Questions...

[Awen]

Since spotting the recent(ish) thread here, entitled "Hinduism is dead on RF", I've actually been reading up a little. I'll admit that I come to you with ignorance, having very little knowledge of other religions/beliefs besides Paganism. I read, recently, that Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world...and it was at this moment that I realised I know next-to-nothing about it's concepts, core beliefs and teachings, celebrations, practices or origins (and so much more!) I got to wondering, and reading...and reading some more. But I found many contradictions in the articles I was referring to. So instead, I'd very much like to hear from you guys. Just some general questions for now, though no doubt I'll have more over time;


I've read that Hinduism is only sometimes referred to as polytheistic and even that, in itself, is inaccurate. How is that so?
How do you view deity?
How does you religion compare to say...Christanity or Islam? Are there any shared or overlapping concepts?
When using the term 'Bible' are you referring to the Christian Bible?
What is your daily life like...do you honour/worship/pray to your God(s) daily?


As I said, I come to you with utter ignorance but I am hoping some of you fine folk would enlighten me a little.

Thanks very much in advance, for any input!

 

[Hema]

Awen, I do think that you are ignorant. Actually I don't know anything about your religion. Hinduism teaches that God is one - God has a male aspect - Shiva or cosmic consciousness and Shakti - the female energy. Since God has many different powers, Hindus have different names and deities associated with these, although God is only one - For eg. God is reffered to as Brahma when he is creating. Hinduism is very symbolic. For eg. A Hindu deity - Mother Lakshmi has four hands. The two upper hands hold lotus flowers which symbolize spiritual wisdom, her lower hands are giving out coins which represent material wealth but the hands with the lotuses are higher signifying that spiritual wealth is a greater blessing. Some Hindus worship murtis which are statues of deities. When the murti is made, prayers are said to invoke the spirit of the relevant deity to dwell within it. It is even scientifically proven that there is more energy within a murti after it is consecrated. However, murtis are like the signpost leading to God which is the final destination. They are not the final destination itself. The highest worship is finding God within us and realizing that we are part of God - we are Jeeva Atman or individual soul and he is Param Atman or super soul.

I'm leaving for the day, so if you have other questions I'll answer them tomorrow. Keep well.

 

[Hema]

Awen - I will deal with the other parts of your question tomorrow. Sorry for the delay. Keep well.

 

[Hema]

**Drum roll** Ta Da! I’m back!

I just want to touch on three important concepts in Hinduism – Ahimsa, Karma and Dharma.

Ahimsa – or non-violence. God is manifested equally in all aspects of creation – humans, plants and animals. We should live in this awareness and treat each life form with due respect. We should not be violent to other creatures however, we should stand up in self defense as one of God’s Avatars - Shri Ram did when his consort – Mother Sita was kidnapped. For this reason, many Hindus are vegetarian. This brings me to the law of Karma.

Karma – for every action there is a reaction. When we hurt others, we must suffer for it in this life or the next. For this reason, we are not supposed to eat meat because it will be like attaining joy out of an innocent creature’s suffering and death. The law of karma brings me to reincarnation. We believe in reincarnation because God is forgiving so he will not send us to an eternity of suffering for our bad deeds. He gives us numerous “second chances” to work off our negative karma. By doing good deeds we can offset out past bad karma and help to generate good karma for the future, so we are not predestined to suffer. From God we have come and to him we shall all return. When all karma is resolved and we are spiritual enough, we break free of the cycle of birth and death and we become one with God.

Dharma – cannot be translated into English. Basically it is righteous living; it is a way of life. This is how we should be living at all times. When Dharma is on the decline, God manifests as an Avatar to reinforce Dharma – it does not mean that God becomes limited to this one form. It is sort of like how God is manifested within each of us – similarly God is manifested in the Avatar, but the Avatar is a powerful manifestation.

As for similarities in other religions – I think there are a couple in Christianity. The Bible says that in the beginning was the word and the word was God. This is what Hinduism says on the beginning of creation “Before the beginning, the Brahman (absolute reality) was one and non-dual. It thought, "I am only one -- may I become many." This caused a vibration which eventually became sound, and this sound was Om. Creation itself was set in motion by the vibration of Om. The closest approach to Brahman is that first sound, Om.” (http://www.omsakthi.org/worship/mantra.html). Scientists have affirmed that the first sound to come out of creation was Om.
In addition, the Bible says that God created people in his image and likeness. Hinduism states that we are Jeeva Atman or individual soul and God is Param Atman or the Super Soul. We are made of the same substance – just as a drop of water taken from the ocean – we are like the drop and God is like the ocean. Hindus believe in chakras or seven spiritual centers along the spine. A Christian woman recently informed me that the chakras are what Christians call “the mansions of the soul.”

I hope this helped a bit. Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions. I do not know too much because Hinduism is so vast. If I don’t know something, I will try to find out the answer and if I can’t well, I’ll just say, “Sorry I can’t help in this instance.”

Thanks for posting on the Hinduism forum. I hope to see you around here again. Keep well.

 

[Awen]

Hi Hema,

Your responses were truly fascinating to me ~ thank you for taking the time to answer my questions (and more!) I’m amazed, actually, at the number of similarities I can see between our beliefs.

Hinduism teaches that God is one - God has a male aspect - Shiva or cosmic consciousness and Shakti - the female energy. Since God has many different powers, Hindus have different names and deities associated with these, although God is only one - For eg. God is reffered to as Brahma when he is creating.

So…one God, but with both a male and a female aspect, and each with their own associations. Is that right?
That sounds like a perfect harmonious balance, which is what I also strive to create in my religion.

I wonder then, in worship, do you use the names Shatki and Shiva, rather than God?

(I hope you do not find me insulting, Hema ~ that is not my intention! I’m just so very curious. I understand if some of the things I ask are a little too personal, though.)

Hinduism is very symbolic. For eg. A Hindu deity - Mother Lakshmi has four hands. The two upper hands hold lotus flowers which symbolize spiritual wisdom, her lower hands are giving out coins which represent material wealth but the hands with the lotuses are higher signifying that spiritual wealth is a greater blessing.

From your description here alone, a wonderful memory came back to me from my childhood ~ I remember a school visit to a Hindu place of worship (sorry, I don’t know what to call it ~ a temple?) The colours inside were literally breathtaking and the atmosphere was so very calming and peaceful…I loved it. I remember in the centre that there were numerous statues (which I am guessing were the murtis you spoke of) One was a very beautiful woman and while I assumed that she was a deity at the time, I did not know her name. After finding this picture, I fully believe the statue was of Mother Lakshmi.

​

And symbols acting as a gate…I can relate there, too. I practice in a Grove, which I would guess to be similar to the ‘gate’ you mentioned. And the ‘tools’/’symbols’ I use in rituals are specific to the deity I am honouring at the time; in this same context, I imagine that they are similar to the symbols you use.

I’ll get back to you with my thoughts on your other post when I get a few moments, if that’s okay with you. I can relate to a lot of things you mentioned there ~ reincarnation and the charkas in particular.

Thank you so very much for your help! You have shed much light on an area that was grey.

 

[Hema]

I wonder then, in worship, do you use the names Shatki and Shiva, rather than God?

Hindus have many names for God, these names usually represent different energies of God and they are also worshipped as Deities. There are many Deities, so there are many names, over a thousand - maybe more. There are names for each Deity. There is a Deity - Shiva but we don't usually call the Divine Mother "Shakti" ; we would call the name of the relevant Female Deity - e.g. Mother Lakshmi, Mother Durga etc. All of these are just manifestations of that one Divine Mother. I don't know all these names for God and it really isn't necessary to know all. The highest name for God is Om. When I pray I usually say "God" but I also have a favourite Deity who is Hanuman.

(I hope you do not find me insulting, Hema ~ that is not my intention! I’m just so very curious. I understand if some of the things I ask are a little too personal, though.)

I do not think so at all. Actually I don't think that anything you asked is too personal. Hey, maybe you're a worry wort like me. Tee hee. I actually think that you are very kind.

From your description here alone, a wonderful memory came back to me from my childhood ~ I remember a school visit to a Hindu place of worship (sorry, I don’t know what to call it ~ a temple?) The colours inside were literally breathtaking and the atmosphere was so very calming and peaceful…I loved it. I remember in the centre that there were numerous statues (which I am guessing were the murtis you spoke of) One was a very beautiful woman and while I assumed that she was a deity at the time, I did not know her name. After finding this picture, I fully believe the statue was of Mother Lakshmi.

​

Yes, that is mother Lakshmi. In Trinidad where I live, most Hindus have a habit of calling our place of worship - a temple. The correct word is really Mandir. I use the word "Temple". Perhaps in India the word "Mandir" is used more often.

Thank you so very much for your help! You have shed much light on an area that was grey.

No problem. I was so glad that someone posted in the Hinduism forum; so thank you for posting here. I'm so happy that you see similarities in our beliefs. When you first came to RF and I read about how much you are in tune with nature, it also reminded me of Hinduism.

 

[Paraprakrti]

I've read that Hinduism is only sometimes referred to as polytheistic and even that, in itself, is inaccurate. How is that so?

On one hand, the idea of Hinduism as polytheistic comes from a misconception made by many Hindus. This is the belief that the many demigods (i.e. Brahma, Indra, Ganesh, Vivasvan, etc, etc.) are each worshippable as the Supreme Lord. Krishna very clearly states that those who worship the demigods are less intelligent and their fruits are limited and temporary. Basically, those who worship the demigods go to the planet of that respective demigod, which is within the material universe and thus not the eternal position. Those who worship the Supreme Lord, Krishna, return to His transcendental abode, which is eternal and is even beyond the Brahmajyoti (aka Brahman). On the other hand, some may view Hinduism as polytheistic due to their being many forms of the Lord. Just about all living entities are categorized as either jiva-tattva or Vishnu-tattva. We are jiva-tattva, as are the demigods, even Brahma. Vishnu-tattva refers to the Supreme Lord. There are many incarnations of God, and they are all one and the same Supreme Being. This simultaneous oneness and variegatedness is similar to the Christian principle of trinity. Although the Lord exhibits Himself in various forms with unique personalities, He is always One.

How do you view deity?

Unlike most other religions, the form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is revealed in the Vedic Sastras. There are many Hindus who worship an impersonal Brahman. That is considered the first stage of transcendental realization. The second stage is realization of Paramatma. That is the Lord within the heart. The third and considered most confidential stage is Bhagavan, the Personality of Godhead. Unfortunately, there are many Hindus who believe that the impersonal, formless Brahman is the highest realization and consequently in their conception they place the Personality of Godhead into a precarious position where He becomes the product of Maya (material illusion). Certainly this is an offense because the supreme and infallible God never falls or subjects Himself to illusion. It therefore must be understood that the forms of the Lord are eternal and that His self is nondifferent from His body. That is the difference between God and us. We are different from our bodies. In due time, we will depart from these current bodies, and they will rot in the ground or be burned up. God, in all His variegatedness, is still a complete unit. There is no separating God from His body because it is all spiritual. These impersonalist philosophers don't understand this and thus they fall in this regard.

How does you religion compare to say...Christanity or Islam? Are there any shared or overlapping concepts?

Certainly. There is one Supreme God. Surrendering unto God (Islam) is necessary, (see Bhagavad-Gita 18:66). Animal sacrifice was once a prescribed method, now Bhakti - loving devotional service and worship of God - is the prescribed method. Paramatma (the Lord within every living entity) is similar to Christianity's "Holy Spirit". It is prophesied in Vedic literature that at the end of the age, God will descend upon the earth and destroy the inimical kingdoms before restoring peace for His devotees. It is also explained that God will ride a white horse when He comes (Compare to Revelations 19:11).
On the other hand, there are some differences. The biggest one, I think, is that we believe in a transcendental soul that is different from the body. Consequently, we believe that when the soul departs a body, it has the chance of taking shelter in another body. We do not believe in an absolute hell. Only God is absolute and since hell means separation from God, it is an utter mistake to think that hell is absolute. Although, there are hellish places within the material universe, but one does not dwell in them perpetually with no end.

When using the term 'Bible' are you referring to the Christian Bible?

Yes. I am. I never use "Bible" referring to anything else.

What is your daily life like...do you honour/worship/pray to your God(s) daily?

I chant, "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare - Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare" 16 rounds with 108 times each round, daily. Other than that, I read books. There are no temples near me, unfortunately.

 

[Hema]

.It is also explained that God will ride a white horse when He comes (Compare to Revelations 19:11)

Kalki Avatar is the one who will come on the white horse. Do you know when this will be? Some people say that crop circles are a sign that Kalki Avatar is manifesting.

 

[Paraprakrti]

Kalki Avatar is the one who will come on the white horse. Do you know when this will be? Some people say that crop circles are a sign that Kalki Avatar is manifesting.

Yes. Kalki is supposed to come at the end of this Kali Yuga, in about 427,000 years. I hadn't heard about the crop circles thing. In any case, it's too early.

 

[Doktormartini]

1. I've read that Hinduism is only sometimes referred to as polytheistic and even that, in itself, is inaccurate. How is that so?
2. How do you view deity?
3. How does you religion compare to say...Christanity or Islam? Are there any shared or overlapping concepts?
4. When using the term 'Bible' are you referring to the Christian Bible?
5. What is your daily life like...do you honour/worship/pray to your God(s) daily?

Hi! I know a bit about Hinduism (I'm not a Hindu) and I would like to give you my responses to your questions. My responses may be a bit wrong so correct me.

1. Many people think Hinduism is a polythestic religion because it has lots of Gods. Some people say the pantheon is like 330 million Gods. The reason why it is not Polytheistic is that there is one ultimate God, Brahman, who is like every god/goddess in different forms. They just give them different names and things like that.

2. Dunno about this one cause I dont' view deity. I guess they would view deity like any other, they worship him, say prayers...etc.

3. Well Jesus taught compassion to all, and I think that is one of the things Hinduism teaches. There is not really much similarities. But if you search the net, you could easily find this out.

4. When they say Bible, they are probably referring to their religious texts. Although the correct definition of the word Bible is The Christian Holy Text. Hinduism has various texts that are considered holy. They have the Vedas (hymns to the Gods/Goddesses), the Upanishads which are like writings talking about the Vedas and what they mean, they have the Mahabharata which is a long poem containing one of the most popular books ever, the Bhagavad-Gita. There are some more but these are the basic ones.

5. Well, traditional Hindus daily life differs depending on what Caste they are. Their Castes Dharma (duty) is different for each one. But for worhip, they go to temples dedicated to certain Gods.

Hope that has helped any!

 

[Awen]

Thanks for your help and info everyone.

Yes. Kalki is supposed to come at the end of this Kali Yuga.

Kali Yuga being the fourth age (the Age of Kali?) which is one in a series of cycles/changes/developments? Is that right? I'm just going off things I've read, so please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
Is Kali Yuga the final stage, or are there more? And I'm curious to what the first three were?

 

[Hema]

Thanks for your help and info everyone.



Kali Yuga being the fourth age (the Age of Kali?) which is one in a series of cycles/changes/developments? Is that right? I'm just going off things I've read, so please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.
Is Kali Yuga the final stage, or are there more? And I'm curious to what the first three were?

Yes Awen. According to Hinduism, the world moves in cycles of creation - first was Satyug which was the Golden Age when there was no evil and God's law prevailed. Dwarpur yug came after when the purity of the soul declined, then Treta yug, when purity declined even more and now finally Kaliyug, which is the age of Kali. In Kaliyug, unrighteousness is rampant. Kaliyug is the final stage in the cycle...that is, until there's another Satyug. Some say that there is a Confluence Age between Kaliyug and Satyug when people can elevate themselves to become more spiritual beings.