The meaning of HINDU
A Translation of Shri Swami Gangeshwaranandji Maharaj’s lecture on 5th Nov 1969 at Hyderabad –India
At Kandika Parameshwari Bhavan, someone from the audience raised a query, Swamiji, please tell us the meaning of the word ‘HINDU’.
Here, I will briefly tell you the meaning of the word HINDU.
The key to our Vedas is Nirukta which describes the roots of the words.
The word HINDU is made up of three Varnas-
Hinsa – Nama- Du
It means:
Hinasthi Yastu Durvirtaan,
Sadaa Sadhun Namasyati,
Dugdhe Prapnann-Kaamanch tum Hindu Chakshyathi.
Hinasthi Yastu Durvirtaan: If we don’t punish the unjust, then we become his accomplice. We are encouraging him to do injustice in the future also. This is the first characteristic of a Hindu, that is, one who is bold and fearless in punishing the unjust.
Who will punish the unjust people? One who is bubbling with enthusiasm and is filled with “UTSAHA SHAKTI.” (उत्साह शक्ति)
Sadaa Sadhun Namasyati: One who always bows down at the feet of saints and great Souls, one who is Humble.
Dugdhe Prapnann-Kaamanch tum Hindu Chakshyathi: He who fulfills the desire of those seeking refuge in him. One who will never disappoint those seeking shelter. One who is generous.
A Hindu is a confluence of three streams of Shakti –
Enthusiasm, Humility and Generosity.
Hence, a Hindu is one who is enthusiastic, generous and humble. He is so enthusiastic that he does not hesitate in punishing even the strongest person that is denying justice to others. No matter how prosperous we may become, we should always bow down at the feet of the Saints. We should also fulfill the desire of those seeking refuge in us, even if the person seeking is related to our arch enemies.
I request you to be true Hindus, be generous, humble and enthusiastic.
Serving the Saints and bowing at the feet of your Guru and Parents is the path for the betterment of your fortune. By the grace and blessings of a Guru, even the adverse writings of the Creator can be changed for the good.
HINSA– One who is enthusiastic and fearless in punishing the unjust.
NAMAH: One who humbly and sincerely bows down at the feet of the Saints.
DU: One who generously fulfills the desires of those seeking refuge in him.