Do Hindus have a Prophet

[payak]

as the title say's

 

[Philomath]

No Hindu's do not have a prophet.

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam,

We have God. Each individual have a direct line with the Universe. Why need a prophet ?

Aum Namah Shivaya

 

[Vinayaka]

... and what exactly is the debate?

 

[Riverwolf]

Nope.

 

[Poeticus]

as the title say's

No, there are no prophets in Hinduism. The idea is non-existent.

 

[Vinayaka]

Hinduism has a pope. His name is Ganesha.

 

[George-ananda]

as the title say's

I'll buck the trend and give you the opposite answer as the previous people.

Yes they do...and they are called avatars/sages/masters/Prahmahansa/Bhagavan/etc.. I would argue they are comparable to the western term 'prophet'. There is no official hierarchy in Hinduism so not all Hindus have heard of and respect the same prophets.

 

[Poeticus]

Yes they do...and they are called avatars/sages/masters/Prahmahansa/Bhagavan/etc.. I would argue they are comparable to the western term 'prophet'.

And, that theory is based upon.....?

 

[George-ananda]

And, that theory is based upon.....?

It's not a theory. It's popular tradition for many.

 

[Poeticus]

It's not a theory. It's popular tradition for many.

Care to explain? I seem to be confused with the equating of Vedantic notions to the multitude of Hindu traditions that clearly say otherwise, especially since Shruti also clearly objects.

 

[George-ananda]

Care to explain? I seem to be confused with the equating of Vedantic notions to the multitude of Hindu traditions that clearly say otherwise, especially since Shruti also clearly objects.

What do you think is meant by the western term 'Prophet'?

I would say Hinduism has individuals similar to that term.

 

[Willamena]

What do you think is meant by the western term 'Prophet'?

I would say Hinduism has individuals similar to that term.

Who are they?

 

[George-ananda]

Who are they?

Let me quote Wikipedia also:

Hinduism[edit]

The Hindu concept of Rishis is similar to the concept of prophets. The Sanskrit word Rishi is loosely translated into English as "seer" (a prophet, a man who can see the future). Hinduism recognizes and reveres thousands of Rishis, who can be thought of as the collective founders of the Hindu religion over many millennia. Of these, special importance is given to the Saptarshi (the Seven Sages), widely regarded as Patriarchs of the Hindu religion, whose listing is different according to different texts. The Saptarshi and their clans are believed to have composed the hymns of the four Vedas by entering into communion with the Supreme Cosmic Spirit through meditation. For instance, Rigveda 1.1 is attributed to Rishi Madhucchandā Vaishwāmitra (i.e. Madhucchandā of the clan of Vishwāmitra). Most Rishis were male, but there were some female Rishikās too. Lopāmudrā is the author of one hymn in the Rigveda, and Gargi Vachaknavi is described in the Brihadāranyaka Upanishad as a highly respected woman in the field of Brahmajñāna. Apart from the Vedas, various Rishis are also credited with composing the several Smriti texts, like Vedavyāsa who composed the Mahābhārata.

 

[Poeticus]

Let me quote Wikipedia also:

Hinduism[edit]

The Hindu concept of Rishis is similar to the concept of prophets. The Sanskrit word Rishi is loosely translated into English as "seer" (a prophet, a man who can see the future). Hinduism recognizes and reveres thousands of Rishis, who can be thought of as the collective founders of the Hindu religion over many millennia. Of these, special importance is given to the Saptarshi (the Seven Sages), widely regarded as Patriarchs of the Hindu religion, whose listing is different according to different texts. The Saptarshi and their clans are believed to have composed the hymns of the four Vedas by entering into communion with the Supreme Cosmic Spirit through meditation. For instance, Rigveda 1.1 is attributed to Rishi Madhucchandā Vaishwāmitra (i.e. Madhucchandā of the clan of Vishwāmitra). Most Rishis were male, but there were some female Rishikās too. Lopāmudrā is the author of one hymn in the Rigveda, and Gargi Vachaknavi is described in the Brihadāranyaka Upanishad as a highly respected woman in the field of Brahmajñāna. Apart from the Vedas, various Rishis are also credited with composing the several Smriti texts, like Vedavyāsa who composed the Mahābhārata.

Unfortunately, I noticed that there were no links nor citations for that paragraph; almost every other paragraph above the section regarding Hinduism and below the said question had citations/links. Hinduism did not.

I can understand how one can construe seer for prophet, but the overall characteristics of what constitutes to being a prophet differs from what the Rishis were; they were also bards, invokers, summoners, but never preachers.

I would dissect the association of prophet concerning the Abrahamic religions from "holy men/women" of Hinduism, since the philology is ridiculously different.

 

[Vinayaka]

It's not a theory. It's popular tradition for many.

Many? Who? Maybe simplistic Advaitins leaning towards universalism. But they sure aren't anywhere near the majority in Hinduism. Certainly Ramakrishna, Vivekenanda, Aurobindo, etc. were great teachers, as are a few of the swamis and gurus around today, but they certainly never claimed things like "I am the only way to God." as most, if not all of the Abrahamic prophets did.

Advaita vedanta is quite popular in the west, but not even close to the most popular sect within Hinduism. That would apply to Vaishnavite bhaktars.

 

[Vinayaka]

Who are they?

There aren't any.

 

[Vinayaka]

This site Who are the prophets of Hinduism doesn't have it quite right either, as many Hindus also don't believe in avatars, and it suggests that Hindus do. Some do, yes. But mainly only Vaishnavites.

 

[ChristineES]

Hmm. I should let Hindus answer this question but I don't think they have any prophets.

 

[Monotheist 101]

What do you think is meant by the western term 'Prophet'?

I would say Hinduism has individuals similar to that term.

A Prophet is a messenger of God, An Avatar is a manifestation of God..thats what I understand anyway, correct me if im wrong.