Hinduism is based principally on four VEDAS . These four Books of Hinduism cover every aspect of leading ones life. These books are in Sanskrit.\nVedic hymens are chanted in all the Hindu rituals from marriage as well as cremation.Based on these books Hinduism is a way of life.\nIn these four Vedas there is no scope for worshiping of a deity.\nGOD is formless and one but for concentration of mind Deity worship was introduced later.GOD is all pervading is the common belief of Hinduism.Hence what ever you choose can be assumed to project image of GOD.\nThere as they say are 330 million Gods and Goddesses in Hinduism. It reflects that GOD IS all pervading and exists every where. There is nothing which does not have soul and spiritual content.this is the highest fundamental commonality which makes Hinduism so open and accepting.\nThe highest form of understanding GOD or BRAHMA is when in very deep Meditation, after the mind is completely shed in Shav Asana( state of dead body,which is the last stage in Yoga achievement,Rishis like Shankracharya and many others experienced one-ness with God.They suddenly realized and without words felt 'AHAM BRAHMA ASTI' meaning there by' I am God'.They were able to get dissolved while living and feel part of the whole universe.\nThis comes with greatest possible renunciation and Yoga practice after the physical aspect is fully tamed.\nHence for these rishis or Gurus every thing relected and reminded the existance of GOD.\nThe vastness of Hinduiism was slowly misused and lesser values like idle worship where a common man found some mode of concentration ,were introduced.\nKrishna too was a hindu scholar.\nWhen He says In GITA that I am GOD is because of this basic VEDIC philosophy.AHAM BRAHAM ASTI.People started worshipping Him as God.\nGITA is nothing but concentrated form of VEDIC philsophy.\nKrishna learnt about Vedas in a religious school when He was young.It is very confusing for many like you when they see so many forms of Gods etc.You will find snakes,elephans,birds,etc.etc being worshipped as Gods.This is Hinduism which absorbs every aspect of life but has a common ground to stand on.\nI go one step furhter then this and say look into the soul of this planet and see what I see.I say with clarity that my realization goes beyond vedas. Every religion has lived its life and become a political game.Like yoga is physical and mental achievement without seeking one ness with God.Incase you wantany clarification Contact me on, mraju69@yahoo.com .\nI have no religious affliations or any cult.I am all by myself.\nSource(s):\n\nHandfull of dust particles provides me deepest source of meditation on GOD of reality in the COSMOS.I have found none who can realy understand me.I have written about 20,000 pages but feel it will all go waste.
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I think you've been looking at these religions like fads.  I'm Catholic and regard the teachings of my religion as the true Christian way.  \nI believe in my religion's teachings even if some Church leaders don't anymore. (some unnacceptable groups of people were allowed to become leaders and make some F-ed up changes back in the 60's)\n\nMaybe you just aren't looking for truth, but somewhere you feel accepted in.  \n\nAcceptance isn't worth much if the religion is a fake on, so I decided to look for truth.
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Hindus rever cow. They do not worship it. Her milk is used in various forms and it is just a way of Saying thanks in Hinduism.\n\nNow think of some question with a little depth.\n\nOh And buffeloes, yes they get their share of respet , along with various other animals.\n\nHinduism is a nature loving religion and everything in nature is respected one way or another-- Animals, Mountains, rivers, trees.....
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I would say that the most important aspect of Hinduism is darsan, or to see and be seen by the god(s). This is where the statues come in to play. The statues or sculptures are a temporary vessel for the god to enter and give darsan to the worshiper. To see and be seen by the divine is the whole point of worship. \n\nThis is hard for some people to understand without indepth study.\n\nHere is a really good website that can give you more information.\n\nhttp://www.hinduwisdom.info/index.htm
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HAHAHA\nIt is VEDA MANTHRAM.\n\nVEDAS are the basic scriptures of HINDU religion. THERE are FOUR Main VEDAS known as RIG VEDA, YAJUR VEDA, SAMA VEDA, & ATHARVANA VEDA.\n It is also known as SRUTHI since Vedas are sound waves , meaning ful sound waves which abound in the atmospheric world time immemorial and the sages of India by their power of concentration and extra perceptions were able to recive them, as we capture sound magnetic electric waves through antennas, and have classified them and given to humanity to be learnt, preserved, and practice . The VEDA recital would be a melodious song like hymns, with different variations in tone, This is taught orally by a teacher and repeated by the disciples. SRUTHI means one which is heard by the ears, learnt by word of mouth and picked up by hearing and repetition.\nAUDIO casettes can be obtained and some free downloads of certain MANTRAS SOOKTAS are also there.\nMANTRAM means recitation of words having magic powers. akin to prayers.There are millions of Mantras to please various gods and get what we want or even not to want anything
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Cnnverting to Hinduism is an oxymoron.\nSince most Hindu tradition or hinduism is a composition of embracing different faiths, doctrines and beleifs... It's as if you were born a human being than later realise that you are a human being ;-)\n\nIt is not a religion like we define it with Middle-Est (Jewdeo-Christiano-Ilamic) base religions. It is rather an amalgamation of different ideological and spiritual visions and some actually contradict one another yet, they do not "collide", thus the absence and respect of the different path. Love is action, the most sublime action of Love is to listen to God, God is in everyone's heart.\n\nMost indian spiritual traditions do not require that you abandon your own religion heritage. It is rather an itiation towards your own Path. Some teachings will require that you dedicate time to the teachingss so it may look like you abandoned a previous religion.\n\nSo if you are looking to "convert", what is the tradition or lineage that teaches that...?\n\nBrahmanism can be define as a religion and like many jewish tranditions, the transmission is a family lineage thing and conversion is more of an adoption...\n\nCertain branches of Vaishnavites such as the Krishna movement is a religion that behaves in their procelytism (yet mild) in pretty much the same manners as Pantheistic views (Middle Estern Heritage) sush as the concept of being Saved, or an alignment with a personalized God that is seperate from whow we are.\n\nSo Kuladevata is more initiatic and more of a energetic connection that you are making with a chosen Deity. Yes Jesus can be your Kuladevata since he is the power or the initial form that energize the Christic tradition.\n\nKuladevata does not make you a Hindu it empowers the relationship with the force from which your path was initiated. It is a support to one who seeks the or his/her calling.
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I have studied spirituality and religions for many years, nearly 18 years now since I was in my late teens. I found Hinduism philosophies a great source of Truth, Knowledge, Wisdom and Love. So I ended up being so drawn to it applying its philosophies into my life. Now I seriously follow the teachings of Mata Amritanandamayi. I've been a devotee of hers for a year now.\n\nI am still learning a lot about Hinduism. I LOVE reading books about Indian sages (ALL of them!). Hey who is that in the picture you use for your avatar?
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I dont see a question in there,,But thank you so much for the interesting quotes. Unfortunately the Vedas have been percieved in different ways thus resulting in todays confused hindu behaviour who have no clue what they do & why they do it! I strongly believe Hinduism being the oldest religion has paved way to the others & is the most comprehensive & profound religion in existence
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There are so many gods in Hinduism. Do Hindus believe that there are multiple Gods ? Why do they worship multiple gods ? \n\nThere are 33 devas (divines) that include agni, indra, varuNa, vAyu and others. There are many references to these names in the vedas. If we analyze it we could see that each one is an essential function (fire, water, air, sun etc) that supports our living in this world. So these 33 aspects are hailed in the vedas. But Hindus consider the trinity (brahma, viShNu, rudra) to be above these divines. While brahma does not get worshipped by many as the God, shiva (rudra is an aspect of Lord Shiva) and viShNu are worshipped by the Shaivites and the Vaishanavaites respectively. Along with Shaivism and Vaishnavism, shAktam, gANApatyam, kaumAram, sauram are the four religions that make up the shaNmata (six religions) on the Hinduism. \n\nHindu scriptures state clearly that there is only one Supreme God (ekam sad viprAH bahutA vadanti). Then why are so many deities and worship ? It can be understood by reading the scriptures that each of these devas represent/have an aspect/energy of the Supreme. So in essence it is a complete divine system that operates. For example the Shaivites consider shakti as the dynamic part of the Supreme. Each of the six religions of Hinduism would call by different names and would put forward different philosophies, but all agree that there is one and only one Supreme God. \n\nIt is in fact the specialty of Hinduism that it lets multiple perspectives of the God to coexist on its platform, all sharing the same common dharma. \n\nIn essence there is only one God and the other divines (many times callas as gods) are responsible of one part of nature or other. The God is worshipped in multiple perpectives, names in Hinduism that has six major religions in it. This has been possible due to the tolerance of Hinduism.
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For thousands of years India has been a veritable laboratory of religion: everything imaginable has been tried out, and nothing ever has completely been rejected. India remains a predominantly Hindu country. Its ethos has evolved down the ages through its the ancient Hindu traditions, customs, philosophy and culture.  In spite of many attacks on Hinduism by varied invaders, in spite of rumors of decay and disarray, Hinduism has outlived all announcements of its impending demise. \n\nWhen religion becomes organized, man ceases to be free. It is not God that is worshipped but the group or the authority that claims to speak in his name. It is not faith, but just social idolatry. God is not like a father in a patriarchal society, who has His favorite children to whom He communicates. This idea seems rather archaic and crude. Hinduism believes in behavior than belief and  experience over authority. In the words of S. Radhakrishnan, Prophetic religion is severe, militant, uncompromising, intolerant, while mystic religions are renouncing, and peaceful. \n\nThere is no need to be afraid of world's most tolerant, religion wich never persecuted nor attcked any country in name of religion .\n\nBored?? The vast collection of Hidu philosophy is fascinating and colourfull. No one can ever be bored . \n\nIn fact it will improve your understanding of mysticism even in christianity.It is a collection of wisdom of innemerable sages are missing out a great deal.\n\nThe Hindu religious system can be divided into two major systems. The Orthodox system (called astika in Sanskrit) accepts the authority of the Vedas.\n\n1. Sankhya - founder Sage Kapila\n2. Yoga  -  Sage Patanjali\n3. Mimamsa  - Sage Vyasa / Sage Jaimini\n4. Vedanta  - Shankaracharya, Ramanuja/Chaitanya/ Madhava/Vallabha\n5. Nyaya  - Sage Gautama (not Buddha)\n6. Vaisheshika - Sage Kanda\n\nThe Heterdox (Nastika) system rejects the authority of the Vedas. This system includes Carvaka (materialism), Jainism, and Buddhism. The Carvaka system denies existence of the individual self(atman) apart from the body and rejects the notion of moksha (salvation) for the atman\n\nWisdom of Geeta is a class apart.\n\nHinduism is a religion of freedom. It allows the widest freedom in matters of faith and worship. It allows absolute freedom to the human reason and heart with regard to questions such as the nature of God, soul, creation, form of worship, and goal of life. It does not force anybody to accept particular dogmas or forms of worship. When religion becomes organized, man ceases to be free. For it is not God that is worshipped but the group or the authority that claims to speak in his name. Thus, it becomes a kind of social idolatry. Highly individualistic, Hindus have always resisted any regimentation of thought.\n\nRegarding mothermulesmeals' post:\n\n I am glad I am not one of her friends at whom she is  always preaching Jesus  !!! It only shows their maturity and her own childish ignorance.\n\nReally she takes advantage of their being tolerance in it. She seems to be blissfully ignorant how irritating it is. Or may be she does not care about it in her zeal.\n\nHow would she feel if they start telling her how immature, egoistic and narrow , is the idea that God asked everyone to follow Jesus !\n\nGod does not his favourite children. Religion is an experience. To think that any human being or institution has the monopoly of God's truth is to commit the sin of pride.
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As per Hindus philosophy, woman is a manifestation of Shakti (Eternal self conscious Energy)....Shakti is half of the Shiva, the supreme consciousnes.\n\nShiva is worshipped by hindus in "Ardhanarishwara" form...a form which is half male and half female.\n\nIn Tantra philosophy of Hindus, God is worshipped in a woman form of Mother.\n\nMost of the Gods of hinuds are with their wives..whose names come before their male counterpart during worship.\n\nWomen were the head of family, and important factor in society in ancient India...of course with arrival of muslim and christian invaders, some pollution entered the Indian culture...and women lost a little of their respect.
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thank you for the link. it gave me some food for thought.\n\ni would not say that it is not a problem of monothism.main problem is  the way it was tried to force on everyone else. and made them all accept only one person as their leader.\n\nthe main difference between Indian  and western tradition is acceptance of all types of forms of worship as legitimate in hinduism or india. at least till it is not harming or hurting someone or others. not all Hindus practice all of the traditions and we like some and we do not agree with some other philosophies but none of them is called false. just that everybody has his own interpretation and is free to express his devotion as s/he wants. \n\nit is really confusing for an average westerner to understand that hindus are Monothist and believe god can is beyond depicting yet they worship him in form of icons.\nwhen muslims came to india they destroyed thousands of temples and thought they have proved supremacy of their god by destroying local ones. it was a surprise for them that hindus threw away broken icons and built a new one and kept worshipping them. they had learnt to respect and understand the concept to some extent. and you will get some devotional songs and poetry written by muslims writers in hindu tradition .in some sufi traditions muslim saits even used name rama (not rama of ayoddhya; it means supreme creater too) as an antonym for god. \n\nthe truth is the present character of such assimilation and tolerance of hinduisn did not developed in a short span. it is result of efforts of several scholors and sages over the centuries.  \n\nRigveda written around 5000 BC ( came into present form around 3000BC ) is not only monothist but accepts god as an abstract supreme soul. all the upanishads and educated philosophiers have described god as abstract. he has many synonims but always one.\n\n"Truth (God) is one, the wise call it by various names"\n-Rigveda\nand exhort us to "let good thoughts come to us from every where" in the Bhagavad Gita.\n\nKrishna assures the adherents of all religions that "those who pray with devotion to another god, it is to Me that they pray." \n\nthough i doubt krishna was supposed to be a god, avatar among his contemporaries and think later devotees made this up but still this comment was very wise and it led towards tolerance and assimilation of small sects. krishna also succeeded in stopping worship of gods depicted as a king of heaven Indra or others (depicted in a similar way as greek gods) smoothly and without any hate campaign. he encouraged nature worship instead. and only those of gods(Indra and his mates) are revered today who were connected with nature as surya(sun) and agni(fire).\n\nsages like shankarachraya while themselves wrote relegious philosophies on abstract god. yet he got constructed temples in a way to unite india.\n\nGupta Dunasty played a very important role in assimilation. first it combined all less popular gods to main forms of god Vishnu or Shiva. then they created a joint icon of god Hharihar(vishnu+shiva). next they joined icon of god shiva and female god shakti as ardhnarishwar(half female god). these two icons were never much popular but this fusion helped in these different sects in merging to a great extent. the icons were sanctioned as avatars and represented god though not they were god in themselves.The point was to tell lay man that all of the deities are just different aspects of one devine and followers should learn to respect each other too.\n\nother saints in later dates  kept reinforcing these ideas and that is how the hinduism developed in current form. sometimes even  muslim sufi came forward to reinforced it.\n\neven an uneducate villeger in India will tell you there is only one god.\n\nproblem is the idea of being special , chosen people , and thinking like " we are the only ones enlightenned and others idiots or under influence of satan and it is our duty to convert others
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well i am hindu. so i am always free to change my view.\n\n i worship god in abstract form and also believe in his so many other symbolic forms. a hindu never feels 100% out of place in any kind of relegious place or ceremony. so i can live with that. it will be only one of my beliefs cancelled.:)
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Hinduism is practiced abroad in India, they believe that they are reincarnated over and over until they finally become perfect. They worship, what a lot of people call false gods. Could go on forever. But this is just a piece. Good luck....PHB
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Hindu is a geographic rather than a religious term. \n\nIt is based on the practice of Dharma, the code of life. Since Hinduism has no founder, anyone who practices Dharma can call himself a Hindu. Hinduism lays emphasis on direct Experience rather than on authority. \n\nAn important concept is the search or quest for Truth. Hinduism is a relentless pursuit of Truth. "Truth is God." \n\nKnowledge, vision, wisdom, is the goal of the Upanishads. It is a new kind of thinking in which the whole man in implicated. The aim is not intellectual conformity to inherited doctrine, but one of attainment of knowledge. He can question the authority of any scripture, or even the existence of the Divine. Despite being the oldest religion, the truth realized by the seers prove that the Truth and path provided by Hinduism is beyond time. Its concern is with the absolute Truth, not with systems of belief. The absolute Truth is universal, and forever impersonal. No one has a proprietary claim to it.\n\nTo the Hindu, religion is an awareness of ultimate reality, not a theory about it; religion is psychology and method rather than theology and dogma.................\n\n\n"Hinduism is a process - for this reason, Hinduism must be studied not as a fixed body of doctrine, but as a developing tradition that has changed considerably throughout the centuries and which is still changing in a creative direction. Everything in India makes sense in the light of the changing process. Nothing makes sense without it. Hinduism is still a living, changing process and must be seen as such." \n\n(source: Religions of India: Hinduism, Yoga, Buddhism - Thomas Berry p. 3-16).
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The original concepts of Hinduism were that 'One's heart is God's abode, and correctly performing one's work is the best Prayer'.\n...Purely exhibitionist influences from foreign visitors, invaders, plus colonialists, did later help in the introduction and popularisation of mass/group worship, lighting of lamps, burning of incense, and even offering sacrifices, to 'appease' or 'bribe' God, into granting 'favours' - as if God was just some corrupt and crooked warlord, politician, or governing official !
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Vishnu is regarded as a major god in Hinduism and Indian mythology. He is thought as the preserver of the universe while two other major Hindu gods Brahma and Shiva, are regarded respectively, as the creator and destroyer of the universe. \n\nThe original worship of Vishnu, by the Aryan conquerors of India or the original Dravidian inhabitants is not definitely known. In the ancient Vedas, the body of literature known as the Veda, and sacred literature of the Aryan conquerors, Vishnu is ranked among the lesser gods and is usually associated with the major Vedic god Indra who in the epics and Puranas fights against dragons and demonic forces. These latter writings emerge during the later development of Hinduism. \n\nIt is throughout this literature and especially through incarnations that Vishnu is raised to higher rankings within the Hindu pantheon. He becomes the prominent second god of the Trimurti, the Hindu Triad, while Brahma is first and Shiva is third. \n\nIn some Puranic literature Vishnu is said to be eternal, an all-pervading spirit, and associated with the primeval waters that are believed to have been omnipresent before the creation of the universe. \n\nThe concept of Vishnu being the preserver of the world came relatively late in Hinduism. Presumedly it sprang from two other beliefs: that men attain salvation by faithfully following predetermined paths of duty, and that powers of good and evil (gods and demons) are in contention for domination over the world. When these powers are upset Vishnu, it is further believed, descends to earth, or his avatar, to equalized the powers. Further it is thought that ten such incarnations or reincarnations of Vishnu will occur. Nine descents are said to have already occurred, the tenth is yet to come. Rama and Krishna were the seventh and eighth. \n\nAnother interesting speculation concerning Vishnu's role as preserver among many modern scholars is that it is characteristic of the practitioners of Hinduism to raise local legendary heroes to gods in the Hindu pantheon. \n\nVishnu is portrayed as blue or black shinned and has four arms. He has a thousand names and their repetition is an act of devotion
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THE VEDA BOOKS MIGHT HELP AND IT'S HINDUISM.