Which is the 'the holy book' or scripture of Hindus?

The Vedas are the foundation scriptures of Hinduism. But still we can say that there isn't actually a sole central scripture of Hinduism. There are many hundreds of different kinds of scriptures and spiritual texts belonging to the many different and diverse forms - but all in essence, transcends from the Vedas. There are six divisions of Hindu scriptures and these – in order of general authority and importance – are  the Shrutis, the Smritis, the Itihasas, the Puranas, the Agamas, and the Darshanas. Shrutis Shrutis...

Read More

The Rescue of a Deer

Mandharaka ended the story of Somilaka telling Hiranyaka and Laghupatanaka that a rich person who does not spend money is as poor as any poor person can be. Not being able to enjoy is common to both the poor and the miserly rich. Nothing on this earth is greater than charity and there is no greater enemy than miserliness. The crow then advised Hiranyaka, “Listen to what the turtle is saying. Elders have said that it is easier to get friends who...

Read More

The Unlucky Weaver

Somilaka was a weaver living on the edge of the city. He was an expert at making fine garments worthy of kings and princes. He enjoyed the patronage of the nobility. Despite all this, he was poorer than those weavers who were making coarse cloth for the common people. Worried at his condition, he told his wife, “Look dear, how rich these weavers of coarse cloth have become. There is something wrong with this place. I am not a success here. I will...

Read More

Story of The Merchant’s Son

“Sagargupta was a merchant living in one of the country’s big cities. He had a son, who, one day purchased a book whose only content was a single verse. The verse read: “Man gets what is in his destiny Even God cannot prevent it To me it makes no difference What’s mine can never become others.” “What is the price of this book,” the father asked. “Hundred rupees,” said the son. The father flew into a rage and said, “You are a fool. You have...

Read More