July 2011

July 2011

Dearly beloved in Christ,

After having a blessed and joyous time of Retreat in Minneapolis I felt like bringing some lights on the major religions of the world: this is to help the members of my Congregations to appreciate their acceptable teachings and be well equipped in sharing the Gospel more wisely and effectively. First, let us take Hinduism from where most of our ancestors came out into the "Marvelous Light" of Christ.

Hinduism

To achieve 'Moksha' (Salvation) they have accepted several ways and means.

1. Follow the 4 STAGES.

a. Brahmacharya. This means move in 'Brahma' (God). This is the first 25 years of life which can also be called, Student life.

b. Grihastya. This means House holder. Next 25 years.

c. Vanaprasthi. This means Hermit life or retired life; withdrawn to a solitary life, life in forests: the third 25 years.

d. Sanyasin. The Holy life or Ascetic life 75 plus.

2. Follow 4 GOALS of life.

a. Dharma, means Righteousness.

b. Artha, means Worldly prosperity-material well being.

c. Kama, means Enjoyment or pleasure.

d. Moksha, means Salvation, liberation, Release, exit of the self, exit from Re-Birth.

3. Through YOGA.

a. Karma Yoga. Through the path of Work or Practical life.

"Karmanye Vaadhikarasthe

Ma phaleshu kadachan" Geetha 2:40(?) the meaning of this Sanskrit poem is: you have right only in performing actions or duties without expecting fruit of it.

b. Jnana Yoga. Path of Knowledge-Theoretical method.

c. Bhakti Yoga. Path of Devotional and emotional method. Even mindedness, undivided devotion and skill in action.

Those who fail in attaining 'Moksha'-Salvation through the above ways in this life they will have to follow the chain of Re Births. It may be through 840000000 to union with the Absolute or Infinite which is Brahma,(God/Heaven)

Hindus have many Scriptures. It will be very much interesting to know that we can find about our Lord Jesus Christ is very distinctly in 'VEDAS' in which it is said "Yagnvai Bhuvanasya Nabhi". This means, Sacrifice is the main stay of the world.

Sacrifice performed do not themselves confer salvation but they are the type and the shadow of a great Salvation giving sacrifice.

In 'Purusha Sukta' we read that the god Brahma is sacrificed. What is evident from above teachings is that the true and great redeeming sacrifice should be the one performed by the Sovereign Lord of this world who putting on both mortality and immortality and becoming incarnate as God-Man, would Himself as a sacrifice to redeem mankind from the sins. This is what the 'Rig Veda' says about the Sacrificial Animal:- (Compared with the Bible down below)

1. It must be a goat without blemish...........1peter.2:22

2. The "Balusu" bush must be placed around its head....Mk.15:17.

3. It must be bound to a sacrificial post. Mk.15:24,25.

4. Nails must be driven into its 4 legs till they bleed. Jn. 19:18.

5. The cloth covering the goat should be divided among the four priests. Mt. 27:35.

6. None of its bones must be broken. Jn. 19:36.

7. The goat should be given a drink of some juice. Mt. 27:34.

8. After it has been slain, it must be restored to life again. Mt. 28:5, 6.

9. His flesh should be eaten. Mt. 26:26-29.

(In Bhavishya Purana, "Future Happenings" the existence of Jesus is prophesied 3000 yrs before His birth).

I will appreciate your comments on the above.

With prayers and best wishes,