Introduction to Hinduism (5 minute Opening Speech)
Who is God? Nature and Characteristics: Theme Speech
Hindu Perspective by Swami Bhagwan Shanker
Abstract of Theme Speech
To begin, let’s ask ‘Who is God? First, one must know God and this idea of knowing God has always been around since time began. Mankind seeks an answer to this question and it seems he is unable to find the truth.
As it was in the past and now, people try to know God through theological explanation, folkloric storytelling, traditional beliefs, plays, rituals, theater, and even through science. Yet it seems as if the conclusion to answer the question who is God, one comes up with an inconclusive answer. Scientists have said that after probing the same inquiry, God is unknown. Sometimes a person may turn to scriptures and after a while one will find it is difficult and unable to unlock the true secret message of the scriptures. Scriptures can appear to be confusing, its mysteries seem to be endless and such pursuit for God also seems endless.
There are times when people change their religious practice and faith hoping that they may find the answer to the question “Who is God”? Yet the searches are in vain. Some people study and memorize scriptures and recite passages of scriptures but when the question is asked whether they know God most people will say I really don't know but I believe in God.
As this mind boggling inquiry was in the past, so it is now. The time has come for man-kind, as it was in the past, to practically realize God, as the practical solution, TO KNOW GOD (Saakshaatkarah). Once a man realizes God, this knowledge of self-realization can be useful to solve all problems of this world such as peacelessness, poverty, illiteracy, pollution, unemployment, population growth and religious intolerance.
One will even observe that in the entire society today there is no science, no technology, no invention, or discoveries yet done, or no model yet design which can transform the mindset of man-kind and make man a peaceful individual of his society. However according to scriptures there is an eternal sovereign science to self -realize God, which can be unraveled by the blessings of a Satguru, Spiritual Preceptor, Perfect Master, Rasool, or the one who himself knows God can reveal God.
This eternal sovereign science is known as ATMA GYAN, BRAHMA GYAN, AWAKENING OF THE SOUL and UNVEILING OF THE SACRED HEART.
Even though this knowledge of Brahma Gyan is written in all scriptures such as Vedas, Ramayana, Ram charit Manas, Gita, Sashras, Upanishads, Bible, Koran, Guru Grants, etc. this knowledge of GOD (Brahma Gyan) cannot be realize at the mind level. There exists in man-kind an entity greater than the mind call the Atman or the Divine Self. The Divine Self can be practically experienced and seen with the Third Eye. The Third Eye gives direct perception, revelation of the Soul (Atma) transcending mind to consciousness, a pure and peaceful state.
A spiritual practitioner, to maintain consciousness of Atma and Paramatma , to establish the kingdom of God with-in the Self, as prescribed in the scriptures, one must Meditate (Dhyaan, Sadhana, Holy Communion, Worship, Ibadat ------). It is through Dhyaan (Dhye---Dhyata---Dhyan) Subject --Object and Practical perception, Meditation, the True Divine Nature and Attributes of God is revealed.
Here are some examples of some self-revealing truth as to the question WHO IS GOD, God Nature and Attributes.
• “OM“
• “Ekam sat vipra Bahudah Vadanti"
Truth is one. Sages say it by Different Ways
• Rig vedas: Gayatri Mantra
Om BhuAur Bhuvah Swah, Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
• Brhadaranyaka Upanishad ==I, iii.28
Asato Ma Sadgamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mrtyorma Amrtam Gamaya
Lead us from Untruth to Truth
Lead us from Darkness to Light
Lead us from Death to Blissful Immortality
• Tvameva mata ca pita tvameva
Tvameva bandhusca sakha tvameva
Tvameva vidya dravinam tvameva
Tvameva sarvam mama deva deva
You are my Mother and my Father
You are my family and my friend
You are my knowledge and my wealth
You are my All, God of Gods
• Dhyana-mulam gurur-murtih
Puja-mulam Gurur-padam
Mantra-mulam Gurur-Vakyam
Moksa-Mulam Gurur-Krpa
The root of meditation is the Guru’s form
The root of worship, the Guru’s feet
The root of mantra, the Guru’s word
The root of freedom, the Guru’s grace