Non-Hindus and Hindu Deities

[Vinayaka]

DJ, please don't erroneously conclude that any one person here speaks for all Hindus. We're very diverse, and would disagree amongst ourselves on many of the points being made.

 

[Sundance]

Yeah, for me, Buddha is one of my two gurus and helped me to become an atheist Hindu.

Interesting!

 

[Aupmanyav]

Yes, we are a very diverse lot as Vinayaka says, and happy about it.

 

[Sundance]

Your replies in this thread reminds me of that Lego song

I mean, sayak, Hinduism is incredibly awesome! The sheer diversity of viewpoints, even with the fact that all different conceptions of the Divine exist somewhere in Hinduism, is truly mind-blowing! Even Atheism and Agnosticism are found within Hinduism...and no one seems to bat an eye?! This alone makes Hinduism, to me, the coolest religion in all of existence!

 

[Sundance]

1. As long as your views do not conflict with what the deity represents, it is perfectly OK that you should worship a Hindu deity even if you have no background in Hinduism. This is because all deities are gods of guna consciousness and represent blends of the three gunas of sattvic, rajasic and tamasic tendencies. You pick the tendency that suits your mentality and away you go: worship away. Beyond the three gunas however there is the Supreme Lord in Sri Krishna who is God and who resides within all human beings and within the universe. Any human being can worship Sri Krishna and benefit from the devotion expressed.

Indeed. Jai!

2. Many deities are different local names of the same deity, whilst others represent different qualities and power to influence a human being. So you need to understand who it is that you are worshipping and why. You can worship the qualities that attracts you and so choose different deities who may have certain overlapping qualities in what they represent to the individual. There are certainly many Hindus who worship more than one deity but there will always be a central deity, the Ishta around whom the person lives. You are also free to create your own deity and worship him by whatever name you want to give it.

3. The qualities of the non-Hindu and Hindu deities are what is important. If Jesus Christ represents love and there is a Hindu deity also representing love, there is obviously no reason why both should not be worshipped for this particular quality.

I see. That's very interesting! Thank you, @Shantanu.

 

[sayak83]

I mean, sayak, Hinduism is incredibly awesome! The sheer diversity of viewpoints, even with the fact that all different conceptions of the Divine exist somewhere in Hinduism, is truly mind-blowing! Even Atheism and Agnosticism are found within Hinduism...and no one seems to bat an eye?! This alone makes Hinduism, to me, the coolest religion in all of existence!

Hot countries need cool religions.

 

[Sundance]

DJ, please don't erroneously conclude that any one person here speaks for all Hindus. We're very diverse, and would disagree amongst ourselves on many of the points being made.

I see, Vinayaka. What I find most exhilarating is that you all don't seem to argue over your diversities of opinion.

 

[Vinayaka]

I see, Vinayaka. What I find most exhilarating is that you all don't seem to argue over your diversities of opinion.

Oh we can argue, (For example, Aup and I have had our days at it.) but I do think we agree to disagree more quickly than some, and there is greater respect for opinions other than your own. Perhaps it's the long history of being diverse, so we've had practice.

 

[Sundance]

Oh we can argue, (For example, Aup and I have had our days at it.) but I do think we agree to disagree more quickly than some, and there is greater respect for opinions other than your own. Perhaps it's the long history of being diverse, so we've had practice.

That's very groovy, Vinayaka! This thread (and my endless adoration of Hinduism, in general) have, indeed, given me some things to think about.

 

[LuisDantas]

Oh we can argue, (For example, Aup and I have had our days at it.) but I do think we agree to disagree more quickly than some, and there is greater respect for opinions other than your own. Perhaps it's the long history of being diverse, so we've had practice.

Would you agree that a big part of it is that most Hindus realize and accept with serenity that their practices are personal in nature and there is no particular need for widespread convergence of specific beliefs?

 

[Aupmanyav]

Even Atheism and Agnosticism are found within Hinduism...and no one seems to bat an eye?!

Haha, DJ sXe, there is no agnosticism in Hinduism, probably the only thing that is mising. We are either 'aye' sayers (mostly) or 'nay' sayers (miniscule). Same for LGBTQ. We have deities revered by all (genders), Iravan, Yellamma, Bahuchara, Ardhanareeshwara, Mohini.

Oh we can argue, (For example, Aup and I have had our days at it.) but I do think we agree to disagree more quickly than some, and there is greater respect for opinions other than your own. Perhaps it's the long history of being diverse, so we've had practice.

Yeah, miss those exchanges. Those were the times. Now we don't have any differences from our various positions.

Would you agree that a big part of it is that most Hindus realize and accept with serenity that their practices are personal in nature and there is no particular need for widespread convergence of specific beliefs?

Buddhism included.

 

[LuisDantas]

Apparently

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam ,

Well, everyone answered your questions wonderfully so I don't have anything else to add... Except welcome in our happy bunch

Aum namah Shivaya

 

[Sundance]

Vanakkam ,

Well, everyone answered your questions wonderfully so I don't have anything else to add... Except welcome in our happy bunch

Aum namah Shivaya

Thank you, @JayaBholenath! JAI!

 

[Sundance]

Haha, DJ sXe, there is no agnosticism in Hinduism, probably the only thing that is mising. We are either 'aye' sayers (mostly) or 'nay' sayers (miniscule). Same for LGBTQ. We have deities revered by all (genders), Iravan, Yellamma, Bahuchara, Ardhanareeshwara, Mohini.

Oh! I see. Coolness, Aup! Thanks for clearing this up!

 

[Sundance]

DJ, please don't erroneously conclude that any one person here speaks for all Hindus. We're very diverse, and would disagree amongst ourselves on many of the points being made.

I've taken notice, Vinayaka!

 

[Vinayaka]

Would you agree that a big part of it is that most Hindus realize and accept with serenity that their practices are personal in nature and there is no particular need for widespread convergence of specific beliefs?

For sure. Hindus tend to be secure in their faith, and not proselytizing is practically a core belief. It's hard to dig belief out of many Hindus. I've never personally understood either the need to share your belief with anyone, nor the need to meld things together. Why fix it if it aint broke?

 

[DeviChaaya]

Oh! I see. Coolness, Aup! Thanks for clearing this up!

NOW. If only I could find a nice little Ardhanareswara murti. @Aupmanyav I need your help.

 

[Aupmanyav]

A murti of Ardhanaresshwara will be available in West but might be costly. It is not a popular worship idol here in North India. Internet will have thousands of images.

Ardhanariswarar temple in Thiruchengode.

Maasi Magham at Thiruchengode.
The two who are one.

 

[Vinayaka]

NOW. If only I could find a nice little Ardhanareswara murti. @Aupmanyav I need your help.

You could try searching for companies by 'Swamimalai + bronze casting companies'. I got a few companies doing that. Then you could order direct from manufacturer. It could take awhile.