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
Western Hindu 
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.
I am going to stop you right there about Judaism can be traced back to the beginning of humankind, that is impossible for one, and for two the oldest documented religion on this earth is Brahmanism which Hinduism came from that. Christianity, and Catholicism are not the true religions in fact they do not even rank in the top 12 oldest religions on earth 96% of those religions that are older than Christianity, Catholicism, and Judaism are pagan religions like Greece Mythology, Norse Mythology, Celtic Mythology, Druidism, Shamanism, and so on. Catholicism is not a branch from Christianity they are two different religions. For once Catholics worship Mary that is why they have a statue of her on the Alter.
Your attempt to say Christianity is traced back to the beginning of humankind is false once again.The earth is around 14 billion years old. The christian bible clearly makes earth a couple of thousands years old. Judaism is not the oldest religion. I study religion at a university. The only oldest religion still practice today is Hinduism, many scholars, anthropologist, and historians think Greek, Norse, and Egyptian religions maybe as old but since many of the documentations were destroyed due to the up rising of Christianity by Constantine who brought down the Roman Empire. All religions are religions not one is better than the other but to claim yours has been around since the beginning of time is false no one knows what is the first religion on earth, and in fact 98% of religions close to the prehistoric time was all pagan religions the worship of many gods, and goddesses. I am not a Christian, nor do I agree with Catholicism I have read both bibles, and studied these two religions as well as Muslim, and so on. I worship the gods of my ancestors and that is the old Norse religion. Until you can bring me such evidence that the bible mentions the dinosaurs, humans that clearly were not clean shaved like in the bible, and all beautiful, as well as the earth was created 14 billions years ago instead of a few thousands. Also your bible mentions humans back than lived hundreds of years but science has refuted that one due to the old human like bones they found that predate back millions of years. So remember you have your religion and everyone else has there’s don’t preach to me about Christianity until you back up your claims without using a man made bible.
Have a good day.
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.
Can u explain from where “God” came as per your Christian beliefs?
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?
?
?
?
?
Read about Hiranyagarbha
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiranyagarbha
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
hi i am Nixon. the difference between god and humans is sin .And a sin is a sin no matter it is a lie or a murder. you lost your eternity just because of our one sin now wat do we do?.who can get our eternal life.rightfully no matter what and what and what ever we do for this with our own effort we go no where and that is when this issue is been answered by god by sending his one and only son to this earth and he took a human life and suffered under us for non of his sins and we crucified him on the cross like all criminal convicts and still he pleaded to his father as he is hanging on the cross, to forgive these people cause they don’t know what they are doing. and after his death he rose to life n from the death on the third day and witnessed the people and rose to heaven and sat beside his father at heaven. so from then Jesus opened a way to heaven from then with a very hard price and if you want to go t heaven or our life after death then be ready to pay its price i.e, confess all your sin to jesus and a christian. corrective measures for that no matter whatever it is even if we have murderd a person and gave a slip off from all law enforcement. then your price is you except your crime and come in public. next you have to be baptized to be a christian so born christian is a wrong philosophy .all must read bible not because of christian promotions but it will open every ones eyes and it will solve all questions in peoples mind and you will understand being christian is being soldier at battle ground he has to battle every evil in him and he will be punished by his own people just like what happened to Jesus. that builds covictions of every chirstian and it is not easy to be honest,not telling lies,lusting at tresures,women,sex ,greed, ultimately your neibhour hood ,parents, friends all reject your presence that is this world.
Doesn’t it strike you as odd that God who knows everything and is all powerful will send his son to be punished for something he did not do? If God was all powerful why didn’t he just open a way to heaven? This god saying “someone must be punished and I don’t care who” is not the loving God I know. This god who forgives believers anything, as you say even murder, while punishing people who honestly have a different belief but live an exemplary life is not the Just God that I know, who set the natural law of karma to bring all to him
🙂
@Tāṇḍava, you are wrong, Nixon doesn’t want you worship that sadistic GOD. Instead , you believe in his SON who could not save himself , suffered and finally died in Cross. He can save you believe me. Just think , just by believing him and converting to Christianity , after death you will become an Angel, You can fly, all day you will be praising the father of the son who helplessly died in Cross. first you understand the divine concept. there is something else also , holy spirit. if he starts talking about that you will be completely lost. So please , instead of worshiping a stone worship a DJ you will be saved.
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.
Please tell me about a religion known as “SANATON”.
Thanks in advance.
Kailash Bhuyan
Kailash,
I really don’t know. I think it that it may be the Bengali word for Sanatana, in which case it refers to Hinduism.
Chris
An Interesting post and interesting responses.
According to Sybil,I will be in Hell,when I die.,as I was educated in Catholic run institutions from KinderGarten till Post-Graduation.! What a thought to wish on someone you don’t even know.!
I had a lot of Christian friends of all denominations-R.c./Baptist/methodists/Anglicans/Orthodox.Funnily I did not think or wish Hell for them and believe that they reciprocated the same for me[except in one/two incidents].
By the way Chris,Read Hildaraja’s Blog @ http://hildaraja.wordpress.com .She is a Catholic with a strong sense of Justice.[May her tribe grow.] She writes on how conversions by Christians is damaging the culture and the political fabric of India.She has also written on Swami Lakshmanananda’s murder[something the so-called secular Press of our country (India) are yet to do].
I believe that Jews after the Holocaust gave awards to some Christians for doing the Right thing [of standing by the Jews and protecting/saving them]when Hitler and his Madness overran Europe;i couldn’t recall its name.If there was a similar award for Hindus,then she is one of the Few who would merit it.
Read about the link between hinduism and Confucianism here – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalangi_Nathar and http://palani.org/bhogar-biography.htm
hi everyone ever thought why buddha remianined silent after attaining nirvana because he understood the truth and he knew that if said it loud he would get into unnecessary debate with people of low intellect. And budha himself was a HINDU because he never denounced hinduism only his disciples who were mainly frustrated cowards made a god out of him.
I don’t know much about Buddhism but I don’t think you are right that Buddha remained silent. I thought he taught others, which is what makes him a Bhodisattva.
Can someone please inform me where in Roman history is mentioned there was a person called Jesus Christ? Let us first find proof of existence of Jesus christ.
I think there are references to the arrest of a dissident named Jesus. The problem is it was a common name, so its a bit like saying that references to someone called “John” in American history would prove the existence of one particular John.
Very good analysis Chris! I am a firm Hindu believer and trying to be a good follower. I do respect all religions (but do not tolerate religious extremism). I do have friends from all religions. Lately I find some of my Christian friends trying to always degrade Hinduism indirectly. I have openly stated to them that I respect all—Hindus, Muslims, Christains, Jains, Budhists, Jews, etc., but still frequently get derogatory expressions about my faith in Hinduism. Some of them do not want to hang out with me because I am a Hindu. Well I am not a nerd–I party, study well, interested in various kinds of outdoor activities and often am considered by many as a very social person. I assessed myself if I am doing anything wrong for them (some of my Christian friends) to behave this way. I do not discuss any religious topics with them–even when they start the topic I fade it by being diplomatic and ensuring that I have given respectful comments about all religions (in discussion). They randomly start making comments that Jesus is the only truth. My feeling is, if so then they should just keep it to themselves and connect with Jesus. Why is this authoritative attempts to force others to believe what they believe?
I must add that I have great liberal Christian friends (some best friends too) who do respect my religion (Hinduism)…my above comment is addressing only a few of my Christian friends…PLEASE NO GENERALIZATIONS AND STEREOTYPES INTENDED…..I respect all religions
the hindu religion is totally false even they also knows this but they are blind .even their saadhus also knows this that their religion is false but they cannot say any thing because they are earning lot of money from this .simple the hindu religion god is a human being but as per as our religion human being can never be a god . so it means they are totally blind
It sounds to me like you must have a very shallow foundation for your own faith, because you make rediculous assertionsthat people follow a religion even though they know it is false. I don’t know any Hindus that believe that God is a man, though God is within us all. I think the “man and God” is an exclusively Christian concept.
Hey chris, i read ur article, and i want to say that Islam is the true religion because the first human being on earth was Adam(Alaihi wassalam) as a Prophet and in the first part of the article where you said that there was no Islam before Nabi Mohammad(Sallalahu Alaihi Wassalam) is wrong because i guess u havnt read that all the Prophet right from Adam(Alaihi Wassalam) were sent by Allah Ta’ala to preach Islam. And Hazrat Mohammad(Sallalahu Alaihi Wassalam) is the last Prophet. And tell me if ever any Prophet said that they were God themselve and did they ever told to pray to them??? As far as i know all the Prophet asked to pray to God i.e Allah Ta’ala.
u clearly havent read coran, or read it with a veil in ur eyes, a religion that divides men in muslims and kafir and says that god will only accept believers, and the rest will go to hell, or need to be killed, like with the other monotheistic religion is just ridiculous for anyone with some logic, islam is based in the tradition of the bible and the bible is a flawed text that has already been exposed as a being plagiarized from polytheistic texts, and its base has been proved as false. Coran not only aproves slavery of non muslims, it also says in heaven theres a MARKET of both man and women, and whomsoever desires to have sex with THEM, both man or women, it doesnt say only women, will have it, even then homosexuals are executed in many muslim countries, thats a good one for the god of abraham and mohamed, to especifically prohibit in one text one thing and allow it in the other, and no less than in a market in heaven, such a simplistic and deviated way of thinking about a “divine revelation” should strike the least of the inteligent minds. To name just a few, allah promises muslim to be those who will prosper, for example in al baqarah: ‘Ūlā’ika `Alá Hudáan Min Rabbihim Wa ‘Ūlā’ika Humu Al-Mufliĥūna: Those are directed by their lord and those will prosper, yet most of muslim countries without natural resources like oil or political pacts with the west are empoverished, at war, having conflicts between shiis and sunnis, when not slaughtering sufis, and for centuries havent give to humankind no kind of progress, in fact using the progress of others, actually kafirs, which science and progress should be considered from satan, and the one that gave was at the beginning of islam when islam was connected to the silk route and was literaly STEALING knowledge from mainly India, Persia en Greece. Thus allah didnt fulfill his promised, and i could go to the infinite, i just dont have time… my fellow human wake up to the lie that is islam, like the other 2 monotheistic religions are… OM NAMAH SHIVAYA
Intresting, i always like to see hinduism as a way of life! I dont really find the need to compare other religions! They have a completely different method of living. I am nobody to say their way is wrong.
i am totally stunned by all the comments by people here. A world running behind to prove their belief if superior to other. Which ever religion it is God expects us to be good. Love for others is the basis of all religions. If u are a true believer in ur own faith then i am sure if u read n understand ur scriptures where it is clearly mentioned “love others”. Be a human first .. coz God is Just. Who will not discriminate. If ur deeds are good u will be treated right be it any path u choose.Stop fighting and lead a good life.
Hinduism in India believes people born into poverty or with physical deformities deserve their position in life due to their previous life. So they show no interest in helping these people. Christians believe they should be loved and helped. It’s laughable for a Hindu to say Christians act immoral.
This sounds very like the actions of the “Christian Right” in America. We are taught not to assume that people’s position is their fault, it could be that your dharma is to help them. The concept of seva or service is strong in Hinduism.
In USA, republicans, who are the spokespersons of the faith won over their argument and spared the rich from additional taxation. They armtwisted the democrats into submission in cutting spending (spending typically helps needy poor). The eveangelical party pretends to be propoor, its all politics and no spiritualism. The republicans have backing of all religious groups. Republicans are anti[poor and pro rich. The poor are dumb to elect republicans.
James is antihindu, by hiding the most relevant info he proved it all over again. Poor get rice for RS2 per Kilo thats one example. The poorer people and rich people alike benefit from the caste based reservations.Lying is the only way they can convert. Ask them about why hindus should go to hell they say they are not christians so they cant go to heaven. If the faith is good why the rich and educated dont convert to James’ faith? The poor are given goodies and are brainwashed, hatred is the only way they can preach the poor into conversion, whereas on the otherside, i case oof hinduism it is educated and selfseekers alike take up hinduism. As David Frawley asserted it is the doctrinal weakness that is the dispiriting in abrahamic faiths. Bold are getting out of the fear of eternal hell. It is a savage indoctrination tool since the origin. Dante describes 8 tiers of hell. The heretics fall into the 7th well, one short of the worst kind.A superstitious faith trying to whitewash and sell as the inclusive and tolerant instead. Talk about doctrines people. Atheist china can buy the debt of beleaguered european nations. Doesit mean china is superior to Europe in the realm of faith. Money power is abused now in the contemporary scenario by abrahamics, just as muscle power is used until recently for invasions and forcible conversions. Ever heard of Pope Borgias, writer Voltaire or contemporary Hitchens, Dawkins, Sam Harris?
I don’t judge. Ever. Anyone. Anymore. I also feel strongly that in EVERY religion there is at least a kernel of truth. Even the ones that seemingly contradict each other. There is stil that kernel of truth. Would that all of us would find all the kernels we could and apply them to our lives to make us better human beings. Incidently, better human beings desire to make life better for all. Regardless of what they believe.
I was wondering, when did Hinduism start? I mean, what started it? In Christianity, God “spoke” to Abraham. What about Hinduism? We had to have some sort of knowledge about Brahmin and the three dieties of Brahmin. It’s not like a man just came up with the idea of this thought of dead and birth and dead and birth. There had to be… SOMETHING to start it off… what was that?
Namashkar Kavita,
This is a vast topic and I have a few minutes before going to work. We call Hinduism the Sanatana Dharma, the eternal way, because it has always been with us, since the earlier yugas or eras when the God, the Devas and men could converse on this earth. It isn’t just a case of remembering this historical date, as God still reveals himself through lineages of Gurus, stretching back through time.
Aum
Your post is awesome but I see two problems.
First: what´s the deal with the no-evil thing? Really? And if I see my girlfriend cheating, or I hit my toe in the bed, none of this qualifies as evil in this vision?
And second – the guru bit. Everytime someone starts to believe in a religion, they have to go under the shadow of someone who call themselves gurus, masters or whatever. I believe in information passed by someone more experienced, but that´s it. Everyone must be the final judge, not some guru. So this is fail to me.
But other than that? Nice to know about hinduism. I enjoyed the post.
Cheers.
jesus is one who lived for us died for our sin no other God did it ,he forgive us ,but hindu God is sooooooooooo much aragent
You are wrong. If Jesus was not God but a good man, then the crucifiction was a wonderful thing if went through willingly for others, but not a basis to worship him. On the other hand, if Jesus was God then he knew he would be resurrected, would have been able to avoid pain, so it would have been a show or play act. In this case it is a mere symbol.
The Hindu God is not arrogant, and his nature is expressed in the term Anbe Sivamayam, Satyame Parasivam., or “God Siva is Immanent Love and Transcendent Reality”.
@jenifer
This whole narrative of messiahs, messengers, babas, wandering mystics performing magic on their way is so old in hinduism. There must have been probably hundreds of mystic men claiming to be gods son in india BC. In fact, there are thousands of jesus like figures in india in the year 2012 all claiming to be gods messengers. Many have faded away with time yet there are many more to replace them. I feel that all humans(regardless of race) have this exotic fascination(want) to have a messenger sent to them directly from god.
I understand peoples need to have faith but I don’t understand why they can’t keep it strictly personal.
theres absolutely no proof of nothing u are saying, and if u would read the bible instead of repeating what uve been taught u would see the contradictions to it… just an example, when jesus encounters a gentile woman asking him for help he says that that which has been sent to the children of isr… shouldnt be given to the dogs ( meaning her and the gentiles ) such was ur beloved jesus? u dont know nothing about christianity dear, theres no substantial proof he ever existed and if u research, many of the things he supposedly said are practically plagiarized from other scriptures and figures, such as buddha or krishna, research and dont believe in the falacy that salvation can be placed outside u, thats what makes ppl arrogant about their lifes, believing that someone will come and save them just by believing in a text
Hinduism is the true religion. When the Vedas were put down, they were not made to convince anyone or only speak for a certain group of people, instead they were simply telling us the truth, of how it is, it wasn’t an argument, just a statement of facts. I loved your argument on “eternal”, I totally agree…and I also loved the quotes of how anyone who searches for truth will end up with Hinduism, though it may be a different name…though I’m Hindu by birth, i feel like I discovered the spiritual side to this religion (as opposed to the ritualistic side which I see at home) by myself, and I’m only 14, born and brought up the California…I am Indian tho if ur wondering 🙂
ASSUMPTION :
Shiva is the destroyer god. He is the natraja who performs the cosmic dance. His wife name is parvathi. He has a fierce side called Rudra. Shivas symbol is the phallus. He is blue in colour.
Truth :
Shiva represents a star called Ardra (in tamil- Thiruvadirai and in english- Sirius). Each constellation has a lord and the lord of Sirius is Shiva. I hope you would have heard th word SIRIUS in many other places like Sirius is the brightest star visible to the naked eye, its the symbol of Freemasonary etc. And it also represents Shiva. I will tell You how! The star sirius belongs to the ORION constellation. Sirius gives away a bluish white light. that is why shiva is also blue in colour. The orion constellation has three stars in Sirius, in Canis Major, (Canis Major is one of Orion’s two dogs, the other is Canis Minor) is the brightest star in the heavens. It is located along our celestial equator (which, like Orion’s Belt, divides Orion in half at the waist) and has been visible to every civilization in the world. Many ancient myths and legends consider the Orion Constellation the center of the universe. It is the place, it has been said, where stars are born.
If GOD made all of the universe and the stars contained in it, then why we hindus worship such star personified as human dieties?
In those days people believed that the stars and heavens had supernatural powers and all due to ignorance or may be magic. But now in the present century where science and technology has so much improved to proove there is no living things or power in stars and planets, hten why are people still worshipping such dieties?
THINK ABOUT IT, GOOGLE THE WORDS- SHIVA AND SIRIUS AND GIVE A REPLY IF YOU CAN!!
sorry this reply was not for “someone”
No is not like this, internet is not a reliable source when talking about this, and nowadays theres a lot of sites trying to link hindu gods with whatever spacial theory theres out there, and in fact they are linked, but in this case the real colour of shiva is white, it is said hes covered in ashes, as the ashes of a dead body, since shiva represents rejection of all phenomena, thus he is the ascetic that cares for nothing, the divine counsciousness that is indiferent to nature or shakti, and its inifinite permutations and temptations; we see things white cos when matter reflects all colours light bounces back at us fully so we see whatever in white colour, thus shiva doesnt discriminate, equally vishnu is black like u can see in many temples, cos of the oposite, he accepts all thus hes full of wordly garments like crown and jewels, but in this way he discriminates, making him the upholder of human law and civilization oposed to the law of the jungle, shiva sees none of that, vishnu therefore is the face of god householders and ppl that doesnt follow the sanyasin or renunciant path usually worship. They represent engagement and disengagement, while Brahman represents action, the ever unsatisfied mind… they are represented in bluish colour for a variety of reasons, sometimes depending on the time and artitst, sometime on the stream of thought, whether sattvic or tantrik, or depending on a specific type of meditation. Also theres other beautiful explanations like the one given about Kali Ma, that says that in the same way we see the sky blue, but is not, is an optic effect due to the atmosphere, only when we realize the true nature of GOD can we see her “naked”, or see the reality as it is… since hinduism is an spiritual path that describes the inner voyage this should be taken as primary explanation, cos if not shiva could also be linked to the planet pluto, being it the frozen and inmutable one, as well as many other spacial theories that doesnt apply to humans searching for inner enlightment initially, theres a lot of effort in behalf of secret cults trying to spread info about hinduism related to extraterrestrials and the similar new age areas, and should be avoided since u dont know the real purpose of them wanting u to believe this
I am Hindu, but I believe that all religions lead to one God. Everyone is equal.
No is not like this, internet is not a reliable source when talking about this, and nowadays theres a lot of sites trying to link hindu gods with whatever spacial theory theres out there, and in fact they are linked, but in this case the real colour of shiva is white, it is said hes covered in ashes, as the ashes of a dead body, since shiva represents rejection of all phenomena, thus he is the ascetic that cares for nothing, the divine counsciousness that is indiferent to nature or shakti, and its inifinite permutations and temptations; we see things white cos when matter reflects all colours light bounces back at us fully so we see whatever in white colour, thus shiva doesnt discriminate, equally vishnu is black like u can see in many temples, cos of the oposite, he accepts all thus hes full of wordly garments like crown and jewels, but in this way he discriminates, making him the upholder of human law and civilization oposed to the law of the jungle, shiva sees none of that, vishnu therefore is the face of god householders and ppl that doesnt follow the sanyasin or renunciant path usually worship. They represent engagement and disengagement, while Brahman represents action, the ever unsatisfied mind… they are represented in bluish colour for a variety of reasons, sometimes depending on the time and artitst, sometime on the stream of thought, whether sattvic or tantrik, or depending on a specific type of meditation. Also theres other beautiful explanations like the one given about Kali Ma, that says that in the same way we see the sky blue, but is not, is an optic effect due to the atmosphere, only when we realize the true nature of GOD can we see her “naked”, or see the reality as it is… since hinduism is an spiritual path that describes the inner voyage this should be taken as primary explanation, cos if not shiva could also be linked to the planet pluto, being it the frozen and inmutable one, as well as many other spacial theories that doesnt apply to humans searching for inner enlightment initially, theres a lot of effort in behalf of secret cults trying to spread info about hinduism related to extraterrestrials and the similar new age areas, and should be avoided since u dont know the real purpose of them wanting u to believe this
my friend im sorry to tell u its not like this.. ive been traveling to india for more than 10 years, since i was19 until now in my 30s, i love india deeply, and when i say deeply i mean it, i love india as my home, as the roots of my culture ( im spanish, and therefore indoeuropean ), as the country where ppl has the spark and knowledge for the salvation of mankind, it deeply changed my directionless life when my father took me there first time, i got friends from the himalayas to the south, from varanasi to mumbai… i have lived in india some of the most meaningful events of my life, and some things of such a magic, of such a caliber that it will go with me to the tomb and beyond… i shiver to see indians succumbing to the lies of money, western “progress” and international integration… i feel speechless before the sacredness of its land , and its scriptures… so believe me when i tell u its not like this, not all religions lead to god, for a religion to lead to god has to have the adequate set of qualities and a very specific cause-effect teachings, otherwise is more likely to send ppl stray… as a hindu u are accustomed to believe all is god, and everyone is good, because its in the nature of hindus in general to believe so, or at least theres a predisposition to do so, but its not like this, and that what i tell all my friends in india: ” u r too innocent ( not naive, innocent ) to understand the evil some ways of thinking can have under its seemingly goodness, and similarities with that thinking of others” is not!!!… it is very easy to confuse the outer shell of a religion, that will always covered with grandiose statements about love and charity, and equality and whatnot with what it actually carries psychologically and spiritually… just to name a few points of why abrahamic religions a carries spiritual, sexual and psychological dangers that can root very deeply when a kid is brainwshed with it, and are an abomination to human nature… this religions try to convince u that the things they describe actually happened in earth, in a specific time to specific ppl, while in hinduism, although the common believer will believe Rama and Sita walked the earth, which is very possible since hindu scriptures are often narrating real events in a codified way, and theres scientific proves of it, the hindu legend comes with a multilayered, level-deep progression, and carries a teaching, a depiction of human soul and a cultural and psychological impression ( ex: Rama is at the same time the ruling divine conscience, that is separated of its shakti, Sita, reflecting the beginning of the universal dance, and carried by ravana, the ego, to lanka, the muladhara chakra where kundalini shakti, Sita, the individual shakti, awaits to be reunited with the universal shakti, by means of control of prana, who is hanuman, son of vayu, the atomic motile force behind prana ), that cant be compared to a straight forward tale, without prove it happened as described in the abrahamic scriptures, about GOD ( no less!!! ) coming to humans, knowing them imperfect, and choosing a group of ppl over the rest, unleashing the unfortunate events of the past milennia of deluded after deluded cultures to believe in impossibilities, unrelated to human spiritual progress, and consequence of revealing certain knowledge or scriptures to ignorant, uneducated and materialistic desert tribes that couldnt possibly grasp the inner meaning… another important point is the stress this religions put in the concept of god is out of u, which is not only dangerous but blasphemous, since it requires for u to consider all inner spiritual progress and the awakening of the sleeping potentialities ( the bhadram that vedas talk about ) of human powers as from an evil imaginary source, like may be satan, instead of having the danger of corrupting one soul or devolving the spiritual path, or accumulating negative karmas… this is dangerous my friend!!! is cutting the cause-effect relationship of ur actions upon earth and ultimately giving all of it to an unknown entity, may it be god for the good and satan for the bad, this has led to the patriarcal thought that despises earth as mother, and flesh as divine, impressing in the psychology of people the false notion of primal sin, and therefore doesnt have respect for animals, trees and enviroment, leading to the actual state in the world… it has made people repressed about their bodies and sex, and their natural human necessities and desires, to the point nowadays we are backwards in human communication, empathy and desires, creating a sick and psychopathic society… it has led ppl to consider the fruit of imagination unholy, under the assumption that is idolatry to depict or imagine the divine with form, when its through imagination that reflecting upon the cause-effect cycle that one can get to the certainty of something beyond apparent reality, and therefore the existence of what we would call call god, or the source of all possibility and impossibility… it has led ppl to give up the personal path of spiritual growth and evolution to the fake notion of salvation by faith in certain scriptures or messianic figures, which are confined to time and space, and shouldnt be considered real until there isnt a total proof that events happened as described in this monotheistic books ( and thats impossible since the real god doesnt speak through books or specific prophets in specific times, but is all time speaking to the heart of any man that opens it to the truth ), cutting humanity as a whole from the universal spiritual evolution… i could go on and on at lenght, but then i will be making such a long text that would be too much for a blog post… just consider this points and think about them… this religions are not like hinduism, in fact they are ahuge danger for humans, ans is not until humanity shun them and face the truth contained in hinduism and buddhism that we will be able to overstep the constant danger of eradicating ourselves forver from the face of earth… humans has to face the truth, this religions are nothing but the biggest scam of the times, and indians would do well driving them out of india for the sake of all humankind… Om namah shivaya om har mahadeva
I understand what you’re saying, I guess not all religions are what they seem. I think that all religions should give the message that all human beings are equal but sadly some teach that the believers of that religion are more superior than others and that those who don’t believe in the religion will perish and also classed as sinners.
sorry i put my reply to saravan in ur comment
You are wrong, only Dharmic religions- Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism & Sikhism lead to real God. Christians & Muslims always goes in hell.
Define hell, Mr. Abhishek.
@Pgarc7a,
very illuminative postWell a Spanish? How interesting, from a catholic bastion you have identified the dangers of abrahamic faiths and cautioned an ill inoformed hindu by name ‘someone’. As an indian born hindu,living in the west, i am quite familiar with these men who dont know anything about hinduism , none whatsoever. They dont read the texts like Gita, upanishads and Brahmasutra, they dont listen to some good gurus. They have been bombarded with the material life like sports , movies, cars and food etc by the commercial establishments. The erstwhile punya bhumi has been poisoned and there seems very little one can do to rreverse the downfall of the inclusive faith. These hindu people living there believe in abrahamic propaganda that makes hinduism look bad. The underlying philosophy like advata and the karma siddanta are not even mentioned by the parents to their kids anymore. It is the westerners who are getting attracted to the hindu philosophy and the sadhana these days. They make fine ambassadors of hinduism, as now you yourself have so elegantly proved it on this thread.There re many hindu blogs that have a strong presence of westerners; alongside the list you see on the right side of the home page here, one more worth exploring is hindudharmaforums.com.I enjoyed reading your summary.
thanks, i wanted to leave a reply much before but i forgot… it is because i come from THE bastion of catholicism, besides rome, that i was able to realize this things, and i gotta say prior to going to india i was once also tryng to find some spiritual truth in the bible, but as my researches and knowledge about it went deeper, and i came first time from india, i could realize how empty it was, and actually how devoid of consistence and validity when i could live first hand the experiences india gave me… it is through indian knowledge that i have regained my vision of being part of a much older and wise culture than this mecchla cultures, which are inferior for me ( for me and for anyone with eyes and brains to understand ), that is the aryan indoeuropean, whether if the term is accurate or not, even today and after the misdemeanors that the church caused in all the white races spiritual concieving, we still do the same things, in india images of gods are taken to the water of rivers or sea, like with ganesh or devi, we in my town in the south of spain do the same, but with a black virgin mary, something that comes from so old, and is so linked with what all europe once was, and is coming from india, that no monotheistic religion and no dogmatic imposition could erase totally… yes indians nowadays are bombarded with this, and its part of a plot, that comes from centuries, for if its possible for those whose interest are in unrooting indians and india from the vedas en hinduism, their success in slaving all humanity, and more specifically the indoeuropean races is guaranteed, it is the clash between those who cant feel empathy for others, and are not creators of culture, but destroyers and parasites of other higher cultures, and has no other talents than for commerce and develop in materialistic enviroments, who concieve society as a triangular hierarchy, and accepts the dogmas and obsolete tradition without personal researching and logical questioning, against those who create culture, push the limits of human real achievements in the matters that contribute to define a human, like art, literature, philosophy, spirituality etc, concieve humanity as a whole, instead as divided in one side and the other, and try to define human rights from an non excluding point of view, and to find the reality of the term justice… it is coming whether if we want it or not, and its not time for indians to avoid conflicts, which is nowadays one of the biggest weakness of indians, but to become counscious of what well lose if we keep considering that this other cultures are like us, even more, because theres an undeniable genetic factor, and we have been indoctrinate to hush about the word race, lest we are label as racist, but is not like this, unfortunately there is races that tend to evolve spiritualy and theres races that tend to stick to dogmas and fake and impossible paths, masked as holy, but being actually a cover for imperialist racism and genocidal in essence, and itll come the time that this will be revealed, and we will have to take action, until then, i hope all indians become knowledgeable about hinduism and vedism, and their culture as a whole and are readily counscious about defending it even with their lives, since a lot is in stake if we lose this knowledge for the future… im glad u enjoyed my words, i believ it the truth, and im ready to fight for it in the very soil of india… om namah shivaya
Hi,
I have started to read the posts. But couldn’t go further than a few lines. What you’ve said is I think not logical and wrong. Who said that to be eternal something needs to exist in the past and also in future? Clearly you don’t have the understanding about eternal. Let me tell you what you have said,
if religion is eternal then the god you obey should be eternal. And if eternal means to be existed in the past and in the future then you won’t find a thing that have existed in the past and in the future except concepts and stories unless something that has a start and end which is past to future. So, what you are telling me is that your god should have a past and future. That means he is alike other life forms that have a past and a future.
I think you’ve got what I have meant.
Interesting blog-post and commenting-thread! This may be out of the blue, but have you heard about this movement – Gnostic Theolalites – and, if you have, what is your opinion of them? F Y I, their website is the following: http://www.templeoftheola.org!
I’ve visited the page but it is not clear what you are or what you believe. I get the impression it is some sort of umbrella group for pagan, new-age, and wiccans. You really should have some clear statement of beliefs on the site.
hinduism is true
The seekers of knowledge when pursued the underlying reality behind experiences tended to find laws that reduced seeming complexity of experiences. Further meditation on such laws resulted in further reduction of laws themselves by discovery of unifying laws.
The changeability when reduced to zero results in a thing that can’t befurther reduced also goes beyond human intellect and mind.
That seers knew to be SANATANA.
Thus, SANATANA is not religion but in a sense you me , all that IS is sanatana.
Liked the blog.
Western mind is more proof oriented and disecting.
I appreciate that.
That is also one of many ways to reach the truth.
I will like to add what hindu seers added to that just as a tip.
We are free to analyse outside world and reach the truth. But is not it much easier to analyse and disect and meditate on our-SELF.
The advantage is, we are available to ourselves alll the while and cost is much less. Since the same sanatana law governs us, we can reach it through ourselves.
Even a pennyless poor can do it.!
Of cource you can verymuch reach the same truth through physics, math etc.
Sanatan Dharma or Hinduism is the only true and eternal religion made by Vishnu (God) himself. Sanatan Dharma is based on 4 Veda and Bhagwad Gita. It started at least 1.965 billion years ago.
I Hindu.
I love all religions. That I Hindu.
Yes, quite true, the old prunas may referred to the same true “Path” as revealed by God to first human being known as Adam,before this ie before 100,000 years ago or more, there are homo erectus human-like species, Now , i don’t find any logical contradiction, when we say that the islam also referred to the same religion as was ,had been ,referred to in the ancient texts of Aryans or Brahmin jat or etc, Abraham was the man of early human town like civilization and the father of Jews and he also referred to the same path , and the Islam is its final form also referred to the same, and says one step further that this is the same path now finally revealed by God, but all other referred paths some how or the other was diluted or disrupted, and to the last days of human sapiens drama, the only path to follow in its legal and moral values is Islam, same path, not begin with the prophet of Arabia, but rather culminated with him as a final massage as said a message out of which modern world with his present teaching and globalization had occurred.
Now civilization in its maturity , finds the same message again and again, a duty of all Muslims specially the progeny of Abraham ( Jews and arabs and any body who is Muslim to propagate the same message,to all of the humanity again and again.
regards,
The baptized John.
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I want to be a member and I need to be rich with money by not to give any of my family members in exchange
I’ve been reading about Hinduism for about three years, and I find it very interesting. I find it more “believable” than the other religions I have been in contact with (I suppose I have been brought up in a majority Christian, although now for the first time atheist country, the UK) because it does appear to have some eternal truths.
Truths that even today stand up to scientific scrutiny.
From what I understand, the Hindu Cosmos and its understanding of time and space in the microcosm and macrocosm gives the impression that it may have been revealed knowledge, (as I believe instinct or theological reasoning in more ancient cultures would not in my opinion have given it so much longevity and credibility in today’s world). But then again I feel some of the debate about Hinduism is greatly generated by more often than not by hindsight. Sometimes the pieces fit, and quite quickly our minds accept this in our modern world.
Nevertheless here Hinduism has something the Abrahamic religions suffer from in their strict adherence to a literal “Word of God” when they come to defending their own religious beliefs in our modern secular world. And I must say to the detriment of what the possibilities of the other religions and their beliefs could bring to the world.
Even so, (for the moment) I still believe that Hinduism, like all religions is nothing more than the human experience trying in vain to conceptualize reality, and our own awareness of reality to ease an unforgiving universe when it comes to our own limited and brief experience of existence.
I don’t believe that the beliefs of Hinduism are the actual explanation of what reality is. Instinctively, for me anyway, it just doesn’t have credibility.
Although what I have read about Hinduism in a short period and the Vedic texts, wonderful literature that it is. I do get the feeling that Hinduism has gotten itself wrapped up within its own concepts which do not feel intuitive to my experience of awareness. I haven’t made that paradigm shift yet that my instinct of what reality is, is only a delusion. In that in the Hindu canon that experience is believed to be a delusion only, Hinduism creates another delusion for its own justification? A case of deluding yourself over and with another delusion?
This is the cynical nature of the secular world I suppose?
Sometimes, when reading or listening to people talk about Hinduism I get the feeling, intuition, that there is a great play and importance of the labyrinthal corridors its practitioners like to get themselves lost in.
The written and spoken words within Hinduism and its practitioners that lead to some of the revelations about our shared awareness of existence, and to the nature of “God” being lost (and rejoicing in the places they find themselves in) in the language and the ingenuity and complexity of their arguments. Great standing is put in the complexity of their arguments. In some cases the obsession with the minutiae of semantics distracts from what is “reality” creating another delusion in it’s place. Something that Hinduism warns against?
I will persevere with Hinduism as, like every one else (I imagine?) have been search for some kind of answer to this conundrum of consciousness, and have found the other explanations (religions) wanting.
I look forward to your reply on the subject. Maybe tomorrow, I won’t think this way?
I doubt many people will read this post but I write it anyways in response to all the propaganda and garbage spouted about the Catholic Church and God. First of all, the person who posted this has a very theologically limited mind. The “faith” and “hope” referred to are two of the *theological virtues*. Faith is the virtue by which we firmly believe all the truths revealed by God, though we may not understand them. Hope is the virtue by which we firmly trust that God, Who is all-powerful and faithful to His promises, will in His mercy give us eternal happiness and the means to obtain it. If you cannot see why these virtues cease to apply in Heaven (when you’re literally in the direct presence of God and have greater knowledge of all things), then you should research a bit more.
Secondly, regarding Hell, no one knows who goes to Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory unless infallibly declared (like in the case of canonization and accepted revelation). Within Catholicism there is a dogma known as “Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus” or “No Salvation Outside the Church” (roughly translated), whose meaning is self evident. However, people often attack this dogma before understanding how one *becomes a member of the Church in the first place*. As one poster said earlier, those who of no fault of their own remain outside the Church, may yet be saved, however they aren’t *guaranteed* to be saved. One would have to be in a state of invincible ignorance (a state where they never had the opportunity to learn of the Truths of religion; pretty hard to be in a state of invincible ignorance nowadays with all the technology and information and travel means available) *AND* they would have to live according to natural law (the rudimentary morality instilled in all of our hearts), something which is INCREDIBLY hard if one lives in an immoral society. However, if one fulfills these requirements, they are enlightened upon death and *in that moment* become members of the Church and achieve salvation. At the same time, we note how incredibly difficult it would be for one to fulfill these requirements (especially today) and we point out that this is merely an *extremely rare* exception. If it were common, and [almost] any non-believer merely in invincible ignorance could achieve salvation, the Church would actually be doing *more* harm in sending missionaries to convert other lands because they would risk giving people the means to learn the Truth and then rejecting it, thereby condemning themselves to Hell.
Another thing to point out, is that *we* condemn ourselves to Hell, not God. Evil is a natural consequence of free will and is merely the absence of good, much like darkness is merely the absence of light. Now the only reason God *allows* the wicked to exist in general, is so that the *virtuous* may rise to even higher standards. Evil is permitted to exist because it allows good to be even better understood and exalted. On a side note, the Cathars are being defended as if they were saints when in reality, the views they had were abominable. Two stupidities that would have messed up society even further, had Cathars spread further, were dualism and the idea that the *marital act* was evil! The reason that heresy is so heavily combated is because believe in a single heresy, makes all prior belief fall apart. Furthermore, I’ve been seeing a lot of people viewing the Church’s actions from a secular perspective without a care for the supernatural intention behind them. The inquisitions weren’t as much for the conversion of others but rather for the preservation of the faithful. As for the data on the inquisitions and crusades, you can see for yourself how much propaganda there is on the matter by a simple search on the internet.
Conclusion: Most of the information here on Catholicism is just misinformation that can be overcome with some minor dedicated research; pretty saddening.