Hinduism questions?

[Satyamavejayanti]

1. How many "branches" or different paths of Hinduism are there? Do they "fight" with each other?

there are many branches, and they dont fight with each other or have a history of violence unlike the major sects of Abraham religions.

2. What is the one thing you would want the whole world to know about Hinduism?

its not what you think

3. How do you view the caste system?

Not part of the religion, but part of a tradition, there is no such word that relates to the modern "cast" in the Vedas.

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

Shuddhasattva;3208579]I don't believe that Hinduism is monotheistic or not-polytheistic; I think Indians have become enamored of monotheism because of centuries of Persian & British rule, and intenralized the idea that the only valid god concepts are monotheistic ones, and that therefore,t he Vedic religions had to be reinterpreted to be monotheistic, as an extension of some sort of imposed inferiority complex.

quite right there friend, why cant Hinduism be Polytheistic and proud?
in Hinduism there is no problem in being polytheistic, is what i think

Hinduism is certainly polytheistic, and monotheistic, and ultimately monistic. It is not limited by the Western god concepts - whether the 'theistic' part or the mono/poly/whatever.

To me Hinduism are just "theistic', all type of theism can be interpreted in the Vedas/Shastras/Purana/Ithihas ect, also Atheism can be found.

I think we have to move past the "how may Gods in Hinduism questions", but look at What is taught in the Vedas/Shastras/Purana/Ithihas ect, If we try and keep our own concepts out of the classification of the Vedic tradition, then we may get a clear picture of what is essentially the "Veda" the knowledge which is hidden behind assumptions about Brahman. As i think the the core of Hinduism is "Man in search of God', not God in search of man, its up to us Humans to decide what we want to find in Hinduism, are we looking for Brahman or looking for Knowledge.

OHM TATH SATH

 

[Comet]

Wow, great posts everybody! That is a ton of information for me to process. I am fascinated by this conversation. Thank you all!

 

[Maya3]

Wow, great posts everybody! That is a ton of information for me to process. I am fascinated by this conversation. Thank you all!

Glad you are learning and enjoying it.

Maya

 

[twilightdance]

These deties cannot be compared to god. These deties represents different energy (both positive and negative) around us. By mastering them they master tantra.

And how are these so called energies - positive and negative different from the so called God? I know one way how they are different than the monotheistic god - they are not, and they are real.

Monotheism is fine if one wants to stick by vedantic acharyas of medieval india, but neither ancient vedic hinduism nor later tantra pays much attention to the God. In fact vedic religion hardly cares about the one God, some even deny the need to believe in one while others have no special use for him.

 

[Sumit]

And how are these so called energies - positive and negative different from the so called God? I know one way how they are different than the monotheistic god - they are not, and they are real.

What is this???
Sorry I can't understand. Can you simplify it.

Monotheism is fine if one wants to stick by vedantic acharyas of medieval india, but neither ancient vedic hinduism nor later tantra pays much attention to the God. In fact vedic religion hardly cares about the one God, some even deny the need to believe in one while others have no special use for him.

Vedic hinduism clearly talks about one god however puranic hinduism have some different stories.

 

[Madhuri]

Monotheism is fine if one wants to stick by vedantic acharyas of medieval india, but neither ancient vedic hinduism nor later tantra pays much attention to the God. In fact vedic religion hardly cares about the one God, some even deny the need to believe in one while others have no special use for him.

You must be joking...

 

[Comet]

You must be joking...

Couldn't help but notice the "him" used to define God. Sounds like a monotheist to me speaking.... :areyoucra If not, the other comments by twilightdance reek of DUALISM to me!

Could you expand on why they must be joking? In your opinion. Thanks

 

[Wannabe Yogi]

And how are these so called energies - positive and negative different from the so called God? I know one way how they are different than the monotheistic god - they are not, and they are real.

Monotheism is fine if one wants to stick by vedantic acharyas of medieval india, but neither ancient vedic hinduism nor later tantra pays much attention to the God. In fact vedic religion hardly cares about the one God, some even deny the need to believe in one while others have no special use for him.

The Vedas teaches both an Impersonal and Personal God. Just like Puranic and modern Hinduism.