What is Mahima Dharma and Who is the Originator of It?

Mahima Dharma is a monotheistic spiritual movement that originated in the Indian state of Odisha in the 19th century. It emphasizes devotion to a formless, all-pervading, and indivisible supreme being called Alekha (अलेख) or Mahima (महिमा)—which means "the indescribable" or "the infinite glory."

Key Concepts of Mahima Dharma:

1. Formless God (Nirguna Brahman):

God is beyond form, attributes, caste, or rituals—pure consciousness without shape or image.

2. Rejection of Idolatry & Ritualism:

Mahima Dharma denounces idol worship, temple rituals, and caste discrimination.

3. Asceticism & Simplicity:

Followers often live as ascetics or simple householders, wearing saffron robes and practicing spiritual discipline.

4. Social Equality:

It promotes egalitarianism, rejecting Brahminical hierarchy, untouchability, and priestly authority.

5. Ahimsa (Non-violence):

A strong emphasis on compassion and non-violence.

Originator of Mahima Dharma:

The founder and originator of Mahima Dharma is Maha Mahima Swami Mahima Gosain, also known simply as Mahima Swami.

He is believed to have appeared around the early 19th century (approx. 1826) and achieved spiritual enlightenment on Kapilas Hill near Dhenkanal, Odisha.

After enlightenment, he traveled across Odisha spreading his teachings and gathering disciples.

His most famous disciple was Bhima Bhoi, a tribal saint-poet who powerfully expressed Mahima philosophy through devotional poetry.

Legacy:

Bhima Bhoi helped spread Mahima Dharma to the masses through Odia poetry, advocating spiritual liberation and social reform.

Today, Mahima Dharma still has followers in Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam.

What is Mundak Upanishads and what it describes about?

The Mundaka Upanishad (also spelled Mundak) is one of the major Upanishads of Hindu philosophy and is found in the Atharvaveda. It is highly respected in the Advaita Vedanta tradition and focuses on the knowledge of the Supreme Reality (Brahma Vidya).

Overview of Mundaka Upanishad:

Name meaning: "Mundaka" means "shaved" or "closely cropped" – symbolizing a renunciate who has renounced worldly ties to seek higher truth.

Associated with: Atharvaveda

Chapters: 3 Mundakas (parts), each with 2 sections – total of 6 sections.

What It Describes:

1. Two Kinds of Knowledge:

It opens with a profound teaching:

Para Vidya (Higher Knowledge) – knowledge of the eternal, Brahman, the imperishable.

Apara Vidya (Lower Knowledge) – knowledge of rituals, Vedas, and worldly subjects.

It says only Para Vidya leads to liberation (Moksha).

2. Supreme Reality (Brahman):

Brahman is described as the source of everything, the pure consciousness, and the Self (Atman).

It is beyond form, time, and duality.

Knowing Brahman is the goal of life.

3. Path of Renunciation and Inner Realization:

Mundaka Upanishad discourages blind ritualism and emphasizes direct experience through meditation, self-inquiry, and renunciation.

True seekers must turn away from karma-kanda (rituals) and seek self-realization.

4. Famous Allegory – Two Birds on a Tree:

One of its most beautiful metaphors:

Two birds sit on the same tree.

One eats the fruits (represents the ego/self enjoying life).

The other simply watches (represents the Supreme Self, Brahman).

When the first bird realizes the second, it attains freedom.

Spiritual Message:

Realize that you are not the doer or enjoyer; your true nature is the eternal witness.

Only self-knowledge, not rituals or external deeds, leads to liberation.

Key Mantra:

"Satyameva Jayate" – Truth alone triumphs (used as India's national motto)

Conclusion:

The Mundaka Upanishad is a deep spiritual guide urging seekers to:

A. Transcend ritualism.

B. Pursue the knowledge of the Self.

C. Realize Brahman, the source of all.

What is Brihad aranyaka Upanishads and What it describes about?

 The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद्) is one of the oldest and most important Upanishads in Hindu philosophy. The name means “Great Forest Upanishad”, indicating that it was taught in the solitude of the forest (aranya = forest). It belongs to the Shukla Yajurveda and is attributed primarily to the sage Yajnavalkya.

What it Describes:

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is a vast text that explores profound philosophical concepts. It contains dialogues, mantras, and meditations and is structured in six chapters (adhyāyas). Here’s what it mainly deals with:

1. Nature of the Self (Atman)

Central to the Upanishad is the inquiry into “Who am I?”

It declares that the Self (Atman) is identical with Brahman, the ultimate reality:

 "Aham Brahmasmi" – I am Brahman.

2. Brahman (Supreme Reality)

Describes Brahman as infinite, formless, beyond duality, and the foundation of everything.

All beings arise from, exist in, and return to Brahman.

3. Neti-Neti Doctrine ("Not this, not this")

The Upanishad uses the phrase "Neti, Neti" to explain that Brahman is beyond all definitions and attributes.

You can't describe Brahman by what it is — only by what it is not.

4. Doctrine of Rebirth (Punarjanma) and Karma

It discusses what happens after death, stating that one’s next life is shaped by their actions (karma) and knowledge.

The wise seek liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

5. Yajnavalkya-Maitreyi Dialogues

Famous discourse where sage Yajnavalkya teaches his wife Maitreyi about immortality and the Self.

He says:

> “The Self alone is to be seen, heard, reflected upon, and meditated upon.”

6. Unity of the Universe

It teaches non-duality (Advaita): there is only One Reality, and the perception of multiplicity is illusion (Maya).

Key Teachings in Brief:

Concept                                  

Atman=Brahman- The Self and          

Supreme Reality are one and the same

Neti Neti -  The Supreme cannot be defined in worldly terms

Rebirth & Karma- Actions and knowledge shape future births

Rebirth and Karma- Achieved through Self-knowledge, not rituals

Non-duality -There is no true separation between the individual and the universe

Influence:

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad laid the groundwork for later schools of Vedanta, especially Advaita Vedanta of Adi Shankaracharya. It’s considered a philosophical treasure and remains foundational in spirtual study.

What is Sankhya Yoga and What it describes about and Who was the originator of this yog?

Sankhya Yoga (also spelled Sankhya or Samkhya Yoga) is one of the oldest philosophical systems in Hinduism and also a key concept discussed in the Bhagavad Gita, especially in Chapter 2, titled "Sankhya Yoga" or "The Yoga of Knowledge".

What is Sankhya Yoga?

Sankhya Yoga is the path of knowledge and discrimination between the real (eternal soul – Purusha) and the unreal (material world – Prakriti). It focuses on understanding the true nature of reality through rational analysis, introspection, and inner awareness.

In essence, Sankhya Yoga teaches:

You are not the body or mind, but the immortal soul (Atman).

Suffering arises from ignorance of this truth.

Liberation (Moksha) is attained by realizing the distinction between the Self (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti).

What it Describes About:

1. Dualism: Reality consists of two independent principles –

Purusha (pure consciousness)

Prakriti (nature or material reality)

2. Twenty-Five Tattvas (Principles): It classifies all elements of existence including intellect (Buddhi), ego (Ahamkara), mind (Manas), senses, and the five great elements (Mahabhutas).

3. Cause of Bondage: Bondage occurs when Purusha falsely identifies with Prakriti (i.e., body-mind complex).

4. Path to Liberation: Through Viveka (discrimination) and Jnana (knowledge), one realizes their true nature and becomes free from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara).

Who was the Originator?

The originator of the Sankhya philosophy is Sage Kapila, an ancient sage believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

He is said to have composed the foundational Sankhya Sutras, though the exact text is mostly lost, and the classical form survives in Ishvarakrishna's Sankhya Karika (~4th century CE).

Sankhya Yoga in Bhagavad Gita:

In Chapter 2, Krishna introduces Sankhya Yoga to Arjuna:

He teaches the impermanence of the body and eternity of the soul.

Encourages detached action without concern for results (Nishkama Karma).

Prepares the ground for Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.

"The wise grieve neither for the living nor the dead..." – Bhagavad Gita 2.11