Questions about HInduism answered by a Hindu

[Muslim Woman]

Your rep count has just increased for being an understanding and peaceful member.

Disagreements and differences of opinion will exist between people of different faiths, but these differences can be discussed with mutual respect and in peace.

bro , should one be forced to change his/her greetings style just because other participants object ?

In a non-Muslim forum , i greeted them by writing Salaam & translation....one participant objected & but mod said ....it's ok as i m a Muslim.

I think , sis Sarada should be allowed to write Namaste as it's her custom to do so . If we don't feel comfortable , we may just ignore her intro.

 

[Sarada]

What do you think about the massacre of Gujarat in the name of Hindusim?
See this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Bkqwzl_Yg

Salaam Mujahideenryder,

Shanti, Frieden, Pacem, Peace, Salaam, Shalom, Hasiti, Sidi....

Every language has its word for Peace, and what do we do? As soon as we are offended, many of us seek revenge, or a "restoration of my honour"

I watched the video with horror.

I am with Mahatma Gandhi, who dearly wanted an undivided Mother India who lovingly embraces all of her children.

Many innocent people were killed in a massacre that was ignited by an attack at the Godhra Station on a train, killing Hindu pilgrims coming from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir /Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

I do not want to get into the politics of the matter. The important point is that this dispute was/is being used by unscrupulous fanatical elements on both sides to further their own cause. When we act emotionally, rather than rationally, destruction is the result.

Each side hopes to be the last one standing on the ashes to claim victory. Victory over what? Pilgrims? Women and Children? When we, as rational, compassionate people succumb to our emotions creating a cycle of revenge, those elements who wish to destroy, have won.

I believe that for the most part, Hindus and Muslims get along well in India. I would venture to say, that Hindu-Muslim relations in India are better than in some other countries.

My husband, who is from Guyana, tells me that within the Indian population there, Christian, Muslim and Hindu all celebrate their festivals together. Whether it be Christmas, Diwali, Eid, whatever.

Here in Canada, we have attended readings of the Qu'ran at the home of our Muslim friends. There is always a mixture of Hindus and Muslims enjoying our friend's hospitality together. That is the way it should be.

But there is a simmering undercurrent amongst some Hindus and Muslims. You can even see it here in this forum. It is born of an attitude that must be changed on both sides.

It is an attitude of "us versus them". This attitude needs to be changed to "we are all brothers and sisters" Even on this forum we are labelled as either a brother in Islam or a brother in humanity, why the difference, when we have already stated our religion?

I regard myself as an unqualified, unconditional sister. Tell me how is a sister in Islam different from sister in humanity? I don't care if you are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Atheist we are all the same.

To quote Shakespeare:

"If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? " Is any one of us exempt from that?

The sooner all of us can put our differences aside, the sooner all of this horrible, unnecessary bloodshed will stop.

In the great, grand scheme of things, if you and I are neighbours, and I call out "Hare Ram' and you call out "Allah", what does it really matter, as long as we are respectful, kind and compassionte towards one another? Is that not what religion all about? And why limit it to religion? Do not the Atheists also feel compassion towards their fellows?

 

[Sarada]

[

Your rep count has just increased for being an understanding and peaceful member.

Disagreements and differences of opinion will exist between people of different faiths, but these differences can be discussed with mutual respect and in peace.

Thank-you, Woodrow.

I believe that we human beings tend to accentuate the "negative" rather than the "positive".

I believe that we all should celebrate our similarities.

I will tell you a little anecdote:

A few years ago, I was alone and far from home, it was Christmas, and having been a Christian in my childhood, and I always have nostalgic feelings around that time.

It was Christmas Eve, the snow was falling gently in flakes as thick as down feathers on the glistening black lake. Beside the lake was a small, white clap-board church with a steeple. A warm glow radiated from the small, arch shaped windows. I walked through the deep, crunchy snow and went inside and sat down...

My peace was broken! There, in front of me, a ritual was taking place which I had never witnessed before.It was being conducted by a Christian sect that I had never heard of. I felt was blasphemous. What should I do? Should I leave? Should I stay?

I chose to stay and study the situation.

My attention drifted to the congregation. It consisted of family groups. Young married couples, the elderly, children, babies. And, as I watched, I became aware of the overwhelming love that they shared.

At the end of the service I left, feeling uneasy about the unconventional ritual, but also feeling the warmth of the love that these people had.

I never went back to that church, but I do not condemn those people for worshipping in a manner to which I was unacustomed.

I decided to leave it up to God to judge their behaviour.

 

[Woodrow]

bro , should one be forced to change his/her greetings style just because other participants object ?

Forced no. However it is legitimate to let a person know if their words cause any unintended discomfort. Each of us is an individual, personally I am hard to be offended by words as I try to find the intent, not the words. Yet, I can understand that words can unintentionally be offensive. I think it was very impressive of Sarada to change her greeting to avoid unintentionally offending anyone.

In a non-Muslim forum , i greeted them by writing Salaam & translation....one participant objected & but mod said ....it's ok as i m a Muslim.

That is true, but would not the better choice be to change the greeting if it offends any person in a house in which you are a guest, as long as it is not requested to be a Haram greeting?

I think , sis Sarada should be allowed to write Namaste as it's her custom to do so . If we don't feel comfortable , we may just ignore her intro.

This is a very difficult judgment call. To do so can easily be viewed as promoting a Religion other than Islam. In a personal conversation with her, I would have no problem with her greeting me in that manner. However, this is an open forum and it is best to avoid misconceptions when possible. I believe she made a very wise personal decision in how best to handle this.

 

[Sarada]

Salaam, Peace, Frieden, Sisters and Brothers,

Some of you have asked, how it was that I became a Hindu, and am no longer a Christian. It is a story which has a lot of personal elements, and I have to say up front, that for my temperament and level of understanding, the Vedantic school of Hinduism is a good fit. So, you may ask, why do I say that I adhere to Smartism? I will let you know later in this post.

When I was a child in Germany in the early fifties, my mother and my maternal grandmother taught me to say my prayers every night before I went to sleep. My father was an atheist, but he did not object. He even took me to church every Christmas Eve.

When I was a little older, perhaps 8 or 9, I started asking my mother questions such as:

Why must we believe in Original Sin, are newborn babies not innocent?

Why will people who do not believe in Jesus not go to heaven? What if they never heard of Jesus?

Why is Jesus the only way to come to the "Father"

Is Jesus God?

Why are there so many other religions in this world?

Are the people of other religions evil?

My mother would answer these questions from her perspective, in a way that a child could understand.

When I was older, I studied confirmation lessons, and became a confirmed adult member of my church. I taught Sunday school.

But I still had these questions, which the Pastor could never answer to my satisfaction. Almost every Sunday the pastor would give a sermon on the kind of people who will go to hell and why, putting down people of other religions, and even of other sects within Christianity. This "holier than thou" attitude made me feel very uncomfortable, and I drifed away from the church.

Later, on, I joined a more liberal denomination, and became an active member of the choir and the church council. I was happy there, to some extent, but not content.

I studied and researched many different religions, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and I discovered that, at their core, they all contain a kernel of truth. I went to a Zen Buddhist temple and listened to a Catholic priest talk about transcendance, and that, in his view, on the highest spiritual plane, we are all communing with the same entity. ( I think Trumble would say that in his belief there is no such entity oh: ).

I thought and contemplated for many years.

Then, one day, while I was at physiotherapy, I asked the therapist how it was the she was always so cheerful, considering some of the tragic events in her life. She invited me to come with her and "chant". That was my practical introduction to Hinduism. I felt at home right away!

They quoted from all the scriptures, not only the Hindu ones, no other religion was ever put down. The message was that we should treat everyone with love, and respect, as if they were God. Nobody was judged or condemned.

This particular Hindu group was quite western in some of its approaches. I explored different Hindu organizations, and learned from their teachings. You must remember, I come from a Christian tradition where no pictures of God are permitted. So it took a while for me to come to terms with the pictures and statues.

I am at heart a Vedantist, who believes in the formless aspect of God, and I think that I could feel very at home in an Arya Samaj environment, where they routinely have women as well as men leading the prayers. (I can hear the gasps from some of you, already! )

Then, I was wondering, where is a white lady going to find a good Hindu husband (question mark) (please excuse the lack of punctuation, my keyboard converter is acting up)
When I met my husband, Ganesh ( who is named after the remover of obstacles) a little voice inside me said: `this is the man` we fell in love, and got married. I was instantly welcomed by his family. Ganesh and his family belong to the Smarta tradition of Hinduism.

Do you remember my earlier post about Hindu monism, how it is inclusive, and embraces `both and`(question mark) A swami at one of the Vedantic organizations that I went to explained that God was both formless and with form. It is up to our level of understanding to how we worship God.

Since Smartism is the tradition of my husband, in the interests of family harmony, to me it was no big deal to worship in the manner of his family.

As I was now on the Hindu path, I thought that I could be a Hindu and a Christian at the same time. However, I eventuall discovered that I could not be a Christian and a Hindu.

While researching Hinduism on the internet, I came across the Himalyan Academy in Hawaii. Their Guru-ji recommended that new Hindus should formally give up their old religious allegiance, and make a firm committment to Hinduism. That made sense to me.

They suggested that one should officially say good- bye. So I went back to the church where I was confirmed, and told them what I was doing. We had a long, civilised discussion on the differnces between Hinduism and Christianity. The pastor eventually said that my new path will surely lead me to Hell. At that point, I said that it is time for us to agree to disagree. He said that I was always welcome to come back, and I thanked him.

So, after that I formally accepted a Guru who, after checking my astological charts, gave me a Hindu name.

And there you have it, my story of how I became a Hindu.

 

[Sarada]

Salaam, Peace, Shanti, Sisters and Brothers,

Here is a very good explanation of the basics of the Smarta Sect of Hinduism, from the Himalayan Academy


http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2003/10-12/44-49_four_sects.shtml

[/What Is the Universalistic Smarta Sect?

Smartism is an ancient brahminical tradition reformed by Shankara in the ninth century. Worshiping six forms of God, this liberal Hindu path is monistic, nonsectarian, meditative and philosophical. Aum.

Adi Sankara lived from 788 to 820 ce, a mere 32 years, yet he gave Hinduism a new liberal denomination Smartism. Here, wearing sacred marks, he holds his writings and is flanked by the six Deities of the Smarta altar: Surya the Sun, Siva, Shakti, Vishnu, Kumaran and Ganesha.

Smarta means a follower of classical smriti, particularly the Dharma Shastras, Puranas and Itihasas. Smartas revere the Vedas and honor the Agamas. Today this faith is synonymous with the teachings of Adi Shankara, the monk-philosopher known as shanmata sthapanacharya, "founder of the six-sect system."

He campaigned India-wide to consolidate the Hindu faiths of his time under the banner of Advaita (non-dual)Vedanta.

To unify the worship, he popularized the ancient Smarta five-Deity altar Ganapati, Surya, Vishnu, Siva and Shakti and added Kumara. From these, devotees may choose their "preferred Deity, " or Ishta Devata. Each God is but a reflection of the one Saguna (formless) Brahman. Shankara organized hundreds of monasteries into a ten-order, dashanami system, which now has five pontifical centers. He wrote profuse commentaries on the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Bhagavad Gita.

Sankara proclaimed, "It is the one Reality which appears to our ignorance as a manifold universe of names and forms and changes. Like the gold of which many ornaments are made, it remains in itself unchanged. Such is Brahman, and That art Thou."

 

[silkworm]

According to Karen Armstrong's latest book called "The Great Transformation", the Aryans who used to live on Russian steppes were the first to bring "Fire Worship" into India as they were worshippers of Indira.

Later, they roamed allover India and according to what I have understood that religion they were practicing was Zoroastrianism and Hinduism, Jainism was born out of it. Upanishads were old zoroastrians scripture formed loose in different times.

 

[Sarada]

According to Karen Armstrong's latest book called "The Great Transformation", the Aryans who used to live on Russian steppes were the first to bring "Fire Worship" into India as they were worshippers of Indira.

Later, they roamed allover India and according to what I have understood that religion they were practicing was Zoroastrianism and Hinduism, Jainism was born out of it. Upanishads were old zoroastrians scripture formed loose in different times.

Hinduism and Zoroastrianism:Relation between Hinduism and Zoroastrianism
By www. hinduwebsite.com




Hinduism and Zoroastrianism: Hinduism vs Zoroastrianism

The history of Indian thought commences only when the Aryans of Central Asia separated themselves into two groups, the one making through Afghanistan to India and the other spreading over the territory called Iran.

Gilbert Murray



The Avesta is nearer the Veda than the Veda to its own epic Sanskrit.

Dr. Mills



Varuna is the god of sky...He is identical with the Greek Ouranos and the Ahuramazda of the Avesta.

S.Radhakrishnan



Like the Rigvedic Aryans, the ancient Iranians worshipped gods like Mitra, Vayu, Verutraghna. They also wore the sacred thread and worshipped fire. They had a social organization that was in some ways similar to the Vedic occupation based social system.



Zoroastrian religion was practiced mostly in Iran, or the ancient Persia. Its founder Zarathushtra was born in ancient Iran. The ancient Iranians were Aryans and the world Iran is actually a corrupt form of the word Aryan. The Iranian Aryans were cousins of the Indian Aryans and the language spoken by them was similar to Sanskrit in many ways. They came from the same stock and probably might have even lived together for sometime before parting ways.



However apart from these similarities, there was little else common between Zoroastrianism founded by Zarathushtra and the Vedic Religion that took shape in India. Some differences also seemed to have cropped between Zoroastrians and the Vedic people during the later period as is evident from the use of certain epithets which denote some degree of animosity. The Iranian Ahura (God) became the Indian asura (demon) and the Indian devas (gods) became the Iranian equivalent of evil spirits.



Zoroastrianism ended its long hold over Iranians in the seventh century AD, with the invasion of Arab Muslim who defeated the Sassanids and destroyed their empire. Many native Iranians submitted to the invaders and changed their religion to save themselves from further destruction. A few escaped to India and sought asylum in the province of Gujarat from a local ruler. This happened around 700 AD.



In course of time, the Iranians who fled their country and settled in India became famous as Parsees. Today the Parsees are an integral part of India's multi religious and multi ethnic society and though they generally do not mingle much with other communities, they have contributed richly to the heritage of Indian society.



Courtesy to www. hinduwebsite.com


The oldest Upanishad, the Chandyoga, has been dated to about 800 BCE. Vedic culture has been in existence since the 2nd Millenium BCE. Although there may be some smilarities between Zoroastrianism and Hinduism, one did not grow out of the other. They developed in two neighbouring areas, in parallel.

 

[Grace Seeker]

Salaam Mujahideenryder,

Shanti, Frieden, Pacem, Peace, Salaam, Shalom, Hasiti, Sidi....

Every language has its word for Peace, and what do we do? As soon as we are offended, many of us seek revenge, or a "restoration of my honour"

I watched the video with horror.

I am with Mahatma Gandhi, who dearly wanted an undivided Mother India who lovingly embraces all of her children.

Many innocent people were killed in a massacre that was ignited by an attack at the Godhra Station on a train, killing Hindu pilgrims coming from the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir /Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

I do not want to get into the politics of the matter. The important point is that this dispute was/is being used by unscrupulous fanatical elements on both sides to further their own cause. When we act emotionally, rather than rationally, destruction is the result.

Each side hopes to be the last one standing on the ashes to claim victory. Victory over what? Pilgrims? Women and Children? When we, as rational, compassionate people succumb to our emotions creating a cycle of revenge, those elements who wish to destroy, have won.

I believe that for the most part, Hindus and Muslims get along well in India. I would venture to say, that Hindu-Muslim relations in India are better than in some other countries.

My husband, who is from Guyana, tells me that within the Indian population there, Christian, Muslim and Hindu all celebrate their festivals together. Whether it be Christmas, Diwali, Eid, whatever.

Here in Canada, we have attended readings of the Qu'ran at the home of our Muslim friends. There is always a mixture of Hindus and Muslims enjoying our friend's hospitality together. That is the way it should be.

But there is a simmering undercurrent amongst some Hindus and Muslims. You can even see it here in this forum. It is born of an attitude that must be changed on both sides.

It is an attitude of "us versus them". This attitude needs to be changed to "we are all brothers and sisters" Even on this forum we are labelled as either a brother in Islam or a brother in humanity, why the difference, when we have already stated our religion?

I regard myself as an unqualified, unconditional sister. Tell me how is a sister in Islam different from sister in humanity? I don't care if you are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Atheist we are all the same.

To quote Shakespeare:

"If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? " Is any one of us exempt from that?

The sooner all of us can put our differences aside, the sooner all of this horrible, unnecessary bloodshed will stop.

In the great, grand scheme of things, if you and I are neighbours, and I call out "Hare Ram' and you call out "Allah", what does it really matter, as long as we are respectful, kind and compassionte towards one another? Is that not what religion all about? And why limit it to religion? Do not the Atheists also feel compassion towards their fellows?

Greetings sister Saradah,

I agree with all you have written except the last paragraph. And I don't even object to what I preceive as your intent in writing it.

There is much that we as humans do make too much about. We sometimes get offended when no offense was intended, and then we hold it against the other, even though the other person in no wise has tried to harm us. Sadly this is part of human nature and we would all (of every religious background) do better to adopt the attitude that you have suggested.

Yet I cannot agree that it matters not whether one speaks of Hare Ram or Allah or calls out to some other god. This is because I disagree with your view that in the end we are all referring to the same God, just by different names. I agree with what you wrote elsewhere that there is just one supreme diety. But I do not agree that all roads go up the same mountain. I find that not even all roads on the same mountain go to the top. In fact, rarely is that true, usually only one road goes to the very top. So, those who are on other roads need to either merge with the road that does go to the top or realize that they will never reach the top. If our goal is to reach the top, then we need to follow the one who can help us access the top.

Please don't write this off as just more Christian absolutism (either/or) thinking at work. It is that, but I'm hoping I can make a point as to why it is sometimes valid to speak that way. So after all of that, my question is:
Can you see why I might agree that we need to treat all equally as brothers and sisters in humanity and not make distinctions between humankind and yet at the same time disagee and suggest that it does matter whether one calls out to "Hare Ram" and another calls out to "Allah"?

 

[Sarada]

Greetings sister Saradah,

I agree with all you have written except the last paragraph. And I don't even object to what I preceive as your intent in writing it....

...So after all of that, my question is:
Can you see why I might agree that we need to treat all equally as brothers and sisters in humanity and not make distinctions between humankind and yet at the same time disagee and suggest that it does matter whether one calls out to "Hare Ram" and another calls out to "Allah"?

Yes of course, I am glad that you have seen my point, that we must treat all humankind compassionately and without distinction.

And of course, you have the right to disagree that it matters not which name one calls out to. It matters to me personally too, otherwise I would not have changed religions. The whole religious debate comes down to one issue, the question of who is right.

My point is that in the face of such terrible violence, would you continue to stress the differences and add fuel to the fire of animosity that already exists,

or, would you try to find common ground, and when everyone is calm and rational, have a friendly debate on the aspects of this belief or that( which, by the way, will never be resolved to everyone`s satifaction)

Now matter how many proofs we provide, it comes down to a matter of faith, and no one will personally know the answer until they have given up this body. Is that worth killing and dying for?

 

[Sarada]

Love thy neighbour

Who is my neighbour,

Only the one who believes as I do, or,

EVERY ONE ON THIS PLANET

 

[Grace Seeker]

No matter how many proofs we provide, it comes down to a matter of faith, and no one will personally know the answer until they have given up this body. Is that worth killing and dying for (question mark)
[/COLOR]

Worth killing for? No.

Worth dying for? Yes.

 

[silkworm]

Worth worshipping.....yeah
Worth respecting.....yeah
So we should bow to God and nobody else??? Not a criticizm just an ideology

 

[Sarada]

Salaam Sisters and Brothers,

I have posted a question on the thread "Rights of men over their Wives" I wonder if someone would please answer it.

Thanks,

 

[north_malaysian]

I believe that for the most part, Hindus and Muslims get along well in India. I would venture to say, that Hindu-Muslim relations in India are better than in some other countries.

In Malaysia and Singapore too..

My husband, who is from Guyana, tells me that within the Indian population there, Christian, Muslim and Hindu all celebrate their festivals together. Whether it be Christmas, Diwali, Eid, whatever.

In Malaysia, the Muslims introduced "Open House" concept on Eid where everyone can come regardless of their ethnic or religious groups. Traditionally, we will open our doors from the morning till late night... We would keep away our beef dishes when we serve our Hindu neighbours.

Starting in the 90s the Chinese, Hindus and Christians adapted this concept and Muslims attending their open houses just to eat and chat and would never involved in any religious acts... usually the non-Muslims would be hiring Muslim catering as they know that Muslim would have no problem eating at their open house ...

 

[Yanal]

Malasiya Dude/Or dudeo (girl) whenever i see your posts almost everything somehow is related to Malasiya you fit your avatar*off topic*

But i can't understand one thing and that is why can't people pm a christian or hindu person and ask them the questions rather than making a whole thread that will have alot of posts do people do this on purpose since brother woodrow did christian and got a good result so is everyone trying to make hit threads(meaning long posts thread) please asnwer JazakAllah Khar in Advance to who does

 

[snakelegs]

Malasiya Dude/Or dudeo (girl) whenever i see your posts almost everything somehow is related to Malasiya you fit your avatar*off topic*

But i can't understand one thing and that is why can't people pm a christian or hindu person and ask them the questions rather than making a whole thread that will have alot of posts do people do this on purpose since brother woodrow did christian and got a good result so is everyone trying to make hit threads(meaning long posts thread) please asnwer JazakAllah Khar in Advance to who does

you don't find it interesting to learn about how other cultures see things?
i do, and i'm not the only one who does, i'm sure.

 

[north_malaysian]

Malasiya Dude/Or dudeo (girl) whenever i see your posts almost everything somehow is related to Malasiya you fit your avatar*off topic*

*off topic*

I'm a dude bro!!!

Of course it has to be related to Malaysia as I'm from there....

Would you like to see me with posts relating to Zimbabwe or Kiribati?:hiding:

*off topic*

 

[snakelegs]

namaste,
i have sometimes gotten the impression that hinduism is dualist - spiritual vs. material and there is a tendency to shun the material as being less "real", or less important.
do you think this is due to the hindus i've run in to and limits of their thinking, or would you say that this is a fairly representative hindu belief?

 

[Woodrow]

Malasiya Dude/Or dudeo (girl) whenever i see your posts almost everything somehow is related to Malasiya you fit your avatar*off topic*

But i can't understand one thing and that is why can't people pm a christian or hindu person and ask them the questions rather than making a whole thread that will have alot of posts do people do this on purpose since brother woodrow did christian and got a good result so is everyone trying to make hit threads(meaning long posts thread) please asnwer JazakAllah Khar in Advance to who does

There are many reasons why topics like this are better suited to be out in the open. One being many new members do not have PM privileges. Another is that in this manner it can be viewed to see if any replies may be misleading or if the poster is simply trying to promote their own religion. It also helps limit intergender PMs and it keeps the PM system from being overused. Plus as snakelegs said many members are interested in learning about other cultures.

The fact that interfaith dialogs can take place, does make this forum unique and does provide an opportunity to clear up misconceptions.