Objections against Hinduism?

[Vinayaka]

There is no Divine council of anything of that sort.

Neither is there any kind of trinity. The trimurti concept is relatively rare, and was brought out and highlighted by non-Hindus trying to find something akin to the trinity in another paradigm. Just about anything can be found in our scriptures if we look hard enough.

The trimurti is just another way of viewing God, and we have lots of those. For example, In Saivism, God has 5 powers, the 3 from the trimurti, and 2 more, revealing and concealing graces.

 

[Vinayaka]

Caste based discrimination

I like this way of framing the problem. There is nothing inherently wrong with caste as a naming system for occupations. Does a university grant one bachelor degree that fits all, or does it have several faculties?

 

[ratikala]

namaskaram valjean ji

Vinayaka's right. Hinduism's not a homogenous religion. There are dozens of different "Hindu" traditions and doctrines.

no but there are shared principles without which it would not be Hinduism ....as in Sanatana Dharma , .....

seems to me that if we addopt this attitude of extreme liberalism as in anything goes in Hinduism , ....then it ceases to be Sanatana Dharma ?

 

[sayak83]

I like this way of framing the problem. There is nothing inherently wrong with caste as a naming system for occupations. Does a university grant one bachelor degree that fits all, or does it have several faculties?

I try to be accurate.
(Down ego down! But have a cookie. )

 

[sayak83]

namaskaram valjean ji



no but there are shared principles without which it would not be Hinduism ....as in Sanatana Dharma , .....

seems to me that if we addopt this attitude of extreme liberalism as in anything goes in Hinduism , ....then it ceases to be Sanatana Dharma ?

This post below was a good overview of the situation I believe
Can't One Just be Dharmic? :(

 

[james bond]

This is from what I read in Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. I like to know where authors such as Dayananda Saraswati stand today. He rejected Darwinism. Did he also reject natural selection? Instead, Vivekananda who endorsed evolutionary theory as "science" is the one who is followed.

"During the twentieth century, Indian scientists began to gain prominence, including C.V. Raman (1888–1970), a Nobel Prize winner in physics, and Satyendra Nath Bose (1894–1974), a theoretical physicist who described the behavior of photons statistically, and who gave his name to bosons. However, these authors were silent on the relationship between their scientific work and their religious beliefs. By contrast, the mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887–1920) was open about his religious beliefs and their influence on his mathematical work. He claimed that the goddess Namagiri helped him to intuit solutions to mathematical problems. Likewise, Jagadish Chandra Bose (1858–1937), a theoretical physicist, biologist, biophysicist, botanist, and archaeologist, who worked on radio waves, saw the Hindu idea of unity reflected in the study of nature. He started the Bose institute in Kolkata in 1917, the earliest interdisciplinary scientific institute in India (Subbarayappa 2011)."

Religion and Science (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

What did the above prominent scientists subscribe to? Was it Vedic science? Or did they believe in other types of Hinduism? If that isn't an easy question to answer, then how much of their Hinduism play a role in their science upbringing?

 

[metis]

I think that what may be a valid criticism from some is a strength to me in regards to Hinduism, as some may say it's too loosey-goosey since it's even very difficult to define what "Hinduism" actually is, let alone even trying to answer the question as to whether Hinduism is monotheistic or polytheistic? BTW, the answer to that question is "Yes".

But, to me, it makes sense, largely because I don't think it's possible to know most of "the answers" that we're looking for. So, as strongly as one may feel that X is correct, they hopefully will realize that maybe Y or Z may be correct.

So, over the decades that I have been dealing with so many theological concepts, what I believe works, for myself at least, are the issues of compassion and justice (fairness) for all. IMO, even though I cannot prove it, this is a thread whereas I can tie in different approaches, whether they be the various forms of theism all the way to secular humanism.

namaste

 

[ratikala]

Namaskaram Sayak ji

Can't One Just be Dharmic? :(

Certainly that was my point , as dharma is an irrefutable and unchanging law it is Sanatana !

we have one thing at our core , one complex but eternal truth , which we reach by various paths , ....all that inhibits our knowledge of this truth is ignorance all each school does is find different methods of removing that veil of dust that masks clear vision

 

[sayak83]

This is from what I read in Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. I like to know where authors such as Dayananda Saraswati stand today. He rejected Darwinism. Did he also reject natural selection? Instead, Vivekananda who endorsed evolutionary theory as "science" is the one who is followed.

"During the twentieth century, Indian scientists began to gain prominence, including C.V. Raman (1888–1970), a Nobel Prize winner in physics, and Satyendra Nath Bose (1894–1974), a theoretical physicist who described the behavior of photons statistically, and who gave his name to bosons. However, these authors were silent on the relationship between their scientific work and their religious beliefs. By contrast, the mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887–1920) was open about his religious beliefs and their influence on his mathematical work. He claimed that the goddess Namagiri helped him to intuit solutions to mathematical problems. Likewise, Jagadish Chandra Bose (1858–1937), a theoretical physicist, biologist, biophysicist, botanist, and archaeologist, who worked on radio waves, saw the Hindu idea of unity reflected in the study of nature. He started the Bose institute in Kolkata in 1917, the earliest interdisciplinary scientific institute in India (Subbarayappa 2011)."

Religion and Science (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

What did the above prominent scientists subscribe to? Was it Vedic science? Or did they believe in other types of Hinduism? If that isn't an easy question to answer, then how much of their Hinduism play a role in their science upbringing?

Hinduism is very open to all science. While some groups (basically the people who follow ISKON) reject some aspects of science like evolutionary biology, most other Hindu-s do accept it and see nothing contradictory between the science as practiced in the world and their own religion.
God or Darwin? The world in evolution beliefs
85% of Indians think its possible to believe both in God and Darwin's theory. Majority who agree will be Hindu-s (as Muslim Indians reject it). Of course not many in India know the ideas behind evolution well. So a better comparison will be with Hindus who live in the West. 80 % of them belief in evolutionary theory and in particular believe that humans also evolved in a similar manner.

Belief in evolution by religious tradition

For Buddhists this is 86%, Jews 81% and Nones 82%. No other group is higher.

 

[sayak83]

Namaskaram Sayak ji



Certainly that was my point , as dharma is an irrefutable and unchanging law it is Sanatana !

we have one thing at our core , one complex but eternal truth , which we reach by various paths , ....all that inhibits our knowledge of this truth is ignorance all each school does is find different methods of removing that veil of dust that masks clear vision

Yes. I found the reply given to be illuminating and hence linked it.

 

[james bond]

Hinduism is very open to all science. While some groups (basically the people who follow ISKON) reject some aspects of science like evolutionary biology, most other Hindu-s do accept it and see nothing contradictory between the science as practiced in the world and their own religion.
God or Darwin? The world in evolution beliefs
85% of Indians think its possible to believe both in God and Darwin's theory. Majority who agree will be Hindu-s (as Muslim Indians reject it). Of course not many in India know the ideas behind evolution well. So a better comparison will be with Hindus who live in the West. 80 % of them belief in evolutionary theory and in particular believe that humans also evolved in a similar manner.

Belief in evolution by religious tradition

For Buddhists this is 86%, Jews 81% and Nones 82%. No other group is higher.

This follows from what I read in that most Hindus who are creationist believe in Old Earth creation vs Young Earth creation.

 

[sayak83]

This follows from what I read in that most Hindus who are creationist believe in Old Earth creation vs Young Earth creation.

Correct.

 

[Pops]

Hi folks,
Based on what you have read or learnt or heard about Hinduism, what are some of your objections, concerns and or doubts about its religion/theology/philosophy etc.? I will try to engage with them to the best of my ability (other Hindu-s are also welcome). All good and sincere criticisms and objections or questions are welcome.


The following "objections" will not be addressed

1) "Hinduism is wrong because God told me so"
2) "Hinduism is wrong because it does not do God as a true religion (which is mine of course) ought to. "

What Hinduism has to say about the creation of the universe? Does it say like the science says? Big bang theory and all...or was it just that the creator God of yours just created it...was there any specific definition or clues? I'm sorry idk much about Hinduism as much as Islam or Christianity! hope I didn't sound rude or weird... Just curious,thank you!

 

[Vinayaka]

What Hinduism has to say about the creation of the universe? Does it say like the science says? Big bang theory and all...or was it just that the creator God of yours just created it...was there any specific definition or clues? I'm sorry idk much about Hinduism as much as Islam or Christianity! hope I didn't sound rude or weird... Just curious,thank you!

Speaking for my school, it is the same as Big Bang, and creation is more emanation, or extension.

 

[Pops]

Speaking for my school, it is the same as Big Bang, and creation is more emanation, or extension.

Ummmm,what exactly is written?
Like in Islam,there are verses where its told how Allah created everything.
Like this verse:
"Do not the unbelievers see that the skies (space) and the earth (matter) were joined together (as one unit of creation) and we ripped them apart?" 21:30
(This is just one verse BTW)
Just like that What exactly your holy book says about it?

 

[Vinayaka]

Ummmm,what exactly is written?
Like in Islam,there are verses where its told how Allah created everything.
Like this verse:
"Do not the unbelievers see that the skies (space) and the earth (matter) were joined together (as one unit of creation) and we ripped them apart?" 21:30
(This is just one verse BTW)
Just like that What exactly your holy book says about it?

We have holy books, not just one book. There are many. In Hinduism, scripture is mostly for scholars. Ordinary people like me know enough to know what we believe, and how to practice the faith. I could probably find a few quotes if I tried though.

Here's one that suggests what I'm saying: Om Purnamadah Purnamidam - in sanskrit with meaning - mantra from Upanishad

This essay also explores 'creation' in Hinduism in more detail: The Creation of the Universe - The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad - Chapter I

 

[Pops]

We have holy books, not just one book. There are many. In Hinduism, scripture is mostly for scholars. Ordinary people like me know enough to know what we believe, and how to practice the faith. I could probably find a few quotes if I tried though.

Here's one that suggests what I'm saying: Om Purnamadah Purnamidam - in sanskrit with meaning - mantra from Upanishad

This essay also explores 'creation' in Hinduism in more detail: The Creation of the Universe - The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad - Chapter I

Thank you so much. ^-^
I'll definitely read by saving some time...
I just love knowing about different religions and science thanks for helping

 

[Aupmanyav]

I mean, I'm a materialist so I do not believe in deities or souls or spirits, but I understand Hinduism can be atheistic, but I haven't read much on how that works.

That is very simple ADA. I am that type of Hindu, a strong atheist and a believer in non-duality. Non-duality, because in the beginning there was only 'physical energy' at the time of Big Bng. All things arose from that. So, where is the need for God/Gods/Goddesses.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Why does there seem to be a lack of proof reading in Hindu Texts, have no Avatars, teachers, try to create a smaller cannon, that is more precise?

How come though the word Atman is questioned in numerous texts about its full meanings; that some then limit it to just meaning 'Self realization', If Brahman is beyond self?

If we were to count the Divine council found in earlier schools of thought globally, in a Hindu context, how many Avatars would be in the Hindu Divine council? Don't just mean the Trinity; yet all additional main key Avatars.

It is natural growth. Why should we prune it?
Atman means 'self'. 'Self' is Brahman. Atman is Brahman. (speaking for many Hindus)
Don't exactly get your question. Do you mean how many Gods and Goddesses? I think, thousands. Vishnu, Shiva and Devi reigning, others being family (in case of Shiva) or courtiers, varying in importance. Recognized avatars (of Vishnu) are nine and one more to come. Partial avatars number 24 (the number or persons may vary in sects). Devi has many avataras. I think some times it is a device to honor the memory of a wise person, like in case of Buddha.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Oh by the way Aryan migration debate is banned from this thread by my awesome dictatorial powers.

Good plan.

Can we just extend that to the whole forum, please?

No objections to that. But give it a space in Hinduism forum. I have requested Mods two times. This can easily be done by making Vedanta, a sub-forum which has been used very rarely, into a discussion sub-forum with appropriate name. Not just about Aryans but many other philosophical positions in Hinduism which make people emotional (Vishnu is the greatest, etc.). Let such post go to that sub-forum. Same faith debate forum is just about too far away, no one likes to go there.