Misconceptions about Hinduism

[Kalidas]

Myth: You can't convert to Hinduism.
Fact: You can.

I DID! lol

 

[Kalidas]

This is very important and I agree that it would be better to use original Sanskrit.

We just don´t have these concepts at all that are so common in Abraham faiths, it´s very liberating.

I would like it if this thread moved to comparative religion, or another place where non Hindus sees it. We all know all this, but it would be good if people who have misconceptions could learn from it.

Maya

Oh moving the misconceptions thread? Not a bad idea!

 

[Vinayaka]

I would like it if this thread moved to comparative religion, or another place where non Hindus sees it. We all know all this, but it would be good if people who have misconceptions could learn from it.

Maya

Oh, I think they can read it. Move it, and you open it to debate. This stuff, from the Hindu POV, isn't really debatable.

 

[Vinayaka]

Myth: Because there is no concept of sin in Hinduism, therefore Hinduism is a free-for-all where anything goes. "Yay. I finally found a religion that lets me do what I want to."

 

[Kalidas]

Oh, I think they can read it. Move it, and you open it to debate. This stuff, from the Hindu POV, isn't really debatable.

Yeah that could get worrisome. I imagine some uppity "History Major" coming in and deciding they know more about Hinduism than us Hindus do and trying to "correct us".

 

[Kalidas]

Myth: Because there is no concept of sin in Hinduism, therefore Hinduism is a free-for-all where anything goes. "Yay. I finally found a religion that lets me do what I want to."

Yeah this one is a little more common then I expected.

I don't think I can stress this enough. ANYONE OUT THERE THAT WANTS TO BE A HINDU OR JUST INTERESTED LISTEN UP! lol

There may not be a concept of sin this does not mean we are without morals. It's just our moral code is not dictated by any particular Holy book or messiah but dictated entirely by devotion and a want to please our Gods. Unless you happen to be an atheist Hindu at which point I'm sure morality comes from just plain being a good person. Every action we make requires thought and true introspection on who we are and what we wish to accomplish and how will this help strengthen our dharma and not harm it.

 

[punkdbass]

The indigenous peoples of North America didn't have a word for 'ownership' . Look what happened because of it.

Language often plays an incredibly important role in culture and religion, oft overlooked.

Your example just blew my mind for a second lol.. Did you see my question about Sanskrit though? I'm curious to hear your thoughts... although perhaps my question is too general.

 

[Maya3]

Oh, I think they can read it. Move it, and you open it to debate. This stuff, from the Hindu POV, isn't really debatable.

ok, I see what you mean.

Maya

 

[FranklinMichaelV.3]

This is very important and I agree that it would be better to use original Sanskrit.

We just don´t have these concepts at all that are so common in Abraham faiths, it´s very liberating.

I would like it if this thread moved to comparative religion, or another place where non Hindus sees it. We all know all this, but it would be good if people who have misconceptions could learn from it.

Maya

I would like that too, cause I would like to offer some interesting perspectives of the concept of sin as it is by the abrahamic religions (a concept that differs greatly between all of them).

But I'm enjoying reading through this thread it shows how amazingly different the views are within religion and it's amazing because these difference in views is seen in all religions, though some are just more willing to say the other beliefs are wrong (internally) than others are.

 

[Vinayaka]

Did you see my question about Sanskrit though? I'm curious to hear your thoughts... although perhaps my question is too general.

I know very little about Sanskrit, and how it works, sorry. All I know is that its sounds feel right.

 

[Vinayaka]

I would like that too, cause I would like to offer some interesting perspectives of the concept of sin as it is by the abrahamic religions

There is never anything to stop anyone from making a similar thread in comparative. This is why we have DIRs.

 

[FranklinMichaelV.3]

There is never anything to stop anyone from making a similar thread in comparative. This is why we have DIRs.

I agree, I didn't it to have this one remove. The lack of debate makes it easier to list the truths that everyone believes without having it devolve into something else.

 

[Stormcry]

Myth: You can't convert to Hinduism.
Fact: You can.

Myth: You can convert to Hinduism
Fact: You can't


As per my knowledge ,there is no any conversion vidhi in Hindu Scriptures to convert castless persons into hindus ( varna-people )

Mlecchas are not elligible for any vidhi or sanskara which are explicitly mentioned for 4 varnas. In varna dharma ,even shudras have many restrictions then what to talk about castless persons.


Hari Narayana Govinda

 

[Vinayaka]

Myth: You can convert to Hinduism
Fact: You can't


As per my knowledge ,

Yes, as per your very limited knowledge.

Many people over the centuries have successfully converted to Hinduism. Here's a list.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_converts_to_Hinduism

 

[Vinayaka]

I agree, I didn't it to have this one remove. The lack of debate makes it easier to list the truths that everyone believes without having it devolve into something else.

Try this thread... http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/general-religious-debates/158561-what-sin.html

 

[Kalidas]

I would like that too, cause I would like to offer some interesting perspectives of the concept of sin as it is by the abrahamic religions (a concept that differs greatly between all of them).

But I'm enjoying reading through this thread it shows how amazingly different the views are within religion and it's amazing because these difference in views is seen in all religions, though some are just more willing to say the other beliefs are wrong (internally) than others are.

I wouldn't say they are wrong just not "right for all".

 

[Stormcry]

That is as per your knowledge. I carry a certificate of conversion that was accepted by the priests of Madurai Meenakshi temple that I am a Hindu. My lawyer friend in Madurai told me quite explicitly that if I had any problems that I should call him. If its good enough for the law courts of India, then it's good enough for me.

But perhaps you feel you are above the courts.

Many people over the centuries have successfully converted to Hinduism. Here's a list.

List of converts to Hinduism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You are really funny. You are showing me a certificate?

Court ,cerificate all these are man made. It doesn't have any value in Hindu scriptures.

The fact is that there is no any conversion mentioned in Vedic scriptures .

Afterall, certificate is just a piece of paper. not the divine vision of ancient sages.

 

[NobodyYouKnow]

A big misconception that I have encountered (with special emphasis on pronunciation) is Brahman, Brāhmin, Brahmā, Brahma.

Brahman: The source of universe.
Brāhmin (correct spelling Brāhmana): Priestly cast.
Brahmā: God of creation, one of the Hindu Trinity, acts at the behest of Shiva, Vishnu, or Shakti.
Brahma: Universe, Jagat, Samsara. Also Brahman, depending on the context.

I just love playing around with this, to the total consternation of others, when I describe the beheading of Brahma.

Yeah, so Brahma, a Brahmin, was beheaded for failing to understand the Brahman in Brahma...

It's why Lord Bhairava must carry around His head for life after that.

 

[punkdbass]

Court ,cerificate all these are man made. It doesn't have any value in Hindu scriptures.

The fact is that there is no any conversion mentioned in Vedic scriptures .

Afterall, certificate is just a piece of paper. not the divine vision of ancient sages.

So in your view, how can someone born non-hindu become hindu?

 

[Stormcry]

So in your view, how can someone born non-hindu become hindu?

There is no need to become anything. One should properly practice Hinduism under some limitations .

Vyasa created puranas for women and shudras. However castless too can follow it .

But, certainly vidhis and various sanskaras are not allowed for them.