Hinduism and Indian Culture

[bp789]

Since Hinduism originated in India, there are a lot of Indian cultural practices found in the religion, but I was wondering is it possible to separate Hinduism and Indian culture?

In the temple, we have to pray and sing in Indian languages. During special Hindu festivals, people are supposed to wear Indian outfits like saris or shervanis. Temples and murtis are made using Indian architecture. Non-South Asians would feel out of place (unless they don't mind it). Do you think it would be possible to at the least make Hinduism a little more multicultural?

 

[Valjean]

Sure, why not? Christianity and Judaism managed to extract themselves from near/middle Eastern cultures.

 

[Shia Islam]

Sure, why not? Christianity and Judaism managed to extract themselves from near/middle Eastern cultures.

nice reason

 

[Madhuri]

Many sects definitely adopt the Indian culture. Some, like the hare Krishnas actually think it is necessary though I doubt they know why. But there are also some groups in the west that are not culturally Indian. I think Yogananda's group is fairly multicultural in that sense from what I saw very briefly.

God is not subject to one single culture. You don't have to act Indian to discover Him.

 

[Copernicus]

Since Hinduism originated in India, there are a lot of Indian cultural practices found in the religion, but I was wondering is it possible to separate Hinduism and Indian culture?

There are lots of speculations about the origin of Hinduism, but there is some overlap between Hindu gods and those of other ancient religions, particularly in Indo-European culture. So one could say that at least a portion of the religion was imported with the Aryan invasions into northern India. It is no accident that both Kama and Cupid are gods of love armed with a bow and arrow. I also think that there are good reasons to think that Hinduism and Buddhism played a role in the formation of Christianity, thanks to Greek and Roman interactions with Hindu culture since Alexander's times.

In the temple, we have to pray and sing in Indian languages. During special Hindu festivals, people are supposed to wear Indian outfits like saris or shervanis. Temples and murtis are made using Indian architecture. Non-South Asians would feel out of place (unless they don't mind it). Do you think it would be possible to at the least make Hinduism a little more multicultural?

India itself is multicultural, and the south, which is not originally of Aryan (i.e. Indo-European) origin, preserved Hinduism when it was most threatened by Muslim invaders. Buddhism, however, seems to have become the most popular multi-cultural religion of Indian origin. So a version of Buddhism has become the most popular religion of Indian origin among non-Indian Americans. Hinduism, like Judaism, remains closely associated with ethnicity. Buddhism seems to have escaped that perception.

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

Since Hinduism originated in India, there are a lot of Indian cultural practices found in the religion, but I was wondering is it possible to separate Hinduism and Indian culture?

In the temple, we have to pray and sing in Indian languages. During special Hindu festivals, people are supposed to wear Indian outfits like saris or shervanis. Temples and murtis are made using Indian architecture. Non-South Asians would feel out of place (unless they don't mind it). Do you think it would be possible to at the least make Hinduism a little more multicultural?

I would not want to separate Hinduism from sanskrit. I must admit that I have had many problems in my many failed attempts to learn the language. ( I am getting better ) Its meanings go deep and english is unable to plumb its depths. Even the sounds of the letters are created to have an deep affect on us. The murtis also must be done in traditional indian style. Each hand gesture (mudra) has a meaning, each object held could have libraries written in a attempt to explain the deep meanings.

I don’t think that outfits matter other then personal taste. Indian food is also not necessary. How multicultural Hinduism is depends on the group you are visiting. Groups like the Ramakrishna order are very “American” in some ways. Other groups are very “Indian”.

 

[Copernicus]

I would not want to separate Hinduism from sanskrit. I must admit that I have had many problems in my many failed attempts to learn the language. ( I am getting better ) Its meanings go deep and english is unable to plumb its depths. Even the sounds of the letters are created to have an deep affect on us. The murtis also must be done in traditional indian style. Each hand gesture (mudra) has a meaning, each object held could have libraries written in a attempt to explain the deep meanings.

You ought to consider studying linguistics first. Bear in mind that modern linguistic theory actually has its roots in the study of Sanskrit. All 19th century linguists were Sanskritists (although few are today), and Panini's Ashtadhyayi (अष्टाध्यायी Aṣṭādhyāyī, meaning "eight chapters") is still considered one of the greatest works on language ever written. The reason that linguistics helps is that it will teach you fundamental concepts about sounds, words, and grammar. Most of the traditional teaching methods are grounded in Panini's work.

 

[Valjean]

I would not want to separate Hinduism from sanskrit. I must admit that I have had many problems in my many failed attempts to learn the language. ( I am getting better ) Its meanings go deep and english is unable to plumb its depths. Even the sounds of the letters are created to have an deep affect on us. The murtis also must be done in traditional indian style. Each hand gesture (mudra) has a meaning, each object held could have libraries written in a attempt to explain the deep meanings.

I don’t think that outfits matter other then personal taste. Indian food is also not necessary. How multicultural Hinduism is depends on the group you are visiting. Groups like the Ramakrishna order are very “American” in some ways. Other groups are very “Indian”.

I don't see any need to disavow a religion's liturgical language just because it's undergone a cultural transformation. Most jews in America are indistinguishable from the general population, yet they still retain a Hebrew liturgy.

 

[Andal]

Many sects definitely adopt the Indian culture. Some, like the hare Krishnas actually think it is necessary though I doubt they know why. But there are also some groups in the west that are not culturally Indian. I think Yogananda's group is fairly multicultural in that sense from what I saw very briefly.

God is not subject to one single culture. You don't have to act Indian to discover Him.

We do it for several reasons. First it was the desire of our guru. The adoption of traditional clothing gives a uniformity and a sense of connection to Sri Chaitanya's time on earth. Indian food is used because it is the easiest considering our dietary restrictions (no meat, fish, eggs, onion, garlic, mushrooms, or caffeine). Personally I see no problem with it at all. An interesting thing happens with the Hare Krishnas because we took things that were considered Vedic culture by our guru but also made it our own.

All religions do this. I've seen plenty of Christian churches in India that look like they were taking right out of the mid west. Many Christian groups also ban the wearing of traditional clothing. Or muslims bring islamic architecture where ever they go. I've seen a number of white sikhs wearing turbans or salwar kamez. So I don't see a problem with adopting some elements of the religion's culture of origin.

 

[Madhuri]

We do it for several reasons. First it was the desire of our guru. The adoption of traditional clothing gives a uniformity and a sense of connection to Sri Chaitanya's time on earth. Indian food is used because it is the easiest considering our dietary restrictions (no meat, fish, eggs, onion, garlic, mushrooms, or caffeine). Personally I see no problem with it at all. An interesting thing happens with the Hare Krishnas because we took things that were considered Vedic culture by our guru but also made it our own.

All religions do this. I've seen plenty of Christian churches in India that look like they were taking right out of the mid west. Many Christian groups also ban the wearing of traditional clothing. Or muslims bring islamic architecture where ever they go. I've seen a number of white sikhs wearing turbans or salwar kamez. So I don't see a problem with adopting some elements of the religion's culture of origin.

It isn't bad or wrong to adopt these aspects of culture but I think it is incorrect for anybody to assume that it is necessary (not saying that you do).

I do also understand those reasons mentioned for the Hare Krishnas (I used to be one). But I knew many people who would actually focus on these things more than the philosophy. Some people struggle to to go deep and end up fixated on the superficial. What were wear and what we eat is very superficial, even though it can have its place.

 

[zenzero]

Friend bp189,

Hinduism and Indian Culture
Since Hinduism originated in India, there are a lot of Indian cultural practices found in the religion, but I was wondering is it possible to separate Hinduism and Indian culture?

In the temple, we have to pray and sing in Indian languages. During special Hindu festivals, people are supposed to wear Indian outfits like saris or shervanis. Temples and murtis are made using Indian architecture. Non-South Asians would feel out of place (unless they don't mind it). Do you think it would be possible to at the least make Hinduism a little more multicultural?

Good question.
yes, why not.
what part you need to be changed and in what form?
Lets see what can be done HERE-NOW!

Love & rgds

 

[Andal]

It isn't bad or wrong to adopt these aspects of culture but I think it is incorrect for anybody to assume that it is necessary (not saying that you do).

I do also understand those reasons mentioned for the Hare Krishnas (I used to be one). But I knew many people who would actually focus on these things more than the philosophy. Some people struggle to to go deep and end up fixated on the superficial. What were wear and what we eat is very superficial, even though it can have its place.

I agree that what we wear is superficial. As long as one conforms with temple rules while in the temple. It doesn't mater if one wears a dhoti or pants ultimately. It does matter though on how wearing either piece of clothing impacts one's mind.

I don't agree however that what we eat is superficial. It is superficial in that be it Indian, Mexican, Italian, American, etc that doesn't matter. (Mexican being my favorite ) But it is important based on exactly what it is we are consuming as it has very real effects on us physically, psychologically, or emotionally. And this isn't just a Hare Krishna perspective traditionally Hinduism takes it even a step further and says that even who you eat with can effect you.

In regards to the original post I don't think anyone should feel like they have to adopt a foreign culture to join a religion. People should also not be upset if they decide to be Hindu and have to accept Indian culture within the actual temple.

 

[Madhuri]

I agree that what we wear is superficial. As long as one conforms with temple rules while in the temple. It doesn't mater if one wears a dhoti or pants ultimately. It does matter though on how wearing either piece of clothing impacts one's mind.

I don't agree however that what we eat is superficial. It is superficial in that be it Indian, Mexican, Italian, American, etc that doesn't matter. (Mexican being my favorite ) But it is important based on exactly what it is we are consuming as it has very real effects on us physically, psychologically, or emotionally. And this isn't just a Hare Krishna perspective traditionally Hinduism takes it even a step further and says that even who you eat with can effect you.

In regards to the original post I don't think anyone should feel like they have to adopt a foreign culture to join a religion. People should also not be upset if they decide to be Hindu and have to accept Indian culture within the actual temple.

I agree.

 

[hindupridemn]

Hinduism already is diverse.

 

[lapis]

Hare Krsna bp789,​

Hindu culture may come from India geographically, but the main point in which I think you are missing is that the culture comes from the Vedas (at least before becoming a speculation it did).

​

To celebrate Hinduism means to do it the way the Vedas have prescribed.​

The songs are in Sanskrit because that’s how they were composed, have you ever heard an English song translated to Hindi or Bengali or vice versa, the meaning is usually lost in translation.

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Dress wise sari’s and dhoti’s could be considered more respectable than mini skirts, low cut tops, shorts etc.

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Deities should be made and dressed according to scripture otherwise you will eventually end up seeing Krsna on the alter with a leather jacket and a mobile phone.

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At the end of the day whether it’s food, dress, architecture, or what ever, it is supposed to be made, worn, cooked etc for the pleasure of the Lord which has been explained to us in scripture, and that is what Hindu culture is supposed to be about.

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If the culture you are giving to non south Asians is not done for the pleasure of the Lord or done by the regulations of scripture, then is it really Hindu culture or are you giving what you like.

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For example if a Hindu in Jeans and t-shirt gives an American Christian a hamburger, fries and a coke, while a Madonna song plays in the back ground it does not make it Hindu cultural event just because Ganapati is at the door way of the building.

 

[Onkara]

Since Hinduism originated in India, there are a lot of Indian cultural practices found in the religion, but I was wondering is it possible to separate Hinduism and Indian culture?

In the temple, we have to pray and sing in Indian languages.

Which language(s) is it? Is it worth learning a language from India region?

Sanskrit seems to be popular use when reading scriptures still. Is it worth learning Sanskrit or Hindi for example. It doesn't seem to be a requirement to understanding the philosophy, but it helps to have an approximate word for word translation.

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

Which language(s) is it? Is it worth learning a language from India region?

Sanskrit seems to be popular use when reading scriptures still. Is it worth learning Sanskrit or Hindi for example. It doesn't seem to be a requirement to understanding the philosophy, but it helps to have an approximate word for word translation.

Sanskrit is the most philosophical language in the world. To understand it is a big help in understanding Hinduism. English lacks the depth and flexibility to communicate the ideas of sanatana dharma. Chanting scripture is also a big help in understanding it.

 

[rcscwc]

Since Hinduism originated in India, there are a lot of Indian cultural practices found in the religion, but I was wondering is it possible to separate Hinduism and Indian culture?

In the temple, we have to pray and sing in Indian languages. During special Hindu festivals, people are supposed to wear Indian outfits like saris or shervanis. Temples and murtis are made using Indian architecture. Non-South Asians would feel out of place (unless they don't mind it). Do you think it would be possible to at the least make Hinduism a little more multicultural?

N. Indian go to temples in S. India. Millions of S. Indian come holi places im N. India. None complained about language.

Of course. local language is quite a lot [freedom], while Vatican wants its prayers in Latin in India too.

Temples have a typical architecture. There no complaints in case too. Hmmm. Surely a temple will not like a church or a mosque.

As for dress, there is compusion. Women jeans too throng the temples.

As for culture, it is Indian culture, why expect African culture?

 

[rcscwc]

Quote:
Originally Posted by bp789
Since Hinduism originated in India, there are a lot of Indian cultural practices found in the religion, but I was wondering is it possible to separate Hinduism and Indian culture?

In the temple, we have to pray and sing in Indian languages. During special Hindu festivals, people are supposed to wear Indian outfits like saris or shervanis. Temples and murtis are made using Indian architecture. Non-South Asians would feel out of place (unless they don't mind it). Do you think it would be possible to at the least make Hinduism a little more multicultural?

N. Indian go to temples in S. India. Millions of S. Indian come to holi places im N. India. None complained about language.

Of course. local language is used quite a lot [freedom], while Vatican wants its prayers in Latin in India too.

Temples have a typical architecture. There are no complaints in this case too. Hmmm. Surely a temple will not look like a church or a mosque.

As for dress, there is compusion. Women jeans too throng the temples.

As for culture, it is Indian culture, why expect African culture?

 

[TatTvamAsi]

Hinduism and Indian culture are inseparable.

It requires a tremendous amount of evolved thinking to understand Hinduism and that is why there is no "conversion" to Hinduism; at least, for most orthodox Hindus.

One has to be born into that tradition. We do not to herd people like the abrahamic faiths to claim # of followers. Follow your own tradition and when your soul is evolved enough, it will take birth in a Hindu family.

End of story.

Since Hinduism originated in India, there are a lot of Indian cultural practices found in the religion, but I was wondering is it possible to separate Hinduism and Indian culture?

In the temple, we have to pray and sing in Indian languages. During special Hindu festivals, people are supposed to wear Indian outfits like saris or shervanis. Temples and murtis are made using Indian architecture. Non-South Asians would feel out of place (unless they don't mind it). Do you think it would be possible to at the least make Hinduism a little more multicultural?