On Hinduism

GOD doesn’t control our actions. One must control one’s actions and will.  

Many external things that happen in our life, some of them are considered to be controlled by our destiny. However, not everything is controlled by destiny so the most important thing you have to understand is that your thoughts, your words and your actions are never controlled by destiny. You have a hundred percent free will to think, say and do what you want to. However, our choices for our action in this life are limited by our past and present karmas. We cannot say “Oh I hit you because I was destined to hit you, so don’t blame me.” We’re in control of our actions but some of the things that happen to us that we would consider good luck or bad luck according to Hindu philosophy, there’s no such thing as luck but it’s the outcome of your past life’s actions.

Source: Swami Nikhilanand, 

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Contributor: Geetha Ravula

Location of this post (10g): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/does-god-control-our-actions/

Desire is born out of attachment that human beings have with the material world. This material world is perceived by human senses. Therefore, desire is natural.

Eastern wisdom – especially in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism – has highlighted the absolute absence of all (personal) desires as the hallmark of the highest spiritual wisdom. Upanishads declare that desire is the sign of ignorance (avidyā), and arises from the false sense of incompleteness (apoornatā).

Swami Visharadananda writes, “Why do we have desires?  Because we tend to identify ourselves with our body-mind ego or body-mind adjuncts/appearance (upādhi). We forget our divine nature, our atman-nature which is ever fulfilled and free from all worldly needs.”

The enlightened man, who has higher knowledge (vidyā), feels complete (poorna) and therefore has no need for seeking pleasure or for acquiring any object.

akāmo nishkāma āptakāma ātmakāmo

na tasya prānā utkrāmanti

brahma eva san, brahma āpnoti

Free of want, devoid of desire, having all his desires fulfilled,

delighting in the Self alone, this man is Brahman;

he attains Brahman. His energies do not lead to another birth.

(Brihadāranyaka Upanishad, 4.4.6).

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Contributor: Jyoti Lulla

Location of this page (:19c): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/why-do-we-have-desires-and-how-to-control-them/

Meditation (dhyana) in Hinduism is a practice that helps you become the master of your mind, body, and emotions. Your mind, body, and emotions are your tools. You are meant to be in charge of them, not the other way around.

There are many ways to meditate, for example: OM/AUM chanting, chakra meditation, focussing on one’s ishtadev (who you identify as God) such as Lord Krishna with Hare Rama Hare Krishna mahamantra, singing devotional songs and so on. The the goal is the same: moving beyond your mind-body-emotions and ultimately realizing God and the true nature of your soul (moksha).

Other reading material: Purpose of meditation, Sadhguru-Yoga for Beginners , How do I meditate #78

Relevant videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGosHULQQk0, Hinduism Q & A: What is Meditation , 

Contributor: Swati Sugandhi

Location of this post (23d): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-is-meditation/