Why are you Hindu?

[Sb1995]

Hindustan zindabad

 

[ratikala]

namaskaram Satyamavejayanti ji :namaste

As for why am I a Hindu, i would say:

1) Identity - For me the most important aspect of why im a Hindu is the fact that it provides me with a Identity. The Hindu identity provides me with a sense of belonging and a link to a old civilization, Hindu identity gives me a particular culture that is unique to Hindus, this Hindu identity is not based on any racial marker but is the foundation about the knowledge of my self and my Dharmah. This Identity reminds me of my Dharmah in society, this identity makes me think about , and when i walk out into the street i am confident in who i am. This identity helps me to explore the ingrained philosophy of the Hindu tradition, culture and people. My Hindu identity gives a alternative perspective of the world.

I can identify so well with what you say here , with me also there is a great feeling of belonging , even if I am not around other Hindus , for me it is a much deeper sence of belonging which goes way beyond this birth and this body and puts everything into perspective . to me Hinduism explains everything that I could ever imagine that I need to know , and the knowledge of self which you refer to is also knowledge of others so we need never feel alone , there is a great conectedness which goes beyond race and culture . also understanding my Dharma in relation to society gives me a kind of confidence of understanding my place in the world .

2) Knowledge - This is second but equally important. Knowledge about my self is my most important reason I am a Hindu. Hinduism puts in me the seed of inquiry about my inner Atman, The Philosophy of Dharmah in Hinduism helps my understanding of my natural duty in this world. The Karma theory shows to me the nature of the ever changing world in a cycle and recycle motion. Hindu philosophy stirs in me the Kama (desire) to know (Ved) and understand my existence. The idea of Adhyatmik vidya (knowing the inner self) clears my misconceptions about my own self and by doing this strengthens my identity as a Hindu. Hinduism has inspired to think on my own as a free man.

again this is beautifuly said

3) Dharmah - This is next but interwoven into my identity and knowledge of my self, its hard to explain Dharmah but here goes. Hinduism tells me about the Dharmah which is my own, My Dharmah of being a Son, Brother, Father, husband and friend, My Dharmah at work and in public, it advises me of my Dharmah towards others in my society and the rest of the world, Hinduism tells me my Dharmah towards nature, my Dharmah towards my culture, my Dharmah to understand the Hindu philosophy and my Dharmah in my overall life. Hinduism advises my Dharmah of respect, of honesty, of Love, of family, of culture, of tradition and my Dharmah of all my Karma (actions).


OHM TATH SATH

to me it is this Dharma , this responcibility towards every one and every thing that conects us with countless others not only now but throughout time . when ever I struggle with my Dharma , I am mindfull of Arjuna when he struggled with his responcibilitys , and of Sita mata when she had to make sacrifices to support the Dharma of her Lord .
But the joys also are shared , every morning when I wake the deities , I am doing the same loving serva that has been done throughout centuries by countless devotees and is at this same time being done througout the world today .

so in the respect of belonging , ....yes because our Karma's are intertwined , ..this to me is a beautifull thought :namaste

 

[Asha]

Namaste

I would encourage my fellow Hindus on this site to overwhelm it with positivity, in the way of threads. Get rid of the negative by throwing in positive.

how many wonderfull positive reasons ?

Satyamavejayanti's reasons are beautiful,

To me Dharma comes very high on the list, understanding oneself and ones position within the universe, learning to understand ones Dharma and joyfully executing it.

To me one of the most valuable things to me is learning to understand the many forms of divinity, understanding the mood or bhava of each form.for us as devotees of Vishnu this is a very important part of our devotions.

I think for me Devotion has to be the most important and most attractive element within Hinduism. but it is not the most prominent reason for everyone as one needs to go through a degree of learning to get to that level of feeling.

The philosophy is very reasuring as it confirms what we often intuitively know.

Meditation allows us to focus on the object of ones faith.

And yes Guru is realy important, Sadhu, Sanga, Shastra. But for those who are not in a position to find a Guru or even a spiritual Sangha forms like this can be realy helpfull.

Shastra to me is more than philosophy, it is a gift.

Then there is Mercy, the grace of the Guru and the mercy of which ever divine form we follow.

Culture, I see that as a part of tradition, the ways we worship are so beautifull, Music and Dance are equaly a part of that rich tradition. but most importantly it is an integral part of the science, as both have so much depth of meaning, Music and Dance are not for enjoyment alone and to us even food is a part of worship, everything is intergrated.

People equqls Sangha the Spiritual community, to me this is realy important, being around others of similar belief is like being at home we speak the same language, hold the same veiws and value the same principles. But prehaps most importantly we nurture eachother as in Satsang, being in the company of rightious people brings about rightiousness in our selves.

Temple ...? yes Temple or Ashram, where ever the Deity resides I will happily be there.

6) mysticism ... meditation, the esoterics of Godmen and Gurus, the mystic energy you get from all of it is what keeps you

yes all of those !....what you call the mystic energy is what I feel from being around the Deities and the true devotees, that is prehaps what Ive called their Mercy, that feeling of being both awe struck and blessed at the same time. Energy ? yes certainly it is, it is the most beutiful energy.




So the sharing part is to give it some reflection, and rank theses six in importance to yourself. This will also help all of us understand each other a bit better.

My ranking is: mysticism, Guru, temples, people, culture, and finally philosophy

Aum Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi[/quote]

 

[Nyingjé Tso]

Vanakkam,



1) mysticism

2) temples

3) people

4) culture

5) philosophy

Guru is not here, not because it is last, but because I will put it when I meet formally my Guru, in this life or another. This moment then I will put it on the top of all

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

=ratikala;3672127]namaskaram Satyamavejayanti ji :namaste

Namaste mata Ji,

I can identify so well with what you say here , with me also there is a great feeling of belonging , even if I am not around other Hindus , for me it is a much deeper sence of belonging which goes way beyond this birth and this body and puts everything into perspective . to me Hinduism explains everything that I could ever imagine that I need to know , and the knowledge of self which you refer to is also knowledge of others so we need never feel alone , there is a great conectedness which goes beyond race and culture . also understanding my Dharma in relation to society gives me a kind of confidence of understanding my place in the world .

Yes, this interconnection that brings Hindus together from all walks of life is something that is hard to explain (at least for me), yet we all feel it, every Hindu feels their Hinduness. We can call it what we want, be it Hindu, Sanatan, Vedic, Agamic ect ect, but there is this unity with diversity (to quote Vinayaka Ji), and that is what makes Hindus different yet same, it makes us all one yet preserves our individuality. The idea of a Hindu is individual yet universal at the same time.

to me it is this Dharma , this responcibility towards every one and every thing that conects us with countless others not only now but throughout time . when ever I struggle with my Dharma , I am mindfull of Arjuna when he struggled with his responcibilitys , and of Sita mata when she had to make sacrifices to support the Dharma of her Lord .
But the joys also are shared , every morning when I wake the deities , I am doing the same loving serva that has been done throughout centuries by countless devotees and is at this same time being done througout the world today .

Vary true, what we learn through the Hindu texts are more important then the historicity of the writer or the events in those texts, its more important to learn the Yam and Niyams of Arya Veer Shri Rama, rather then try to validate his historical existence.

OHM TATH SATH

 

[Maya3]

Because of OM and that we are that, and not only us, but everything

Meditation,

I also like the fact that you can worship that however you want, in any form or with no form.

Ahimsa

Maya

 

[ratikala]

namaskaram :namaste

Namaste mata Ji,


Very true, what we learn through the Hindu texts are more important then the historicity of the writer or the events in those texts, its more important to learn the Yam and Niyams of Arya Veer Shri Rama, rather then try to validate his historical existence.

OHM TATH SATH

there was an interesting program on the radio here today discussing the Ramayana , where in they interveiwed many Hindus asking them the impact of the Ramayana on their lives , each spoke so sweetly explaining how the example of Shri Rama and of Sita mata were so important to them and how they guided their conduct in every way . when I here this these people are imidiately dear to me even though personaly I do not know them , there is a great sence if interconectedness
:namaste

 

[Vinayaka]

Thank you everyone for all the great answers. It shows that we have a broad variety of Hindus here. I believe that is one overlooked reason we have threads with much argument. We don't agree simple because we're all from different schools. Nor should we agree.

 

[StarryNightshade]

1) philosophy ... it makes sense on an intellectual level, you enjoy discussing
2) Guru ... you have or have met a Guru and that takes a lot of your attention. His/her teachings are of utmost importance.
3) culture ... you love the dance, food, clothing, music
4) people ... you feel at home with others, you enjoy the camaraderie fellow Hindus of like mind provide
5) temples ... the Hindu temple is your second home
6) mysticism ... meditation, the esoterics of Godmen and Gurus, the mystic energy you get from all of it is what keeps you

Here's my ranking.

1.) Philosophy- As one who doesn't really put devotion first, what comes from the Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, Puranas, teachings from Swamis and teachers, etc.; I try and apply to my life and to try and understand my own experience of the divine and world around me.

2.) Mysticism- However, that doesn't mean I have no devotion. What I get from meditation, puja, aarti, the energy...it all connects me to something greater than myself. It's what attracted me to Shiva and his family.

3.) People- Most Hindus I've met are nice and are very up front. If they want to talk, they will. If they don't, they'll let you know. I like how I don't have to share every detail of my private life with others.

4.) Temples- Yeah they're nice and all, but even if there wasn't a temple (but instead like a gathering at someone's home), it wouldn't bother me to much.

5.) Culture- I believe one can be Hindu (or practice any faith for that matter) without necessarily adopting certain cultural trappings.

I've never had a Guru, so I can't really rank an experience I've never had.

 

[Vinayaka]

Here's my ranking.

1.) Philosophy-

2.) Mysticism- However, that doesn't mean I have no devotion. What I get from meditation, puja, aarti, the energy...it all connects me to something greater than myself. It's what attracted me to Shiva and his family.

3.) People- Most Hindus I've met are nice and are very up front. If they want to talk, they will. If they don't, they'll let you know. I like how I don't have to share every detail of my private life with others.

4.) Temples- Yeah they're nice and all, but even if there wasn't a temple (but instead like a gathering at someone's home), it wouldn't bother me to much.

5.) Culture- I believe one can be Hindu (or practice any faith for that matter) without necessarily adopting certain cultural trappings.

I've never had a Guru, so I can't really rank an experience I've never had.

Thanks for re-opening this thread, Starry. I'd forgotten about it. For me, temples and mysticism really go hand in hand, as the temple is a mystic place primarily (for me - for others its a people place)

On culture, I agree, except for when there is great overlap. Bhajans (music) could be considered cultural for example, as could vegetarianism. So could clothing. Indian style clothing is so loose fitting that it is conducive to pujas, etc. Heck, I can't even sit cross-legged in tight blue jeans.

So there is some overlap, but obviously that too varies from person to person, and experience. Locality and upbringing are major factors.

 

[StarryNightshade]

On culture, I agree, except for when there is great overlap. Bhajans (music) could be considered cultural for example, as could vegetarianism. So could clothing. Indian style clothing is so loose fitting that it is conducive to pujas, etc. Heck, I can't even sit cross-legged in tight blue jeans.
.

Understandable.

Personally, as a non-Indian (I'm whiter than marshmallow paste in winter), I feel kinda odd wearing Indian clothing. I do own a kutra and would like to wear a Shiva Tilaka for special occasions, but I feel like it's appropriation when I wear it.

 

[Vinayaka]

Understandable.

Personally, as a non-Indian (I'm whiter than marshmallow paste in winter), I feel kinda odd wearing Indian clothing. I do own a kutra and would like to wear a Shiva Tilaka for special occasions, but I feel like it's appropriation when I wear it.

I'm Caucasian too. It took a few years, but now it's second nature. On pilgrimages to India I leave the western clothes at the arrival/departure hotel. It just takes time, like anything. Thirty years ago, my veshti fell off a couple of times at rather inopportune moments, but that's just comes with other cultural faux pas when you're learning.

 

[Fireside_Hindu]

but I feel like it's appropriation when I wear it.

I can understand this feeling, although it is going away for me with time. I have had many, many discussions with people about it ( Both Caucasian and Indian) and what I learned that it's overwhelmingly other white people who have the hardest time with me dressing in Salwar suits or Saris.

Ultimately though, no one can give you "permission" . You just have to decide what feels right to you. No sense in forcing habit that makes you feel uncomfortable to the point that you can't focus on your sadhana.

:camp:

Salwar pants are super cozy though.

:camp:

 

[Maya3]

I rarely wear complete Indian style clothing. But on special occasions I might.

Maya

 

[Vinayaka]

I rarely wear complete Indian style clothing. But on special occasions I might.

Maya

But I'm guessing you wear loose fitting clothing for comfort. Even all my regular western clothes are loose fitting... well, it's worse lately, putting on weight doesn't help.

 

[Maya3]

But I'm guessing you wear loose fitting clothing for comfort. Even all my regular western clothes are loose fitting... well, it's worse lately, putting on weight doesn't help.

Usually pretty loose yes. I work with kids so my clothes are comfortable to sit on the ground with or chase kids with.

Maya

 

[Vinayaka]

Usually pretty loose yes. I work with kids so my clothes are comfortable to sit on the ground with or chase kids with.

Maya

At least half, (maybe more) the reason I wear Indian clothing to temples is comfort. At school teaching it was the same too, teaching PE made it easier.

Still, I do like the Hinduness of Indian clothing, and how it gets me 'in the door' easier.

 

[Jainarayan]

Understandable.

Personally, as a non-Indian (I'm whiter than marshmallow paste in winter), I feel kinda odd wearing Indian clothing. I do own a kutra and would like to wear a Shiva Tilaka for special occasions, but I feel like it's appropriation when I wear it.

I'll bet I can out-white you... I make Casper the Friendly Ghost look sunburned.

Anyway, it takes some getting used to. I'm not fully comfortable in Indian dress because I think people think it's an affectation. However, one priest stopped his chanting to give me a big smile and a thumbs up when I wore a dhoti for the first time. Another time another priest said "you look very nice". I think Indians are very flattered when their customs are adopted by others. After all, imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery (and no one ever died from giving or getting too much flattery).

 

[Jainarayan]

Thirty years ago, my veshti fell off a couple of times at rather inopportune moments, but that's just comes with other cultural faux pas when you're learning.

Two words... safety pins.

 

[Jainarayan]

I will know I've "arrived" at full confidence when I wear a dhoti to work at Diwali... half our employees are Indian. Though I've yet to see any of the men wearing traditional dress on Diwali, the women wear saris or salwar kameez.