Retired university lecturer, religious scholar and community activist who has launched several books in the past, believes his latest book, entitled, ‘Three canons to religious intelligence,’ is a must read for not only religious scholars and Hindu spiritual leaders but for all, the young and old.
Dr Thillayvel Naidoo of Durban North who worked for the Department of Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal has conducted more than six decades of research and study into the ancient Hindu religion, spanning more than five thousand years old.
Naidoo’s commitment to religious intelligence has also been extended to several other religions practiced in South Africa. Naidoo said, “My own life has been based on my belief that religion must make sense to me first before I extend that interest in talking to and teaching other people. It is important to know how Hinduism began in India before it arrived in South Africa and other parts of the world.”
Naidoo has written and published many books on Hinduism and delivered many lectures and talks on the subject. He said, “My latest book is entitled, ‘Three canons to religious intelligence.’ The book is my interpretation of three of the most outstanding scriptures produced by the Hindu religion. My reason for writing the book is to express the fact that I regard the three scriptural texts as the greatest the world has produced. The three canons are the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras. I am perfectly happy to explain this to any person or group of people who have a genuine interest in religion. The condition however is that people must understand that I can only explain my position if people are willing to discuss religion intelligently and not turn the discussion into an argument or sparring session.”
“My book presents my interpretation of the spiritual message of Hinduism in a very modern context and I would like very much for the message of Bhagavan Sri Krishna to be better understood by all people. I place emphasis on Bhagavan Sri Krishna who I regard as the greatest of the world’s religious teachers,” said Naidoo. When Naidoo is not busy delving into spirituality, he enjoys reading, watching rugby and cricket.