The Basics of Hinduism

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Yesterday, I attended a lecture titled the Basics of Hinduism at Austin Hindu Temple, delivered by Sri. Swami Nikhilanand (SN).  Here are a few things I learned. 

(1) Vedas basically teach two aspects of dharma - (a) Aparadharma, which is 94% of Vedas, gives instructions on conducting ourselves and (b) Paradharma, which is 6% of Vedas, tells us how to attain God.  Why so much attention for Aparadharma, when attaining the God is our main goal? Swami's explanation with an analogy - In typical universities, there will be many undergraduate students, a few graduate students, and a very few doctoral students.  So, the lesser the level of education, the more is the availability for it.  Vedic knowledge is designed along the same lines.  As the majority of us are concerned about the material pleasures (which are inferior desires), the majority of vedic knowledge provides guidance on behavior in this material world.  The few people who conduct themselves well, tend to develop (true) spiritual urge, and they automatically will read and follow Paradharma.

(2) God originally created ten rishis, who spread the vedic knowledge.

I asked SN "why didn't God put a couple of rishis say, in Norway and a couple in Australia, so that this vital knowledge would be well disseminated?  He said that it was because of the location of India.  Due to its geographic location, India is protected from ice ages.  So, the knowledge will be preserved in this spiritual capital of the world, even when civilizations perish during ice ages; true seekers of knowledge can travel to India and get it.  I was not convinced with this answer.  But it was an excellent lecture and I enjoyed it.