The Indian lineage of Suffism branched off from a Hindu Shivaite tradition....?
466099
Indian Sufism has often used Indian symbolism. god and man relation were seen as relation between husband and wife or bethroed.\n\nSharda highlights these unsurprising similarities by stating that: "After the fall of Muslim orthodoxy from power at the centre of India for about a century, due to the invasion of Timur, the Sufi became free from the control of the Muslim orthodoxy and consorted with Hindu saints, who influenced them to an amazing extent. The Sufi adopted Monism and wifely devotion from the Vaishnava Vedantic school and Bhakti and Yogic practices from the Vaishnava Vedantic school. By that time, the popularity of the Vedantic pantheism among the Sufis had reached its zenith."6\n\nmalik mohammad jayasi wrote a sufi poetic epic. and he used tales given in hindu tradition (purans etc) to describe relation between god and man. his poetry is really hard to understand without full knowledge of stories well. though he mixed up them sometimes and he refered the story of shiva but called it krishna or like that. but stll his work was incredible.\n\n saint kabeer again used word rama for "brahma" or supreme and called himself bride of rama. though a muslim he was also a deciple of a hindu guru ramanand.\n\nbut most used symbol is all time favourite Krishna.\n\n Krishna of mahabharat is really not same krishna described as in rasas.  krishna had left brindawan when he was a kid. but his lively character got popularity in many forms.\n\n  during muslim rule when suffism came up they regularly made stories of young krishna and hundreds of gopika. if you study documents this form of krishna came up with rise of suffism. they actually used krishna as god and all gopikas were supposedly humans trying to reach him. sufi and bhakti both tradition came up side by side. \n\n Sufism is never characterised under "Islam" in any system of catalogue, but rather under 'Mysticism'. Vedanta, the chief Hindu philosophy, which is an example of pantheism in its metaphysical strictness, also had a great impact on Sufism following the conquest of Sindh by Muhammad b. Qasim in the second century A.H.\n\nhttp://www.ahya.org/amm/modules.php?\nname=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=70\n\nMan tu shudam,\nTu man shudi,\nMan tan shudam tu jaan shudi\nTakas nagoyad ba azeem man deegaram tu deegari.\n\nI have become you and you have become me,\nIn my body is your soul,\nMay none say hereafter that you and I are different beings, wrote Amir Khusrau.\nThe message is that “One who dies for the love of Truth (God) dies a Sufi (Pure) - and Sufis never die.” Sufi liberalism had other important aspects. While music and dance, dear to the Indian soul, were anathema to the ulema, they were encouraged in Sufi hospices. Sufi music is full of passionate devotion to God, the unity of body-and-soul and the oneness of mankind. Realising these truths leads to haal or a state of mystic exaltation.\n\nThe Sufis incorporated aspects of Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity freely into their teaching. They took concepts such as Moksha from Hinduism and Nirvana from Buddhism. The Sufi doctrines of Fana and Baqa (annihilation and subsistence) correspond to Nirvana.\n\nNo systematic studies of Kashmiri Islam have been carried out. But its situation is very similar to that of Indonesian Islam, and one might use the analysis of Clifford Geertz (1960) and successors (Hefner 1985, Kipp and Rodgers 1987) to understand its dynamics. We then have the classification of orthodox , traditional , and karkun (urban, State employees) to parallel the labels of santri, abangan, priyayi for Javanese Islam. The interesting aspect of this classification is the fact that the karkun (or the priyayi in Java) has an ethos outside the main religious framework. In Java  the priyayi are Muslims who hold on secretly to the Hindu-Buddhist values,  whereas in Kashmir the karkun  have generally been the Hindus of the valley. In other words, if the orthodox are t
1125591
I thought Hinduism was the dominant religion there... if you are talking about the sport... back in the day India was a British colony... cricket is a British sport... makes sense to me.
1135161
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?
779438
You should do some reading up on Hinduism, specifically samsara, and Shiva and Vishnu. Not exactly the same idea, but a similar concept.
1160693
hey try this:\n\n\nhttp://o3.indiatimes.com/mann/archive/2005/05/24/120338.aspx\n\n\n\n\nBhaktikaal - The devotional era\nThe Bhaktikaal's origins seem to coincide with the arrival of the Mughals. This was the time when both the Sufi and Bhakti movements were gaining momentum in Islam and Hinduism respectively. Both the Sufi and Bhakti are based on devotional poetry and lyrics. The early works of Bhaktikaal style poetry date back to the times of Amir Khusrau, with his great works in Sufi literature. Other noteworthy poets include Baba Bulley Shah, who lived around the Kasur Punjab area.\nIn the Bhakti movement two main sects evolved, the Nirguna and the Saguna.\nThe Nirguna sect followed the concept of a shapeless, formless, all pervasive God, while the Saguna sect pursued the concept of God having a certain form and were predominantly worshipers of the incarnations of Vishnu.\nMajor poets of the Nirguna sect are Sant Kabir and Guru Nanak, who's doha (couplet), and chaupayi (quartet) style of poetry remains a standard even now.\nOn the Saguna side were stalwarts of Vaishnava poetry like Surdas, Tulsidas and Malik Muhammad Jayasi. Works like the Padmavat and the Ramacharitamanas were written in the Avadhi dialect of Hindi during this period.\nThis was also a period of great integration between the Hindu and the Islamic elements of art and literature. A number of Muslim poets have written fantastic verse in praise of the Hindu gods, and vice versa. For example, Aburrahim Khan, the court poet to the Mughal emperor Akbar, was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. The Mughal rulers of this period also encouraged the integration of Hindu and Muslim societies.\nThe Bhaktikaal is known as the Golden Age of Hindi literature on account of the beauty of the concepts portrayed as well as the choice of words used to present them. \n\n\n\n\nIn Bhakti kaal, feeling of the helplessness and pain was so strong that love for nation and identity took a different form. Love for nation presented itself in the form of Social reforms. Kabir Das, Guru Nanak, Dharma Das, Maluk Das, Dadudayal, Sunder Das belong to this genre. In their Sakhis (couplets) and Padas (songs), they have condemned rituals and laid emphasis on the theory of Monotheism (the belief that there is one God).
468433
Complicated history. It's outlined pretty well in this article:\n\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_caste_system
955428
Interestingly, the term Ravalnath for the sun comes from Ravi for the sun in Sanskrit and in the Konkan area there is a temple for the feminine form of the sun or Ravalai. \n\ncc
853301
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
115092
Hinduism\n\nAccording to historians, the origin of Hinduism dates back to 5000 or more years. The word "Hindu" is derived from the name of River Indus, which flows through northern India. In ancient times the river was called the 'Sindhu', but the Persians who migrated to India called the river 'Hindu', the land 'Hindustan' and its inhabitants 'Hindus'. Thus the religion followed by the Hindus came to be known as 'Hinduism'.
272934
hinduism. i am already part of it . though Hinduism may not be called religion in the sense other religions are known. It has no founder. It is much more than a religion. It is a total way of life.  \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. \n\nThe genius of Hinduism is assimilative. Puritanism is alien to its life and thought. It never opposed scientific enquiry. \n\nHinduism's greatest feature has been its positive ideas and those who do not belong to it are not infidels or heretics. Hinduism does not believe in bringing about a mechanical uniformity of belief and worship by a forcible elimination of all that is not in agreement with a particular creed. Hindus have never conquered, plundered or committed genocides on other peoples and they never will, primarily because the deeper values enshrined in the Sanatana Dharma are against such mindless violence and expansionism. At one level every true Hindu sees his/her self being one with the Universal Self . At a more samsaric level, a Hindu also understands more than any other religionist in the world, the concept of a harmonious global society that should unite, prosper and live in peace.\n\nHinduism, in its plethora of symbols and images, is endlessly complex and therefore endlessly misunderstood, but its true mission is both simple and universal: soul-enlightenment. Hinduism is goal-oriented, not way-oriented. In other words, its focus is the ultimate attainment, Self-realization, in God. Symbolism helps the seeker to concentrate his mind on the worship and meditation of god.idols are just symbolic:\n\nYes, said he, but just how many gods are there Yajnavalkya?" "Thirty three". "yes," said he, but just how many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?" "One."    \n                                                                        - Brhadaranyaka Upanishad III, IX, I\n\nGod's innumerable forms, and the acknowledgement of His Presence in everything, are an expression of the extraordinary vitality of India's collective imagination down through the ages. \n\nAccording to Thomas Berry, "In quality, in quantity, in significance for man's intellectual, cultural, and spiritual life, this literature in its totality is unsurpassed among all other literary traditions of the world."\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."
29339
Yes, it gets as close as possible. \nGo to amazon.com and buy a book called "Chariots of God" \nNext, to know more on Hindu philosophy, go to blog of Harshad Joshi at agneya2.blogspot.com to know about Hinduism. It contains mysterious hymns from ancient Indian culture.
591448
RAKESH means SHIVA.....a god of hindus.
859842
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.
383052
Check this out... \n\nHinduwebsite.com   -->Main Categories <--HinduismBuddhismJainismSikhismZoroastrianismSelf_DevelopmentSpiritualismGeneral_KnowledgeWeb_ResourcesUtilitiesSacred_ScripturesMeta_SearchHinduism_A_To_ZHinduism ConceptsBhagavadgitaUpanishadsSaivismVedasSymbolismHinduism_FAQHindu_PantheonTemplesSpiritual_MastersBook_ReviewsEssayseTextsencyclopaedias \n --> Shopping Links <--Alternate_TherapyArtAstrologyAuctionsAutomobilesBanking & TradiingBabiesBath and BodyBooksCar_RentalsCalling_CardsClothingComputersCookiesCouponsCredit_CardsDatingDVD'sEducationEuropean_StuffElectronicsFinancial_ServicesFilms/VideosFlowersFood/GourmetFree_StuffFree_MusicFurnitureGiftsGift_CertificatesGroceriesHandicraftsHandbagsHealthHome_DecorIndian_StuffInk_CartridgesInsuranceInternetJewelryJobsKidsKitchen_WearLegal_ServicesLoansMagazinesMaternity_WearMusicOffice_SuppliesOut_DoorParty_GoodsPetsPhonesPlus_SizeRecorded_BooksSearchShoesSoftwareStocksStudentsToysTravelVacationWeddingsWeight_LossWomenWork_From_HomeHinduwebsite_Home]  \n \n  \nHinduwebsite.com provides comprehensive information on Hinduism and Hinduism resources. Apart from Hinduism and Hinduism resources, Hinduwebsite also provides information on other major Indian religions like Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. There is a section devoted to Zoroastrianism and the teachings of Zarathushtra, which had a significant connection with the Vedic culture of ancient India. Information on Hinduism and Hinduism resources has been presented under various subsections such as Hinduism A to Z, Bhagavadgita, Upanishads, Symbolism in Hinduism, History of Hinduism, Esoteric Hinduism, Saivism and the Vedas. In addition, visitors will be able to browse through a comprehensive collection of sacred texts of ancient Indian, Chinese, eastern, Buddhist, Hindu, Vedic, Tibetan, Zoroastrian origin in the sacred scriptures section. The texts include translations of the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Tantras, besides teachings of the Buddha, Mahavira, Zarathushtra, Confuscius and several religious scholars. In addition to information on religions, visitors will find very valuable information on self-development, personality development, psychology, spiritualism, saints and spiritual masters, search resources, general reference material, philosophy, web resources, book reviews, web utilities, link resources, astrology, daily news, Indian and world news resources and a good collection of articles on health, society, religion, art and literature. We have also created an online shopping center displaying useful products and services from some of the best eCommerce and online shopping websites in various categories from apparel, music, travel, gifts, books, electronics and flowers to best bargains, special offers and best deals. Make Hinduwebsite.com your home page and enjoy the information we provide freely. \n\nThe Vedas\nThere are four Vedas, the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. The Vedas are the primary texts of Hinduism. They also had a vast influence on Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas, was composed about 1500 B.C., and codified about 600 B.C. It is unknown when it was finally comitted to writing, but this probably was at some point after 300 B.C.\nThe Vedas contain hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India. Along with the Book of the Dead, the Enuma Elish, the I Ching, and the Avesta, they are among the most ancient religious texts still in existence. Besides their spiritual value, they also give a unique view of everyday life in India four thousand years ago. The Vedas are also the most ancient extensive texts in an Indo-European language, and as such are invaluable in the study of comparative linguistics.
166438
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.
363002
“In India, in particular, a symbolic image represents one or another of the ‘divine attributes’, which is called pratika, for it is neither an ‘idol’, nor does it take on any qualities from that thing which it really is, an aid to meditation and a supplementary means toward realization".\n                   -René Guénon (1886-1951)\n\nHuston Smith has said: " It is obtuse to confuse Hinduism’s images with idolatry, and their multiplicity with polytheism. They are 'runways' from which the sense-laden human spirit can rise for its "flight of the alone to the Alone". Even village priest will frequently open their temple ceremonies with the following beloved invocation:\n\n   O Lord, forgive three sins that are due to my human limitations:\n   Thou art everywhere, but I worship you here;\n   Thou art without form, but I worship you in these forms;\n   Thou needest no praise, yet I offer you these prayers and salutations,\n   Lord, forgive three sins that are due to my human limitations.    \n\n(source: The World's Religions - By Huston Smith p. 34).\n\nDiane L. Eck observes: "Hinduism is an imaginative, an "image-making, religious tradition in which the sacred is seen   as present in the visible world – the world we see in multiple images and deities, in sacred  places, and in people. The notion of darsan call attention as students of Hinduism, to the fact that India is a visual and visionary culture. God is eminently visible, although human beings have not always had the refinement of sight to see. Furthermore, the divine is visible not only in temple and shrine, bit also in the whole continuum of life – in nature, in people, in birth and growth and death.\n\nIts all together wrong to think that the images are idols as though the statue itself is being worshipped – they are reminders that the God who dwells in the depth of our souls. Wherever an alter is raised, there is the center of the universe. The world’s axis passes through it, yet no visible alter is no more than a symbol for the one time alter – the human heart and to say the cosmic axis pierces it is to say that it is in direct touch with the infinite. \n\n\nBy the way on what basis western religions including Islam believes god made man in it own image? hinduism declares god has no form so he is every form. but they seem to think god looks like humans .\n\nAdded:\n\n someone  below is trying to convert you now thats funny. \n\njust wanted to tell him i find that story of moses plus other stories too primitive. ya ya heard about him. the man who claimed god gave him messeges. i wonder why god was so shy that he talked to moses only. Why did god not address everybody.  why idolise  dead persons and indulge in social idolatery when you claim to be agaist idols..
1025065
The Harappan-Mohanjodaro (Dravidian)civilisation around the banks of Indus (now in pakistan),\nand the related Vedic civilisation again near Indus and later on the Ganges , formed by the mixture of the cultures of Dravidian and invading Aryan tribes. \n\nThese are perhaps older and more avanced than the others you have mentioned