Do you ask you self.

[GoodbyeDave]

To those who see them self as religious (following a religion/spiritual path): Do you look at the scripture in your chosen belief/religion and ask you self. What did od/Buddha/Dao/Shiva or other spiritual beings mean by their teachings?

No, because my religion doesn't have scripture: it's based on experiences, not teachings. I read the better scriptures of some other religions with interest and sometimes to my advantage, though.

Just as information for you, the Gita is a sectarian scripture within Hinduism. I'm sure it's a wonderful book, but I don't own a copy.

I find it strange that I own a copy and you don't! That sort of sectarianism is one of the things that put me off Hinduism. The idea that you have to promote one god above all others, be it Shiva or Vishnu, is alien to me — not much different to Christianity, if I think about it.

 

[Nakosis]

To Atheists.
Some of you who see you self as Atheists seem to have good knowledge about the different religions.
Do you actually study some religious texts to be able to have a good discussion with belivers?
Do you sometimes ask you self, Can some of the spiritual teachings actually be on to something?

Did I study different religions? I involved myself in several different religions, "seeking the Truth". Part of that was studying what was written by the leaders of that religion.

A person can make use of any idea that they find works for them until a better idea comes along. Were they on to something? Like the Truth? I don't think so. I think they were onto something that felt like truth to them based on whatever experiences they happened to have.

Whether it was the Truth or not is unimportant. What is important is that it helped them get by in life.

 

[Vinayaka]

I find it strange that I own a copy and you don't! That sort of sectarianism is one of the things that put me off Hinduism. The idea that you have to promote one god above all others, be it Shiva or Vishnu, is alien to me — not much different to Christianity, if I think about it.

Not how I view it. Very few people promote their God above all others. It's just a matter of what an individual feels comfortable with and what version you're called to. I don't promote Canada above the US. I suppose that sort of sectarian centric thinking exists, but it's rare. As far as scripture goes, if Abrahamic religions are religions of the book, then Hinduism is a religion of the library. Of the 12 temples in my city, I've been to 10 of them. They're all really different too. Lots of folks go to several. Lots of folks don't.

 

[Marcion]

I understand, But i would get a better understanding of Hindusim if i do read it right? even it maybe not the most common reading?

I don't know about Hinduism, but you would get to know the Tantric side better and will probably not find it too much different from Buddhism (except for the extra focus on the Guru in the form of Krishna). I have read bits and pieces but don't find it that much different from the philosophy in scriptures I read most often (Subhasita Samgraha and Ananda Sutram).