Dr. N. Mahalingam

Chairman

SAKTHI GROUP COMPANIES

"Principles and Practice of Hindu religion" -- a Hindu Heritage Study Program prepared by Shri Bala N. Aiyer is a step in the right direction. It is a comprehensive study of the Ancient Tradition and the Perennial Philosophy and is a sincere and dedicated effort to the Hindu Community properly informed of the unique heritage to which it belongs. Living in various parts of the world the Hindus sometimes are oblivious of their own great treasures of Ancient Vedic Philosophy and Religious Practice known as Sanathana Dharma.Treating the Hindus of various parts of the world in foreign lands of alien faiths as an extended joint family, the compiler has set before him a clear but unique role of 'educating the children of our faith'. His mission is to 'provide some basic information in the materialistic surroundings of the West'. It is a genuine attempt to create a 'common understanding of the faith'.

The book is divided in eight chapters. It deals extensively but clearly the intricate subject of Hinduism, essentials of Hindu tradition, its historical evolution, the scriptures and sacred works, its principles and philosophy and applied form of rituals, prayers, practice and problems. A selection of verses from Srimad Bhagvat Geetha, selected Slokas from Vedas and some famous Manthras from Upanishads etc. are provided in one section.The author, compiler, has plans to release an audio version of these Slokas and Manthras. This shall provide an authentic version of the pronunciation and hence shall be of immense utility for individual and social spiritual upliftment. His plans to have its publication in the form of a C.D. ROM with sound for computers and also to publish this material on the Internet Web Pages will provide a large audience throughout the world. This indicates and proves the inherent dedication and sincerity of such an effort.

The Epilogue portion of this volume has raised and tried to analyze and answer some very relevant problems facing the modern man. These include the 'Law of Karma' and rebirth; classes and divisions in Hindu Society; spreading the Faith through force; influence of Western faith on Hindu society; materialism, ignorance and renaissance and various related topics. The author has tried to inspire the reader to inquire and get the reply from within on the basis of the study material provided in this book. In short, this is a praiseworthy effort to inculcate the devotional and spiritual outlook for those who want to venture in this direction. However, there is a vast religious and spiritual literature in almost all the Indian languages. The philosophy and Bhakthi of, say, Nayanmars and Alwars, saints of Marathi, Telugu or Hindi is in reality the example of the cultural development of India and the Sanathana Dharma has been kept alive all through these ages by these Saints and poets of Indian languages. Taking the basis of Vedas and scriptures is no doubt a necessary dimension but these saints and poets are the torch bearers of our culture.

Dr. N. Mahalingam

Chairman,

Sakthi Group of Companies

102, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai - 600 03