Do any of you non-Hindus believe in any Hindu concepts?

[Hema]

Do any of you non-Hindus believe in any Hindu concepts?

Yup, I do. I find Hinduism to be a beautiful path and one that I can relate to a lot, but right at this time I'm not comfortable converting or anything like that. I've researched and spent a lot of time learning about Hinduism...though I am no expert...that'd take a looooooong time, lol.

Thank you. No need to convert. Hinduism teaches that all paths eventually lead to the same destination, just as many rivers lead to the same ocean. I'm no expert either. There are so many things I don't know about Hinduism as yet. It's so vast.

 

[Hema]

Strange, Seyorni, I am the same (in the non acceptance of "linear" re-incarnation). Hema, my Daughter, I think you know I saw myself, during regressive meditation, as a young innocent Hindu girl...................I feel a great "tug" from Hinduism; all I need to do now is to study it!

**hugs my RF daddy**

Yes, I can never forget that you told me that.

Silly me somehow zoomed in on the words, "young innocent Hindu girl" and I was wondering "How does he know I'm a young innocent Hindu girl?" Then, I read the whole thing and saw that you were talking about your past life regression. Hyuk hyuk.

 

[Hema]

*jumps in the Hinduism DIR forum*

I do I do I do!!!

Karma, reincarnation, chakras, invocations, and although i have read very little, i probably agree and resonate with mythologies and saying from the Vedas as well

Edit: i couldn't remember if it was Veda with an a or vede with an e, sorry if i got it wrong.

**thinking to self --- thank God I cleaned up those banana peels from the floor before Mike jumped in, one cannot take chances with a Super Mod...whew**

Hey Mike, thanks for your response. You were correct, it IS Vedas with an "a". I don't think that there are any Pagans in Trinidad...well, none that I know of anyway. There are some Paagal people though. I'm one of them. (Paagal means "crazy" in Hindi). The first time I met Pagans was when I came to RF. It amazed me to know that many Pagans and Hindus have similar beliefs. For eg. the whole "oneness with nature thingy."

 

[YmirGF]

Okay well, I knew for sure that YOU are influenced by Hindu thought. Would you be so kind as to explain why you think the chakra system can be misleading? Also, you said that the view from the thousand petalled lotus is amazing...are you talking from personal experience. Oh boy, please tell.

I was smitten by the branch of Vedantic thought as outlined by the International Society for Krnsa Consciousness when I was in my early 20's and remained fairly devout for about 7 years. It was precisely what I needed at the time to expand my inner horizons and gave me a framework large enough to contain my voracious young awareness. Sadly, I outgrew it, as is inevitable, although I will always be thankful for the stunning memories and sustained experience of the "spiritual sky" that continues to this bright and beautiful late winter's day.

The thousand petalled lotus is an analogy of sorts, and at the centre of the blossom is a jewel of light that utterly defies description, although it is not dissimilar to a "white dwarf" star... only considerably smaller... about the size of a walnut. At least so it seemed to me, but your "first contact" may not be the same as mine, that is just how it appeared to me... at first. It was over thirty years ago, so that is no longer how I view this, however it is unlikely I could describe what I see now and neither could you understand without the benefit of your own "first contact".

I hope you don't think me rude to put it that way, but without experiencing the reality of your inner being, first hand, it is unlikely that anyone could understand how I view mine. I do hope that makes some sense. Sadly, most folks ensconced within physical reality do not know they contain a Light within themselves, let alone experience that Light on a continuous basis.

In regards to the chakras, I do not experience any distinct separation between the various "chakras" or energy centres. If you think of looking at the body from the top down, instead of from a frontal perspective you can appreciate my viewpoint. I see one main centre and various other centres or mini centres within it. I have to be honest; I don't give the subject much thought, as that is not my focus, no pun intended. I would say that it could simply be my perspective, pun intended, as it is somewhat dependant on the way you are looking at it.

I would also note the existence of a transparent chakra that is located approximately 18 inches above the human head... and slightly to the right. This "chakra" could be considered an "exit" door and is utilized during out of body adventures. If one experiences this "hidden" chakra without prior knowledge of the "crown" chakra one may well visualize a long dark tunnel. If one is aware of the crown chakra, well, it is difficult to describe, but there is a distinct slingshot or catapult effect. Again, it is difficult to render into words. I hope this helps.

The last note is that there are a kazillion tiny energy centres within the human body as well, aside from the main ones denoted by the various Hindu mystics.

 

[anders]

Chakras no.
Reincarnation/rebirth/metempsychosis no.
Karma no, unless I Daoistically interpret it as working in this life.
Cyclic time is not unique to Hinduism, but interesting.
I'm a nirīśvaravāda, though.

 

[Hema]

The thousand petalled lotus is an analogy of sorts, and at the centre of the blossom is a jewel of light that utterly defies description, although it is not dissimilar to a "white dwarf" star... only considerably smaller... about the size of a walnut. At least so it seemed to me, but your "first contact" may not be the same as mine, that is just how it appeared to me... at first. It was over thirty years ago, so that is no longer how I view this, however it is unlikely I could describe what I see now and neither could you understand without the benefit of your own "first contact".

I hope you don't think me rude to put it that way, but without experiencing the reality of your inner being, first hand, it is unlikely that anyone could understand how I view mine. I do hope that makes some sense. Sadly, most folks ensconced within physical reality do not know they contain a Light within themselves, let alone experience that Light on a continuous basis.

I don't think that you're rude at all. I just think you meant that it cannot be fully explained in words. It wouldn't be done justice. One has to experience it to understand the true beauty.

Your description is amazing. I have heard that the soul enters through the crown chakra at birth and leaves at death. My highest active chakra is the one between my eyes but sometimes I feel the kundalini energy travelling a little further upwards.

It's true what you said. Many people don't know about their true nature - the inner beauty and light.

I would also note the existence of a transparent chakra that is located approximately 18 inches above the human head... and slightly to the right. This "chakra" could be considered an "exit" door and is utilized during out of body adventures. If one experiences this "hidden" chakra without prior knowledge of the "crown" chakra one may well visualize a long dark tunnel. If one is aware of the crown chakra, well, it is difficult to describe, but there is a distinct slingshot or catapult effect. Again, it is difficult to render into words. I hope this helps.

The last note is that there are a kazillion tiny energy centres within the human body as well, aside from the main ones denoted by the various Hindu mystics.

That is so amazing. First time I'm hearing about that chakra. I had a couple OBEs but stopped myself short because I became scared. Do you have any advice for peaceful OBEs?

Are the energy centres you speak about like the Nadis, which are many aspects of the astral body - sort of like having many different astral bodies of varying magnitude?

Sometimes when I'm in between sleep and wake I experience sensations of being paralyzed and I hear a loud high-pitched noise inmy head. Someone told me that my spirit guide is trying to talk to me, another person told me that it's not a good thing - it represents other people's jealousy etc. However, when I researched the internet, it seems to be astral catalepsy- when the astral body doesn't fully re-enter the body before one wakes up. Has this ever happened to you?

I see you quoted me as "Light-Hearted Hema". Me likey!

 

[Hema]

Chakras no.
Reincarnation/rebirth/metempsychosis no.
Karma no, unless I Daoistically interpret it as working in this life.
Cyclic time is not unique to Hinduism, but interesting.
I'm a nirīśvaravāda, though.

Thank you anders. When I clicked on the link, I see that there are two differnt branches. Which one are you? I see that this can be likened to atheism. I also saw that one of the paths rely on the Vedas.

 

[Random]

We Emancipates believe in Reincarnation, Karma, moksha, Nirvana, the Atman: ALL of it.

 

[eudaimonia]

I'd be interested in seeing a list of Hindu concepts so I could better check them for matching concepts.

The only near-match I can think of is karma, since this refers to the cause and effect due to intentional actions. I personally think that chosen actions have both psychological and social consequences, so I suppose I believe in a sort of karma. However, I don't believe in any form of life after death (including both Hindu reincarnation or Buddhist rebirth) so my "karma" would be a very unusual and non-Eastern sort.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Hema]

We Emancipates believe in Reincarnation, Karma, moksha, Nirvana, the Atman: ALL of it.

Amazing. Where does your religion stem from? Forgive me but I don't think I heard of Emancipates before. In Trinidad, we just have Christians, Hindus, Muslims and some Bahais. Since I came to RF I'm learning of so many different beliefs. Ain't RF great?

 

[Hema]

I'd be interested in seeing a list of Hindu concepts so I could better check them for matching concepts.

The only near-match I can think of is karma, since this refers to the cause and effect due to intentional actions. I personally think that chosen actions have both psychological and social consequences, so I suppose I believe in a sort of karma. However, I don't believe in any form of life after death (including both Hindu reincarnation or Buddhist rebirth) so my "karma" would be a very unusual and non-Eastern sort.


eudaimonia,

Mark

Thanks you Eudaimonia. Well, here are some concepts (other than karma and reincarnation that you mentioned)...
- Chakras
- Time moving in cycles
- The soul as being the true self.
- Ahimsa or non-violence (except for cases of self-defense etc.)
- Deities or manifestations of God in sort of angel-like forms, although God is ONE.
- Avatars: God manifesting on earth to reinforce righteousness.

 

[YmirGF]

I have heard that the soul enters through the crown chakra at birth and leaves at death.

Yes. I would only add that the "soul" is like a housebuilder who occaisionally comes to visit the jobsite while the house is under construction and takes up permanent residency upon completion of the house. Likewise, the "soul" can often hang around for a short while after death, sometimes like a distraught mother trying to get a dead baby to miraculously come back to life, but more often like an artist coming back to gaze at their handiwork.

My highest active chakra is the one between my eyes but sometimes I feel the kundalini energy travelling a little further upwards.

Bravo, sweet Hema. Take a bow.

I had a couple OBEs but stopped myself short because I became scared. Do you have any advice for peaceful OBEs?

The reason for the fear is that the individual is afraid that they will not come back. The simple fact is, you will come back to your body, as while the body lives, it acts as its own homing device. Were you not afraid when you learned how to ride a bicycle that you would not be able to control it, fall off and get hurt? It's the same idea. With practice you will lose the fear. It is inevitable. The main thing to understand is that there is nothing to fear, not even your fear. Trust yourself. My best advice is to treat your inner adventures as products of your own imagination. DO NOT assume it is all real, although it will seem to be VERY REAL. If you approach this area of experience in this manner you will remain well grounded in the physical world. Don't make the assumption that you are a playtoy of "the gods" and have been given some great mission to accomplish either. Let your imagination take you where it will, just don't let it get carried away with itself. I hope you understand.

Are the energy centres you speak about like the Nadis, which are many aspects of the astral body - sort of like having many different astral bodies of varying magnitude?

Yes, I perceive three "bodies". 1. the physical body 2. an identical copy of the physical body that can be called the "dream body" and 3. The entity, source self, or "soul". The oddity is that the so-called "dream body" is a single form, but it is a multidimensional form. The entity on the other hand is somewhat "formless" and is the proverbial "well oiled marble" that cannot be defined in verbal terms, but is the source or "battery" of the Energizer bunnies of the dream body and physical body.

Sometimes when I'm in between sleep and wake I experience sensations of being paralyzed and I hear a loud high-pitched noise inmy head. Someone told me that my spirit guide is trying to talk to me, another person told me that it's not a good thing - it represents other people's jealousy etc. However, when I researched the internet, it seems to be astral catalepsy- when the astral body doesn't fully re-enter the body before one wakes up. Has this ever happened to you?

Yes, I have had similar experiences to this. I see it more as a dissociated state where the individual has not quite made/broken the connection between physical experience and the dream experience. It is sort of like twilight, neither one, nor the other. The strangeness is that you are actually partially experiencing two different aspects of being simultaneously and that can be disconcerting. As to the "spirit guides babbling sweet nothings in your ear"... that is unlikely. The thought of detecting jealousy is amusing but to my thinking, unsound. The sound you are hearing... Is it a metallic fizzing sound? Somewhat like a glass of soda pop or Alka seltzer fizzing in a glass? Or is it a rolling, deep bass sound?

I see you quoted me as "Light-Hearted Hema". Me likey!

Glad you liked it, and I hope you caught the multiple meanings.

 

[Lux et Umbra]

Thank you. No need to convert. Hinduism teaches that all paths eventually lead to the same destination, just as many rivers lead to the same ocean. I'm no expert either. There are so many things I don't know about Hinduism as yet. It's so vast.

Oh I know. I wasn't saying you or anything was intending to convert me. I personally was thinking of converting...before. And you're right, all paths eventually lead to the same source Many of my beliefs are aligned to Hinduism.

 

[Hema]

Yes. I would only add that the "soul" is like a housebuilder who occaisionally comes to visit the jobsite while the house is under construction and takes up permanent residency upon completion of the house. Likewise, the "soul" can often hang around for a short while after death, sometimes like a distraught mother trying to get a dead baby to miraculously come back to life, but more often like an artist coming back to gaze at their handiwork.

Amazing! I never thought that the soul comes and goes whilst in the womb. However, I knew that the soul can hand around after death due to attachment towards the body. This is why bodies are cremated in Hinduism.

Bravo, sweet Hema. Take a bow.

:curtsy: Aww thanks, but I believe that a lot of people had a bigger part to play in this. Eg. gurus, my parents who grew me up in a spiritual manner etc. Everything is all thanks to God anyway. It is only through his grace and blessings. Without God I am nothing.

he reason for the fear is that the individual is afraid that they will not come back. The simple fact is, you will come back to your body, as while the body lives, it acts as its own homing device. Were you not afraid when you learned how to ride a bicycle that you would not be able to control it, fall off and get hurt? It's the same idea. With practice you will lose the fear. It is inevitable. The main thing to understand is that there is nothing to fear, not even your fear. Trust yourself. My best advice is to treat your inner adventures as products of your own imagination. DO NOT assume it is all real, although it will seem to be VERY REAL. If you approach this area of experience in this manner you will remain well grounded in the physical world. Don't make the assumption that you are a playtoy of "the gods" and have been given some great mission to accomplish either. Let your imagination take you where it will, just don't let it get carried away with itself. I hope you understand.

Thank you. So me must practice.
**gulp**
**double gulp**
**triple gulp**
Okay, I will remember what you said.

The sound you are hearing... Is it a metallic fizzing sound? Somewhat like a glass of soda pop or Alka seltzer fizzing in a glass? Or is it a rolling, deep bass sound?

It's a very high frequency sound which makes my brain hurt. Sort of like the sound a whistle might make but a lot higher. It's a very shrill sound. It might not sound as loud as a whistle but it's like a humming within my head.

 

[Hema]

Oh I know. I wasn't saying you or anything was intending to convert me. I personally was thinking of converting...before. And you're right, all paths eventually lead to the same source Many of my beliefs are aligned to Hinduism.

Don't worry, I sort of knew that you knew that I wasn't talking about conversion. I hope that doesn't sound confusing...yet it does to me. I was just trying to make the point that all paths lead to the same destination, which we both agree on anyway. So we're on the same wavelength. Kewl! :bounce


BTW, I've brought veggie pizza for everybody... :eat: (it only adds "virtual" calories!)

 

[Kungfuzed]

Thank you Kungfuzed. I really enjoyed reading your perspective. It's so amazing that although you describe yourself as an Atheist, your description of yourself in relation to the universe sounds very much like Hindu beliefs. Honestly! The way you describe the universe is how I see "God". The way that you said that you are part of the universe, you always have been and will be, reminds me that we are part of God, always have been and always will be. I know that you don't really believe in God and I respect that. To you, the force is that of the universe, which I call - God. There are people who believe in God and don't feel as one with the universe as you do. I admire you for your beliefs. :yes:

Thanks. One thing that helped me with these beliefs was a book I bought a few years ago The Book of Secrets by Deepak Chopra. He has a very interesting perspective on things. I heard him on a late night radio show and found him so interesting that I went out and bought it. Some people think he's a quack and there are some things I ether don't agree with or don't understand. But one thing I got out of the book is my current views on the universe and my relationship to it.

Do you believe that there is a God that controls the universe or that the universe itself is a living entity? I don't believe the universe has consiousness or a will, not on it's own anyway. But since we are part of the universe than perhaps we are it's mind.

 

[Hema]

Thanks. One thing that helped me with these beliefs was a book I bought a few years ago The Book of Secrets by Deepak Chopra. He has a very interesting perspective on things. I heard him on a late night radio show and found him so interesting that I went out and bought it. Some people think he's a quack and there are some things I ether don't agree with or don't understand. But one thing I got out of the book is my current views on the universe and my relationship to it.

Oh I don't think Deepak Chopra is a quack at all. I have heard him on Oprah and he's very knowledgable. I always remeber something he said. He said that when we have pain in our bodies, we should send feelings of love towards the affected area and it will help to ease the pain. I have tried it and it works. Usually when we are in pain, we get angry with the part of the body that is hurt. Our cells are living and they can feel and subsequently, respond to whatever feelings we send to them.

Do you believe that there is a God that controls the universe or that the universe itself is a living entity? I don't believe the universe has consiousness or a will, not on it's own anyway. But since we are part of the universe than perhaps we are it's mind.

I would say both. However, we ourselves have a big role to play. You said that we are it's mind. It's true that human thought has a huge impact on the world. I believe that by sending thoughts of love to people - in any part of the world, they will receive it and it will benefit them. If love can touch one person's life and he/she can share it with another person, it sets off a chain reaction. To me, the consciousness of the universe and our consciousness is the same. Some people just don't realize that they have this powerful consciousness within them. To me, this consciousness is God. For Hindus, the consciousness of the universe is Shiva - the male aspect of God and the energy and creative force of the universe is Shakti - the female aspect of God. When the universe began with the big bang, we say that in the beginning the Absolute Truth or Brahman was one and divided itself itself so that it could love itself. This will caused a vibration which caused a sound. The manifested universe was created out of love and as a result, love is the most powerful force on earth. It is what the earth lives on. So, to me, when human beings can live with love, not only towards each other but also towards nature and the universe, this is worship of God. To you there might not be a God but to me God is love. They are one and the same. Shri Satya Sai Baba says that there is only one religion - the religion of love. Even if one does not believe in God, as long as he/she believes in the power of love, to me it is a blessing. This is why I have put "Hinduism / Love" for my religion. There are many people who believe in God but can't love their neighbours. There is no sense in that.

 

[lilithu]

For your enjoyment whilst browsing this thread -

I know some people of other faiths who believe in karma, re-incarnation etc.

I know many of you believe in the chakra system too!

A gal is just curious.

Namaste Hema.

Now how did I miss this thread?

You may know this already from our other discussions, but:

I believe in karma.

I believe in rebirth, not reincarnation.

I believe in the connection between jiiva-atman and Param-Atman. (UUs call it the divine spark within each of us.) I do not believe in an unchanging soul, tho. To me, what we call the soul retains no individuality when joined with the Universal Soul, or Over Soul, or God.

I believe in both the oneness and the multiplicity of deity, so that it is entirely feasible to believe in one God and still worship/relate to many gods.

I believe that many paths are valid, and that different paths are better suited for different temperments - so some may do best with bhakti yoga while for others jnana yoga is better, etc. I don't, however, believe that all paths are valid. Some paths lead us further away from God. Still, they're not permanent. Anyone can always turn around and move towards God again.

I really haven't given chakras much thought. But I do believe that energy flows through us. You may call it kundalini. The Chinese call it chi.

 

[Hema]

Namaste Hema.

Now how did I miss this thread?

You may know this already from our other discussions, but:

I believe in karma.

I believe in rebirth, not reincarnation.

I believe in the connection between jiiva-atman and Param-Atman. (UUs call it the divine spark within each of us.) I do not believe in an unchanging soul, tho. To me, what we call the soul retains no individuality when joined with the Universal Soul, or Over Soul, or God.

I believe in both the oneness and the multiplicity of deity, so that it is entirely feasible to believe in one God and still worship/relate to many gods.

I believe that many paths are valid, and that different paths are better suited for different temperments - so some may do best with bhakti yoga while for others jnana yoga is better, etc. I don't, however, believe that all paths are valid. Some paths lead us further away from God. Still, they're not permanent. Anyone can always turn around and move towards God again.

I really haven't given chakras much thought. But I do believe that energy flows through us. You may call it kundalini. The Chinese call it chi.

Namaste Lilithu.

I was wondering how come you didn't post! I figured you were busy.

I have readt aht when the Atman merges witht the Param Atman, there is no individuality. They both merge just as water merges with wter. I think this was mentioned in the Vedas.

To me also, all the Deities are manifestations of that one Supreme Being.

Oooh! I agree that the kundalini and chi are one and the same. To me, it is what the Christians call "Holy Spirit". A Christian lady told me that the chakras are what Christians call the mansions of the soul.

 

[Feathers in Hair]

For your enjoyment whilst browsing this thread - opcorn:

I know some people of other faiths who believe in karma, re-incarnation etc.

I know many of you believe in the chakra system too!

A gal is just curious.

Chakras, karma, reincarnation... what is there not to believe in? I'm not sure if the belief originates in Hinduism or not, but I also adhere to the idea of there being an 'oversoul'. (My definition is probably different than the Hindu version of Paramatman, though.)