The Supreme Court in India, Research Paper Example

In India the Supreme Court has attempted to define religions and in particular Hinduism. When adjudicating cases they have been asked to define the differences between that of the sacred and the secular. The Supreme Court has been criticised for its intention of defining Hinduism in the light of a modern States requirements as opposed to the faith and belief of its practitioners. The Supreme Court has a mandate ” to embark on an active reformulation of Hinduism under Government auspices in the name of secularism and progress” (Sen, 2007).

Hinduism is not a religion but more a set of beliefs and values. It is essentially a prescription for a way of life to be followed and as such a philosophy as to how one should conduct your life.. The west used the term Hinduism as a convenient way in which to differentiate the belief from that of Christianity and the Islamic faith. It really is much more of a philosophical belief based upon the reverence of a number of gods and goddesses that are given devout worship.  Hinduism is considered to be amongst the most ancient beliefs on Earth, dating back to around 700AD.  ” Hinduism is based upon eternal teachings and not based around a founder or prophet” (Jayaram.V, 2010).

Yoga

At the heart of Hinduism lies that of yoga – a means of exercise and contemplation that leads to spiritual enlightenment. ” Others suggest that all four paths are stepping stones along one spiritual path, each building progressively on the previous, more elementary disciplines. Either way, it is not that the different paths are tightly compartmentalised – each may contain elements of the others. Additionally, there may be higher and lower understand­ings of each path”  (The heart of Hinduism, 2004).

The four main paths are defined as follows:

1. Karma-yoga (the yoga of selfless action): This aspect of yoga is based upon the understanding of your inner self. The concept of self sacrifice and not placing material acquisition above the belief in developing your spiritual purity in this world and the next.
2. Jnana-yoga (philosophical research and wisdom): This refers to that branch of yoga concerned with the promotion of knowledge through aspects of study and contemplation, the ability to focus and feel liberated.
3. Astanga/RajaYoga (physical exercises and meditation): This part of yoga is divided up into eight distinct parts and is adopted by the modern practices of yoga. ” The sutras discuss super states of consciousness and the obtainment of eight main types of mystic power, such as the ability to become “smaller than the smallest.” India is replete with tales of such feats, which are largely accepted as feasible. Nonetheless, Patanjali warns the yogi not to become enamoured of such mystic powers but to keep the mind fixed on leaving the material realm. The highest perfection is to focus on God within.”  (The heart of Hinduism, 2004).
4. Bhakti-Yoga (the path of devotional service): The path most recommended in the Gita. This is the concept of finding personal spiritual fulfilment. It includes the worship of Murtis and the ability to make pilgrimages.  The state of achieving grace through your personal guru ( Gods mediator). The aim is a selfless service to a personal God.

Mahatma Gandhi

“I claim to be no more than an average man with less than average abilities. I have not the shadow of a doubt that any man or woman can achieve what I have, if he or she would make the same effort and cultivate the same hope and faith.”  (LucidCafe.com, 2010)

– GANDHI

Mohandan Karamchand Gandhi ( Mahatma Gandhi) was born on October 2nd 1869 in India and died in 1948. He was considered to be one of the most important political and spiritual figures of the Twentieth Century. He was chiefly responsible for ending the British Colonial rule in India and has earned the title as ‘ The Father of his people’. Gandhi studied law at London University and later returned to practice this in India.  He accepted a legal posting in South Africa where he became abused by the British when he tried to claim rights of British Citizenship. This resulted him  seeing how others and the Indian people were treated in a similar manner.

He became the leaders of the Indian Nationalist Party in 1915.  He then championed the rights of his people.  India gained independence from British Colonial rule in 1947 and the country became partitioned into India and Pakistan.  The Hindus remaining in India and the Islamic faith moving to Pakistan.  Gandhi wanted a United India that would be tolerant of both Hindus, Islamists and other religions and creeds.  He wanted a nation that would prosper in peaceful co-existence with one another.

This ultimately led to his assassination by a Hindu fanatic who hated Ghandi for his forbearance, tolerance and goodwill to all creeds and religions.  Albert Einstein stated ” Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this walked the Earth in Flesh and Blood ” (LucidCafe.com, 2010).

Works Cited

Jayaram.V. (2010). Hinduism: A definition. Retrieved 7 27, 2010, from hinduwebsite: http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/h_define.asp

LucidCafe.com. (2010, 7 20). Mahatma Gandhi. Retrieved 7 27, 2010, from LucidCafe.com: http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/95oct/mkgandhi.html

Sen, R. (2007). Legalizing Religion : The Indian Supreme Court & Secularism. In R. Sen, Legalizing Religion : The Indian Supreme Court & Secularism (pp. 1-63). Washington DC: East West Centre Washington.

The heart of Hinduism. (2004). The four main paths. Retrieved 7 26, 2010, from The heart of Hinduism: http://hinduism.iskcon.com/practice/index.htm