Questions about HInduism answered by a Hindu

[InToTheRain]

Peace Sarada,

I hope everyone appreciates your response as much as me, good work :thumbs_up

I have found this somewhere on the web regarding the rights of Hindu woman, is it true?

1. The Hindu Woman has no right to divorce her husband.
2. She has no property or inheritance rights.
3. Choice of partner is limited because she can only marry within her own caste; moreover her horoscope must match that of the intending bridegroom/family.
5. If her husband dies she should commit Sati (being cremated with her dead husband). Since today's law forbids Sati, society mainly punishes her in other "holy" ways (see below).
6. She cannot remarry.
7. The widow is considered to be a curse and must not be seen in public.She cannot wear jewelry or colorful clothes. (She should not even take part in her children's marriage!)

 

[snakelegs]

You are right, there is not a formal conversion ritual to become a Hindu. Many Hindus believe that everyone is already born a Hindu, so there is no need for a formal conversion. We also believe that you can be a Hindu and still worship God in the manner of any other religion, be it Jewish, B'ahai, or whatever, because all paths lead to God.

There are two rituals that are practiced which can be used to formally induct someone into Hinduism. One is the naming ceremony, where one is given a Hindu name, and the other is Guru Diksha, where the relationship between Guru and student is established.

The rituals can be combined, as they were in my case. First, offerings of water, flowers, spices, fragrance, light, incense and food (fruits, nuts and sweets) are made to the various aspects of God while various mantras are spoken, praising the individual aspect, and describing what is happening.

The usual aspects are The Remover of Obstacles, The Granter of Prosperity and Harmony, Wisdom and Knowledge, The Sustainer of Life and Protector of Righteousness, The Destroyer of Evil, and The Granter of Intelligence, These offerings are presented first on an altar, which is usually at ground level. People sit on the floor, the facing the altar.

Then, similar offerings are placed in a small fire that is lit in a metal container specifically for that purpose. Appropriate mantras and commentary are then recited.

When these things have been done, the pujari or officiating priest will announce the new name of the devotee in front of God. Then the Guru and the devotee are covered by a white sheet. Under the sheet, the Guru whispers a secret into the devotee's ear. This secret must never be divulged.

The sheet is lifted, and the ritual is completed with everyone standing up to sing a hymn of praise to God.

The devotee involved in the ritual will wave a small lamp (or diya which contains ghee and a wick) in front of the altar.

The final mantras are spoken, and everyone present is given some of the food that has been offered to God, as symbol of God's Grace.

All the Best,

Sarada

interesting - thanks.
must you have a guru to be a hindu?
i ask because there is a kali temple here in california and they do not have a guru. they have monthly ceremony and an annual puja where the pujari from the kali temple in dhakshineshwar(spelling?) in calcutta comes and officiates. i've attended a few because my godson is what i would call a new age type hindu - so i've gone with him.
it was really cool - non-stop music, food - lots of singing and clapping. no preaching. the followers were a mixture of indians and westerners. no one even asked me if i was hindu or not. there was one part where the people went up to the pujari with a basket and bowed to kali. i didn't participate in that part and there was absolutely no pressure on me to do so - in fact, i don't think anyone even noticed! i enjoyed it very much.
i've also attended (with him) some satsangs of siddha yoga. they do have a guru. it was also a mixture of indians and westerners. it was interesting but nearly as much spirit as the kali puja people - a totally different atmosphere.

 

[thirdwatch512]

Namaste sarada! -
I have one simple question.. What was the original name for Hinduism, and what does it mean? Like I know that many Hinduism is called different names by different people. So what was the first? And was it perscribed in the Veda's, or any Hindui texts? If so, what does it mean?
Thanks!

3. Choice of partner is limited because she can only marry within her own caste; moreover her horoscope must match that of the intending bridegroom/family.

The caste system has been answered a thousands times. Perhaps you should read this thread before asking!

 

[Grace Seeker]

We do not worship the cow, but we give it special honours. We do not eat beef. The reason for this is historical, and it continues to this day. Cows provide us with milk to drink. Milk is a very nourishing, almost perfect food for humans, second only to our own mother's milk. Because of this, we believe that the cow is equal to our mother, and we treat that species of animal accordingly, giving the cow greater respect than all other animals.

I never thought of this before, but your post brought it to my mind. If the special honor given a cow is because of its ability to give milk that is second only to our mother's milk, do Hindus reserve this special status only for the female of the bovine species or are bulls and steers also given this special status?

 

[JustinHesychast]

Wow! What a great thread! Thanks!

Why not honor goats, and other female animals who also give drinkable (even by humans, such as the aforementioned goat) milk?

Do you know of any online videos of rituals? The one you mentioned with the flowers and whatnot sounded really lovely.

Is Hindu worship a private devotion thing, are there special congregations, or what?

It's really interesting how Buddhism and Hinduism believe that all paths lead to God, even other religions. As a Christian, I can't seem to wrap my mind around that.

If one is reborn a tree, dog, etc., how can one become human again for "another chance"? And if reincarnation were the case, then how does the population continually increase more than ever before? Are there a finite number of spirits (or souls, what do you call them?), or does God (which is also in everything such as trees and rocks, what about a computer since the computer had to have God-created things to be made?) continually make souls?

Thanks

 

[JustinHesychast]

I can't send PM's yet (not for 45 more posts...). Can you email your Christianity to Hinduism story to me? It is in my profile. Or PM me since with one more post you will have 50. Thanks!

 

[Trumble]

It's really interesting how Buddhism and Hinduism believe that all paths lead to God, even other religions.

Buddhists don't believe that, as they don't believe there is a God to lead to.

If one is reborn a tree, dog, etc., how can one become human again for "another chance"? And if reincarnation were the case, then how does the population continually increase more than ever before? Are there a finite number of spirits (or souls, what do you call them?), or does God (which is also in everything such as trees and rocks, what about a computer since the computer had to have God-created things to be made?) continually make souls?

I'm tempted to answer that fully from a Buddhist perspective, but that would not be appropriate to a thread on Hinduism. All I will say is that it is important to avoid assuming that because the terminology is the same the meaning must also be the same - that is not the case. The Buddhist and Hindu concepts of re-incarnation are rather different, as is their idea of karma. Buddhists do not believe in immutable 'souls', and deny that there is any permanent 'one' or 'Self' to be reborn.

 

[JustinHesychast]

Oh, my apologies. I read in the "Buddhism for Idiots" book that Buddhists believe whatever works for you, then that's fine. Which is probably where I got it confused. ^-^;;

 

[Trumble]

I read in the "Buddhism for Idiots" book that Buddhists believe whatever works for you, then that's fine.

Yes. And no.

Buddhism is a purely practical teaching, with it's objective being the end of suffering - achieved through the direct realisation of how the world actually is, and the consequential cessation of re-birth. There is no compulsion and any individual is free to do, and believe, what they see fit towards that achieving that goal. There is much variation and diversity in Buddhism.

But... the goal itself is fundamental and without it belief and practice is no longer Buddhist (although that doesn't mean those from other religions cannot practice Buddhist meditation technique, for example). Hence while some Buddhists may share some Hindu beliefs, that is only because those beliefs do not contradict fundamental Buddhist principals. Belief in an omnipotent, omnescient, primordial creator God is not compatible with Buddhist belief in the same way, hence you cannot have a Christian or muslim Buddhist, or indeed a Buddhist Christian or muslim.

 

[Muslim Woman]

Salaam/peace;

... Can you email your Christianity to Hinduism story to me?

i guess , many of us would love to hear her revert story . So sis , if u decide to share ur story , if possible post it here .

thanks for giving us a chance to ask about ur new religion . Don't get tired or upset +o( .....many things to ask ----no intention to iritate u



Sarada : We use pictures and statues to help us focus on a particular aspect of God.



--- ur holy books allow it?




May be , u r just bowing down to them but not worshipping these idols but .... On basis of which holy books , Hindus are making statues of these deities ??




Can u give me some verses those support these methods ?

I m asking again , in the most holies books of Hindus such as Veda or Geeta ----names of other deities like Ma Kaali, Ganesh , Durga , Lakshmi ---these are mentioned ? If yes , where ?

[FONT=&quot] I read about stories behind the Shiva linga , Tulsi’s part of becoming worship etc…….failed to understand the morals of those stories . When u have time , can u pl. explain ?


[/FONT]
Verses all need ..specially for the life hereafter


Are you not aware that it is God whose limitless glory all [creatures] that are in the heavens and on earth extol, even the birds as they spread out their wings?


Each knows indeed how to pray unto Him and to glorify Him;

and God has full knowledge of all that they do

-Quran (24:41)

 

[Sarada]

Peace Sarada,

I hope everyone appreciates your response as much as me, good work :thumbs_up

I have found this somewhere on the web regarding the rights of Hindu woman, is it true?

Namaste and Salaam Slave of Allah,
Most of the regulations that you quote come from the Vishnu and Manu Smrtis. Not all of them are supported by the Vedas, which are the ultimate authority on Hinduism

1. The Hindu Woman has no right to divorce her husband.

There are many circumstances under which a woman may divorce her husband, among them cruelty, desertion, etc.

2. She has no property or inheritance rights.

Property rights and inheritance rights of a hindu woman are not clear. The Indian Government is preparing a legal code to establish equal property and inheritance rights among men and women.

3. Choice of partner is limited because she can only marry within her own caste; moreover her horoscope must match that of the intending bridegroom/family.

As I have said before, caste in our religion is not hereditary, that is a cultural construct. In Indian law, any two Hindus are allowed to marry regardless of caste. There are many love matches these days. We do believe in the mathematical science of astrology, and often consult a competent astologer on various issues, including marriage.

5. If her husband dies she should commit Sati (being cremated with her dead husband). Since today's law forbids Sati, society mainly punishes her in other "holy" ways (see below).

Sati is an outdated custom that was never part of our scriptures. In fact here is a verse from the Rig Veda:

Rise, come unto the world of life, O woman — come, he is lifeless by whose side thou liest. Wifehood with this thy husband was thy portion, who took thy hand and wooed thee as a lover.

HInduism has been around for at least 5,000 years, some scholars say 10,000. It is only in the last 1500 or so years that it has been practised. Here is a link to the Wikepedia discussion on that subject:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suttee

6. She cannot remarry.

It is true that we believe that when you marry, you are bound together for 7 lifetimes. Previously married Hindu women in general are expected to remain celibate. However, there are exceptions, and allowances can be made for circumstances.

7. The widow is considered to be a curse and must not be seen in public.She cannot wear jewelry or colorful clothes. (She should not even take part in her children's marriage!)

The plight of Hindu widows is often sad. However, that, too is changing. Although it is true that many widows wear simple, white clothing, others dress the same as any other woman. A no longer married woman, however, obviously cannot wear the sindur in the part of her hair to indicate that she is married. I personally know of several widows who come to our temple. They are happy, outgoing women, who spend a lot of their time on selfless service to the temple, helping to cook the food and taking an active part in our worship by singing hymns. Their children love and respect these mothers as much as those whose fathers are still alive.

One thing I would like to say is that Hindus here in Canada abide by the secular civil code in this country.

Further more, where traditonal cultural practices are seen as unjust, reforms are made to correct the situation. Hindu practices are very adaptable to new concepts, and we try to incorporate the best of them within the broad spectrum that is our religion.

If you look back in world history, women have often had fewer rights than men, gradually, this is changing.

One more thing that I must add, is that Hindus are monogamous. Each man can only have one wife. That has been the ideal since Sri Ram married Sita, and promised her that he would take no other wives.

All the best,

Sarada

 

[Sarada]

[quore]interesting - thanks.
must you have a guru to be a hindu?
i ask because there is a kali temple here in california and they do not have a guru. they have monthly ceremony and an annual puja where the pujari from the kali temple in dhakshineshwar(spelling?) in calcutta comes and officiates. i've attended a few because my godson is what i would call a new age type hindu - so i've gone with him.
it was really cool - non-stop music, food - lots of singing and clapping. no preaching. the followers were a mixture of indians and westerners. no one even asked me if i was hindu or not. there was one part where the people went up to the pujari with a basket and bowed to kali. i didn't participate in that part and there was absolutely no pressure on me to do so - in fact, i don't think anyone even noticed! i enjoyed it very much.
i've also attended (with him) some satsangs of siddha yoga. they do have a guru. it was also a mixture of indians and westerners. it was interesting but nearly as much spirit as the kali puja people - a totally different atmosphere.[/quote]

The short answer to your question. Snakelegs, is that you do not need a guru to become a Hindu. Studying and learning on one's own is also possible. However, the right guru can guide you more quickly along the path. Beware of false gurus, there are many.

There is no pressure, and few thou shalts in Hinduism. Most of it is guidelines. The choice is always yours to make. The thing, is eventually, either in this life, or in a next life, you will reap the consequences of your accumulated actions. Karma in a simple sense, is the Law of Cause and Effect. So we do not worry so much about what someone else does, that will be taken care of. We have enough to deal with in behaving righteously ourselves.

Kali worship is greatly misunderstood here in the West. Kali is the aspect of God which we call upon to help rid us of our negative tendencies.

I have heard of the Kali Temple in California. Their guru is Sri Ramakrishna. It is supported by the Sri Ramakrishna Order of Calcutta, and was founded with their blessings by Elizabeth U. Harding. She also wrote a very informative book called, "Kali, the Black Goddess of Dakshineshwar". I found it very informative, and inspiring, to say the least.

It cofirmed my decision to become a Hindu, after having been involved in Hinduism for years before.

The Siddha yoga swamis have written some very scholarly books, one of them is translation of Jnaneshwar's rendering of the Bhagavad Gita. But be careful, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding Guru Mayi Chidvilasananda, and her twin brother. Also, the devotees practice a very Westernized, diluted form of Hinduism. It was my first introduction, but I have long since outgrown it. My sister-in-law, however, is still an active member, and I respect her right to choose.

All the Best,

Sarada
__________________

 

[Sarada]

I never thought of this before, but your post brought it to my mind. If the special honor given a cow is because of its ability to give milk that is second only to our mother's milk, do Hindus reserve this special status only for the female of the bovine species or are bulls and steers also given this special status?

No both genders are given equal respect. How can you have more cows, if you don't have any bulls? :giggling: There is no need for steers, since we do not eat beef.

In fact, Nandi, the bull is often pictured with Lord Shiva.

 

[Sarada]

Namaste sarada! -
I have one simple question.. What was the original name for Hinduism, and what does it mean? Like I know that many Hinduism is called different names by different people. So what was the first? And was it perscribed in the Veda's, or any Hindui texts? If so, what does it mean?
Thanks!



The caste system has been answered a thousands times. Perhaps you should read this thread before asking!

Thanks for the supporting message re the caste system, ThirdWatch.

Hindu comes from the word Sindhu, which refers to Sind, an area that is now partially in Pakistan.

The correct name for Hinduism is Sanatana Vedic Dharma which translates as Eternal Vedic Religion (religion, righteousness, duty - Dharma is a Sanskrit words with a many faceted meaning)

All the Best,

Sarada

 

[Sarada]

Wow! What a great thread! Thanks!

Why not honor goats, and other female animals who also give drinkable (even by humans, such as the aforementioned goat) milk?

Do you know of any online videos of rituals? The one you mentioned with the flowers and whatnot sounded really lovely.

Is Hindu worship a private devotion thing, are there special congregations, or what?

It's really interesting how Buddhism and Hinduism believe that all paths lead to God, even other religions. As a Christian, I can't seem to wrap my mind around that.

If one is reborn a tree, dog, etc., how can one become human again for "another chance"? And if reincarnation were the case, then how does the population continually increase more than ever before? Are there a finite number of spirits (or souls, what do you call them?), or does God (which is also in everything such as trees and rocks, what about a computer since the computer had to have God-created things to be made?) continually make souls?

Thanks

Thanks Trumble,for answering the one about Buddhism.

Namaste, Justin.

Have you ever tasted unfiltered goatsmilk?. In places where the cows can be raised successfully, I assure you, that you would much prefer to drink cow's milk. :giggling:

Indian cows have a hump which helps them survive the climatic extremes.

I will try to find an online video for you. When I find one, I will post the link.

Hindu worship can be a "private devotion thing" or it can take place in a temple.

Yes, Hindus do believe that all paths eventually lead to God. When I was a Christian, since I was a child, I had trouble wrapoing my head around believing the Christ was the ONLY way to salvation.


If you observe animal behaviour, you will notice that some have a more congenial temperament than others of the same species. The merit they earn by their actions will cause them to eventually become reborn as humans. (Do not ask me about the hierarchy of one species of animal over another, I know of no such classification in Hinduism)

I'm not sure about the number of souls, but, you may notice, that, as our human population continues to grow, other species die out.

We call the soul the atma. We are the atma, or spiritual being, living inside this material body. One of the names of God is Paramatma, or Supreme Soul. When we have gained enough "brownie points" so to speak, or when our good and bad actions (karma) have been balanced out, we will no longer have to be reborn. At that point we merge and become one with God, the Paramatma.

I don't quite understand your reference to computers.

All the Best,

Sarada

 

[Sarada]

Salaam/peace;





i guess , many of us would love to hear her revert story . So sis , if u decide to share ur story , if possible post it here .

thanks for giving us a chance to ask about ur new religion . Don't get tired or upset +o( .....many things to ask ----no intention to iritate u



Sarada : We use pictures and statues to help us focus on a particular aspect of God.



--- ur holy books allow it?




May be , u r just bowing down to them but not worshipping these idols but .... On basis of which holy books , Hindus are making statues of these deities ??




Can u give me some verses those support these methods ?

I m asking again , in the most holies books of Hindus such as Veda or Geeta ----names of other deities like Ma Kaali, Ganesh , Durga , Lakshmi ---these are mentioned ? If yes , where ?

[FONT=&quot] I read about stories behind the Shiva linga , Tulsi’s part of becoming worship etc…….failed to understand the morals of those stories . When u have time , can u pl. explain ?


[/FONT]
Verses all need ..specially for the life hereafter


Are you not aware that it is God whose limitless glory all [creatures] that are in the heavens and on earth extol, even the birds as they spread out their wings?


Each knows indeed how to pray unto Him and to glorify Him;

and God has full knowledge of all that they do

-Quran (24:41)

As Salamm Aleikum, and Namaste, Sister Muslim Woman,

I will post the story of my change in religions at a later time.


"Are you not aware that it is God whose limitless glory all [creatures] that are in the heavens and on earth extol, even the birds as they spread out their wings?

Each knows indeed how to pray unto Him and to glorify Him;
and God has full knowledge of all that they do"

That is a beautiful quotation. Since birds and all creatures, because of their limitations cannot worship as we do; I interpret this to mean that every creature, human, or otherwise, that worships, extols and glorifies God according to his/her own understanding is acceptable to God.

Hindus have many scriptures telling the stories of many of the aspects of God. Many people read them and take them literaly, but they are actually symbolic. The symbolism has mainly layers, and each person understands these scriptures according to his/her own level of ability.

I will not explain yet again how we view the different aspects of God, and what the purpose of pictures and statues is. You can read my previous posts.

I will, however, dedicate a post specifically to the lingam, a much misunderstood symbol, here in the west, and also, it seems, by many ill-informed, western influenced Hindus. Suffice it to say for now, that it is NOT a phallic symbol.

I appreciate your interest, Muslim Woman, how is it that you know so much about Hinduism?

All the Best,

Sarada

 

[Sarada]

Namaste, Sisters and Brothers,

Here is a link to a very short clip showing a puja

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GAPPJIX1ZFA


All the Best,

Sarada

 

[snakelegs]

The short answer to your question. Snakelegs, is that you do not need a guru to become a Hindu. Studying and learning on one's own is also possible. However, the right guru can guide you more quickly along the path. Beware of false gurus, there are many.

personally, i am not seeking a religion, but i find them all interesting.

There is no pressure, and few thou shalts in Hinduism. Most of it is guidelines. The choice is always yours to make. The thing, is eventually, either in this life, or in a next life, you will reap the consequences of your accumulated actions. Karma in a simple sense, is the Law of Cause and Effect. So we do not worry so much about what someone else does, that will be taken care of. We have enough to deal with in behaving righteously ourselves.

this is cool. i think too many people do god's work for him.
and i think you do have a lot less rules, but obviously you have a few - as you mentioned earlier for example - women are not supposed to remarry.

Kali worship is greatly misunderstood here in the West. Kali is the aspect of God which we call upon to help rid us of our negative tendencies.

I have heard of the Kali Temple in California. Their guru is Sri Ramakrishna. It is supported by the Sri Ramakrishna Order of Calcutta, and was founded with their blessings by Elizabeth U. Harding. She also wrote a very informative book called, "Kali, the Black Goddess of Dakshineshwar". I found it very informative, and inspiring, to say the least.

It cofirmed my decision to become a Hindu, after having been involved in Hinduism for years before.


yes. it's in laguna beach. elizabeth ("usha") is always there.
the thing about shri ramakrishna is that he is dead. so it is not quite the same as having a living guru. and yes, you're right, they had his picture and also his wife's picture as well.

The Siddha yoga swamis have written some very scholarly books, one of them is translation of Jnaneshwar's rendering of the Bhagavad Gita. But be careful, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding Guru Mayi Chidvilasananda, and her twin brother. Also, the devotees practice a very Westernized, diluted form of Hinduism. It was my first introduction, but I have long since outgrown it. My sister-in-law, however, is still an active member, and I respect her right to choose.

your take on siddha yoga is the same as mine. it seemed very shallow to me, and i thought it was quite classist as well. i felt very little spirit there. they also go in for preaching. i also thought the attitude toward the guru was superficial. anyway, that's how it seemed to me.
my godson was going to check out the brother, but i don't think it ever happened.
All the Best,

Sarada
__________________

shanti.
p.s. i also enjoy a good kirtanwallah now and then.

 

[Sarada]

I apologize if you got the impression that I was giving you personally instructions on finding a guru. I meant it as a general comment only.

We do not necessarily require a living guru. The words of a guru who during his lifetime was knowledgeable, lived the life, and had the wisdom, are more powerful than that of an inadequate living guru. The Sikhs, for example, have Guru Granth Sahib.

As for Hindu music, I like the traditional bhajans that use the ragas of North India. Bengali music is also nice, but a little different. I don't have much use for many of the New Age interpretations, although there are a couple of Western artists who remain true to tradition.

 

[north_malaysian]

Are there differences of Hindu rituals between North Indians and South Indians?