Deeper Aspects of Hinduism: Jewel in the Lotus

Mumtaz Ali is the epitome of secular harmony depicting an enlightened soul. At home in the lore of all religions and their innate mysticism, though born to Muslim parents, his deep and abiding interest in Yoga, Vedanta and Vedic scriptures led him to become a trustee of the Krishnamurti Foundation and subsequently establish Satsang Foundation, a center for holistic living in Banglore. Equally comfortable with the Gita and the Quran, this sagacious author is also a prolific painter and fluent in Sanskrit, Arabic and Persian. Emulating the sayings of his Himalayan guru, Ali strongly asserts that one has to live like the lotus, which, while growing in water and deriving its nourishment from it, still does not let water wet its petals.

Foreword

Hinduism is a many-splendoured and multi-faceted edifice, containing and reflecting an endless array of possibilities for spiritual growth and integration. Based essentially upon the sublime teachings of the Upanishads, the secret of Hinduism's continued vitality down through the long and tortuous corridors of time, despite repeated invasions and repression, lies in its capacity for creative reinterpretation. Indeed, the whole history of Hinduism can be viewed as a series of challenge and creative response, a process, which continues down to the present day. In the emerging global society it is my conviction that the universal principles of Hinduism are becoming increasingly relevant as we hurtle headlong into the third millennium A.D. astride the irreversible arrow of time.

Theoretical formulations apart, Hinduism involves treading a spiritual path, and there are many. It is these individual pathways involving a creative interaction between the Guru and the disciple that provide the circulatory life blood of Hinduism, making it a powerful vehicle for inner growth and spiritual realization. In this context the experience of individuals who have trodden the path is of great value. The present book Jewel in the Lotus revolves around the life experience and teachings of Mumtaz Ali, better known as 'M'. Some may find it surprising that a person born a Muslim should have such a deep insight into and experience with the Hindu tradition, but the real spiritual path knows no boundary of race or religion, sex or creed, language or nationality. And the mystics of all the world's great religions- the Rishis, the Siddhas, the Tirthankaras, the Bodhisattvas, the Sufis, the Gurus and the saints have all illuminated one or other facets of the immeasurable resplendence of the Divine.

I have had occasion to know 'M' over the last few year, and we have spoken together on several occasions including a three-day workshop on the Kena Upanishad over which I presided. He combines an excellent grasp of the Upanishadic teachings based on his own remarkable experiences. This book in which he has dealt with some of the deeper aspects of Hinduism will, I am sure, be of great interest to students of contemporary religion, as well as seekers for truth around the world.-Karan Singh