None Indian gods

[willy1590]

Are there any none Indian gods?,in the umbrella of Hinduism?

 

[Kalidas]

I think so. Bhali a part of the Indonesia archipelago is THE moat Hindu place in the world(93.3 % Hindu). They are NOT Hindu by birth though but a country of Hindu converts. Many of their past ancient gods are still worshiped to this day under the Hindu umbrella.

 

[Vinayaka]

Are there any none Indian gods?,in the umbrella of Hinduism?

You mean non-Indian? Our God and gods don't really have a nationality. They belong to every nation. Hinduism is a religion, not a nationality.

 

[Vinayaka]

I think so. Bhali a part of the Indonesia archipelago is THE moat Hindu place in the world(93.3 % Hindu). They are NOT Hindu by birth though but a country of Hindu converts. Many of their past ancient gods are still worshiped to this day under the Hindu umbrella.

The Balinese have been Hindu for a very long time, and have somehow managed to resist conversion to Islam. Some South Indian kings spread Hinduism there a very long time ago. But what's there today has a uniqueness of it's own.

 

[Jainarayan]

Are there any none Indian gods?,in the umbrella of Hinduism?

If you mean gods that are worshipped by Hindus that are not traditionally Hindu, technically the answer is no. For example, you won't find many a Hindu praying to Zeus or Osiris (not even me ). Hinduism tends to export deities, not import them. For example, Tibetan Buddhism, Shingon Buddhism and even Taoism have adopted many Hindu deities. But I don't think you'll find any Tibetan deities worshipped by Hindus. There's a recent thread about Hindus worshipping non-Hindu gods. That may give you more information. I think we'd be repeating it here.

 

[Kalidas]

The Balinese have been Hindu for a very long time, and have somehow managed to resist conversion to Islam. Some South Indian kings spread Hinduism there a very long time ago. But what's there today has a uniqueness of it's own.

Yeah I did a group project on them in my child development class. Like they eat beef. The cool thing was when Hinduism was spread there they were not asked to leave their ancient gods and were even told many of their gods are just like the gods they worship in India. So they still worship ancient Indonesian gods now. Beautiful country I wan to visit one day. Yeah their ability to stay Hindu though most of Indonesia has converted to Muslim and Catholic.is nothing short.of a miracle.

 

[willy1590]

But is Hinduism a Universal religion?,can anyone be a Hindu,and not have any connection with India?

 

[Kalidas]

But is Hinduism a Universal religion?,can anyone be a Hindu,and not have any connection with India?

Oh yeah of course. We have talked about this a lot. There was a lady who told me I couldn't be Hindu cause I'm white. Min you she was a white Buddhist. Yet I am still a Hindu,or Whindu (white Hindu) and the divine hasn't said no yet lol

 

[Vinayaka]

But is Hinduism a Universal religion?,can anyone be a Hindu,and not have any connection with India?

Not just anybody can 'become' a Hindu. Like other religions, most Hindus would think you have to accept some of the major tenets, like reincarnation and karma.

But we have no hard and fast entrance exams or conversion ceremonies, although that is an option, and exercised by some.

Did you try Belief-O-Matic or some of those other quizzes to see if what you believe more or less aligns with Hinduism?

At least from my POV, it's not really fair to us if every Tom Dick and Hari says he's a Hindu just because he can, or he's fed up with his previous religion. I'm sort of taken aback by people who think that our faith is some free for all where anything goes. Upon further investigation, it is a very self-disciplined religion.

 

[Kalidas]

Not just anybody can 'become' a Hindu. Like other religions, most Hindus would think you have to accept some of the major tenets, like reincarnation and karma.

But we have no hard and fast entrance exams or conversion ceremonies, although that is an option, and exercised by some.

Did you try Belief-O-Matic or some of those other quizzes to see if what you believe more or less aligns with Hinduism?

At least from my POV, it's not really fair to us if every Tom Dick and Hari says he's a Hindu just because he can, or he's fed up with his previous religion. I'm sort of taken aback by people who think that our faith is some free for all where anything goes. Upon further investigation, it is a very self-disciplined religion.

Makes me curious now. What do you think of people like me then? I was Christian decided it was not for me at all left. spent a good 3 or 4 years soul searching before I converted fully to a Hindu. Just curious is all.

 

[Vinayaka]

Makes me curious now. What do you think of people like me then? I was Christian decided it was not for me at all left. spent a good 3 or 4 years soul searching before I converted fully to a Hindu. Just curious is all.

I don't usually get asked such questions, but here goes. Please forgive any brutal honesty.

On a personal level, I'm far stricter (orthodox) about it than most would be, although there are others who wouldn't even allow the thought. You - well, I think you're 'in the process' and I am too in a sense. I read some of your ideas, and I think, "well, that's not really Hindu the way I see Hindu." But that's just me. My conversion was 5 long years with many essays and study under a Guru, which finished with a legal change of name, so part of me relates back to that experience too. In a sense, we're always converting, learning more and more. I learn new stuff practically on a daily basis, from the temple priest, my Guru, and more. But our situations are very different. I'm retired, and have lots of time to pilgrimage, do sadhana, go to temple, etc.

But like a lot of things, I think a key is the test of time. I have friends who converted or adopted the same time I did, in the late 70s who were Hindu (and I mean in serious practice) for the better part of 20 years who now don't consider themselves Hindu any more. So yeah, the test of time says a lot to me. It's going on 40 years for me. I get the feeling for you it's more like 2 years, but I could be wrong. So if you're still on this forum talking to me 5 years from now about your temple experiences, your amazing trip to India, how the kids are coping with it, etc. that'll mean a lot.

On the other forum, I discussed with many people like you, even bought archanas as a gift here at our temple for several people, mailed them the prasadam packs, only to never hear from them again. So who knows? the internet can be a sketchy place at times.

But don't take my words too seriously. We all have to start somewhere, as did I.

If you want to take these kinds of discussions to PM in future, that's good too.

 

[DeviChaaya]

I agree with Vinayaka. The true test of your (and my) sincerity will be time. I have been practising for over seven years. There was a period where I went to temple every Sunday (my temple hosts a huge feast every Sunday). I think I had an almost unbroken run of a year.

Now... Not so much. But you know the amazing thing about Sanatana Dharma? It's not congregational. It doesn't require that you must go somewhere every week. It encourages quiet study and self exploration and when you go to temple it's not to be seen by other people or to hear a preacher. It's for darshan - seeing and being seen by God.

God probably doesn't give one wit what other people think of your practise. So long as it's sincere, that is what matters.

 

[Vinayaka]

There were ten or so years there where I did very little outwardly, but it was still resident in the subconscious. You just can't escape it after awhile.

 

[Kalidas]

I don't usually get asked such questions, but here goes. Please forgive any brutal honesty.

On a personal level, I'm far stricter (orthodox) about it than most would be, although there are others who wouldn't even allow the thought. You - well, I think you're 'in the process' and I am too in a sense. I read some of your ideas, and I think, "well, that's not really Hindu the way I see Hindu." But that's just me. My conversion was 5 long years with many essays and study under a Guru, which finished with a legal change of name, so part of me relates back to that experience too. In a sense, we're always converting, learning more and more. I learn new stuff practically on a daily basis, from the temple priest, my Guru, and more. But our situations are very different. I'm retired, and have lots of time to pilgrimage, do sadhana, go to temple, etc.

But like a lot of things, I think a key is the test of time. I have friends who converted or adopted the same time I did, in the late 70s who were Hindu (and I mean in serious practice) for the better part of 20 years who now don't consider themselves Hindu any more. So yeah, the test of time says a lot to me. It's going on 40 years for me. I get the feeling for you it's more like 2 years, but I could be wrong. So if you're still on this forum talking to me 5 years from now about your temple experiences, your amazing trip to India, how the kids are coping with it, etc. that'll mean a lot.

On the other forum, I discussed with many people like you, even bought archanas as a gift here at our temple for several people, mailed them the prasadam packs, only to never hear from them again. So who knows? the internet can be a sketchy place at times.

But don't take my words too seriously. We all have to start somewhere, as did I.

If you want to take these kinds of discussions to PM in future, that's good too.

Nah I'm not offended at all I actually liked your answer very much. I think it.explained Hinduism better then I could . I considered a pm but I wanted the OP to read your response I happen to.respect your opinion very much.

At least you weren't like NO YOUR NOT A HINDU YOUR JUST A WANNABE THAT THINKS ITS "COOL" lol. But in all seriousness I agree Hinduism is not like other religions where its just you say are or do certain rituals and you magically are one. No its a way of life a dharma!
Just like a child does not awake one day and say "I am now an adult.I am done growing!" Even adults (such as you) feel they are not yet done growing(thank the gods for many lives right? )

I'm sure there plenty of things I have said that isn't traditional Hindu or is blatantly wrong. I'm sure.I have also got some things right though. As you said I'm learning and who knows what I will think later. Here is what I do know. I work at it every day. I try to do my daily puja, I read some (not to much lol), have yet to go to temple(2 jobs and college), I am working at being non violence(vegetarian one month last week), and best yet I can honestly say I can God.

In short if I had to say what I am. I am to a full blown hindu what a child is to an adult. I feel that I am a Hindu, because it is a journey and though I haven't been on the road long but I am trying to keep walking the path

 

[ShivaFan]

Namaste
Considering the Devas and Devi live all over the place including other Lokas, realms and planets, they aren't Indian. Per say, Invite one over, and ask. You will get your answer. I am always mindful to be on good terms with all Devatas and Suras, even some Asuras and Rakshasa King too.

Om Namah Sivaya

 

[Jainarayan]

...I have been practising for over seven years. There was a period where I went to temple every Sunday (my temple hosts a huge feast every Sunday). I think I had an almost unbroken run of a year.

Now... Not so much. But you know the amazing thing about Sanatana Dharma? It's not congregational. It doesn't require that you must go somewhere every week.

I'd like to add that there's a difference between practicing and believing, which goes to the next quote.

It encourages quiet study and self exploration and when you go to temple it's not to be seen by other people or to hear a preacher. It's for darshan - seeing and being seen by God.

I didn't start practicing (and "ignorantly" to boot ), until about 2 1/2 years ago when I got my first little murthis, made a tiny shrine and started learning about practices. But from my teens I always believed in and accepted the deities, even when I was a Christian (I can't seem to do anything "traditionally" ).

I agree about the non-congregational aspect, but I fear that's not shared by all. Sometimes it's a social function, which is not bad in and of itself, but it doesn't lend itself to wanting to spend time with the deities. One evening I was lost in thought, i.e. my version of meditation, when one of the ladies came to me and asked "are you OK?" I was a bit startled, smiled and said "oh yes, I was just meditating". OK, there went that meditation up in a puff of smoke. She meant well.

God probably doesn't give one wit what other people think of your practise. So long as it's sincere, that is what matters.

Comments like that will get you burned at the stake at another site. But you're right... it's all just labels. Sri Krishna says:

"Whosoever worship Me through whatsoever path, I verily accept and bless them in that way. Men everywhere follow My path." B.G. 4.11

That can be interpreted as narrowly or broadly as one wants, i.e., go to temple, don't go to temple, do puja, don't do puja. The best puja one can do for Lord Krishna is to serve fellow man and other sentient beings, and do everything in His name:

"In this world all actions, unless they are done as an offering to God, become causes of bondage. Therefore, work for the sake of God without personal attachments." 3.9
"Whoever makes an offering to Me with devotion, be it of leaf, flower, fruit or water - that devout offering by a pure-hearted man, I accept with joy." 9.26
"Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give as charity, whatever austerity you perform - do that as offering unto Me." 9.27
"Let your mind be engrossed in Me. Offer worship to Me. Be resigned to Me. Beloved as you are of me, I pledge in truth you shall come to Me alone." 18.65
"Abandoning dependence on all Dharmas, come to Me as the only Refuge. Grieve not; I will deliver you from all sins." 18.66

In the Sri Vishnu Sahasranama Sri Krishna says "Arjuna!, one may be desirous of praising by reciting the thousand names. But, on my part, I feel praised by one sloka."

I think it's really pretty easy to be Hindu.

 

[Vinayaka]

I think it's really pretty easy to be Hindu.

I agree in part. But most certainly it depends on the expectations you put upon yourself. If you want to go with no meditation, a temple visit once a year, a one-time reading of one particular scripture ... well that would be pretty easy. But if you try to meditate an hour a day, do an elaborate puja, make a ton of money to support our Hindu institutions, do on long pilgrimages, etc. well, then it can get incredibly difficult.

So it all depends how much we want to take on. Of course the beauty of that is that it is the individual alone who gets to decide.

There is also personality to consider. Some people find the simplest tasks easy, while others can find the same task incredibly difficult.

 

[Kalidas]

I agree in part. But most certainly it depends on the expectations you put upon yourself. If you want to go with no meditation, a temple visit once a year, a one-time reading of one particular scripture ... well that would be pretty easy. But if you try to meditate an hour a day, do an elaborate puja, make a ton of money to support our Hindu institutions, do on long pilgrimages, etc. well, then it can get incredibly difficult.

So it all depends how much we want to take on. Of course the beauty of that is that it is the individual alone who gets to decide.

There is also personality to consider. Some people find the simplest tasks easy, while others can find the same task incredibly difficult.

It's about what you feel in your heart needs to be done. It's personal no priest can you tell you, no messiah will show you, no church, masque, temple, synagogue will make you see it, just you and the divine. You only have the divine and yourself to answer to, and if you feel you are not doing enough or are doing to much you need to reevaluate how you do things. It's easy in the sense you are not held to other peoples standards and honestly that's something I love. I remember always trying to please other people as a Christian. I have to make this minister happy, go to church at these times, wear these clothes, listen to this music, read these books, be this person, don't be that person, do what we say, etc etc etc it was a bunch of men telling men what God wants... confusing aint it?

Well I may be in the "process of becoming a Hindu" but I'm going to continue calling myself one okay? (lol I'm not REALLY asking permission) I feel for as long as I am continuing down the road, I am.

 

[Vinayaka]

Yes. It is between you and God. Personally, I only have a problem when someone calls themselves a Hindu, but very clearly, by anybody's standards, aren't. It makes us all look bad.

Like this ...

"Hey man, guess what? I'm a Hindu now. I can smoke all the dope I want, chase all the women I want, eat meat all the time, hey let's party. This Hindu thing is just so cool. No rules at all."

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

Yes. It is between you and God. Personally, I only have a problem when someone calls themselves a Hindu, but very clearly, by anybody's standards, aren't. It makes us all look bad.

Like this ...

"Hey man, guess what? I'm a Hindu now. I can smoke all the dope I want, chase all the women I want, eat meat all the time, hey let's party. This Hindu thing is just so cool. No rules at all."

Wait...we can't chase women all the time? Well, I have some apologetic phone calls to make. ()