What exactly is Hinduism?

[ProScribe]

What exactly is Hinduism?

 

[sanjaya1984]

This is a rather broad question. I am by no means any expert on Hinduism. But having practiced it my whole life perhaps I can provide some amount of useful information.

Hinduism is the indigenous religion of the Indian subcontinent, and is an integral component of Indian culture, and serves much the same role in India as Christianity in Europe or Islam in the Middle East. In one sense Hinduism is a religion, since it is a spiritual system that asserts certain theological beliefs about God, the world, etc. Most of these beliefs are contained in the Vedas, epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, stories such as the Puranas, and numerous other Scriptures (if I'm not mistaken, Hinduism claims more Scripture than any other religion in the world). There are also many saints and incarnations of God who have appeared from ancient history until the present day who teach spiritual truths.

In another sense Hinduism is a way of life. We tend to regard our daily practices with equal importance as our religious beliefs. For example, most Hindu homes contain alters with images of God and other religious icons which are used for daily prayers and pujas. Many of us also adhere to certain lifestyle restrictions such as vegetarianism, the wearing of sacred threads, cleanliness rules, and nonviolence (which ought not to be confused with outright pacifism). Hindus typically also practice certain religious rites and receive blessings from a priest before important lifetime events like naming a child, moving into a new home, marriage, etc. In India, the land is filled with temples to various Gods and Goddesses, and Hindus will often attend daily, weekly, or however they see fit. Indian communities outside of India, such as in the United States and Europe, have also constructed temples. Unlike the ones in India, these temples tend to contain altars to many Gods and Goddesses, rather than simply being dedicated to one.

Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana (eternal) Dharma. "Dharma," loosely translated, refers to duty, law, or righteousness. I suppose in that sense, Hinduism can be thought of as the eternal truths pertaining to how we live our lives. An excellent summary of Hindu philosophy can be found in the Bhagavad Gita, a small portion of the Mahabharata Epic. In the Gita, the Hindu God Krishna gives a discourse to the warrior king Arjuna, teaching him why he and his family must fight and kill his evil cousins, despite that such an act is tantamount to fratricide. Sri Krishna enters into a lengthy teaching on the nature of duty and righteousness. Many consider the Gita to contain the essence of Hindu thought.

What I've said only scratches the surface of a religion that has existed for over four thousand years. And of course you are sure to find many dissenting opinions. Unlike Western religions, we have neither religious scholars nor a central body to decide on theological or ritual matters, and thus there is no standardized way to practice Hinduism.

Anyway, I hope what I've said is helpful.

 

[ProScribe]

I don't subscribe polytheism or the concept of multiple gods.

But thank you for explaining such and such.

 

[sanjaya1984]

I don't subscribe polytheism or the concept of multiple gods.

Of course not. And since most Hindus do not solicit for conversion, I would never ask you to. But since you raise the issue, it's worth noting that Hinduism is not a polytheistic religion. Again keeping in mind that it's impossible to speak for all Hindus, the vast majority of Hindus concur that there is only one God. We regard the various Gods and Goddesses as aspects or representations of the one transcendent God. These representations are for the benefit of the limited human mind, which cannot comprehend the true nature of Divinity. Actually it is similar to your Trinity, whereby you regard God as existing in three Persons. In a way, Hinduism has a more stringent monotheism. In Christianity, to regard the three Persons of the Trinity as only manifestations or aspects of God would be classified as the heresy your church fathers called Sabellianism or modalism. In Hinduism, we tend not to see the Gods and Goddesses as independent Persons, but rather as representations of God.

But thank you for explaining such and such.

No problem, I hope I helped to clear up any misconceptions.

 

[laconicstudent]

I don't subscribe polytheism or the concept of multiple gods.

But thank you for explaining such and such.

Amazon.com: The Gurus, the Young Man, and Elder Paisios (9781887904162): Dionysios Farasiotis, Philip Navarro: Books: Reviews, Prices & more

You might be interested in the above book.

 

[ProScribe]

[<.>]

 

[Eudaimonist]

Is Hinduism a single religion? Or several belief systems related only by geographical region?


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Supreme]

As someone who is lucky enough to live in London, perhaps the greatest city ever established on this planet, I have grown up with at least a basic knowledge of Hinduism. I live less than an hour away from the biggest Hindu Temple in Europe, the Neasden Temple Wiki link, and as my Hindu friends reminded my today, Diwali will this year be celebrated on the 5th November- or Bonfire Night, a night celebrated with fireworks to commemerate that fateful day when Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate the King and blow up Parliament...

Bonfire Night and Diwali will be two events that will be celebrated all over London, and they run simultaneously.

 

[ProScribe]

In Christianity, to regard the three Persons of the Trinity as only manifestations or aspects of God would be classified as the heresy your church fathers called Sabellianism or modalism. In Hinduism, we tend not to see the Gods and Goddesses as independent Persons, but rather as representations of God.

The three Persons of the Holy Trinity are One.

 

[Livindesert]

I believe heaven and hell to be mental/spiritual states. Of course I like my caveman God just fine

 

[JasperJackson]

Christianity can be summed up in one verse. You've probably heard it: "for God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Is it possible to summarise Hindu theology that simply? Just so I can understand its core message?

 

[sanjaya1984]

Is Hinduism a single religion? Or several belief systems related only by geographical region?


eudaimonia,

Mark

Well Hinduism is quite a diverse religion, but I've never met another Hindu who considered himself to be of a different religion than me. As in Western religions, there are quite a few different groups within Hinduism. Examples are Vaishnavism, Saivism, Advaita, etc. These different groups will often emphasize one particular God or have a particular philosophical outlook. But since we don't have a governing body that decides on matters of theology, so it's difficult for any one group to say that the others are outright wrong. I suppose Hinduism has a tendency to absorb differing schools of thought, which allows for these varying views to all be classified as Hinduism. Additionally, Hinduism is as much a culture as a philosophy/theology, so this provides an additional unifying force.

This isn't to say that all beliefs are compatible with Hinduism. For example, when Buddhism was born in India, its atheistic philosophy was not well-received by most Hindus. Buddha went too far in denying our dependence on God's grace, and thus his philosophy became its own religion. So I would say that Hinduism is not merely a religion united by mere geographical coincidence.

The three Persons of the Holy Trinity are One.

Forgive me, it isn't my intent to cause offense by misrepresenting your beliefs. You likely know your religion better than I do. But to clarify what I was trying to say, you may want to Google Sabellianism. Wikipedia has a good description:

In Christianity, Sabellianism, (also known as modalism, modalistic monarchianism, or modal monarchism) is the nontrinitarian belief that the Heavenly Father, Resurrected Son and Holy Spirit are different modes or aspects of one God, as perceived by the believer, rather than three distinct persons in God Himself.​

As I read this, it is incorrect for Christians to regard the three Persons of the Trinity as merely a consequence of the way humans perceive God, or the way he reveals himself to humans. The Trinitarian nature is regarded as being an intrinsic quality of God. This is somewhat different from the Hindu view, where we generally do view God as being absolutely one, but with many aspects.

Christianity can be summed up in one verse. You've probably heard it: "for God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Is it possible to summarise Hindu theology that simply? Just so I can understand its core message?

Yes, I have read this, since I've read your entire Bible. I didn't know that it was considered the summary of all Christian teaching though.

As it so happens, I can think of an analogous verse in the Bhagavad Gita, from the mouth of Sri Krishna:

Set aside all meritorious deeds and religious rituals, and just surrender completely to My will with firm faith and loving devotion. I shall liberate you from all sins, the bonds of Karma. Do not grieve. (18.66)​

This is a statement that ultimately the whole of Hindu Dharma is by itself unable to set one free from sin, and that moksha is only attained by faith in God. It seems to me to be as good a summary of Hindu teaching as any.

 

[All Englands Skies]

As someone who is lucky enough to live in London, perhaps the greatest city ever established on this planet, I have grown up with at least a basic knowledge of Hinduism. I live less than an hour away from the biggest Hindu Temple in Europe, the Neasden Temple Wiki link, and as my Hindu friends reminded my today, Diwali will this year be celebrated on the 5th November- or Bonfire Night, a night celebrated with fireworks to commemerate that fateful day when Guy Fawkes tried to assassinate the King and blow up Parliament...

Bonfire Night and Diwali will be two events that will be celebrated all over London, and they run simultaneously.

You should see Leicester, mate, biggest Diwali festival outside of India!, streets closed off, you name it, they'll be lighting up the sky along with bonfire night, it will be like the bloody blitz!

 

[Eudaimonist]

This isn't to say that all beliefs are compatible with Hinduism. For example, when Buddhism was born in India, its atheistic philosophy was not well-received by most Hindus. Buddha went too far in denying our dependence on God's grace, and thus his philosophy became its own religion. So I would say that Hinduism is not merely a religion united by mere geographical coincidence.

Yes, but I've heard it said that Charvaka is considered part of Hinduism, and isn't Charvaka materialistic and atheistic? Why wouldn't this be regarded as its own religion, as with Buddhism?


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Eudaimonist]

You should see Leicester, mate, biggest Diwali festival outside of India!, streets closed off, you name it, they'll be lighting up the sky along with bonfire night, it will be like the bloody blitz!

Sounds like fun. We don't have this in Sweden. I'll be watching the movie version of V for Vendetta tonight.


eudaimonia,

Mark

 

[Nooj]

We regard the various Gods and Goddesses as aspects or representations of the one transcendent God.

Are humans representations of this divinity as well?

 

[ProScribe]

I would suggest the Hindu be of the most holy and pious peoples on the earth. Peace be unto them.

Unfortunately, the Caveman God, both Christian and Muslim(Same Guy) has condemed them to hellfire.
For God is the most merciful. <sarcasm---

Cool avatar! kind odd and weird.

 

[Livindesert]

Sounds like fun. We don't have this in Sweden. I'll be watching the movie version of V for Vendetta tonight.


eudaimonia,

Mark

YouTube - V for Vendetta - V's Introductory Monologue

 

[ProScribe]

Sounds like fun. We don't have this in Sweden. I'll be watching the movie version of V for Vendetta tonight.


eudaimonia,

Mark

I got that movie *pchaw! what time u wanna watch it?

 

[sanjaya1984]

Are humans representations of this divinity as well?

You're getting into theological concepts on which I have very little knowledge. I'll give my best response though.

It is true that we believe divinity to reside everywhere, even in humans (and all other animals), and that the creation is in some sense a part of the Creator. However, this is not the same as viewing the material world and God as the same thing, so as to make worship of God meaningless. While many Hindus worship a few especially enlightened gurus (or rather, they worship the divinity within them), no ordinary human can be an acceptable focus of worship. In fact, for a human to demand worship can even be considered sinful. Like most of Hindu theology, this is best illustrated in a certain story.

You may be familiar with the Hindu holiday Holi. Like most holidays, its origin is explained by a story from our mythology. As the story goes, there was once a demon king by the name of Hiranyakashipu, who decreed that everyone in his kingdom should worship him instead of God. However his son Prahlada was a sincere devotee of Lord Vishnu, and refused to worship him. His father ordered him to be killed, but no weapon seemed to be able to harm him because of God's protection. Eventually he became angry and asked his son where Lord Vishnu was. Prahlada said that God is omnipresent, and is everywhere. Hiranyakashipu sarcastically asked if God was in the pillars of the palace, and smashed one to prove his point. From inside the pillar appeared Lord Vishnu, incarnate as a beast with the body of a lion and the legs of a human, and the Lord killed him.

So you see, as Prahlada said, God is everywhere. But this does not mean that we should worship anyone. The Hindu Gods are manifestations of God, and are the best way for us to focus our worship.