Question for Hindus only, 'what in your eyes makes for a real Hindu?'

[Marcion]

Who do you as a Hindu see as your "fellow Hindu"? What are the minimum requirements from your own very personal perspective?

So I'm not so much interested in any external view that you may have found elsewhere but more in your own feelings and thoughts.

Is someone born from Christian parents who became a Brahmin through study and merit in ISKCON a Hindu?
Is someone who visits Hindu temples regularly or not so regular a Hindu?
Is someone who believes in karma and reincarnation a Hindu?
Is someone who has a small house temple and prays to Hindu gods a Hindu?
Is someone who just does astaunga yoga and eats lacto-vegetarian a Hindu?
Are followers of Satya Sai Baba all Hindus?
Are people who have a connection to Pandits only the real Hindus?
Are people who declare themselves as Hindus the real Hindus only?
Are Buddhists or Jains or Sikhs also Hindus?

Is it a certain combination of things that makes them Hindu in your eyes and if so then what is the minumum combination?
Are there things that definitely disqualify people for being seen as Hindus such as eating cow's meat or accepting Christ as their guru?

If you feel some type of people are not quite real or complete Hindus, then what do you feel is missing?
I'm asking about your own direct gut-feelings (not for an idealised answer).

 

[Dawnofhope]

This is an excellent question. I’m really interested to hear how Hindus respond and if they don’t, why not?

I believe Lord Krishna was an incarnation of the supreme Deity Vishnu. Do I get to join the ‘Hindu’ club?

 

[Vinayaka]

Marcion, before you arrived, there were two long threads on it. The first one got derailed, but here's the second one. Of course people change, but it will give you an idea on the diversity on it.

What makes a Hindu a Hindu - Version 2

 

[SomeRandom]

If someone considers themselves a "Hindu" or a follower of Sanata Dharma, then what I have to say on the matter is irrelevant. Indeed it is none of my business. A person chooses whatever label seems appropriate to them. No one can interfere. It is sheer arrogance to think otherwise.

 

[Marcion]

Marcion, before you arrived, there were two long threads on it. The first one got derailed, but here's the second one. Of course people change, but it will give you an idea on the diversity on it.

What makes a Hindu a Hindu - Version 2

Thanks a lot Vinayaka, I should have searched before starting.
I will take the liberty of reproducing your very useful list (bold text is my practices and beliefs shared with your list + [added personal comments to specify peculiarities of my own sect])
Avinash

Practices

Many Hindus do a daily puja, and some form of sadhana. [puja only in the form of Guru puja, which is offering of colours of the individual mind back to God].
Many attend temples regularly. Some do rarely. Some do often.
Most have a Hindu name. Some converts and adoptives do not. [Sanskrit given spiritual name]
Most have had a name-giving ceremony.
Some meditate daily.
Some do regular japa.
Most practise pilgrimage near of far, some often, some occasionally.
Most hang out with other Hindus.
Most listen to Hindu music primarily or exclusively. Some don't listen to music at all.
Some have taken diksha from a Hindu teacher. [tantric diksha by the Guru mostly via a tantric monk or nun, sometimes married teacher, earlier also by the Guru personally]
Some are vegetarian, some are not. Most shun beef.
Many dream about Hindu stuff, indicating not just a Hindu conscious, but also a Hindu subconcious.
Most call themselves Hindu in public.
Many would consult an ayurvedic doctor.
Many will consult a Hindu astrologer.
Many know their nakshatras.
Many avoid wearing leather.
Most know at least a few bhajans.
Most are comfortable eating with fingers.
Most never proselytize. A few do. [called dharma pracar]
Most avoid stagnant water, will shower rather than bathe.
Most use incense.
Most practise charity to the poor, to temples, to schools, etc. [seva as part of bhakti or devotion to God]
Many will prostrate at temple or home. Some do not. [in front of picture of Guru only]
Most celebrate festivals, varying on sect.
Most have Hindu pictures in the house, and have a shrine. Some dedicate entire rooms. [puja table for meditation with picture of Guru]
Many read scripture. Many do not.
Most are generally aware of their Hinduness.
Most use a Hindu greeting like Namaste or Namaskaram
Most are great hosts, welcoming guests as Gods.[as part of following Brahmacarya, Seva and Ishvara Pranidhana]
Most do not use intoxicants, including tobacco, alcohol, and other stimulants. [as part of following Shaoca, inner and outer cleanliness]
Most do not object to being called Hindu. Some do, either out of embarrassment, or from taking the stance that Hindu is an incorrect term historically.
Most were born in India, and most are born Indians. Almost all accept the many converts, adoptives, and returnees.
Most are householders, some are ascetics.
Some practise penances, like fasting.
Most perform some samskaras, or rites of passage.
Almost all practise cremation. [per free choice]
A few practise hatha yoga. Most do not.[as part of astaunga yoga]
Most wear Hindu clothing, and dress modestly. [prescribed lungota/kaopina tight underwear for males]


Beliefs

All believe in freedom of religion.
Most believe the inherent divinity within all mankind. [hence Namaskar]
Most respect the environment, and love Mother Earth.
Most respect other faiths, although importance put on them varies.
All believe in reincarnation, although specifics vary.
All believe in karma, although specifics vary.
All believe in a divinity, either within all things, separate, or both. This divinity can have form, be formless, or be both. [Panentheism]
All accept the Vedas as authoritative. Most employ other scriptures from within the vast array of Hindu scriptures.[negative, but not integrally rejected either]
Most have goals that are Veda-based. [possibly also]
Almost all stick with Hinduism alone, but some complement their faith with aspects of other faiths.
Many know their branch, sect, or school. Many do not.
Many are sect-centric, and know little about other sects or traditions beyond their own.
All see moksha as the ultimate goal of life, but recognise the other goals as legitimate.[goal is to please the Guru - Bhakti]
Most believe in practising dharma, although definitions vary.
Nearly all believe in ahimsa. [as part of 10 yama/niyamas: Brahmacharya and Ishvara Pranidhana are main two, ahimsa follows from them]
Most recognise and respect holy men and women of all traditions.

 

[Valjean]

Tulsi beads.

 

[Terese]

Who do you as a Hindu see as your "fellow Hindu"? What are the minimum requirements from your own very personal perspective?

So I'm not so much interested in any external view that you may have found elsewhere but more in your own feelings and thoughts.

Is someone born from Christian parents who became a Brahmin through study and merit in ISKCON a Hindu?
Is someone who visits Hindu temples regularly or not so regular a Hindu?
Is someone who believes in karma and reincarnation a Hindu?
Is someone who has a small house temple and prays to Hindu gods a Hindu?
Is someone who just does astaunga yoga and eats lacto-vegetarian a Hindu?
Are followers of Satya Sai Baba all Hindus?
Are people who have a connection to Pandits only the real Hindus?
Are people who declare themselves as Hindus the real Hindus only?
Are Buddhists or Jains or Sikhs also Hindus?

Is it a certain combination of things that makes them Hindu in your eyes and if so then what is the minumum combination?
Are there things that definitely disqualify people for being seen as Hindus such as eating cow's meat or accepting Christ as their guru?

If you feel some type of people are not quite real or complete Hindus, then what do you feel is missing?
I'm asking about your own direct gut-feelings (not for an idealised answer).

Pranam Maricon To me a "fellow Hindu" would be someone who worships a Hindu deity and believe in Hindu concepts, though i would not presume to call someone a non-Hindu if they do not subscribe to my opinion. Anyone can be a Hindu, you don't have to be born into it to be one, so those of the following are Hindu to me:

Born from Christian parents who became a Brahmin through study and merit in ISKCON a Hindu?
Someone who visits Hindu temples regularly or not so regular a Hindu?
Someone who believes in karma and reincarnation a Hindu? (depends how strongly they believe in these concepts. I wouldn't call New-agers Hindus, though they may themselves do.)
Someone who has a small house temple and prays to Hindu gods a Hindu?

I don't know what Satya Sai Baba propounded.

Are people who have a connection to Pandits only the real Hindus? - No, but it would deeply benefit a Hindu.

Are people who declare themselves as Hindus the real Hindus only? - Some are Hindus but don't realise it, and some are Hindu but don't follow Sanatana Dharma.

Are Buddhists or Jains or Sikhs also Hindus? - No, they are Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs.

Is it a certain combination of things that makes them Hindu in your eyes and if so then what is the minimum combination? - Generally, belief in a Hindu deity and belief in Hindu concepts is something i would consider someone as Hindu at first glance. Some Hindus can be quite eclectic.

Are there things that definitely disqualify people for being seen as Hindus such as eating cow's meat or accepting Christ as their guru? - If they were consistently adharmic, ate beef and possessed little love for God, to me that person would no longer be a Hindu. I don't see a problem with people accepting Christ as a guru, his teachings of peace and non-violence are dharmic to me.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I will put them in categories :
Grade 1:
One who lives his life according to 'dharma', and must declare himself as a Hindu. One who does not put one God before the other. Must not denigrate idol worship.
Grade 2:
Is someone who visits Hindu temples regularly or not so regular a Hindu?
Is someone who believes in karma and reincarnation a Hindu?
Is someone who has a small house temple and prays to Hindu gods a Hindu?
Is someone who just does ashtanga yoga and eats lacto-vegetarian a Hindu?
Are people who have a connection to pandits only the real Hindus? - You mean brahmin by birth?
Are people who declare themselves as Hindus the real Hindus only?
Grade 3:
Is someone born from Christian parents who became a brahmin through study and merit in ISKCON a Hindu? Problem: Does he/she denigrate Shiva vis-a-vis Krishna? If not, then Grade 2 or even higher.
Are followers of Satya Sai Baba all Hindus? Problem: Do they take the Babaji as God incarnated. Then I will place them in Grade 3. If they consider him a sage, then Grade 2 or even higher.

Are Buddhists or Jains or Sikhs also Hindus?: I do respect them as fellow 'dharmic religionists'. I won't force Hinduism on them.

 

[sayak83]

Marcion, before you arrived, there were two long threads on it. The first one got derailed, but here's the second one. Of course people change, but it will give you an idea on the diversity on it.

What makes a Hindu a Hindu - Version 2

Your OP there covers everything. Great work.

 

[Marcion]

So perhaps these then are the really Hindu type of Hindus?

Practices

Many attend temples regularly. Some do rarely. Some do often.
Most practise pilgrimage near of far, some often, some occasionally.
Most hang out with other Hindus.
Most listen to Hindu music primarily or exclusively. Some don't listen to music at all.
Many dream about Hindu stuff, indicating not just a Hindu conscious, but also a Hindu subconcious.
Most call themselves Hindu in public.
Many would consult an ayurvedic doctor.
Many will consult a Hindu astrologer.
Many know their nakshatras.
Most avoid stagnant water, will shower rather than bathe.
Most use incense.
Most have Hindu pictures in the house, and have a shrine. Some dedicate entire rooms.
Most are generally aware of their Hinduness.
Most perform some samskaras, or rites of passage.
Most wear Hindu clothing.

Beliefs

All accept the Vedas as authoritative. Most employ other scriptures from within the vast array of Hindu scriptures.
Most have goals that are Veda-based.

 

[Marcion]

I believe Lord Krishna was an incarnation of the supreme Deity Vishnu. Do I get to join the ‘Hindu’ club?

Off-topic: Since you joined the discussion as a semi-Hindu, which parts of the list of Vinayaka would you think could be tolerated inside the Bahai faith?

 

[ajay0]

There is great diversity amongst Hindu sects, no doubt, but there are some commonalities...


Om is considered a symbol of divinity in all sects.

There is belief in reincarnation, karma and Moksha/enlightenment.

Virtuous conduct is emphasized in all sects.

The Lingayats differ to some extent in this regard due to their nonacceptance of vedic authority and theory of reincarnation as it corresponded with caste prejudices then which they were rightly trying to uproot, but they make up for this by their intense devotion to Shivalingam, loving and virtuous conduct.

The Shaivite Prajapita Brahmakumaris too reject vedic authority but have all the other principles in place.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Off-topic: Since you joined the discussion as a semi-Hindu, which parts of the list of Vinayaka would you think could be tolerated inside the Bahai faith?

Most of it. We would understand some core concepts such as reincarnation and moksha very differently to many Hindus. We have no Baha’is on RF from a Hindu background. Such a Baha’i would appear very different to a Baha’i in the West and I imagine would be hard to distinguish from a ‘Hindu’ and in many cases would consider himself a Hindu.

 

[Vinayaka]

Most of it. We would understand some core concepts such as reincarnation and moksha very differently to many Hindus. We have no Baha’is on RF from a Hindu background. Such a Baha’i would appear very different to a Baha’i in the West and I imagine would be hard to distinguish from a ‘Hindu’ and in many cases would consider himself a Hindu.

'Can be tolerated' is much different than 'is practiced' . I would think Baha'is could tolerate all of it, but practice very little of it.

 

[Dawnofhope]

'Can be tolerated' is much different than 'is practiced' . I would think Baha'is could tolerate all of it, but practice very little of it.

I believe a Baha’i born into a Hindu family would practice most of it. It would depend on the strength of the Baha’i identity. Someone who strongly identifies as Baha’i may wish to be buried rather than cremated and may choose not to consult astrologers.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Hehehehe, sometimes you two are a bit like Punch & Judy!

Vinayaka and I have been talking to each other a great deal over the last 1 1/2 years. The description is very apt lol.

 

[Vinayaka]

I believe a Baha’i born into a Hindu family would practice most of it.

How could a Baha'i be born into a Hindu family? Baha'i don't believe in reincarnation the way we do, and religion may not carry over. In my discussions with Naha'i the understanding of Hinduism is so ridiculously off that if a Baha'i were to try out Hinduism, it could hardly be considered Hinduism. There are some very major disagreements, not the least of which is the unwavering devotion to the infallible prophet from Arab lands.

 

[Dawnofhope]

How could a Baha'i be born into a Hindu family? Baha'i don't believe in reincarnation the way we do, and religion may not carry over. In my discussions with Naha'i the understanding of Hinduism is so ridiculously off that if a Baha'i were to try out Hinduism, it could hardly be considered Hinduism. There are some very major disagreements, not the least of which is the unwavering devotion to the infallible prophet from Arab lands.

I was born into a Christian family. As a Baha’i I retain most of my Christian beliefs and values as they are compatible with the Baha’i Faith. That is how it would be for one who is born into a Hindu family.

 

[Vinayaka]

I was born into a Christian family. As a Baha’i I retain most of my Christian beliefs and values as they are compatible with the Baha’i Faith. That is how it would be for one who is born into a Hindu family.

And you know this how? The Baha'i faith is far more compatible to Christianity than it is to Hinduism. Far less of a shift. He/she would have to totally renounce most of his Hinduism.

 

[Dawnofhope]

And you know this how? The Baha'i faith is far more compatible to Christianity than it is to Hinduism. Far less of a shift. He/she would have to totally renounce most of his Hinduism.

Why? Many of the core values and beliefs are similar. One difficulty is the Baha’is on RF are from a strong Abrahamic background and that is what we live and breathe. I believe a true Baha’i raised in India through Hinduism would be very at home with many of the beliefs and practices of Hinduism. The biggest challenge I imagine would be discrimination from Hindus. I thought that was why @Marcion started the thread but maybe I’m mistaken. I really don’t want to derail his thread. OTOH prejudice and discrimination based on religious beliefs is something I feel strongly about and that’s why I posted.