08-01-2016 Friday
Holy Mother By Swami Nikhilananda: 007
Introduction: Women of India - 03
The Hindu religion honours womanhood, though Hindu society has sometimes deviated from this ideal. Hinduism asserts the Motherhood of God on a philosophical basis. We shall discuss this important topic in the course of the book. The deity controlling knowledge, Sarasati, is female. The Vedas urge that women, equally with men, be given opportunities in education and the various activities of society. In Vedic times they were encouraged to cultivate the highest knowledge, the Knowledge of Brahman, though in several respects a woman’s dependence upon man was acknowledged. Manu, the great Hindu lawgiver, declared that the gods are pleased where women are honoured; where they are dishonoured all works become fruitless. Conditioned by social and Religious traditions, Indian women have remained essentially feminine. They give and do not demand. Not assertive, but modest, they find joy through love and unselfish service. A Hindu woman gladly obeys a man if he is honourable. She often dares to face a situation even though it means suffering – something a man cannot always do. By no means is she meek or docile when challenged by injustice or wickedness.
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Holy Mother - Being the Life of Sri Sarada Devi Wife of Sri Ramakrishna And Helpmate in his Mission By Swami Nikhilananda p: 2 – 3
