various capacities, until, in 1931, he was deputed by the Order to America. In 1933 he founded the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center in New York.

Swami Nikhilananda was considered a brilliant speaker New York was invited to lecture at different universities, and wat churches, and synagogues, and to participate in inter- conferences East and West. Ramakrishna Vivekananda Center till his death in 1973.

IN THE following pages I have attempted to give a brief account of Hinduism in both its theoretical and its practical aspects. It is written mainly from the point of view of non-dualism, which, in my opinion, is the highest achievement of India's mystical insight and philosophical speculation, and her real contribution to world culture. Non-dualism preaches the oneness of existence as ultimate truth. It asserts that knowledge, after revealing the identity of subject and object, can go no further. Hence the truth it preaches is claimed to be the whole truth and therefore free from contradiction, since only a partial truth may be contradicted. For the same reason, non-dualism has no quarrel with any other system, harmonizes conflicting philosophical doctrines, and lends itself to the welfare of all beings.

Explanations of Hinduism which are often incorrect and misleading have been given by non- Hindus. It is almost impossible for an outsider to enter into the spirit of a religion in which he has not been brought up. And the same objection applies to interpretations of Hinduism offered by those who, lacking any real feeling for its teachings, call themselves Hindus by virtue of the mere accident of birth. This book, it is hoped, expresses the beliefs of a good Hindu about his religion and philosophy. It will be seen that the various ideas of Hinduism here presented, about such matters as the nature of God, the soul, creation, ethics, spiritual disciplines, popular religious practices, and inter- religious relations, all hang together and give an integrated view of life from its first wandering into the phenomenal world to its attainment of the journey's end.