Hindu Symbology and Other Essays
by Swami Swahananda

(ISBN:81-7120-515-1 ~ Pub Year: 1999 ~ Pages:266 ~ Binding: Paperback ~ Publisher: Ramakrishna Math)

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Symbols are signs for expressing the invisible by means of visible or sensuous representations. All our contacts with the world outside is based on symbols. Our language is nothing but symbols. The scripts are still more so. Our art, our poetry, in fact, every aspect of life is based on symbols. We think in symbols, we act in symbols, we live in symbols, we learn in symbols.

Though man and his life are ultimately are symbolic, there are more evident symbols in man's creations. This symbol-making tendency is innate in man. Symbols are used for the easy transmission of culture. A symbol retains its value through antiquity, fresh interpretation and sincere belief.

Of all the religions, it is Hinduism that has consciously and boldly accepted symbolism. Other religions of Indian origin also have done that. According to Hindu philosophy, the Divine has both personal and impersonal aspects. Symbols of the personal aspects satisfy the philosophic sense of the devotee, yet make easy the grasping of the absolute.

Hinduism has profusely made us of symbolism in religious worship with a definite purpose.


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