WHO IS A HINDU
The simplest and best definition of Hindu is given in Sanskrit
"Aa Hindu Sindhuparyanta yashya Bharatbhumika Matrabhumi pitrabhumi sa it Hindurati Smritah"
"Those who live this side of River Sindhu and who believe this land as their motherland and land of ancesstors-they all are Hindu"
Hindu word is not related to religion-it has originated from the word "Sindhu" Thus on the basis of above definition its not necessary how you worship and what you practice. There is only one condition-that you must treat this land as your mother land and land of your ancestors.Those who are called Hindu by communal minds are Sanatan Dharmi in real sense. Sanatan Dharam means which has no beginning and no end. Which was in existence when there was nothing in this world and which will remain when world ends. Every prayer of Sanatan Dharam is aimed at well being of every one. It regards entire world as its own. There is no place of thinking like Hindu-Muslim etc. in Sanatan Dharam. No where in Gita or in Ved or in Upnishad such thinking is found. This thinking has been generated by those who for their selfish ends wants a division and such people you can find in religious places and in politics. For both type of people Hindu becomes a religion and source for their income and fulfilling aspirations.
In a meeting of the Sanatana Dharma Sabha, Lokamanya Tilak said: A Hindu is he who believes that the Vedas contain self-evident and axiomatic truths.The Hindu Maha Sabha has given another definition: “A Hindu is one who believes in a religion which has originated in India.”
HINDU RELIGION
Those who burn the dead are Hindus. This is another definition given by some. He who protects the cows and the Brahmins is a Hindu.” This is another definition given by some.
A Hindu is one who regards India as his motherland and the most sacred spot on earth.”
He who calls and considers himself a Hindu is a Hindu.”
He who accepts the Vedas, the Smritis, the Puranas and the Tantras as the basis of religion and of the rule of conduct, and believes in one Supreme God (Brahman), in the Law of Karma or retributive justice, and in reincarnation (Punarjanma) , is a Hindu.
He who follows the Vedic or Sanatana-Dharma is a Hindu.” This is the definition by some.
He who is a follower of the Vedanta is a Hindu.” This is another definition given by some others.
He who has perfect faith in the Law of Karma, the law of reincarnation Avatara, ancestor worship, Varnashrama Dharma, Vedas and existence of God, he who practises the instructions given in the Vedas with faith and earnestness, he who does Sandhya, Sraaddha, Pitri-Tarpana and the Pancha-Maha- Yajnas, he who follows the Varnashrama Dharmas, he who worships the Avataras and studies the Vedas, is a Hindu.” This is the definition given by some highly cultured men. This is the only correct and complete definition.
-SWAMY SHIVANANDAH
