Foreword

The portal Jignyaasaa is a gift from a set of second generation of youngsters to their parents. The unique feature of this gift is that it benefits both the “giver” and the “receiver”. For the latter it’s a platform where their experiences over the years and meanings of some of the religious texts and traditions can find an expression, and for the former –scattered over the globe- a means to connect and be aware of the true significance of these traditions, many of which have become mere rituals.

The parents, being born into a highly religious and equally strict orthodox Hindu Brahmin family, their religious beliefs and practices were to a very large extent shaped and molded by adherence to austere orthodoxy, without in any way diluting the huge amount of compassion and attachment to human values.

Today, when times have radically changed, where the globe has literally shrunk and exposure to new cultures/traditions/beliefs abound, but yet human values continue to diminish, there is this dilemma for the elders regarding (a) the role of orthodoxy in ones path to salvation, (b) whether it is possible to know as to how far one has reached in this path (c) why it is so difficult for Him to give glimpses of His grace, (d) why is it that paropakaram (charity) which is so close to the youngsters hearts, -even if it is institutionalized- does not merit as much emphasis as doing one’s duty as per vedic commands and finally (e) what to do, where to go, and how to proceed, in this journey to reach the ultimate goal of realization.

These dilemmas find their expressions in genuine angst, quite often and forcefully in the portal. The main protagonist of this is Visweswaran (ALV). His style however being conversational, with minimal patronizing, passionate, and mostly open ended to enable contributions of every hue to be expressed, hugely helps in engaging the reader, to respond.

The other contributor (from the 2nd generation)is Naresh -a quintessential modern day technologist. He is precise, logical, and scientific but yet being deeply conscious of his station hardly ever failing to defer to elders. In sync with his background, he often forays into the metaphysical realms, which are at times difficult to grasp, without due diligence.

This just about sums up the spirit of the portal ; the journey to salvation is one’s alone, and the only engine available to reach there is the genuine quest for knowledge- “Jignyaasaa”..

The present attempt to bring this in a book form is mainly for the benefit of the elders who prefer the print medium, and also reach out to a larger audience. – Editor.