Can we say Animism and many ancient Tantric rituals and teachings are basically the same or do they differ ?\n\nI would also appreciated your take on how animism and Tantric Rituals (not the sex stuff) are of if, they are still part of (some) aspect of the Hindu context ?
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animism is still very much part of hinduism. we believe god is present everywhere. rishi kanad declared everying is made of atoms(kana). it also accepted that whole world is made of 5 elements (earth,water,fire,air and space). and \nevery element is a form of god.\n\ni do not know about Tantric rituals as such. but often a milder form of it is still practiced. even on internet. you will find tantrik raksha kavatch sold on line. there are yntras representing god and mantras to recite revering it in that form. \n\nmostly these pooja are more related with mother Kali or Kal Bhairav(a form of shiva, time personified). \n\n some tantrik sects still do exist. and I would not be surprised if there are some of them still following full fledged tantric rituals. some of these sects were not respected that much, you know why i guess. but people still believe in their powers. and were too afraid of them to criticize at their face. still are. \n\nbuddhist also had a tantric sect and goddess Tara was the chief goddess.\n\nshamans are still out there. mostly in tribal areas or villages but even in big cities tantrik have a good buissness. though most of them are frauds. even muslim shamans are present.\n\n\n\nregarding Ali's post:\n\nwell dear we do not need muslim scholar to tell what you are saying. we already know it. it is a long established fact; for some 3000 years now . i am surprised that only one muslim scholar was able to find that out! man! that is slow.
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well humans can "draw down" god's & goddesses into them.  It is a process known as "trance possession" whereby your body is "ridden" by a god, goddess, spirit, ancestor, etc...a milder form of this is  performed by trance mediums during "seances"... It is also known in some circles as "aspecting" where the deity aspects within the human who opens up the appropriate channels to allow the spirit to enter the body... the persons body is still a human body, but the spirit within the mortal shell is that of a god, goddess, spirit, ancestor etc... this is more prevalant in voodoo, santaria, candoble etc, but some wiccans and other neopagans practice it as well...I have had sex with "god" who had been aspected into my husband during a midsummer rite... and i have to say... it was different... not like the normal rustling of the sheets on your average friday night...but much more intense...it was not my husband in there...you could see it in his eyes...his actions were unprdictable, we have been together for 15 yrs...and i know how he is... and how we do things... but this was wild, primal & different...but as for banging Yngwie Frey during my last session of gnosis... if i could be so lucky...that has yet to happen... when i am experinceing the gods in that capacity it is more on an intellectual level, then on a purely physical level...(not that i wouldn't jump at the chance... FREY IS HAWT!!!)
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haven't heard the first one but sure the second is not true. if people are doing this now its degraded. chaste wife is important. but hinduism is not relaly one religion so ther might be some hindu sects (depending on which demigod they worship) who do weird stuff.\n\ncows piss is not as gross as you think. its quite clean and is used as a disinfectant in homes.
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I believe that Hinduism is a very ancient religion, that has some very philosophical thoughts put into its religion. I am speaking from the perspective as a Hindu myself. Some of the traditions that we have, are just so interesting, that i always want to know more abotu it. all of the religious occasions that we have, has so much ancient background into it, that it really amazes me. I am really proud of who i am, and for what i represent, cause honestly, the religion of Hinduism is really interesting to learn or know more about...i was born in America, but i taught myself alot about Hinduism and was quite amazed.
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This is evident, as you have pointed out in most of human behaviour. This concept is similar to ancestor worship. Ancient man had a deeper belief of the after life than present day man. They believe that no one actually died but simply moved on to another existence. Therefore, it was an honor and glory to join ones ancestors in the after-life while making oneself worthy to join them with a glorified death.
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they are NOT COMPATABLE!!!!\n\nbuddhism: believe in Karma and reincarnation\n\nchristianity: Believe in only one life, rarely believe in karma even though you reap what you sow is karma.\n\nbuddhism: respects all life\n\nchristianity: respects only christian humans, only within thier sects.
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My Dear Friends, \n\nEverything in the above that you have mentioned is totally valid and I commend you by placing my palms together in a prayer action; this is the way that Buddhists greet each other - it represents the utmost respect and trust to the recipient.  However, if I was a non-Buddhist and read these comments, I would feel very critical and believe that Buddhism is about belittling other religions.  Please permit me to give you some of my humble insight on what makes Buddhism a much favoured religion.  But please keep in mind that the points made below are all made in different points of view; due to the different lineages and traditions, different schools focus on different teachings.  I will present you a mix.\n\nWhen introducing a religion we must speak of both the positive and negatives aspects; as most of you know there are few of the latter in this religion, but nonetheless I am obliged to raise them.  In Buddhism there are no disagreements, but rather I would like to call it a problem with viewpoint.  For example, a student in Grade 1 says "1+1=2, but we cannot have 0-1=?" It is not they are lesser or inferior, but merely they do not have the teaching, and only when we get to Grade 4, we can say "1+1=2, 0-1=-1, but you cannot have letters like 2xy".  Now, in Grade 8 the students will think that those students below are foolish, but once again it is not because they are incapable, but merely they do not have the textbook - in this case sutra.  So the main arguments or disharmony in this religion are usually due to difference in teaching.\n\nWAIT! STOP! HALT! I can hear people calling me "LIAR" and at the same time ask "how can they be different teachings if they are all from the Lord Buddha?  That must mean there are fake Buddhisms out there."  Cleverly spoken, I would reply.  However, remember that the Lord Buddha taught us, "disseminate the Dharma according to the circumstances." Although Buddha's disciples were all of great caliber, I can say after 2550 years (after His birth), that no single person is identical; thus the understanding of the Dharma and the actual Dharma taught would obviously be different.  If I have made this too complex, just look at the above example about Maths in School - see what I mean now?  After the Lord Buddha pir-nirvana, His disciples congregated to write out the Sutras, which would become part of the Tripitaka (three ways that the Lord Buddha's teachings were recorded - if interested in the other two, and then some ASK about it.  I'll answer separately.)  Of course, the followers were of great achievements, but none of the present had actually attained Buddhahood (this is in the perspective of the Theravada); hence some arguments occurred, even the expulsion of the Lord Buddha's closest aide - Ananda.\n\nBUT - this is a big BUT - there is the unanimous opinion that Buddhism, in all, is about the Universe.  Due to this Universal attitude to all things, Buddhism also respects all other religions; even acknowledging the founder of each religion a holy deity.  The Lord Buddha Himself even proclaimed that Buddhist Dharma is about the Universe and not about Him - He is merely a tool used by the Universe to show how one should behave, speak and think when on the path to liberation.  Once again, depending on tradition you can find different methods to walk the Bodhi path; for some reason everyone has the stereotypical theory that all Buddhist live in mountains, away from the populous and only hope to save themselves - this is Theravada (Hinayana).  Just for the interest of you my friends, in Mahayana they mingle with the populous with the aim of saving others before fully attaining Buddhahood themselves; then of course there comes the Tantrayana (Vajrayana).  \n\nTo do justice to the religion, I will not go on any further, because in the end of the day we must have the attitude of a 1:9 ratio.  What would that be?  1 he
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You make an interesting point. I have made an exclusive study of the trinity in the Christian scriptures and found it to have a solid premise, albeit that particular word isn't in the bible, and neither is the concept directly addressed. I wouldn't attempt to go into it here - it's too much - and that wasn't your question. I know  little about the Hindu religion,  so I'm not really qualified to comment.  What I find interesting about your point - the trinity notwithstanding - is that Mary, the mother of Jesus is worshiped in some Christian religions, as some  pray to various saints as well. It does indeed sound like at least some Christians have more than one god. I think that's rather odd. But...I haven't answered your question. It's a bit tricky. If you were a Christian we could discuss it.
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the hindu religion is basically a very conservative religion. It involves several gods,festivals,prayers,rituals and other such stuff. It is actually quite a fun religion too. I am hindu, and i love my religion.
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Dunno but it sounds good.\n\nIts being probably being deleted because the bot looks for words like "Sex" in questions.\n\nfound this.\n\nTantra is that Asian body of beliefs and practices which, working from the principle that the universe we experience is nothing other than the concrete manifestation of the divine energy of the godhead that creates and maintains that universe, seeks to ritually appropriate and channel that energy, within the human microcosm, in creative and emancipatory ways.\n\nAccording to Tantra one can go beyond the sexual plane of existence only by accepting it fully, utilising it and spiritualising ones innate sexual tendencies towards greater awareness. Several approaches are recognised as a way of conditioning aspirants prior to sexual meditation.
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perhaps the four directions in american indian spirituality?  but you probably already knew that, eh lakota bob?\n\nas to the previous question, why not compare and find similarities throughout all traditions?  why not seek out what unifies us instead of separates us?
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Namaste! (the divine in me reverently bows and honors the divine in you)\nHinduism has managed to stay around because it's central message and teachings are still relevant. Most people outside of Hinduism, sadly, are very misinformed or misunderstand Hinduism. NonHindus think that Hindus worship statues and pictures, yet this is not true. Those images are just symbols and Hindus are not worshipping them, they are using them to focus their mind on God and all that the symbolism is used to remind us of about God. For example, that elephant headed image, called Ganesh (the name means "First Lord" and reminds us to keep God as a priority), the elephant head is a symbol. In ancient India elephants were used to clear the forests to make roads, to knock down buildings that needed to be rebuilt. They were basically the ancient version of the modern bulldozer. Thus the symbolism of the elephant head is to remind us that God removes the obstacles that stand in our way of getting closer to God. And that's not where the symbolism with Ganesh stops. People find it odd that the images always have so many arms and hands. In each hand they hold something or they make a gesture. These also are symbols. Even the very color of the figure in the image is symbolism. The mythological stories are just symbolism for the deeper philosophical and theological teachings of Hinduism (sort of like Jesus's parables in the New Testament). \n\nYou might be surprised to know that Hinduism advocated evolution. Why? Because it's sacred texts describe, in poetic imagery, the teachings that everything in the universe starts out very small and that it gradually changes and changes and changes over time. The sacred texts even say that one day our sun will grow very large and turn red. It will engulf the planets before finally collapsing on itself. Eventually the entire universe will do collapse on itself, having expanded as far as it goes, and thus once expanding as far as it can go it will then start to shrink and return back to the source...God. Everything in the universe manifested out of God (the Hindu sacred texts make it sound very similar to the Big Bang) and everything will eventually return to it). Terms like Supreme Soul, Cosmic Consciousness, Ultimate Reality, and so many others are sometimes used along side the word God. Hindus say that all religions in the world are just different perspectives on the same thing...on God. That each is just approaching, experiencing, and looking at God from a different angle. God can be called by any name and devotees can use whatever symbols, be they images of a half elephant headed and half man or something abstract like the linga or the yantra. It doesn't matter. No matter what name you call God by, God hears your prayers. No matter what form you are using to focus your mind on, symbolism you are using to remind you of God, God knows you aren't worshipping the actual image or statue, etc. You are worshiping God. Hindus call their religion "Sanatana Dharma" or "The Eternal Religion". They say this, not to be arrogant, but because they truly believe that that every religion, including the one their religion is founded upon, has the capability of making a person realize the universal truths of the innate nature of their inner Self. Hindu teachers will point to people from various religious traditions like St. Terese from Christianity who said that when she looked in the mirror all she could see was God, Rumi from Islam, the Buddha from Buddhism, Mahavira from Jainism, Ramakrishna from Hinduism, and so many others. Hindus even make the case that a person needn't have a religious tradition to realize the universal truths of the innate nature of the inner Self and point to some who later became ended up teaching within the Hindu tradition itself (again, it's very diverse and tolerant). Swami Vivekananda is one such example. There is even a saying that a Hindu teac
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My dear friend, \n\nBelow I have done my best to try and explain the sects of Buddhism to level comprehensible to the general public; I sincerely hope it helps you.\n\nHowever, I first must briefly touch on the answer given by [Ronin], which is undoubtedly more a source than an answer.  To comment, our friend here has asked us to help her understand the differences between the branches of Buddhism, as she hasn't "been able to understand them perfectly and was wondering if anyone could put them into layman’s terms for [her]".  Citing wikipedia does neither for her, and I believe you may even insult her by suggesting she does not know how to search for information.  People come her, to the answers services because they have been unsuccessful in their quest for an answer; hence it is up to people who may know the answer to try and assist them in any way that we can, and not simply throw them more incomprehensible information.\n\nA period after the pir-nirvana of the Lord Buddha, the "Elders" and the "Novices" of Buddhism had an argument regarding the preservation of offerings for an overnight situation.  This let to a fine separation into 2 factions of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahasamghika (Elders and Novices) - the terms used previously are given in the ancient language Sanskrit.  In fact, the Mahasamghika was the stepping stone or hint that another form of Buddhism would take place, and that form would be known as Mahayana Buddhism.  Mahayana Buddhism was introduced to the world by Nagarjuna Buddha (or Nagarjuna Bodhisattva - depending on tradition), and the Mahasamghika slowly dissipated into another form of Buddhism, known as Hinayana.\n\nSo to briefly bring things into perspective:  Hinayana, Mahayana and Theravada.  However, this is not the end yet.  Some people actually place Theravada Buddhism under the banner of Hinayana Buddhism.  So, there are mainly the two branches: Hinayana and Mahayana (but readers please take note, it is not that I am in total agreement of this; I merely wish to use it as an example to simplify matters).  Now, to help you understand the differences.  Places like Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Sri Lanka, India etc are all examples where Hinayana Buddhism is prominent; their Dharma Robes are easily distinguished tending to look like a very large cloth wrapped around their body.  Countries like China, Taiwan, Korea, Tibet, Japan etc are all examples where Mahayana Buddhism is prominent; their Dharma Robes are not so easily distinguished tending to vary from tradition, but one thing is certain, and that is they often have a look of Chinese Tang Dynasty Royal Family robes.\n\nWell, "is that all", you ask?  No, because within the Mahayana tradition there is another lineage of Buddhism, known as the Tantrayana (or Vajrayana).  All the countries mentioned in the category of Mahayana fit this description, but please take note that there is an extremely large amount of overlapping.  And to complicate matter even further, these branches of Buddhism are separated in another general manner:  Exoteric and Esoteric.\n\nSo to conclude:\nExoteric Buddhism - Hinayana Buddhism (Thailand, Sri Lanka...etc)\n             - Mahayana Buddhism (Taiwan, Korea, China)\n\nEsoteric Buddhism-Tantrayana Buddhism (China, Tibet, Japan)\n\nRemember, it all depends in what context you are speaking of.\n\nI hope I have helped you, and would appreciate criticism and education from the learned friends of the world wide web.\n\nvhy
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Copy Paste and send to Priestess! I'm still rolling! This has to be the best I've seen so far!!!\nGood luck on getting a real answer outta them.\n"Well times have changed, and God doesn't allow that kinda thing anymore."
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paganism is a huge thing, it simply means anyone not believing in the biblical god, so buddhists, shinto, native american religions, native african religions, aboriginal austrailians, eskimos, as well as wiccans and the followers of the ancient viking traditions are pagan, so which sort of pagan do you want to be? there are thousands of books out there.  drop me a line if you want more info. Blessed Be.
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oops sorry are you referring to my answer from an hour ago? i made that generalisation. hehe sorry. i never thought that all indians are hindu's, but it is the predominant religeon in india. no one can associate it with islam or judaism can they? when i, and i think i can speak for most people, say that indians are hindu, i'm referring to a culture as well asa religeon.\n\nim curious, is there much judaism and islam and christianity there? or is the other 45% mostly atheist/dont care?
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Hinduism is a way of life rather than a religion. We do not believe that our way is the only way to God. Even within our religion there are many different paths to becoming one with God. That is the ultimate goal for a Hindu to achieve liberation from the chain of reincarnation. The soul must be cleansed through the course of, in many cases, many lifetimes before it is rid of worldliness and can join the ultimate reality, what is known as Brahman, or God. There are many ways to becoming closer to God. You can do so through rituals or simply by being a good person. Krishna tells us that no matter what God we pray to, we are ultimately praying to him. God is both male and female, appears in many forms, is called by many names, and is everything. Hinduism is the world's oldest religion, and still continues today because we do not force a particular way of living on anyone. You are a Hindu if you are born one or if you choose to be. You do not have to follow any one ritual or any one set of rules to be Hindu. \n\nHope that helped at least a little. Contact me if you have questions.