hindu scriptures

[evange]

k, so I've decided I should probably read some of the hindu scriptures. I'm planning on a mission trip to India after I graduate, So I'd like a better understanding of what the locals believe (I also want to learn some Tamil, but my university doesn’t offer courses in it. So If anyone could help me out, recommend a website or something, I'd appreciate that too).

Anyway, these are my questions:

1. Which one should I read first? Which one is most important?
2. Recommend a translation?
3. I'd prefer an audio version because I'm lazy. Where can I find a free one online?

 

[debussyfan]

Well, I'm not expert, but I have studied this so here is my impression:

The Upanishads, Bhagavad-Gita spell Hindu philosophy. I have read these and they are very rewarding. I would reccomend them.

The Puranas are Hindu mythology, basically legends which I would guess are to spell out the teachings for the less educated to grasp.

Although some people take the Vedas very seriously, to me, they seem like the equivalent of the Old Testament in Christianity.

Just my opinion....

The thing with Hinduism is that people can call themselves Hindus and believe in two completely different things. It isn't as specific as Islam, where you believe the Quran and that's it.

On a side note, what BS do you speak of?

 

[arunma]

k, so I've decided I should probably read some of the hindu scriptures. I'm planning on a mission trip to India after I graduate, So I'd like a better understanding of what the locals believe (I also want to learn some Tamil, but my university doesn’t offer courses in it. So If anyone could help me out, recommend a website or something, I'd appreciate that too).

Hi Evange. Glad to hear you're planning to do this. Bringing Hindus to Jesus Christ is certainly a most noble endeavor, and I certainly wish God's blessing on this.

On a side note, what BS do you speak of?

Last year (and these days, though more intermittently), Hindus would make a lot of wild claims. Some would hold Christianity responsible for every evil under the sun while relegating our Lord Jesus Christ to the role of merely another deity in the Hindu pantheon. Others would give a more new age portrayal of Hinduism, rather than retaining the traditional view. And there was even one who believed that Hindus invented spacecraft and atomic weapons hundreds of thousands of years ago. I think she may be alluding to this.

 

[sarvak]

1. Which one should I read first? Which one is most important?

2. Recommend a translation?
3. I'd prefer an audio version because I'm lazy. Where can I find a free one online?

Namaste. Why dont you let the Spirit of God guide you, and He will tell you about Hinduism? However, if you only see nonsense, then why read about it in the first place?

Sarva Mangalam.

 

[baobobtree]

1. Which one should I read first? Which one is most important?

The Bhagavad Gita is basically the essential text to Hinduism. No matter which part of India you go to, you should definitely read it. I'd also recommend reading the Skanda Purana, due to the large following Murugan (or Kartikeya as he is referred to in the Skanda Purana) has in Tamil Nadu.

2. Recommend a translation?

I've never read the Skanda Purana myself, so you're on your own there, but I'd recommend Alan Jacobs translation of the Gita.

3. I'd prefer an audio version because I'm lazy. Where can I find a free one online?

Again you're on your own there. I don't really use audio translations for any of the Hindu texts I study.

 

[indianx]

I'm a Tamilian, so if you have any questions regarding the language, feel free to ask.

Last year (and these days, though more intermittently), Hindus would make a lot of wild claims.

Names. Quotes.

Some would hold Christianity responsible for every evil under the sun while relegating our Lord Jesus Christ to the role of merely another deity in the Hindu pantheon.

I feel Jesus, or Jebus as some call him, has nothing to do with Hinduism. I am aware that some Hindus consider him as an enlightened human being, perhaps incorrectly.

Others would give a more new age portrayal of Hinduism, rather than retaining the traditional view.

How do you define a "more new age portrayal of Hinduism" and who here espoused such a view?

And there was even one who believed that Hindus invented spacecraft and atomic weapons hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Ah, good old Srev. Wasn't there a Christian here who believed that Hitler was an angel of Jesus (or Jebus, if you are a Simpsons fan)? Also, I seem to recall a Christian (Richard something?) who espoused a geocentric view of the universe based on the Bible. I have this tendency to forget some of the exact details when it comes to Christian BS, maybe it's because they're just so darn absurd.

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

I feel Jesus, or Jebus as some call him, has nothing to do with Hinduism. I am aware that some Hindus consider him as an enlightened human being, perhaps incorrectly.

What about Gandhi's view of JESUS? Even Jews, Christ-ians and Muslims find the Old Testament "difficult going" today, otherwise there wouldn't be 3 diverse views and "squabbling" over it as there is today. Thoughts? Peace.

http://www.geocities.com/orthopapism/gandhi.html

Early in his life, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had been reading the Bible to keep a promise he had made to a friend. He found the Old Testament extremely difficult going. He disliked the Book of Numbers. But the New Testament produced a different impression, especially the Sermon on the Mount which went straight to his heart. The verses about not resisting evil but offering the other cheek and giving the cloak to one who asked for one's coat delighted him beyond measure. They reminded him about something he had learned in his childhood about returning with gladness good for evil done.

 

[debussyfan]

Hello arunma,

while relegating our Lord Jesus Christ to the role of merely another deity in the Hindu pantheon

That sounds like a belief, or opinion, to me. If those Hindus believe in the idea that all paths lead to one, than wouldn't they logically believe that Jesus is another deity who ultimately would form within that? Why is that belief BS, but the belief that Christianity holds, or Islam holds, is not?

Others would give a more new age portrayal of Hinduism, rather than retaining the traditional view.

Did they abandon the "traditional view" or did they abandon what your idea of the tradition view is? As I said there have been different sects of Hinduism for a long time, I can't think of one specific "traditional view". As far as I can tell from lurking on this forum, many Hindus choose to go the philosophical route of Hinduism, which has, of course, existed for quite a long time.

And there was even one who believed that Hindus invented spacecraft and atomic weapons hundreds of thousands of years ago.

That is wacky, if it's true.

 

[indianx]

What about Gandhi's view of JESUS?

These views?

I must tell you in all humility that Hinduism as I know it, entirely satisfies my soul, fills my whole being and I find a solace in the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads that I miss even in the Sermon on the Mount.

Not that I do not prize the ideal presented therein, not that some of the precious teachings in the Sermon on the Mount have not left a deep impression upon me, but I must confess to you that when doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face, and when I see not one ray of light on the horizon I turn to the Bhagvad Gita, and find a verse to comfort me; and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow.

I know that Gandhi viewed Jesus as "a great teacher of humanity", as he did Buddha and Mohammed. I do like some of the principles that we see in the NT, principles like ahimsa and such that were already present in Hindu teachings. But, that's about it. I see Jesus on the same scale as Bulleh Shah.

 

[LittleLambofJesus]

These views?
I know that Gandhi viewed Jesus as "a great teacher of humanity", as he did Buddha and Mohammed. I do like some of the principles that we see in the NT, principles like ahimsa and such that were already present in Hindu teachings. But, that's about it. I see Jesus on the same scale as Bulleh Shah.

Ok, thanks. Peace.

 

[indianx]

No problem.

"The sayings of Muhammed are a treasure of wisdom not only for Muslims but for all of mankind."
"For Asia to be not for Asia but the whole world, it has to re-learn the message of the Buddha and deliver it to the world."
-G.

 

[JGL53]

…Early in his life, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi had been reading the Bible to keep a promise he had made to a friend. He found the Old Testament extremely difficult going. He disliked the Book of Numbers. But the New Testament produced a different impression, especially the Sermon on the Mount which went straight to his heart. The verses about not resisting evil but offering the other cheek and giving the cloak to one who asked for one's coat delighted him beyond measure. They reminded him about something he had learned in his childhood about returning with gladness good for evil done.

Yet if you tried to find an extant “Christian” on the face of the earth that lives by these words of Jesus, it would be like finding a twelve-leaf clover. Apparently these words of Jesus were not commandments – more like suggestions that could be ignored by all.

Thus who or what qualifies to be a “TRUE” Christian, via any observation of moral choices remains one of the great mysteries of Christianity.

 

[debussyfan]

Gandhi was very open to religions. I believe he once said, "I am a Hindu, a Christian, a Muslim, a Jew" or something to that effect. This was at a time when certain Hindus and Muslims in India were killing each other in the name of religions which forbade them to do it......

 

[indianx]

Gandhi was very open to religions. I believe he once said, "I am a Hindu, a Christian, a Muslim, a Jew" or something to that effect. This was at a time when certain Hindus and Muslims in India were killing each other in the name of religions which forbade them to do it......

Exactly, you have to look at his words in a political context also. In a country as heterogeneous as India, secularism is necessary to maintain the fragile balance between its diverse elements. I think Gandhi, despite his many mistakes and flaws, was essential to the development of India post-independence in that aspect. Even as it turns 60, India is still threatened by the radical elements of its society, whether it be the saffron-only Hindus, Islamic fundamentalists, Christian evangelicals, or even the pseudo-secularists, looking to subvert the delicate social situation to suit their political agendas.

Ok, enough about that.

 

[Ramona]

k, so I've decided I should probably read some of the hindu scriptures. I'm planning on a mission trip to India after I graduate, So I'd like a better understanding of what the locals believe (I also want to learn some Tamil, but my university doesn’t offer courses in it. So If anyone could help me out, recommend a website or something, I'd appreciate that too).

Where in India are you traveling to? Hindi is usually the "lowest common denominator" in terms of languages in India, although I have had friends from Bangalore and throughout Kerala who didn't speak Hindi.

But mostly i think a lot of hindus here, and on the rest of the internetz, spew a lot of nonsense, and no one can challenge them on it because who's read the hindu scriptures? Unlike with muslims, where figuring out what to read is quite straightforward, and then the quran is a short book, so it only takes a few days to read it all. So a lot of people have read all or at least some of the koran. So when muslims spew nonsense, they get called out on it right away.

Wait...so you want to read the scriptures to "call us" on our "nonsense," but not for reference or our of interest? Why would you want that? When I read the Bible, it isn't out of any desire to call Christians on their nonsense, and trust me, I've seen (and even "spewed") a lot of it. Well, the best advice I can give you is not to expect to learn everything in one sitting. Having been a convert, an apostate for awhile, and then a reconvert, I still have a lot to learn, and a lot to re-learn. Hinduism isn't the type of thing you learn in a month.

But with hindus, I can sense the BS, but I don’t know what to say about it, so I ignore it or make a sarcastic comment.

Not a valid debate tactic. But moving on.

Anyway, these are my questions:

1. Which one should I read first? Which one is most important?

Read the Bhagavad Gita first. But don't just skim it, actually read and try to understand.

2. Recommend a translation?

I recommend Barbara Miller for first-timers.

3. I'd prefer an audio version because I'm lazy. Where can I find a free one online?

No idea, really. Not only are most audio translations in Sanskrit, but you aren't going to understand the words and the messages very well if you just listen while doing something else. And it's somewhat difficult to pwn a group of people with their own scriptures if you haven't studied them properly.

Ah, good old Srev. Wasn't there a Christian here who believed that Hitler was an angel of Jesus (or Jebus, if you are a Simpsons fan)? Also, I seem to recall a Christian (Richard something?) who espoused a geocentric view of the universe based on the Bible. I have this tendency to forget some of the exact details when it comes to Christian BS, maybe it's because they're just so darn absurd.

Turn your reps on, plsthx.

 

[rhyddid_rose]

Bore da. Sut mae?

Am i reading this incorrectly, or does Evange wants to study Hindu scriptures in order to proselytise people to Christianity? You think the scriptures of Hinduism is nonsense?

Evange, if that is the case, then maybe you shouldn't go to India. Obviously, you have no respect for the people there, like many of these missionary types.

Let's convert the terrible (insert ungodly religion here)! Ah, the arrogance! I dont like proselytisers and I dont like missionaries. Reminds me of the little tiff me aunt and I had about Christians befriending Pagans in order to convert them. I told her I considered it an insult; I take friendship very seriously and I wouldn't befriend someone to convert them. It is dishonest.

Before you go to another country, question your motives. Respect the culture and the people.

Hail the Aesir; Hail the Vanir


Babochka

 

[arunma]

Am i reading this incorrectly, or does Evange wants to study Hindu scriptures in order to proselytise people to Christianity?

Yes, that is her purpose. Personally I consider it to be a laudable task.

Evange, if that is the case, then maybe you shouldn't go to India. Obviously, you have no respect for the people there, like many of these missionary types.

On the contrary, she obviously loves them enough that she wants to snatch them from the flames of hell, which is their ultimate destination if they continue to practice Hinduism.

Let's convert the terrible (insert ungodly religion here)! Ah, the arrogance! I dont like proselytisers and I dont like missionaries.

I do not understand why it is arrogant to believe that one's religion is correct. Some beliefs are just plain wrong, and Hinduism is one of them. One cannot believe the Bible without believing that non-Christian religions are false, because this is rather clearly taught in the Christian Scriptures. By asking us not to proselytize our own religion, you seem to be meeting your own definition of arrogance.

 

[JGL53]

Yes, that is her purpose. Personally I consider it to be a laudable task.



On the contrary, she obviously loves them enough that she wants to snatch them from the flames of hell, which is their ultimate destination if they continue to practice Hinduism.



I do not understand why it is arrogant to believe that one's religion is correct. Some beliefs are just plain wrong, and Hinduism is one of them. One cannot believe the Bible without believing that non-Christian religions are false, because this is rather clearly taught in the Christian Scriptures. By asking us not to proselytize our own religion, you seem to be meeting your own definition of arrogance.

When Hindus start arrogantly proselytizing like a lot of Christian groups do, then we should consider them arrogant. In the mean time - not so much.

Believing that yours is the ONLY true path IS arrogance - by definition. Sorry you can't or are unwilling to see this obvious fact.

 

[R3quiem]

k, so I've decided I should probably read some of the hindu scriptures. I'm planning on a mission trip to India after I graduate, So I'd like a better understanding of what the locals believe (I also want to learn some Tamil, but my university doesn’t offer courses in it. So If anyone could help me out, recommend a website or something, I'd appreciate that too).

Learning about other religions and cultures is always a great thing to do. It's even more impressive that you plan on going there to learn about it.

But mostly i think a lot of hindus here, and on the rest of the internetz, spew a lot of nonsense, and no one can challenge them on it because who's read the hindu scriptures? Unlike with muslims, where figuring out what to read is quite straightforward, and then the quran is a short book, so it only takes a few days to read it all. So a lot of people have read all or at least some of the koran. So when muslims spew nonsense, they get called out on it right away.

But with hindus, I can sense the BS, but I don’t know what to say about it, so I ignore it or make a sarcastic comment.

This doesn't seem arrogant or condescending to you? Do you realize how many people you just insulted?

 

[arunma]

Believing that yours is the ONLY true path IS arrogance - by definition. Sorry you can't or are unwilling to see this obvious fact.

No...by definition, arrogance is this:

1. Having or displaying a sense of overbearing self-worth or self-importance.
2. Marked by or arising from a feeling or assumption of one's superiority toward others: an arrogant contempt for the weak.

Assuming that you're not arguing the usual strawman that Christians believe ourselves to be intrinsically superior to unbelievers, your definition is not correct. The only thing you appear to be sorry about is that I have access to the online dictionary. Interestingly, another defintion is:

making claims or pretensions to superior importance or rights; overbearingly assuming; insolently proud: an arrogant public official. ​

Your assumption that your invented defintion of arrogance is intuitively obvious seems to fit the real definition of arrogance. And I think that such behavior typifies your brand of atheism.​