In Indian Culture, Why Do we...?

Many years ago I got a little book that was no larger than a quarter of an inch thick, and it taught me more about my culture than I expected.

This book is In Indian Culture, Why do we... by Swamini Vimalananda and Radika Krishakumar.

Since there are so many misconceptions and outright ignorance about the Indian (and therefore Hindu) culture I've decided to do a series of blogs based on the information in this book since I believe it clears up much of the confusion about the little little things we Indians do.

Indian culture is very old, and yet because of its self-rejuvenating ability, it has lasted throughout the ages and even colonialism. There is a beauty and depth to various aspects of the culture. According to Why do we..., "almost every Indian custom and tradition has either a scientific, logical, historical, social or spiritual significance." Without this understanding, we begin following customs mechanically and thus they become misunderstood as superstitions whose meanings fade away.

I say the Indian culture is self-rejuvenating because old and obsolete customs are dropped away. Some examples given are human/animal sacrifice to a large extent, untouchability, etc. Thus as it prunes away practices that no longer fit the contemporary world, it can survive in the modern age while keeping its roots.

This adaptability is the reason why India is recognized  as one of the oldest living civilizations. This booklet goes over the customs that have endured over time and are an intrinsic part in many Indian households.

Swami Chinmayananda put great emphasis on the symbolic meanings found in Hindu teachings, and this book is dedicated to him, "who spent his entire life raising the dignity of Indian culture and philosophy in the eyes of the world."

Related Blog Posts:
Why Do We Light a Lamp?
What is Dharma?