Hinduism is more correctly referred to as sanatana dharma, which can be translated as the eternal way or the eternal law. In this post I hope to demonstrate that Hinduism can claim to be the eternal way, a claim that other religions cannot make. I will also show why Hinduism is the true religion.
First of all I need to define what I mean by the true religion. I do not define true religion to mean the only path, or means to spiritual realisation (moksha, enlightenment or heaven). By that definition Hinduism is not “the true religion”, there is no one true religion in that sense, people can reach enlightenment on other paths. What I mean by true religion is that Hinduism gives the clearest path, with methods and instructions for finding God, and that all that is valid in other religions can be found in Hinduism.
The Eternal Way
Clearly for something to be eternal it must have always existed, and must continue to exist in the future. Any religion that has a founder cannot claim to have always existed. There was no Christianity before Jesus and no Islam before Muhammad. Sikhism did not exist before Guru Nanak, nor Confucianism before Confucius. Judaism is the religion of the people of Israel, which started with Abraham, the Father of Israel.
Buddhism in the present era was formed by the Buddha Siddhartha Gautama, though I cannot be so quick to dismiss Buddhism as their writings claim that Gautama Buddha is only one of an infinite line of Buddhas. Other religions that can claim to have existed for ever are Taoism and various shamanistic beliefs, such as those of the Australian Aborigines and Native Americans.
In addition to having always existed, to be eternal a religion must continue for ever. For religions which believe in some kind of final judgement (Christianity, Islam, some lines of Judaism) it is questionable whether you could say that the religion would exist after this; at very least it would be changed. From the words of a Christian Hymn:
Prophecy will fade away,
Melting in the light of day;
Love will ever with us stay;
Therefore, give us love.Faith will vanish into sight;
Hope be emptied in delight;
Love in heaven will shine more bright;
Therefore, give us love.
Similarly, for those that are not part of the religion, there is no hope or opportunity to practice the belief. For these we could say:
Faith uselsss when God does not care,
hope is emptied in despair.
Love? Look not to God there is none there;
indifferance above.
By these beliefs, Gandhi is condemned to eternal punishment with no opportunity to change, whereas the Spanish inquisitors and Mafioso godfathers enjoy their eternal reward for correct belief. Can they still claim to be a religion when faith or belief no longer matters for people in either group? Personaly I would say they cannot.
This still leaves us with Buddhism, Confucianism and the Shamanistic beliefs as possible eternal ways. Though I have demonstrated unequivocally that the other major religions cannot claim to be eternal, I am believe my arguments against these three beliefs is not as strong (and with good reason).
One could argue that Confucianism and the Shamanistic religions are highly connected to the earth, and therefore will not survive the end of this earth. I am not entirely happy with this argument, as these religions are given as traditions of time and place. There is nothing in them to claim that they would not apply to other worlds and universes, and it would in the context of their beliefs be unreasonable to expect them to mention the possibility.
Buddhism inherits the view of a large, cyclic universe with many planets from Hinduism (an idea later shown to be scientifically correct). There is nothing in the belief itself that would make you question its continued existance.
How can we tell that these religions will actually last? Of course faith is one way to answer this, but for Hinduism there is also evidence. I have written previously about how Hindu-like revelations spring up in spiritual people from other traditions.
In various previous posts I have described how Julian of Nowrich had revelations that God was everything, and that there is no such thing as evil. How the Cathars came to believe that people were holy and pure at heart, that everyone would be redeemed, that purity was the way to break our bonds to the physical world, and to believe in reincarnation. And how even from Islam the Sufi Mansur Al-Hallaj came to see that the true nature of the human soul is God.
These examples, together with the ongoing teachings of many enlightened gurus within Hinduism show that for those who purify their mind and are receptive the revelations of Hinduism are still available. When working on this entry I read the same idea expressed clearly and concisely in the book “Am I a Hindu”, by Ed Viswanathan, also on his blog:
Even if some one kill every Hindu on earth and burn every book on Hinduism, this “thought process” we call Hinduism, will come back to life again within few years, may be with a different name, since Hinduism, is the relentless search after truth.
Now, I think this is where Hinduism can demonstrate above any other faith that it is the eternal religion, a constantly flowing revelation. In his book “How I became a Hindu”, David Frawley writes:
Though the New Age movement has much fantasy, if not self-indulgence within it, as it matures it will probably come to resemble Hinduism…
This is leads us on to why Hinduism is the true religion.
The True Religion
In the previous section, in order to show that Hinduism was the eternal way. I described how Hinduism is validated by a constant flow of revelation, even from people from other religious backgrounds. I could give a very robust argument against most major religions being the eternal way. I believe I gave a good argument regarding Buddhism, Taoism and Shamanic religions, but I would not give it the level of absolute unequivocal proof given to the other religions.
The reason that I believe these religions are harder to discount as eternal is that they all have strong elements from Hinduism within them. In particular they believe in personal spiritual advance being more important than belief, and are universal – not claiming to be the whole or only way.
Buddhism has inherited a lot from Hinduism, the main change being that it is primarily atheistic. Hinduism teaches us that God, the atman within us is the same as God without; “Aham Brahma Asmi“, or “I am Brahman”. Hindus can see Buddhism as avalid path, though mistaking God for Buddha Nature. The Buddhist parth is very like the path of Jnana Yoga.
Shamanism and Taoism both reflect on the holiness of nature, the spiritual oneness of everything. I see shamainsm as perhaps an early stage of the Sanatana dharma evolving through revelation. Shamanism includes elements of Bhakti Yoga. Taoism expounds the three virtues of compassion, moderation and humility, which are also central to Hinduism. Taoism is very like the path of Hatha Yoga, using exercises to tune the body and the spirit.
Other religions too have elements from Hinduism, Christianity and Islam mainly expound Bhakti Yoga and so on. Hinduism is unique in having a broad teaching of techniques for spiritual advancement, and methods to decide which technique suits a person best. This is why I say Hinduism is the true religion. It is not the only path, but the purest and broadest revealed pathway to God. Hinduism is unique in being the only intact revelation from previous ages, which has not been altered and edited for political expedience.
Aum Namah Shivaya
Interesting analysis. I agree it’d be harder to argue away Buddhism, Shamanism, and Taoism using this logic.
I’d be curious to read what you think about Eckart Tolle’s books.
Questioner,
I will have to add Eckart Tolle to my reading list. I am afraid In have not read any of his books yet.
Namasthe Chris: You are 100% correct. Indeed, the true name of Hinduism is SANATHANA DHARMA or RIGHTEOUSNESS FOREVER.
It was Persians who invaded India during 6th century B.C. who gave the name HINDUISM meaning the RELIGION OF PEOPLE LIVING NEAR RIVER INDUS.
In Persian the letter H and S are pronounced almost the same so they mistook the word SIND [ Sanskrit name for Indus] to H and then started calling HINDUS and HINDUISM.
Please go on writing. May God bless you.
Any ideology that bans enquiry is dead.
Sethuram,
I agree totally. Hinduism has allowed enquiry and debate which other religions would have classed as heresy.
Dont know if I will come back to check replies to what I write, but please know that Jesus is the truth. Jesus always was, he fulfilled what was prophesied about him long before he came to earth as a man.
If to know more about the Lord Jesus, (please do it) check out:
http://www.wayofthemaster.com (need to have flash installed to watch opening movie on this one)
http://www.allaboutreligion.org/polycarp-video.htm
http://www.newlifetoday.com
http://www.thestarofbethehemmovie.com
Some great movies to watch if you would like to get them are:
1) The Lazarus Phenomenon
2) The Perfect Stranger
3) Another Perfect Stranger
4) The Privileged Planet
God bless you.
Maroun
I admire your search for the truth, which is what we should all ultimately look for in choosing a certain religion. I disagree with you, however, and have a solid refute for all comments made on Christianity, Catholicism in particular.
If all religions lead to the same destination, why choose one over the other? The benefit of the doubt in this case then, is to belong to a religion that believes it is the only true religion. This way both bases are covered. There is no logical incentive to belong to any religion that believes in moral relativism.
Secondly, your claim that any religion with a clear founder cannot be true since it was not eternal, is easily falsified. Christianity is a continuation of Judaism, which traces its roots to the beginning of humankind. Abraham and others are prophets that showed the way, not founders of any religion.
Thirdly, you claim that according to Christianity, nonbelievers suffer eternal punishment. This is not believed by the Catholic Church. Only those who reject Catholicism although they know it is the truth, is held to be guilty.
Also, remember that I am defending the Catholic Church, which I believe to be the only true branch of Christianity, from which all other groups splintered. Catholicism was the only one that is officially founded by Jesus Christ himself.
Any search for truth that is rooted in clear and critical thinking, logic and reason, rational thought, correct information, and most importantly proper disposition towards the truth, will eventually lead to the Catholic Church. Remember, truth is not always popular.
Sybil,
Thank you for your comment. If you read some of my other posts you will see that your arguments are far from rock solid.
OK, who is talking about moral relativism? In my post “Would there be peace if everyone was a Christian or Muslim” I describe how exclusive religions lead to schism and violence. The truth is that Hinduism is the true eternal religion, but that does not mean that we hate other religions. Religion is devolving, the new divisive religions have some nasty side affects (crusades, execution of heretics, terrorist bombings, lies and deception in order to convert, etc.) but some people can still progress. I think that many will advance to later lives where they will be aware of Sanatana Dharma, but I don’t preclude the possibility that some may even reach moksha in this life.
Also your argument is logically flawed also. By this argument if you were sick you would ignore the mainline medicines with all their “disclaimers” and “do not use if..”, and “recomended alternatives for pregnant women” clauses and go to the charlatan that said he had the only guaranteed cure… because this would be the best of both. You’d be cured if all medicines worked or if the charlatan’s exclusive claim was true!
Read again, I claimed that religions without a founder cannot be eternal – this does not affect the truth. Also, most people consider that Judaism started with Abraham.
Well if that is true it makes the burning of heretics, the extermination of the Cathars, the crusades and the lies and deceptions used by present day missionaries even more diabolical. I always assumed that it was done to save people’s souls. Presumably these people just believed that God likes the torture and destruction of people with different points of view.
I have yet to hear any critical logical reason as to why a Good and loving god would condemn his children to eternal hell – or even allow them to be condemned. Or why the Popes of the past called for the execution of heretics and war on those of different beliefs – especially now you tell me that it was not for the good of their souls.
You are confusing one important thing, and that is that the behavior of individual Christians reflects the beliefs of that religion. I am a firm subscriber to the ideology that the religion itself can only be held liable to the actions of its so-called practitioners to the degree they follow the official teaching. No official Catholic teaching has ever endorsed such practices, it was just the human weakness and evil tendencies of the people that chose to use religion’s name to advocate their own agendas.
If tolerance is considered such a high virtue in Hinduism, what do you attribute the militaristic torture and persecution of Christians currently in India? It is atrociously horrendous.
It is not exclusive religions that lead to violence, it can be any religion. Christianity does not advocate violence or hatred towards non-believers, and I can assure you that you cannot find that in any official teaching of the Catholic Church. Anyone can call themselves Christian and do what they please, but logic would argue that a person can only be considered truly Christian to the degree he adheres and believes the teachings of the religion. Any despicable action that is done by a Christian does not automatically reflect on the religion, but rather on the individual(s).
Your example comparing medicinal side effects to absolute truth is a very weak analogy at best, which is itself a logical fallacy. I am not saying that you should follow a religion exclusively on claims that it is the absolute truth, but rather, no religion can be true if it does not claim to be the only truth. How can one believe in reincarnation and eternal judgment at the same time? How can both be right? Its either one or the other. What I am trying to convey is, contradictory believes cannot both be true, it is logically impossible. It’s either one or the other. What if I begin a religion right now that believes in the spaghetti monster, is that true? Yes, I am free to practice any religion I please, but that does not make it true. And If all religions lead to the same destiny, then the most important criteria would be to pick the easiest and most entertaining one. Christianity is not a religion that is suitable for a certain group of people at a particular time, it is meant for all people at all times.
Popes of the past may have acted wrongly, they are also human. Catholicism does not teach that torture and hatred of other religions is okay. It has great respect for other religions, in that it is a yearning of the human soul for God, even if it is flawed. What is teaching is that they cannot “err on faith and morals”, that is, they cannot teach anything false. If a person is born into a Hindu household, and through no fault of his own, did not become Catholic, the Church does not condemn him to Hell. Either because he was given bad examples, never heard of it, could not convince his mind even after proper inquiry, or for many other reasons. But let us say he knew about the Catholic Church and had an inclination it could be true, but chose not to explore it, that is a different case. Also, actions such as the Crusades were reactionary, and proper historical analysis will lead you to different conclusions than what the mainstream media portrays.
Also, just because many people believe Judaism began with Abraham, does that make it true? That is the logical fallacy of “appeal to popularity”
Regardless of whether a religion claims to be the only truth or not, violence can result. Hitler, Pol Pot, Mussolini, Stalin, Mao, Papa Doc, and numerous other leaders advocating all kinds of ideologies have used violence. These did not claim to be the only truth. Your statement that only religions that are non-exclucivist are pacifistic is false and does not stand up to proper examination or historical analysis.
Sybil,
I think you need to check the history of the Catholic Church:
.
The extermination of the Cathars was initiated by Pope Innocent III; The Sixth Crusade wassanctioned by Pope Gregory IX. Take a look at the list of people executed as Heretics. There were 88 executed by the Catholic Church, 9 by Anglicans, 3 by Orthodox and 1 by Calvinists.
This violence goes totally against Hinduism. Though it is no excuse it does follow the murder of a respected Swami and his followers in a temple by Christians. Also, the divisiveness was initiated by Christians (mostly American Fundamentalists) using violence, bribes, lies tricks and decipt to convert people and then telling them to vandalise shrines, mock and insult others. I hat it that some Hindus have responded to this by becoming like Christians, exclusiveness is not part of Hinduism.
Try to find incidents of violence between inclusive religions. They are only violent on religious grounds when fighting exclusivist religions, primarily Christianity and Islam.
This is a complete straw man. When have I, or any Hindu said that eternal judgment is correct, let alone say it is the same as reincarnation? Eternal judgment after one short life is absolutely wrong. Inclusivity means that we don’t believe it is right to hate those of other beliefs or force or trick them into converting. It does not mean that all religions are the same or equal. I thought I made it quite clear that I believe that most or all people following other religions will have to learn in another life.
So anyone who has an inclination that the Catholic church might be true deserves eternal torture! How strong does this inkling have to be? Does an agnostic who says “well, I suppose any of the religions might be true” deserve eternal torture, while the atheist does not?
This is something that I am not entirely sure of as you probably could tell by the wording. I know that some Jews say the religion started with Adam, but most see Judaism as the religion of the children of Abraham. It is not proof, but a bit more than an appeal to popularity – it is saying that in saying what a religion I don’t follow believes I am inclined to go with what most followers of the religion believe. In a similar way I would say “most Christians believe in the trinity”, though I know that there are people who call themselves Christians who don’t.
This is not what I said. Of course some non-exclusive religions are pacifist (some lines of Buddhism, Jains, a few Hindu schools), but this is clearly not the universal case. Sikhs have some conditions where they are obliged to fight. What I said was that the religion itself does not mandate violence or intolerance to other beliefs. You will not see Buddhist or Hindu Crusades or Jihads, but you will see those who are not pacifist defend themselves or fight to protect others without acting against their beliefs.
namaste Chris, i have a question regarding the creation of universe as well as the earth and the haven. the scriptures of sanaton dharma says that in the beginning there was only water and visnu was lying on a floating banyan tree. Later two “Asur” came out of his ear and fought with him for 50 thousand years. then Lord visnu killed them. from their fat the earth came into existence.
now do think this is rational at all??
moreover being a hindu should i follow vedas or later scriptures like GEETA?
bishawjit,
I think that stories like Madhu and Kaitabh are symbolic. They symbolise attachment and aversion, which must be overcome.
I cannot advise you whether to follow the vedas or later writings, only a guru should give you such advice. If (like me) you don’t have a guru yet I would say read both and contemplate and see what has meaning to you.
As I am at a very early stage of the spiritual path anything else I told you would be uninformed opinions, maybe a dead end that I am destined to encounter on my path but you are not.
Namaste
Chris
Namaste Chris,
Shukriya sach bolne ke liye!!! I hope you understand Hindi if nopt let me write it in English : Thanks for telling the truth. I wish there were more people like you doing the same.
All religions are indeed true.
Even Shirdi Sai Baba (who himself was Muslim by birth) has said that there is only one GOD. We hindus believe Sai baba too.
Most of the religions are distorted by corrupt persons in the history and the same is true for Hinduism as well. You have to read and analyze yourself to know what is true and what is distorted.
All things about Sins and ‘punya’ or good work is that, It was made in most religions in times when the law of the land was to imbibed in people with fear of supernatural things.
Even in Christianity, God has said to Adam and Eve not to eat that apple to test their Obedience. Everyone eats Apple, does that mean you get tortured or go to hell for that.
“An apple a day, keeps the doctor away”. Then the doctor is God who is seperated from us if we eat the Apple or should it be modified to “An apple a day, keeps the heaven away”
The bottom line is we do not know what will happen tomorrow after we die. So its better to trust someone as a supernatural being and not commit any crime. Live and let live!!!
Hey Chris,
I read ur article. I am a born Hindu Brahmin. I am 16yrs old. I questioned stuff about God when I was about 14. Everyone in my country is geared towards becoming more western and ditching the old beliefs.
I had a best friend who I think I had a deep connection with. He is christian. We became friends and had similar goals. He is interested in girls and more influenced by the western.
I tried to follow my religion and be a hindu. But when I did, he ended our friendship and decided to move on. I could not. My life was stuck.
And then I realized that I had made these rituals a routine. I felt that if I don’t do a particular ritual, things won’t go right for me. It seemed like my whole reality was out of my control. The control was in some external force which I was to obey.
And then I found out about ‘The Secret’. After watching the secret, I followed it. It did get me the results I wanted in life but not truly as I failed to take action.
As I started following the secret, my life was becoming more positive. My best friend broke his leg and wanted to reconcile. We reconciled and life is fine now.
But the financial position in my family is not right. I am an internet marketer and my internet marketing is not paying of that much.
My parents are quite traditional and don’t accept the modern standards of life. Partying, drinking, dating is not normal for my parents. But I want to do those things. But If I follow my religion, it clearly states that all those things are to be avoided.
I don’t know what I’m typing. It seems like I have questions but not real questions. I am going nowhere. If you read this, do reply me as to what to do. i have just shared my thoughts…
And here’s the big doubt: Does Hinduism tell us to be self less? Because I was self less and lost my own self.
My biggest question is: Is dating okay with hinduism? Is going after material wealth okay, etc.
Does Hinduism reveal the exact laws of the universe?
In hinduism, it is often said that women are supposed to treat their husband’s as gods. I don’t like that idea much. what are ur thoughts???
Harry,
I really don’t feel qualified to answer all your questions, but I will try. Hinduism teaches you to identify with the true spiritual self rather than with the body, or the emotional self. In that sense it is not really being selfless, but identifying with God within you. Certainly Hinduism is OK with attaining material wealth. One of the four purusharthas is Artha, wealth. The way that wealth is acquired and used has to be fitting with dharma – it cannot be obtained dishonestly and Hindus should always try to ensure that business dealings benefit both parties.
Kama is also one of the purusharthas, though Hinduism is clear that sex should always be confined to a marriage. Dating is a difficult issue, because it means different things to different people. If you mean socialising with girls, maybe trying to find someone suitable for marriage, but remaining chaste then I don’t think that is a problem. For many people though dating is used to mean forming casual liaisons for sex. This is adharmic behaviour and should be avoided.
Some Hindu schools prohibit alcohol, whereas others allow alcohol consumption in moderation. The school I am studying with permits it but with restrictions and advice on its use.
Really you should speak to someone you know, a wise person from your lineage. Many schools have rules and advice on these matters. Remember also that Hinduism gives advice for good dharma and spiritual progress rather than laws and rules that some other religions have. Following these are likely to lead to a happy life and spiritual advancement, they are loving advice rather than legal restrictions.
Namaste
Chris
Harry,
As I said in my previous response I am not really qualified to answer your question. I have done my best but I am really just beginning on my spiritual path. My answer comes from learning, I hope that it is guided by the Spirit, but I am not spiritually aware as more advanced souls. if you do not have any wise people you can talk to within your lineage please contact contact@hindu.org, the lineage that I am studying with. I am sure that they will be able to help you spiritually as well as with practical advice.
Namaste
Chris
Edit:
Someone has just reminded me of the book “How to become a better Hindu, A Guide for Seekers and Born Hindus”. The is is available as a book from the Himalayan Academy, where the full text is available free online or from amazon or bookshops. This will answer many of your questions.
In fact the whole of the Himalayan Academy Website is useful with many articles and features. The book “Dancing with Shiva” also has many detailed explanations of Hinduism. If you find the “How to Become a Better Hindu” book useful then this would naturally follow on.
If you can you should really try to talk to your parents about this. They should appreciate that you are coming to them to talk things through rather than just acting behind their backs.
Namste
Chris
Dear Harry,
I am of the same age group as you are and I can answer a few question of yours which are based on my knowledge and the fact that I am living in India and see fellow Hindus around me everyday.
Listen, Religion has got nothing to do with Alcoholism and I personally feel that it is the biggest destroyer of life. It is upon you to cope up with peer pressure. I have classmates(I am still in school and not an internet marketer like you) and friends who maybe Christians or Muslim or Jews or whatever, I do not even know the religion of some and do not wish to know it intentionally. If someone leaves you because of your religion, than that person is a racist and unworthy to have a friend like you.
You have to socialize with women and in fact there is nothing wrong in doing that. But I think morally, you should not have pre-martial sex or until you and your partner is sure that you want to marry. Listen, Hinduism and Morality is closely-linked and sometimes you cannot separate one from the another.
As I have said before and I reiterate that Religion and Laws are almost as same as History and Present. Religion(without the supernatural aspect) is the set of laws made in the history and Law is the contemporary version of the same. Festival is almost similar to Partying.
I may sound like an Atheist, but I believe in the Hindu gods and especially Raja Ram with my full devotion. I am not spiritually void. Furthermore, Everyone has a different aspect of viewing things but the main fact is that Hinduism is flexible and fits in whichever aspect we view it. This flexibility makes it the best religion for me. I am a die hard Hindu and intend to remain that way. This does not mean I am not flexible. The main core of Hinduism is its flexibility.
Love,
Saharsh
Please contact me as I also want to be in almost the same field you are in.
Christianity basis its teaching on Christ, which was the Messiah foretold to the Jewish people. So the history of Christianity begins with the creation of the world, not when he was on earth. Also, there is possibility of salvation outside the church, atleast in Catholic belief. Instead of negating other beliefs, why not defend Hinduism. Christianity has reason and historical evidence on its side.
Logically, if hinduism does not claim to be exclusivist, then why not become a Christian, since there is no harm in it. Also, if all religions are the same, then why not just choose the easiest one? Religions cannot all be true because they contradict each other. Either you are right, or I am wrong, but we both cannot me right.