Why Hinduism

[Dawnofhope]

Well, more specifically, how does the story of Krishna fit into the Baha'i interpretations? Like him being a manifestation but not an incarnation of a God? Like he spoke for the One True God and was not part of a polytheistic Godhead? Like a manifestation brings new social teachings and affirms the same eternal spiritual teachings? Since Baha'is don't believe in reincarnation, did you find some more things to support your belief that Krishna didn't actually teach reincarnation? And, how can Hinduism not have a manifestation as its founder?

The Baha’i understanding of Krishna is that He was a real person who lived amongst men but was also a Manifestation of God. What is clear from the Purana and Gita is we have mythologised history. We’re talking about someone who lived five thousand years ago. So we.can’t say too much for certain. Five thousand years ago is not too far from six thousand years ago when the Prophet Adam lived. So look at how mythological that story becomes in Genesis. Beyond Adam the accurate historicity of any character essentially becomes so obscured as to be meaningless. That’s religion and it eventually fades as the old gives way to the new.

So with Hinduism, the Baha’i writings don’t say much apart from its a religion of Divine origins, reincarnation is not a literal transmigration of souls, and there is One Supreme Being. Basically we can’t prove or disprove anything. Hindus have clearly abandoned any attempt to portray a unified truth in their religion. As said repeatedly, its a very different paradigm from the Abrahamic Faiths.

 

[Vinayaka]

CG, Our unified truth is what we call unity in diversity. Hindus believe in the diversity of life on this planet. In the Abrahamic faiths, each one (with the exception of Judaism) wants everyone on the planet to become like them. The Christian goal is to make everyone Christian, and so too with Islam, and Baha'i. How we arrive at that point might vary, but essentially there is one truth, and it is theirs.

Hinduism, that very different paradigm Adrian alluded to, sees it the other way around. We want everyone to remain as they are, (unless the individual is uncomfortable with who they are). We accept and believe that earth's inhabitants are a diverse lot, and as long as they aren't attackers of Hinduism, it's all good. Gays, atheists, political right wing, political left wing, Baha'i, Christian, just everything. It's accepting the nature of this planet. When a rainforest gets destroyed, and turned into fields of cane, that is a great loss, according to Hindu thought.

What caused the potato famine in Ireland, or what may cause a banana shortage? It's this idea that you should pick the 'best' one and promote that, regardless if the best one has deficiencies that other varieties don't.

The airplane industry has now been reduced to 2 manufactures, Boeing, and Airbus. So too with cars ... the number of models available is diminishing.

So I would argue, that rather than Hinduism not having a unified vision as above, it does have a unified vision, and that would be to continue the celebration and recognition of the diversity. Rather than everyone at a wedding being served the same meal, why not have a rich and varied multi-ethnic smorgasbord?

 

[firedragon]

CG, Our unified truth is what we call unity in diversity. Hindus believe in the diversity of life on this planet. In the Abrahamic faiths, each one (with the exception of Judaism) wants everyone on the planet to become like them. The Christian goal is to make everyone Christian, and so too with Islam, and Baha'i. How we arrive at that point might vary, but essentially there is one truth, and it is theirs.

Hinduism, that very different paradigm Adrian alluded to, sees it the other way around. We want everyone to remain as they are, (unless the individual is uncomfortable with who they are). We accept and believe that earth's inhabitants are a diverse lot, and as long as they aren't attackers of Hinduism, it's all good. Gays, atheists, political right wing, political left wing, Baha'i, Christian, just everything. It's accepting the nature of this planet. When a rainforest gets destroyed, and turned into fields of cane, that is a great loss, according to Hindu thought.

What caused the potato famine in Ireland, or what may cause a banana shortage? It's this idea that you should pick the 'best' one and promote that, regardless if the best one has deficiencies that other varieties don't.

The airplane industry has now been reduced to 2 manufactures, Boeing, and Airbus. So too with cars ... the number of models available is diminishing.

So I would argue, that rather than Hinduism not having a unified vision as above, it does have a unified vision, and that would be to continue the celebration and recognition of the diversity. Rather than everyone at a wedding being served the same meal, why not have a rich and varied multi-ethnic smorgasbord?

Maybe thats why Hinduism is the most silent way of life or theology or how ever you wish to define it. Its the most silent, most stagnant in terms of propagation unlike Christianity, Islam etc who are dying to propagate to eachother. While being stagnant in these matters, Hinduism is the most stable.

What i am gonna say is not relevant to the topic.

In Islamic seminaries they are not taught to propagate to anyone else but Muslims themselves. Its a fact. Muslims dont know how to propagate to other religions until they get on the internet and learn from the exchanges that are happening all over the place. Since of late though after the advent of Ahmed Deedat there are certain institutions who teach comparative religion. But thats not accessible for most muslims. Thus, unless you are living in a country like India or a western country you are not taught proselytism at a madhrasa level. They are only taught how to preach to their own Muslims. Their evangelical movement or Jamaat does not go anywhere but Muslim homes. But of course since the 90's the evangelism has risen a lot.

In Christian seminaries since of late they developed evangelism techniques that have quite an indepth study. Thus when students graduate they come out as evangelists.

Hindus dont give two hoots about any of this. They want to mind their religion and thats it. This mentality is very sabilising. Thats why they are very stable. It is even evident throughout this thread. Not a single Hindu has given any kind of information with an idea of proselytising. Its the air of their speech. One cannot ignore. Its truly quite strange, and endearing.

Peace.

 

[syo]

Why are the Hindu's steady in their faith? Why are their numbers globally so stable and secure, in history, current world and estimated future values? What is Hinduism? Why Hinduism?

For me, Hinduism is a pagan religion and one of the finest religions. A true great religion.

 

[Jainarayan]

Endowed with faith, the devotee worships a particular celestial god and obtains the objects of desire. But in reality I alone arrange these benefits.

There is also this from various sources, including Śrī Viṣṇu Sahasranāma:

ākāśāt patitaṃ toyaṃ yathā gacchati sāgaram ।
sarvadeva namaskāraṃ keśavaṃ pratigacchati ॥

"Just as all the water fallen from the sky goes to the sea, prayers to all the gods reaches to the one Lord Keshava (Vishnu/Krishna)".

 

[Marcion]

Basically we can’t prove or disprove anything. Hindus have clearly abandoned any attempt to portray a unified truth in their religion. As said repeatedly, its a very different paradigm from the Abrahamic Faiths.

Because it isn't a religion. We are all like Hindus if we let go of our religious dogmas, sectarian ideas and narrowmindedness.

 

[1213]

...What is Hinduism? Why Hinduism?

I would be honoured to hear some of your thoughts. And i thank you in advance.

I have heard that in Hinduism, all “paths” are accepted. Meaning, Christianity is ok according to them also. I think it makes it meaningless, if every religious belief is ok.

 

[Vinayaka]

I have heard that in Hinduism, all “paths” are accepted. Meaning, Christianity is ok according to them also. I think it makes it meaningless, if every religious belief is ok.

Yes of course. There can only be one religion, from your POV. Some folks are okay with going beyond that concept, and understand that people are all different ... very different paradigms.

 

[ManSinha]

I have heard that in Hinduism, all “paths” are accepted. Meaning, Christianity is ok according to them also. I think it makes it meaningless, if every religious belief is ok.

Did you read my post #176? One of the viewpoints is that everything exists within an all-encompassing divine. If you cannot understand that paradigm then perhaps this discussion is not for you.

 

[Muffled]

To me, Buddhism is a great walk down a philosophy, but Hinduism is a thousand walks down a thousand philosophies for a thousand years. They are poles apart.

I believe the problem is that philosophers are not always right about things but God can be depended upon for truth.

 

[Muffled]

Yes of course. There can only be one religion, from your POV. Some folks are okay with going beyond that concept, and understand that people are all different ... very different paradigms.

I believe if one is content with man made religion then there are many of those and most of them useless. I believe the path one is on determines his future.If you are in Paris you can't get to Berlin by walking to Barcelona. And of course to have a path one needs an objective otherwise one wanders around in meaninglessness.

 

[firedragon]

I believe the problem is that philosophers are not always right about things but God can be depended upon for truth.

This.thread is not about whats right brother.

 

[Vinayaka]

This.thread is not about whats right brother.

When you live in the right/wrong paradigm, that may well be all you have.

 

[Jainarayan]

If you are in Paris you can't get to Berlin by walking to Barcelona.

Sure you can. It may take longer, but you can also learn many more things. There's an opportunity for growth and learning.

And of course to have a path one needs an objective otherwise one wanders around in meaninglessness.

And some people on that path may stop to rest under a tree and never move on, despite the objective.

 

[PearlSeeker]

High respect to this culture. I've got acquainted with Hinduism via the Gospel of Ramakrishna and I enjoyed it. I used to have a very different picture about dharmic religions. There are many prejudices among my Christians brothers...

What about caste system? Is it really still in practice?

 

[ManSinha]

What about caste system? Is it really still in practice?

That is a separate thread - the answer is yes and no - in the more remote areas perhaps it is - not in the cities - you really cannot ask the guy / girl sitting next to you in the office cubicle / public transport / next table at the restaurant what their "caste" is without some really queer looks - so it is fading

 

[CG Didymus]

Because it isn't a religion.

Many of us in California first heard of Hinduism from Yogananda and the Maharishi. In the 70's I became a vegetarian and was going to yoga classes. Part of some yoga classes, they got into some breathing exercises. How much or how little does the breathing and yoga play in Hinduism? And, I didn't get into it much, but how about the meditation techniques. Are they important and are they similar to what goes on in India? Or, are they more a "California", "New Age" type of Hinduism?

 

[Marcion]

Many of us in California first heard of Hinduism from Yogananda and the Maharishi. In the 70's I became a vegetarian and was going to yoga classes. Part of some yoga classes, they got into some breathing exercises. How much or how little does the breathing and yoga play in Hinduism? And, I didn't get into it much, but how about the meditation techniques. Are they important and are they similar to what goes on in India? Or, are they more a "California", "New Age" type of Hinduism?

Hinduism should not be confused with Tantra and Yoga. Tantra and Yoga can also be found in Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism etc. So learning techniques from these traditions does not make you a Hindu.

Vedic practices are less universal and not so much exported abroad like Yoga except e.g. by ISKCON.
I think this is because Tantra and Yoga are more practical (spiritually effective) compared to Vedic practices.
The Satya Sai Baba movement also mixes in and exports Vedic practices.

For me personally ISKCON and Satya Sai feel more Hindu because of this.
What exactly is New Age is not clear to me.
I see them as a large group of very diverse groups catering specifically for Westerners who want to pay money for getting "spiritual experiences" trying to fill the emptiness felt by consumerist capitalist society. They have a weak system and ideology.

 

[CG Didymus]

Hinduism should not be confused with Tantra and Yoga. Tantra and Yoga can also be found in Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism etc. So learning techniques from these traditions does not make you a Hindu.

Vedic practices are less universal and not so much exported abroad like Yoga except e.g. by ISKCON.
I think this is because Tantra and Yoga are more practical (spiritually effective) compared to Vedic practices.
The Satya Sai Baba movement also mixes in and exports Vedic practices.

For me personally ISKCON and Satya Sai feel more Hindu because of this.
What exactly is New Age is not clear to me.
I see them as a large group of very diverse groups catering specifically for Westerners who want to pay money for getting "spiritual experiences" trying to fill the emptiness felt by consumerist capitalist society. They have a weak system and ideology.

Thanks.

 

[Vinayaka]

Many of us in California first heard of Hinduism from Yogananda and the Maharishi. In the 70's I became a vegetarian and was going to yoga classes. Part of some yoga classes, they got into some breathing exercises. How much or how little does the breathing and yoga play in Hinduism? And, I didn't get into it much, but how about the meditation techniques. Are they important and are they similar to what goes on in India? Or, are they more a "California", "New Age" type of Hinduism?

Namaste CG. I"ll give you my take as well, for what it's worth. Both Yogananda and Maharishi watered down Hinduism a great deal to appeal to what they perceived (rightly or wrongly) as a very Christian audience. I read that Maharishi was really surprised to learn of the 'free love' and drug culture of that era. I believe he assumed incorrectly that such things wouldn't be there, having been raised in India. The 'Christian' audience wasn't all that Christian, but in India there was no 'nothing'. and there still isn't much.

Breathing (pranayama) and hatha yoga are later stages in the classical yoga sutras. What some swamis omitted were the first two stages, the yamas and niyamas. So often they start at or near the top, rather than at the bottom. So people aren't all that stable, and they hear of all this advanced stuff like chakras, advanced pranayama, and more without having their feet on the ground, so to speak. It can be harmful, or ego will take hold. In more traditional Hinduism we start at the bottom of the path, and get stable, than accept God's help as we need it. You don't give beginners at piano advanced lessons. The music won't be very great if you do.

Yes it's far more exciting, and sounds wonderful at the top. But without living a balanced and dharmic lifestyle, it isn't really going to get you much in any permanent way.

This is all Hinduism, albeit a very liberal form of it. Most new-age groups totally omit the word, even though the roots of the teaching are in Hinduism. The term has a negative connotation, and if you attach it to the teachings, westerners would all drop out of the classes. The anti-Hindu crowd has had an impact that way.

If you ask followers of these universalist swamis like Sri Sri (disciple of maharishi) Sai Baba, Sadhguru, or Yogananda, they'll declare to you that their not Hindu, all the while singing Hindu bhajans, worshipping Hindu icons, and more.

I agree with Marcion that the 'New Age' term is an umbrella term for a wide assortment of things, some of them being very Hinduisn, while others way off that mark.