Westerners Following Hinduism

93 responses to “Westerners Following Hinduism”

1. Koi | September 5, 2013 at 4:29 | Reply

   Wonderful. This is an excellent source for westerners who are pursuing Sanatana Dharma.

2. Pingback: Another Western Hindu blog: Indian love story | Western Hindu

3. surya | September 9, 2013 at 19:17 | Reply

   Namaste Tandava,
   please keep updating the list of the westerner’s running hindu blogs. Wonderful job you are doing here. I have a feeling Maria , a German , runs her own blog and it may deserve a place in above list as well. The link is given below. Thanks in advance for the consideration. Surya.

   http://mariawirthblog.wordpress.com/page/2/

   • Tāṇḍava | September 9, 2013 at 21:14 | Reply

     Thanks I’ll take a look – but its late today!

4. Pingback: Another Western Hindu blog: Maria Wirth Blog | Western Hindu

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7. Pingback: Other Hindu Blogs

8. Lakshya | October 17, 2013 at 7:57 | Reply

   Your blog is such a wonderful resource! Thank for sharing this with all and making Hinduism more available for Westerners.
   If it fits in the list, please have a look at http://www.lakshyayoga.blogspot.com – a blog about Hindu Dharma and Vedanta.
   OM.

   • Tāṇḍava | October 19, 2013 at 10:19 | Reply

     Thanks, I have added your blog

9. Pingback: Another Western Hindu blog: the Lakshya Yoga Blog | Western Hindu

10. manab | November 4, 2013 at 4:00 | Reply

    “Writings from the Banks of Mother Ganga” a very good blog by an American women.
    http://www.sadhvibhagawati.blogspot.com/

11. Liberal Hindu | November 16, 2013 at 9:01 | Reply

    So Did you know that the theory proposed in Hinduism for creation of world is very silently and smartly put in the college mythology book along with other creation theories! No one dares to put the theory of creation from Quran or Bible in the mythology textbook. Because god forbid we call that a myth! If we did that, there will be an uproar all over the world. And also the whole holy book and the poem of Ramayana is also a part of the mythology book used as our course book for that class in my school and is presented as a myth. Lord Rama is one of the many Gods worshipped in Hinduism. To put him in the mythology book is an insult to Hindu religion and its followers. And as far as my knowledge Rama is not a mythical character! There is a picture taken from a satellite that shows the existence of the bridge built by lord Rama between India and Sri-Lanka today that is mentioned in Ramayana. And I also watched a documentary the other day that proves existence of Krishna and his whole kingdom on world thousands of years ago under the seawater of Dwarka by east Indian shore of the Indian Ocean. But apparently according to the mythology class taught in my college it is all a myth! So overall I feel like because hinduism and its followers don’t show so much passion openly like other religions and therefore are always taken for granted and laughed on for their “weird and strange” beliefs and rituals. I think its about time we start demanding some respect in a true meaning without being aggressive and coming off negatively and attacking to other religions about it.
    How would it work out if we put jesus and the theory of creation described in bible in the mythology book? How well do you think is going to go? So why no one is taking Hinduism seriously in the western countries?
    So dear brothers, sisters and followers of the Hindu religion please share your opinion on this matter with me. Am I over reacting or being passive aggressive by posting this here and giving out the wrong impression of the Hindu religion in the world?

    • deepak | April 18, 2015 at 13:59 | Reply

      Mythology and puran is not same. Puran means history of old age (puran or pura kal). it is written in literal style. No one dares to put the theory of creation from the other religions in to the mythology textbook except hindu. Because we r not conscious about our religion and culture.

12. Pingback: Another Western Hindu blog: Writings from the Banks of Mother Ganga | Western Hindu

13. surya | March 9, 2014 at 18:08 | Reply

    I think Himalayan Academy link should be there at the top of this list. Sure they are not some individual blog writers, they are an ashram and much more, but then it will be a great loss to the browsers if they miss out on that website.

    • Tāṇḍava | March 10, 2014 at 8:36 | Reply

      I can see what you mean but I am deliberately leaving this for private blogs. I don’t want to be partisan towards the Himalayan academy, and if I include them then I would have to include many more … ISKCON, Rama Krishna Mission, the Self realisation fellowship, Swaminarayan, and the Chinmaya mission West to name a few.

      I may consider creating another page giving links to Hindu organisations accepting of western converts – bit I think it would end up being a long list.

    • Steve | June 21, 2014 at 23:46 | Reply

      In many ways I agree with you. The founder of Hinduism Today and his successor go to great length to unify the Hindu world-who better than the current head of the Himalayan Academy – his humility, gentleness and boundless knowledge definitely makes him my choice, although I do not belong to the organization I look forward to their 3monthly magazine which I read religiously, which truly makes me proud and honoured to be part of this dynamic and growing faith that continues to remain steeped in Compassion, Universalism and Universal Brotherhood..

    • Steve | April 18, 2015 at 22:20 | Reply

      I agree with Surya
      I have complete and unconditional faith in Himalayan Academy…

    • Jana Bess | April 19, 2015 at 0:49 | Reply

      I don’t have an opinion about the order of the list, but I do agree that Himalayan Academy is special, not only because they are a thriving ashram, but because they are non-denominational, i.e. dualism and non-dualism are respected and studied. They are helping the Dharma to thrive in the West. I send them love and thanks.

14. Dirgha Raj Prasai | December 20, 2014 at 11:07 | Reply

    Hindus Cultural Traditions and Beliefs
    By Dirgha Raj Prasai
    Nepal was bigger during the ancient time. ‘Himwatkhanda-Nepal’ extended from Bramhaputra in the East to Hindukush in the west, Kailash Mansovar in the North and Ganga in the South. In time the ‘Himwatkhanda Nepal’ disintegrated into many smaller nations. The fact is mentioned in the Prayaga archive of Samudra Gupta, the son of Bikramaditya, that ‘Nepal’ is a place lying in between Kamrup (current Assam) and Karkarpur (current Kumau). We can infer from these facts that Himwatkhanda Nepal in the ancient times was bigger than what is today. This area of the Himwatkhanda is the golden land. A veteran Rishi (Hindu’s ascetic Guru) in a special Vedic scripture has mentioned about Himwatkhanda, “Bharatkhande Utarayane Himalaya Tate Swarnabhumi, Swarnabhumi,” meaning ‘the northern part of Bharatkhande, the Himalayan mountains is the golden land and just haven’. We can draw inference as to the greatness of this land. Kalidash in his ‘Kumaar Sambhav’ has mentioned, “The land from Eastern Himalayas to the Western Himalayas is the Arya land.” Before the Muslim and English regime, Bharatbarsha (India) had comprised 25 nations. After the unification of India by East India Company, then India was called Hindustan. But, before the King, the creator of greater Nepal- Prithvi Narayan Shah 1800 B.S (Bikram Sambat era) had said- ‘Nepal is the real ‘Hindusthana’ at 1800 Bs (1753, AD)
    During the time when Himwatkhanda Nepal remained a unified country the current powerful nations were divided into many smaller nations. Bismark had unified Germany, which had existed in the façade of many smaller nations, a hundred years after Nepal’s unification. Italy was also divided into many smaller nations a hundred years before Nepal’s unification, which was transformed into a greater Italy by good sons as Kabur and Gyalibhardi. Japan came out of the dark-age under the leadership of its King after Mehiji restoration hundred years after Nepal’s unification. Two decades before the unification of Nepal the now superpower America was a British colony. Prithvinarayan Shah had already unfurled the flag depicting the Sun and the Moon and unified the small kingdoms into a Himwatkhanda Nepal to save the tradition of this area. The Sanskrit language was the popular language of ancient Nepal and India. A famous Scholar Max Mucller has written in his book- ‘India-What Can it teach us’-‘ Sanskrit no doubt has an immense advantage over all other ancient language of the East. In a certain Sense we are still speaking and thinking Sanskrit or more correctly Sanskrit is like a dear aunt to use and she takes the place of a mother who is no more. Let us take a brief look at additional evidence to help verify the ides that Sanskrit was the original language of the world, and that it is connected with numerous countries and cultures. Latin and Persian are dialects of Sanskrit. Greek has borrowed a lot from Sanskrit. French & English are full Sanskrit words, roots and speech forms.
    So, the identification of Himwatkhanda Nepal is associated with the ancient Vedic Hindu religion. May all be happy in the world and let no one suffer from disease and be sad. May no one keep ill will towards another being? May all be liberal and compassionate? ‘Basudhaiv Kutumbakam’. All humans of the world are our relatives. May all receive equal amount of food, relation and shelter. Let us become a liberal character of compassion and be active for omnipresent. May all worlds be well? ‘OM- Shanti’ is Vedic Hindu customs cleansed indicative. The welfare and happiness of all is the supreme system which is the belief of the Vedic Hindu society. Dr. Basudev Krishna Shastri writes, “Hindus worship the Sun. The light that emanates from Sun is common for all. Without water no living being can survive. This is everyone’s right. Such things are beyond divisions, and consumed by all as per their necessity. For the prosperity of human life there must remain equal right and prerogative among us. No one should be hindered from contributing to their nation. So it is mentioned in the Veda, ‘Let us all rise for national awareness.’” This shows that Hindu religion is the vehicle that would show path to all human societies. Bramha- Bishnu-Maheshwor (the three Lords) is the guidance of Vedic Hindu life. In the ancient, Vedic Hindu religions the supreme is the ocean where anyone can swim anyhow.
    United HinduFront defines- The word “Veda” means knowledge, or wisdom. “Anta” means the
    culmination. The philosophical school of Vedanta represents the very highest teaching on the nature of man, God and creation in the whole of Sanatana Dharma-Hinduism. Even more, Vedanta represents the highest philosophical and spiritual teachings on earth. Vedanta is the
    culmination of all divine and human wisdom. An Indian Cultural analyst writes-‘There is another hymn in Atharva Veda stating that we are all co-workers for prosperity and make riches flow amongst the people on the path of Dharma and Rta (A.V 1-15-2, 4). There is also a common prayer in Rig-Veda for the welfare of all human beings. We should create concord amongst the human beings, love each other as the cow loves the calf born to her, we all speak gently and in a friendly manner, let our water store be common and common also our share of food. Morning and evening let there be loving heart in all of us (R.V 10-191-2 to 4), (A.V 3-30-1 to 7).’ In the Vedas scientists are described as men and women of absolute self-control, truthful with scientific outlook and destroyers of miseries. With the help of these scientists one could travel far on the earth and also in the sky through conveyances, which run and touch the middle region
    A Scholar Prem Sabhlok quotes- ‘Rig-Veda 1-164-46 and Y.V 32-1 clearly mention that God is “One”; wise men call Brahman by different names. The souls in all human beings are the subtle particles (ansh) of the same Supreme Soul- Paramatma. Since the entire cosmos and universe both visible and invisible continues to expand and is described as Brahamand so the Vedic metaphysicists and wise sages (rsis and munnies) found an appropriate epithet for the nameless God as Brahman. In the Rig Veda He is also mentioned as Vishnu- one who spread in Viswa. In Yajur and Atharva Vedas epithets for God are mentioned as Shiva, Shankar Brahma and Shambhu- pure and auspicious. Upanishads describe Nirguna Brahma- the ineffable God as, “Whole is that, whole too is this and from the whole, whole cometh and take whole, yet whole remains.”A few Vedic hymns can be mentioned for proper understanding of Nirguna Brahma who is the Universal God. Rig Veda 6-15-13, 14 mentions that He is a pure illuminator, unifier, remover of all miseries, commands all to observe non-violence and other rules of righteousness, which are a-priori principles beyond any sense experiences’.-
    An American Scholar Dr Hiro Badlani writes in his book-‘Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom’- ‘The word Veda originate from the root Vid, which means ‘to know’. The Veda scriptures are considered to be the divine knowledge perceived by the ancient sages, Rishis. The great truth which is remains unchanged even today. Hinduism is a vastly liberal religion. It openly and fervently uncurious and tolerates differences of opinion, use of discretion, and interpretation based on one’s own circumstances and perception. In Hindu philosophy, ‘Consciousness’ is considered as a Divine Awareness’ behind all the activity.’
    Henry David Thoreau, American Thinker & Author writes- ‘Whenever I have read any part of the Vedas, I have felt that some unearthly and unknown light illuminated me. In the great teaching of the Vedas, there is no touch of sectarianism. It is of all ages, climbs, and nationalities and is the royal road for the attainment of the Great Knowledge. When I read it, I feel that I am under the spangled heavens of a summer night.’ Mark Twain had expressed- ‘Land of religions, cradle of human race, birthplace of human speech, grandmother of legend, great grandmother of tradition. The land that all men desire to see and having seen once even by a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of the rest of the globe combined.’
    An analyst Agniveer Agni expresses- ‘Vedas, the first texts of humanity, contain seeds of all forms of knowledge – spiritual or material. And hence it is obvious that there is no possibility of contradiction between claims of Vedas and deductions of science. Unlike other so-called holy texts Vedas do not demand blind belief on unobservable. So there is no blind insistence on belief in any avatar, prophet, god, son of god, mythology or historical claims to avoid some hell-like place and seek some heaven-like holiday spot. On contrary, the Vedic principle is to explore higher levels of truth in most unbiased manner and be honest to the results of this exploration. Science and Vedas go hand in hand.
    Thus the approach of Vedas is way different from rest of the religious products with whom Vedas are often wrongly clustered. Vedas do not spoon-feed. They don’t expect you to find truths of nature and world by memorizing certain verses. On contrary, Vedas urge humans to put efforts, conduct experiments, reflect upon those experiments and discover wisdom by making best use of this laboratory called life. And in the journey towards more and more advanced experiments you conduct, Vedas stand with you as a trusted guide, coach and mentor.
    Vedic Hindu ancient religion is the devotee of Panchadev (the five Gods). ‘OM’ is the follower of Vedic Hindu Panchadev. A suffering man will remember one of the Pachayan Devs (the five Gods). Panchayan means- it is compulsory to worship the Gods Ganesha, Devi, Surya, Shiva and Bishnu. If one of them is discriminated while carrying out the ritual of worship then the worship will not be complete. However, some Hindu communities have developed their own definition which has created controversy in the ancient Hindu beliefs. We are all the same. We Hindus and Buddhists do not want to invite controversy and dispute. Nepal is stable as a Hindu and Buddhist nation. Our respect to our compatriot is based on the ancient Vedic Hindu religion. Our concern and that of Buddhists’ corresponds to each other. Goddess Kali is worshipped by all Hindus as a manifestation of Shakti – the fierce destroyer of all evil. Her peaceful manifestation is Goddess Durga. Like God and Goddess, Cow is known as a shrine for all Hindus and the Buddhists. The cow was venerated as the mother goddess in the early Mediterranean civilizations. The cow became important in Nepal & India, first in the Vedic period (1500 – 900 BCE). The lord Bhishma also observes that the cow acts as a surrogate mother by providing milk to human beings for the whole life. The cow is truly the mother of the world. Cows as Gifts of all gifts, the cow is still considered the highest in rural Nepal, India and the Hindu world. So the holy animal- ‘COW’ has declared a National animal in Nepal.
    Let’s discuss about the facts of Hindu God. A famous researcher Stephen Knapp writes-‘An ancient Vishnu idol has been found during excavation in an old village in RussiaАавтТаТ╣s Volga region, raising questions about the prevalent view on the origin of ancient Russia. The idol found in Staraya (old) Maina village dates back to VII-X century AD. Staraya Maina village in Ulyanovsk region was a highly populated city 1700 years ago, much older than Kiev, so far believed to be the mother of all Russian cities. АавтТаТ╝We may consider it incredible, but we have ground to assert that Middle-Volga region was the original land of Ancient Rus. This is a hypothesis, but a hypothesis, which requires thorough research, АавтТаТ╜ Reader of Ulyanovsk State UniversityАавтТаТs archaeology department Dr Alexander Kozhevin told state-run
    television Vesti . Dr Kozhevin, who has been conducting excavation in Staraya Maina for last seven years, said that every single square metre of the surroundings of the ancient town situated on the banks of Samara, a tributary of Volga, is studded with
    antiques.’
    Hindu philosophy believes in rebirth. God Krishna said- ‘The soul remains one but the body changes in accordance with age manifesting in childhood, adulthood and old age. After a body decays our soul seeks another body.’ In Hindu philosophy there are three style of devotions-Mantra,Tantra and Yantra. Mantra means meditation in mind, Tantra is a ritual system and Yantra means to apply in mind.
    Swami Chandresh says, “It is clearly mentioned in all Hindu scriptures as Geeta, Vedas, Yoga and Tantras that this particular religion is supposed for all people of the world. Hindu religion does not believe in creation of factions and conversion of religion. It believes in turning an animal-like man to a human and a human to God. In accordance with all Hindu scriptures a man earns his pride, power, knowledge and money through Karma. The Vedic Hindu religion was born of intense meditation, Yoga and deep interpretation of knowledge and truth carried out by Rishis (sages) in the steppes of Himalaya. It will be unwise to compare Nepal’s social conditions with Indian cultural lifestyle. India has been influenced by Muslim religion and Christian rule which had forced them into a slavish mentality for many centuries, and they have been forced to live in compulsion, and have been defiled.” We Nepali people are somewhat fortunate in a sense that sovereignty of Nepal has not been defiled by foreigners.
    ‘Athmana Pratikulani Paresam nasamacharet’ meaning, ‘Don’t do so for others which you dislike to do or talk’. This is the chief policy of Hinduism. But, a concerning crisis seen in the Hindu communities is the growth of Vaisnav religion, Krishna Pranami, Jain, Shikh along with different definitions and interpretations of religious Gurus has created crisis in the Hindu communities. This has plunged the Hindu religion into controversy. There have been foul attempts to create artificial lacking in the ‘OMKAR’ (followers of OM). The Cosmic Word OM becomes the raft of knowledge. According to Yajur Veda XL-17, this word OM is Brahma Itself. “OM Khamma Brahma”- OM Thy name is Brahma. Through this Word, He not only created Prakrti and Universe but also protects the same with the divine energy coming out of Shabad Brahma. This cosmic word OM is from the root Ava (to protect).
    A Spiritual Indian scholar Prem Sabhlok explans-‘In the Vedas scientists are described as men and women of absolute self-control, truthful with scientific outlook and destroyers of miseries (R.V., 1-3-4). With the help of these scientists one could travel far on the earth and also in the sky through conveyances, which run and touch the middle region (R.V., 1-3-1, 6-22-2 and 1-22-2). Such scientists from both the sexes go across to distance places quickly like the mind and electricity (R.V., 1-71-9). In this hymn aircrafts and even space ships are hinted. These ashvinaus should be well versed in Physics, agricultural sciences (R.V. 4-57-5), medical sciences (R.V. 5-74-3), astronomy (S.V. 121) and other sciences’.
    Another Vedic scholar Prem Kumar opined- ‘The Sun never sets or rises and it is the earth, which rotates (Sama-Ved 121). The gravitational effect of solar system makes the earth stable (R.V.1-103-2, 1-115-4 and 5-81-2). The axle of the earth does not get rusted and the earth continues to revolve on its axle (R.V. 1-164-29). The science of Time and its subtle nature is described in (R.V.1-92-12 and 1-95-8). The need to study the properties of water, air and fire for discovering and manufacturing aircrafts, ships and other vehicles capable of moving in the firmament, land and water are mentioned in Rig Veda 1-3-1,2, 1-34-1, 1-140-1 and many other hymns. Reference to infinite number of both gross and subtle atoms and the energy principle as spirit of God in each atom is given in R.V. 5-47-2 and Sama Veda 222. Atoms and sub atomic particles are not inert and have unsuspected vitality owing to this energy principle. Physical sciences relating to agriculture, medicine, astronomy mathematics particularly algebra, toxicology etc. are described in R.V.1-71-9, 4-57-5, Sama Veda 121 and many other hymns’.
    ‘In the Vedic scientists are described as men and women of absolute self-control, truthful with scientific outlook and destroyers of miseries (R.V., 1-3-4). With the help of these scientists one could travel far on the earth and also in the sky through conveyances, which run and touch the middle region (R.V. 1-3-1, 6-22-2 and 1-22-2). Such scientists from both the sexes go across to distance places quickly like the mind and electricity (R.V. 1-71-9). In this hymn aircrafts and even space ships are hinted. These ashvinaus should be well versed in Physics, agricultural sciences (R.V. 4-57-5), medical sciences (R.V. 5-74-3), astronomy (S.V. 121) and other sciences. Ashvinaus have been advised to learn thoroughly about Prakrti (divine Nature), characteristics and various qualities of water, air, fire, electricity and heat and sound energy. Other sciences mentioned are Toxicology and use of various kinds of medicines and drugs (R.V 1-191-14), science of Time (Kala vidya) that starts with dawn (Usha). R.V. 1-95-2, and 10, refers to use of time for mathematics. There is a mention of infra red rays, study of Algebra (Rekha di ganit vidya), sound as a medium of knowledge for various sciences, diseases like bile, cough, jaundice and others and their treatment etc. The relevant hymns in this regard are in Rig-Veda 1-185-2, 1-12-1, 2, 1-22-1 to 4, 1-2-3, 1-95-1, 1-101-1 and many others.’
    A famous research scholar Stephen Knapp writes- ‘The Vedic culture and philosophy offers deep insights into spiritual knowledge that can be found no where else. It provides for levels of thought and knowledge of the soul and the Supreme and the spiritual reality that are hardly matched elsewhere. I can safely say this because I, having been raised a practicing Christian, also seriously studied in depth all the major religions, and continue to do so, before having studied and then taking up the Vedic path. The Vedic philosophy clearly outlines the processes by which a person can uplift or purify one’s own consciousness to perceive for themselves the spiritual strata and recognize one’s true spiritual identity, which is the essence of all spiritual progress, and from which all further development grows. Many are those noteworthy sages and saints of the past who have followed this path successfully, and left profound teachings for the rest of us. For this reason, Vedic culture is the last bastion of deep and genuine spiritual truth and freedom. It is a culture that allows full liberty of investigation for the individual to practice and reach the highest levels of spiritual perception known to humanity. This is also why it should be clearly understood and preserved for the benefit of all.’ >www.stephen-knapp.com<
    A Hindu priest Keshav Dahal has analyzed the defects in the Hindu also in belief in his book ‘Swadharma Nirnaya’ saying, “Those following the Baisnav will not recognize other Gods save Bishnu. Those of Baisnav Dharma drink the water which has rinsed a Guru’s feet and body. If the wife is Baisnav then what the husband has touched will not be used in a sense that it may defile. If the husband is Baisnav what his wife cooks he will not touch. If a son is Baisnav then he will not recognize his parents following the ancient Hindu religion. A Baisnav despite changing his Gotra (ancestral identity) will become a Gotri whom has not fallen of the religious status. He does not carry out the final rituals of his parents. In a final ritual of Baisnavs, they must be present, no other. There are many examples of this causing rifts in the family members; differences rising between son and father, brothers and sisters, and relation between wife and husband ending up.”
    Likewise, those following the Krishna Pranami do not worship any Gods other than Krishna. They discard worshipping the idols. They only worship the pictures of Krishna. It is said that those following the ancient Hindus marrying with a person following the Pranami will have to spend days weeping. In Nepal OM Shanti religion or Bramhakumari has been growing for few years. In this religious belief living together is forbidden. Those following this belief are made to speak against the ancient Hindu religion. A woman following this belief will have to live a life of spinster while a man will have to live a bachelor. The ‘OMKAR’ family of the ancient Hindu religion is facing crisis. Following the Vedic Hindu Pachayan Devs (the five Gods), Jain and Shikh are following their own beliefs.
    Many Hindu families have even stopped speaking due to this aura of competition that has pervaded the ancient Hindu religious communities. Due to the presence of evil imperialism the ancient Hindu religion has failed to organize itself. ‘Panchayan’ is the religion of any Hindu. Those deciding to follow Baisnav, Krishna Pranami or Bramhakumari must not detach themselves from the mainstream Hindu religion. In order to make this possible the religious Gurus must not disseminate illusion among their followers in an unacceptable way. The religious followers that have grown with Rigved, Yarjuved, Arthaved and Samved recitals should not distort the truth of Srimad Bhagwat Mahapurana, and try attaining an imaginary enlightenment.
    It is inappropriate to pollute the Hindu ocean by choosing the path of four streams when the main stream is available. We must reach understanding to rid the Hindu religion of the defects that were advertently or inadvertently born of us. There are people (some foreigners and brokers) wanting to destroy our civilization and create division within us. It is our duty to be alert of these things. We don’t need the knowledge of foreign religions. Hindu world is in itself sufficient and Vedic Hindu religion is the pioneer of world’s civilization. The reality is that in Hindu world, we need only to evaluate the ‘Bishnu Avatar’ then we will find the world in it. The ten avatars (incarnation) of God Bishnu, in order are- Matsyaroop (Fish), Kurma (tortoise), Baraharoop (pig), Narsighroop (lion and man), Baman (pigmy), (Brahman), Parashuram, Rama, Krishna, Buddha. We can infer that ancient Vedic Hindu religion has remained creative in guiding the civilization and human life. Hindu’s faith lies in Bhramha- Bishnu- Maheshwor. In this way it has the ancient Vedic Hindu religion bestowed its guidance in the growth of civilization and human life?
    'Those human beings who understand the purpose of human birth and follow cosmic laws of Nature (Vedic Rta) can become Paramjot- carriers of divine light (divine Vedic knowledge) and they can realize God in one birth. Vedic knowledge (Brahmajnan) contained in the human soul is affected by the vehement effect of MAYA which through the dazzling Golden Disc hides the noble and divine knowledge and creates an illusion of comfort in the vast turbulent sea of matter. Hindu civilization is a demographically challenged civilization. Hinduism accepts the supremacy of the individual. By implication it respects his mundane experience and gives him the freedom to experiment and deduce for himself.'
    Indian Scholar Prem Sabhlok writes-' since the entire cosmos and universe both visible and invisible continues to expand and is described as Brahamand so (cosmic) the Vedic metaphysicists and wise sages (Risis and Munnies) found an appropriate epithet for the nameless God. In the Rig Veda He is also mentioned as Vishnu- one who spread in Viswo (earth). In Yajur and Atharva Vedas epithets for God are mentioned as Shiva, Shankar and Shambhu. Rig Veda 6-15-13, 14 mentions that He is a pure illuminator, unifier, remover of all miseries, commands all to observe non-violence and other rules of righteousness, which are a-priori principles beyond any sense experiences. Thus, toleration is an important teaching of Vedic metaphysics. Vedic hymns clearly mention that He is at your disposal but on His terms and not your terms. He expects you not to disturb violently His Design of the earth and the universe.'
    A famous scholar Stephen Knapp writes-' Vedic culture has been changing the world throughout the ages. The fact is that more Westerners than ever before are adopting the ways and philosophy of Vedic culture, whether it is through yoga and meditation, or adapting the philosophy of karma and reincarnation. Many are those who want to follow this path. I=m an example of that, and there are many more out there, and many more who want to but don=t know it yet. We need to be willing to share it with them. That itself is a great contribution to the world from the Vedic path. The more we uphold our principles and let others know why they are important, the more they will also adopt our ways'. Every nation has a unique cultural identity. The values, believes, ethos, conduct, moral compass, dress, personality, family values and demeanor of a given country are set apart from other countries. Muslim culture, African culture with many differences, American culture, Italian culture, Mexican culture, Chinese culture, etc are examples of their uniqueness in terms what they stand for. There are many differences among Hindus depending on their region and sub-regions. There are many traits that are unique to Hindus. Many scholars and people describe- Hindu culture as unity in diversity resulting in more tolerance. Never invaded any other country and never subjugated others for reasons of religious dominance. After all, we Hindu in the world are suffering from the nonsense money-minded brokers of Christian.
    The reality is that the Hindus' mind is universal, nonsectarian, non-religious, scientific, exploratory, methodical, sacred, logical, investigative, intuitive, objective and inclusive. It is with this kind of mindset, one can live in peace, wipe out terrorism, root out sectarian dogmas, value the human life, respect the dignity of individuals, practice non-violence, tolerate differences, value the freedom of expression, advocate the pluralistic believes, uphold the liberty for all, refrain from terror, abstain from destroying other civilizations, and live in peaceful coexistence. The fact is that there's no part of life that doesn't contain its lessons. If we are alive, that means there are still lessons to be learned.
    We are proud to be Nepali. We want to be free of foreign intervention pertaining to our national unity, our traditional culture, and we will be free. Since the ancient times democracy has been a system that has been exercised and recited in Himwatkhanda. We have been adopting as the chief policy of giving equal opportunity to all to exercise their freedom, and we have tried to provide food and shelter for all. Religious freedom is our belief. Everyone has the right to follow their own religion. However, by showing the attraction of money, Christians have been alluring people to convert their religion; they have become one of the destroyers the foundation of Hindu religion, which we regard as enemies. Against such people all Hindu world must unite. We must all know that to bring secularism is to invite religious terrorism and civil war. Regardless of who we are; Rai, Limbu, Magar, Gurung, Newar, Brahman, Chetri, Kami, Damai, Sarki, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Awadhi among others, we are all either Hindu or Buddhist. Some Sherpa, Tamang and Newars are affiliated to Buddhism. No matter who follows what Pashupatinath and Swayambunath lay in the same world?
    Hindu religion is highly liberal in nature. Whether one worships an idol or one is either vegetarian or non vegetarian we are all Hindus. Hindus are free to live as they see fit. This religion is regarded as highly democratic and liberal. However, there are conspiracies in Nepal against Hindu and Buddhist religion. We Nepalese people must act to retain our identity. The ancient Vedic Hindu religion must drape these religions that have chosen to go against humanity with the cloak of civilization and harmony. Long live- 'Hinduism' in all over the world.
    Email:dirgharajprasai@gmail.com

    • Anil Kumar Tripathi | September 24, 2015 at 12:47 | Reply

      Really its enlightening…..I agree with you on various points………please keep it up…….
      Nepal should remain a Hindu state…… foil the attempt to convert Hindus to Muslim / Christian.

15. Gary | June 8, 2015 at 3:23 | Reply

    Hello, my name is Gary. I am Western Hindu who’s also half Oji-Cree (First Nations/American Indian/Native American cultural group) I currently live in Canada. I’ve been reading your blog here and there and it’s inspired me to create my own. I am also Shaiva like yourself.

16. Dirgha Raj Prasai | February 4, 2016 at 11:50 | Reply

    Thanks for your appreciation.
    Yes! Search Google, read and publish the appreciated articles- Hinduism in Nepal by D.R. Prasai<
    -Dirgha Raj Prasai

17. Clifford Sharma | July 15, 2016 at 1:22 | Reply

    It is a great blog. There is another category of western Hindus but do not call themselves Hindus as such, so kudos to you for not shying away from the label. INO International Nath Order is one such new age sect even though they draw from very ancient Nath sect. They are shivites and worship Hindu Gods and Goddesses, have lineage of Hindu Gurus starting from Datatreya, they do pooja and all other things in Hindu style, chant hindu mantras and on top of that have Hindu names. Check out their site http://www.mahendranath.org/ . Mahendranath was British, went to India and became guru of two important sects , Adinaths and Uttra Kula tantriks. INO is like Sidha yoga where shakti transmission is done. It is very good site, very knowledgeable and will give you a really good idea about Hindu mysticism and core of tantra philosophy. I was born Hindu so my only gripe with them is that they have shied away from the label and trying to roll a very ancient tradition as mix of all Asian mystcism. Naths were always non sectarian so I can give them benefit of doubt.

18. Pingback: Western Hindu | A blog about how I as a westerner embraced Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Way of Hinduism - Global Hindus

19. Lisa Katherine Hathaway | April 30, 2019 at 5:58 | Reply

    I was raised Catholic, studied HathaYoga & read the B. Gita & an overview of the Mahabharatta. I am Krishna conscious as well. Would this be good for me? Thank you.

20. Pingback: Esoteric Pan-Spirituality

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