Questions about Hinduism

[Spidy201]

thanks for the answers

So does India now recognize Sikhism as a seperate religion?

yes.
we have a separate marriage law. in indian census we sikh are recognised differently.
and 2 - 3 years back when i applied for a govt. job i had to mention if i was from minority community i tikked yes. then i was asked to select one of the given choices, i chose sikh.
so as far as i know indian constitution recognize sikhism as separate religion

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

here is sikh's viewpoint: sikhism is a separate religion and not a branch or sect of hinduism
hinduism is to sikhism what christianity is to islam

Thank you, so I guess we can now accept that Sikhism was born because the founder was not satisfied with prevailing religion of Hinduism and thus struck a new path which he and his followers were more in tune with. That makes sense.

 

[Spidy201]

Thank you, so I guess we can now accept that Sikhism was born because the founder was not satisfied with prevailing religion of Hinduism and thus struck a new path which he and his followers were more in tune with. That makes sense.

You are welcome.
Yes. Guru ji showed his disagreement with some of hinduism's rituals and beliefs, which are well documented in sikh history
Like rejecting to wear holy thread (janeu) at very young age. Not performing 'Arti puja' at hindu temple.

 

[justarslan]

yes.
we have a separate marriage law. in indian census we sikh are recognised differently.
and 2 - 3 years back when i applied for a govt. job i had to mention if i was from minority community i tikked yes. then i was asked to select one of the given choices, i chose sikh.
so as far as i know indian constitution recognize sikhism as separate religion

Article 25 of the Constitution of Hindustan describes Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism as parts of the Hindu religion.

 

[Spidy201]

Article 25 of the Constitution of Hindustan describes Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism as parts of the Hindu religion.

no it does'nt. In artical 25 it doesnt mention "hindu religion", but "hindus".
indian constitution has defined this word 'hindu' in hindu marriage act 1955 section 2,
the legal defination of hindu is :

" (a) to any person who is a Hindu by religion in any of its forms and developments, including a Virashaiva, a Lingayat or a follower of the Brahmo, Prarthana or Arya Samaj,
(b) to any person who is a Buddhist, Jain or Sikh by religion, and
(c) to any other person domiciled in the
territories to which this Act extends who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew by religion"

"hindu" has "hindu religion" as its sub catagory along with sikh 'religion', jain 'religion' and budhism 'religion'(see word religion not sect)

hindu word has many meanings, hindu can be religious,cultural and philosophical systems that are indigenous to the Indian
subcontinent.
and indian constitution while refring to hindu religion uses word ''hindu by religion''. and while refering to religions originated in india uses word "hindu".

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

no it does'nt. In artical 25 it doesnt mention "hindu religion", but "hindus".
indian constitution has defined this word 'hindu' in hindu marriage act 1955 section 2,
the legal defination of hindu is :

" (a) to any person who is a Hindu by religion in any of its forms and developments, including a Virashaiva, a Lingayat or a follower of the Brahmo, Prarthana or Arya Samaj,
(b) to any person who is a Buddhist, Jain or Sikh by religion, and
(c) to any other person domiciled in the
territories to which this Act extends who is not a Muslim, Christian, Parsi or Jew by religion"

"hindu" has "hindu religion" as its sub catagory along with sikh 'religion', jain 'religion' and budhism 'religion'(see word religion not sect)

hindu word has many meanings, hindu can be religious,cultural and philosophical systems that are indigenous to the Indian
subcontinent.
and indian constitution while refring to hindu religion uses word ''hindu by religion''. and while refering to religions originated in india uses word "hindu".

Couldn't really make much sense of that.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Article 25 in The Constitution Of India 1949
25. Freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion
(1) Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion
(2) Nothing in this article shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making any law
(a) regulating or restricting any economic, financial, political or other secular activity which may be associated with religious practice;
(b) providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus Explanation I The wearing and carrying of kirpans shall be deemed to be included in the profession of the Sikh religion Explanation II In sub clause (b) of clause reference to Hindus shall be construed as including a reference to persons professing the Sikh, Jaina or Buddhist religion, and the reference to Hindu religious institutions shall be construed accordingly

I think Article 25 does seem to support what justarsalan says.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Agree with everything spidy said except that the relationship between Hinduism and Sikhism is nothing like Islam and Christianity in my humble opinion.

 

[Spidy201]

^^^hindu word used in artical 25 doesn't mean hinduism, it means religion originated in 'hindustan'

 

[Sidilicious]

Agree with everything spidy said except that the relationship between Hinduism and Sikhism is nothing like Islam and Christianity in my humble opinion.

Agree. [MENTION=109559]Spidy201[/MENTION] - is it true that in Punjab the eldest son of a hindu punjabi would become a sikh? If yes, why was this practice stopped?

 

[Spidy201]

Agree with everything spidy said except that the relationship between Hinduism and Sikhism is nothing like Islam and Christianity in my humble opinion.

mate i used this analogy because islam and christianity have similar core belief ie. just 1 life and after death hell or heven till the end of time. hinduism and sikhism have similar core belief ie. birth and rebirth until u get moksh.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

^^^hindu word used in artical 25 doesn't mean hinduism, it means religion originated in 'hindustan'

Hindus doesn't mean Hinduism? Yeah ok.

 

[speed]

Hindus doesn't mean Hinduism? Yeah ok.

Hindu also means someone who is from Hind basically East of the Indus river, geographically makes you a hindu.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Hindu also means someone who is from Hind basically East of the Indus river, geographically makes you a hindu.

Does that apply to the Muslims who live there as well then? I don't see them in the list.

 

[Spidy201]

Agree. [MENTION=109559]Spidy201[/MENTION] - is it true that in Punjab the eldest son of a hindu punjabi would become a sikh? If yes, why was this practice stopped?

yes it true. my grandmother's granduncles were all hindus by religion.
it all started when 9th sikh guru was prosecuted for protecting kashmiri pandits by aurangzeb. hindus of that time started making thier eldest son sikh out of respect for sikh religion.
this practice has stopped now don't know why.

 

[speed]

Does that apply to the Muslims who live there as well then? I don't see them in the list.

According to the Indian constitution no, If we go by history than yes People east of the Indus were called hindus or hindis by those west of the Indus.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

According to the Indian constitution no, If we go by history than yes People east of the Indus were called hindus or hindis by those west of the Indus.

Well we are talking about the constitution so it does seem there is a religious distinction made here that Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains can be described as Hindus, while Muslims and Christians are conspicuous by their absence, so the meaning of Hindus does appear to be Hinduism (which is not that surprising really).

 

[Spidy201]

capt. saab topic in hand is 'non uniform civil codes'.as we know culture and religion are very deeply interconnected, almost all cultural practices of hindus(religion), sikhs and jains are somewhat simillar. and vastly different from followers of islam, christianity and parsis and jews. thats why in indian constitution hindus(religion), sikhs, budhists and jains are sometimes dealt with jointly and muslims and others separately.
muslim civil codes are inacordance with sharia law in india

 

[amit]

Out of curiosity - Any Pakistani Hindus here in Pakpassion?

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Question for our fellow Hindu memebers

What's the origin of man in Hinduism?

Let's say, Hinduism is 5000 year old.

What does the Hindu philosophy say about mankind that existed prior to, lets say, roughly 3000 BC?

Or man did not exist before that? And if he did, what was his religion?

 

[guna]

Why should only Hindu members answer this?

There is no Hinduism and there is no Hindu. There is only Sanatana Dharma (Timeless tradition) and its followers. It is a conglomeration of teachings of many learned Rishis and Munis who explored the nature and the nature of humans to teach their wisdom. These teachings have been amended and challenged by many many new teachers and hence various schools of thought have come up.

Various movements have come up which challenged the dogma. There was Shakti movement (Female Goddess) and Bhakti(Devotion) movement. Every challenge shaped the teachings and practices of Sanatana Dharma.

There is no "This is the right way" in Hinduism. Its more like a buffet. You choose what fits you. If you are learned enough, you can come up with your own school of thought. Buddhism and Jainism started off as a challenge to the existing school of thoughts and slowly split away from Sanatana Dharma to form its own religion.

There is a concept of Ishta Devatha and Kula Devatha. You can pray to God in any form. If you are a carptenter, then your tools are your God. If you are a hunter, your Bow and arrow are your God. There is a God for Accountants, businessmen, warriors, farmers etc.

Nobody could completely understand Sanatana Dharma. There is so much in it. Most stick to a small part in it and pray to their Ishta Devatha. But everyone celebrates some common festivals like Deevali, Dussehra etc.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Why should only Hindu members answer this?

There is no Hinduism and there is no Hindu. There is only Sanatana Dharma (Timeless tradition) and its followers. It is a conglomeration of teachings of many learned Rishis and Munis who explored the nature and the nature of humans to teach their wisdom. These teachings have been amended and challenged by many many new teachers and hence various schools of thought have come up.

Various movements have come up which challenged the dogma. There was Shakti movement (Female Goddess) and Bhakti(Devotion) movement. Every challenge shaped the teachings and practices of Sanatana Dharma.

There is no "This is the right way" in Hinduism. Its more like a buffet. You choose what fits you. If you are learned enough, you can come up with your own school of thought. Buddhism and Jainism started off as a challenge to the existing school of thoughts and slowly split away from Sanatana Dharma to form its own religion.

There is a concept of Ishta Devatha and Kula Devatha. You can pray to God in any form. If you are a carptenter, then your tools are your God. If you are a hunter, your Bow and arrow are your God. There is a God for Accountants, businessmen, warriors, farmers etc.

Nobody could completely understand Sanatana Dharma. There is so much in it. Most stick to a small part in it and pray to their Ishta Devatha. But everyone celebrates some common festivals like Deevali, Dussehra etc.

The question was, "Whats the origin of man"?

Just like in the Abrahamic faiths, there is a story of Adam, being the first man.

What does the Hinduism say about the first man's origins?

 

[finalfantasy7]

What's the origin of man in Hinduism?

Let's say, Hinduism is 5000 year old.

What does the Hindu philosophy say about mankind that existed prior to, lets say, roughly 3000 BC?

Or man did not exist before that? And if he did, what was his religion?

well hinduism is just over 7300 yrs old

 

[NishanKonar]

The question was, "Whats the origin of man"?

Just like in the Abrahamic faiths, there is a story of Adam, being the first man.

What does the Hinduism say about the first man's origins?

Hindus believe Brahma created this universe & mankind . Just like Adam & Eve - we have Manu & Ashanti. Manu is supposed to have written Manusmriti -which is the Hindu code of law like Sharia in Islam

 

[Napa]

What's the origin of man in Hinduism?

Let's say, Hinduism is 5000 year old.

What does the Hindu philosophy say about mankind that existed prior to, lets say, roughly 3000 BC?

Or man did not exist before that? And if he did, what was his religion?

Hindus believe Brahma created this universe & mankind . Just like Adam & Eve - we have Manu & Ashanti. Manu is supposed to have written Manusmriti -which is the Hindu code of law like Sharia in Islam

Unlike the Abrahamic religions, Hinduism has multiple mythologies that have changed over time.

The earliest Hindu mythologies that we know of are the Indo-European mythologies, in which at the beginning there were Manu and Yemo.

Actually, we are led to reconstruct two myths: one European and one Indo-Iranian, both of which are quite similar and are closely related. In both of them, the world begins with a pair of twins, *Manu, "Man," and *Yemo, "Twin," *Yemo being characterized as the first king, while *Manu is the first priest, and in the course of the myth, *Manu offers *Yemo as the first sacrificial victim. As a result of this sacrifice, the world is created, and *Manu fashions the earth and heavens, as well as the three social classes from his brother's body. In the I-I version, an ox or bull, a male bovine, is offered along with *Yemo, and from the body of this animal all the other animal and vegetable species are created. In the European version, however, a female bovine, a cow, appears, and merely functions to feed and care for the twins prior to the act of creation. Given this reconstruction, we may now properly consider the meaning of the myth.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316981510_The_Indo-Europeans_Myth_of_Creation

You can also read the following if you are interested.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-European_cosmogony#Cattle-raiding_myth

Over time there were changes in Hindu mythology, notably the rise of the Trinity which included Brahma the Creator.

 

[guna]

The question was, "Whats the origin of man"?

Just like in the Abrahamic faiths, there is a story of Adam, being the first man.

What does the Hinduism say about the first man's origins?

Hinduism has the its own creation myths just like Abrahamic faiths. It depends on which make believe story you like.

 

[PakLFC]

Hinduism is a Vedic belief like Sikhism and Buddhism. Some very interesting teachings come from the ancient Hindu's no doubt about it. It's festivities are very colourful and vibrant.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

well hinduism is just over 7300 yrs old

Hindus believe Brahma created this universe & mankind . Just like Adam & Eve - we have Manu & Ashanti. Manu is supposed to have written Manusmriti -which is the Hindu code of law like Sharia in Islam

Unlike the Abrahamic religions, Hinduism has multiple mythologies that have changed over time.

The earliest Hindu mythologies that we know of are the Indo-European mythologies, in which at the beginning there were Manu and Yemo.



You can also read the following if you are interested.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-European_cosmogony#Cattle-raiding_myth

Over time there were changes in Hindu mythology, notably the rise of the Trinity which included Brahma the Creator.

Hinduism has the its own creation myths just like Abrahamic faiths. It depends on which make believe story you like.

So if we put it together with the known history, and assume that Hinduism is 7500 years old, what religion people followed on the subcontinent before the birth of Hinduism? Is there any history or myth in Hinduism that talks about it?

 

[Itachi]

So if we put it together with the known history, and assume that Hinduism is 7500 years old, what religion people followed on the subcontinent before the birth of Hinduism? Is there any history or myth in Hinduism that talks about it?

unorganized tribe religions. Hinduism became an umbrella by incorporating all those in to one as time progressed.

 

[CricketCartoons]

unorganized tribe religions. Hinduism became an umbrella by incorporating all those in to one as time progressed.

What religion were they following before those tribe religions?

 

[PakLFC]

The Harappan civilization where not Hindu's. They were most likely the ancestors of today's Hindu's.

 

[Napa]

The Harappan civilization where not Hindu's. They were most likely the ancestors of today's Hindu's.

Harappans were Dravidians.

https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/...-indus-valley-civilisation-1327247-2018-08-31

Hinduism is a religion that originated from Indo-European people, as should be obvious from the reconstructed cosmogony of the Proto-Indo-European mythology.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-European_cosmogony
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proto-Indo-European_mythology

Most Dravidians today are Hindus. Hinduism has evolved from the older Vedic Hinduism to incorporate local deities and newer Gods like Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

 

[NishanKonar]

Hinduism is a Vedic belief like Sikhism and Buddhism. Some very interesting teachings come from the ancient Hindu's no doubt about it. It's festivities are very colourful and vibrant.

This is wrong

Sikhism rejects the authority of Vedas. Same with Buddhism. That's why these 2 religions separated away from Hinduism

 

[CricketCartoons]

This is wrong

Sikhism rejects the authority of Vedas. Same with Buddhism. That's why these 2 religions separated away from Hinduism

Why does SGGS calls the One God ੴ , which sounds the same and written similar to ॐ

 

[OMB]

Bhagavad Gita comes under Mahabharata and is allowed for all.

Knowledge about God is allowed for all.

My bua is a scholar and yes there are some people from lower caste who do attend her classes. Its allowed.

The reply was about reading Vedic texts.

Everyone can read vedic texts if they know how. There are several translation though as not many people in India can read Sanskrit.

I believe there is no such thing as lower caste cannot read vedas now. It would be a crime and inhuman to hold onto this belief.

Not denying that this practice or thinking did not exist before. There was a clear oppression of poor somewhat similar to the Nubians slavery used by Arabs or European slaves used by Romans or African Slaves used by Americans and European colonial powers.

Thing to note is that Sanatan Dharma is ever evolving since previous normal practices which are now considered wrong are slowly discarded and replaced by better way of living. It is a simple concept which basically allows you to embraces change and in the course of tis change even change the religious beliefs itself.

Sikhs, Jains, Buddhism are not hindus but are identified as close to hinduism as they have tried to adopt certain tenets which are slighlty more defined than are Sanatan Dharma. I being a Jain sometimes float very easily into hinduism and have no qualms at all in worshipping Hindu gods and goddesses or even other religions too. we do have an idol of Jesus Christ in our home too.

 

[street cricketer]

Everyone can read vedic texts if they know how. There are several translation though as not many people in India can read Sanskrit.

I believe there is no such thing as lower caste cannot read vedas now. It would be a crime and inhuman to hold onto this belief.

Not denying that this practice or thinking did not exist before. There was a clear oppression of poor somewhat similar to the Nubians slavery used by Arabs or European slaves used by Romans or African Slaves used by Americans and European colonial powers.

Thing to note is that Sanatan Dharma is ever evolving since previous normal practices which are now considered wrong are slowly discarded and replaced by better way of living. It is a simple concept which says basically allows you to embraces change.
Sikhs, Jains, Buddhism are not hindus but are identified as close to hinduism as they have tried to adopt certain tenets which are slighlty more defined than are Sanatan Dharma. I being a Jain sometimes float very easily into hinduism and have no qualms at all in worshipping Hindu gods and goddesses or even other religions too. we do have an idol of Jesus Christ in our home too.

While I was in school some 12-15 years back, the veda classes were strictly exclusive to the brahmin students.

Not sure if that has changed now, but I doubt it.

 

[Itachi]

I studied Sanskrit for 3 years upto 10th.

boy.... it is one of the tough languages in the world. When I learnt russian, I was surprised that russian grammar was very much similar to sanskrit.

 

[NishanKonar]

Why does SGGS calls the One God ੴ , which sounds the same and written similar to ॐ

Ik Onkar - means One God . Om means Absolute

Point is Sikhism rejects authority of Brahmanism & Vedic supremacy, but a lot of its sacred words / icons are derived from Sanskrit . Gurur Nanak was born a Khatri ( all 10 Gururs were Khatris ) & highly educated in Sanskrit - which was language for religious education for upper caste HIndus. No wonder he used lot of Sanskrit lexicon for his religion

Again not saying Sikhism & Hindusim are totally separate. Theologically they are separate , but in practical sense both religions have lot in common - which is Sikh & Hindu communities are closely knit in India & abroad ( outside some pro Khalistan groups )

 

[guna]

I studied Sanskrit for 3 years upto 10th.

boy.... it is one of the tough languages in the world. When I learnt russian, I was surprised that russian grammar was very much similar to sanskrit.

Sanskrit is not an indigenous language to India. It came from outside. But its glory period happened in India with the whole Hindu literature and holy books written in it.

 

[Napa]

While I was in school some 12-15 years back, the veda classes were strictly exclusive to the brahmin students.

Not sure if that has changed now, but I doubt it.

Pretty sure that excluding some students from certain classes in a government run school would be a violation of the Constitution. Even a private school would get into trouble if it did such discrimination.

 

[PakLFC]

Harappans were Dravidians.

https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/...-indus-valley-civilisation-1327247-2018-08-31

Hinduism is a religion that originated from Indo-European people, as should be obvious from the reconstructed cosmogony of the Proto-Indo-European mythology.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-European_cosmogony
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proto-Indo-European_mythology

Most Dravidians today are Hindus. Hinduism has evolved from the older Vedic Hinduism to incorporate local deities and newer Gods like Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

As Gandhi said it is very difficult to say what a Hindu is. In India every Hindu community has different God's and it's attributes. In some Hindu communities Ravan is worshipped where as in others he is considered to be a demon.

I do not consider indiatiday.in to be an authentic source of information. Harappans had their own God's much like the ancient people of Mecca did before the arrival of Islam.

 

[PakLFC]

This is wrong

Sikhism rejects the authority of Vedas. Same with Buddhism. That's why these 2 religions separated away from Hinduism

I have often seen Hindu's argue that Sikhism and Buddhism is a part off it.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

unorganized tribe religions. Hinduism became an umbrella by incorporating all those in to one as time progressed.

There is a lot myth, and I was actually watching this video by this respected Jewish Rabbi.
And according to Jewish Historians, it started about 4000 years ago.

Very interesting watch

 

[street cricketer]

Pretty sure that excluding some students from certain classes in a government run school would be a violation of the Constitution. Even a private school would get into trouble if it did such discrimination.

Was a private school. And it was not a part of the curriculum but they were conducted after the class hours as optional classes, but for brahmin students only.

 

[Pascal Gambit]

There is a lot myth, and I was actually watching this video by this respected Jewish Rabbi.
And according to Jewish Historians, it started about 4000 years ago.

Very interesting video, thanks.

Many moons ago, I came across a pamphlet while at university (SOAS) which detailed many similarities between the Abrahmic faiths and Hinduism.

It covered the same points raised in the video you posted. It was so long ago and I can't recall much of the information but the key similarities were really intriguing. This included the story of Abraham and his wives Sara and Hagar which bore a close resemblance to Brahma and his two wives Saraswati and Gayatri. Further, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac which was similar to what happened with Brahma and his son (Daksha?). There were some parallels drawn between the story of Adam and Eve and Hindu texts which contain a story in a same vein. Also if I recall correctly, something about a tributary river called the Gaghar (read Hagar) flowing into or from the river Brahmaputra. It was really fascinating information but I never did follow it up with further reading.

I'd be really interested to know if there are any books delving into this subject. I hope someone recommend some books..

 

[OMB]

Was a private school. And it was not a part of the curriculum but they were conducted after the class hours as optional classes, but for brahmin students only.

This is obviously a wrong teacher in that case.
There are lot of people who still hold (wrongly) on to these beliefs.

 

[OMB]

I have often seen Hindu's argue that Sikhism and Buddhism is a part off it.

As [MENTION=147707]NishanKonar[/MENTION] (and he didn't mention Jainism) and some more posters have said - Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism separated from Hinduism but I wouldn't call it separation. They sort of gave it a definite structure by creating certain Tenets like Sikhs worship Granth Saahib but not idol worship.
Jains have 5 ways and 12 steps to adopt in their life and have certain beliefs which are based on their research. I don't know much about Buddhism but am sure it also has a definite structure to be followed.

Hindu Muslim Sikh Issai are far more common and dominant religions practiced in India whereas Buddhists (0.7%) and Jains (0.3%) constitute only about 1% of the population.
There are several other countless religions (and they will keep evolving and devolving ) and that is the perfectly ok as this is the essence of Sanatan Dharm.

Change is embraced and the various scriptures act only as a guideline but not a rule book. They are not a word of God but words of Rishis (Saints who were seeking knowledge) and even then their words are just age old wisdom or a way of life.
Since these act as a guideline not a rule book, that is why Hinduism survives even though it is the world's oldest religion. These are entirely my reflections and mentioned only so that you may point out the differences.

In modern parlance for all us spreadsheet users, it is better to set a formula rather than Hardcoding anything otherwise your work becomes futile with any change in the data set.

 

[NishanKonar]

As [MENTION=147707]NishanKonar[/MENTION] (and he didn't mention Jainism) and some more posters have said - Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism separated from Hinduism but I wouldn't call it separation. They sort of gave it a definite structure by creating certain Tenets like Sikhs worship Granth Saahib but not idol worship.
Jains have 5 ways and 12 steps to adopt in their life and have certain beliefs which are based on their research. I don't know much about Buddhism but am sure it also has a definite structure to be followed.

Hindu Muslim Sikh Issai are far more common and dominant religions practiced in India whereas Buddhists (0.7%) and Jains (0.3%) constitute only about 1% of the population.
There are several other countless religions (and they will keep evolving and devolving ) and that is the perfectly ok as this is the essence of Sanatan Dharm.

Change is embraced and the various scriptures act only as a guideline but not a rule book. They are not a word of God but words of Rishis (Saints who were seeking knowledge) and even then their words are just age old wisdom or a way of life.
Since these act as a guideline not a rule book, that is why Hinduism survives even though it is the world's oldest religion. These are entirely my reflections and mentioned only so that you may point out the differences.

In modern parlance for all us spreadsheet users, it is better to set a formula rather than Hardcoding anything otherwise your work becomes futile with any change in the data set.

At a social level for all practical purposes - Hindus , Sikhs, Buddhists & Jains are like 1 extended family.. These communities visit each other's places of worship & marry with each other

U wont see Muslims praying in church or Christians praying in mosque. But in India u will see loads of HIndus praying in Sikh Gurdwaras & following Jain religious leaders & lots of Sikhs worshipping Hindu deities

ps : Guru Gobind Singh (10th Sikh Guru ) wrote Punjabi version of Ramayan !

 

[OMB]

At a social level for all practical purposes - Hindus , Sikhs, Buddhists & Jains are like 1 extended family.. These communities visit each other's places of worship & marry with each other

U wont see Muslims praying in church or Christians praying in mosque. But in India u will see loads of HIndus praying in Sikh Gurdwaras & following Jain religious leaders & lots of Sikhs worshipping Hindu deities

ps : Guru Gobind Singh (10th Sikh Guru ) wrote Punjabi version of Ramayan !

yes I dont know about Muslims praying in churches or christians praying in mosques but I will tell you lots of my muslim and christian friends join me in Ganapati festival. They may not pray but they do accept prasad and they do turn up. That counts a lot for me.

We should celebrate diversity in all forms.

I have prayed in churches so many times, in so many countries. I wish that I could do it in mosques but not done that because I don't know how to and don't want to affect the sensibilities. None of my Muslim friends offered so I must ask them why.
Though I have visited many mosques (as tourist) and particularly the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi where they do a fabulous tour with very knowledgeable tour guides who will answer your every question very patiently. Have visited many dargahs in India too.

 

[Realromeo]

Was a private school. And it was not a part of the curriculum but they were conducted after the class hours as optional classes, but for brahmin students only.

It was like tution right ? like sangeetha class after school ? Were they actually exclusive or more like only they bothered to take it ?

 

[Pascal Gambit]

U wont see Muslims praying in church or Christians praying in mosque. But in India u will see loads of HIndus praying in Sikh Gurdwaras & following Jain religious leaders & lots of Sikhs worshipping Hindu deities

The former assertion is grossly incorrect; I have personally on innumerable occasions prayed in churches as well as in synagogues. This is while visiting countries or areas where there are very few Muslims and hence no mosques in the vicinity. Rather than spread my mat in an alien environment, which might offend some peoples' sensibilities, I've found if you politely approach the authorities in churches or synagogues, they'll happily accommodate you; not once has someone said no.

A cursory glance on YouTube would have illustrated that your assumption is just that, an assumption. There are videos of Christians and Jews praying in mosques and vice versa. There are also plenty of examples of all three communities sharing a single venue due to whatever reason. I'd surmise you're in India and maybe this is uncommon there but that's probably due to the fact that locally each community has their own facility so the need to pray elsewhere doesn't arise.

 

[Itachi]

The former assertion is grossly incorrect; I have personally on innumerable occasions prayed in churches as well as in synagogues. This is while visiting countries or areas where there are very few Muslims and hence no mosques in the vicinity. Rather than spread my mat in an alien environment, which might offend some peoples' sensibilities, I've found if you politely approach the authorities in churches or synagogues, they'll happily accommodate you; not once has someone said no.

A cursory glance on YouTube would have illustrated that your assumption is just that, an assumption. There are videos of Christians and Jews praying in mosques and vice versa. There are also plenty of examples of all three communities sharing a single venue due to whatever reason. I'd surmise you're in India and maybe this is uncommon there but that's probably due to the fact that locally each community has their own facility so the need to pray elsewhere doesn't arise.

actually your assumption is incorrect or rather partially correct only while his assumption covers the majority.

In your assumption, there's a big condition involved.

"This is while visiting countries or areas where there are very few Muslims and hence no mosques in the vicinity"

They DO because they HAVE TO.

In his post, they do it because they wishes it.

big difference.

 

[Pascal Gambit]

actually your assumption is incorrect or rather partially correct only while his assumption covers the majority.

In your assumption, there's a big condition involved.

"This is while visiting countries or areas where there are very few Muslims and hence no mosques in the vicinity"

They DO because they HAVE TO.

In his post, they do it because they wishes it.

big difference.

His was a blanket statement, categorically stating it doesn't happen. He didn't qualify it or disqualify it with any examples or alternatives.

I gave an anecdotal example that it does occur and that my experience isn't unique in any way. It's a lot more common than one might think and that people don't make a song and dance about it, illustrates that it's not a big deal. Moreover, my point about each community having a place of worship nearby which then negates the need to seek space elsewhere seems to be lost on you. That doesn't just apply in India, it’s applicable across the globe

Whenever the three Abrahmic faiths share a common space, it's obviously not to engage in collective worship as each community has its own dogma and a particular way of praying.

Your point vis-a-vis how religion is practiced in Hindu temples, demonstrates an ignorance about distinctions in faith practices and what other religions allow or frown upon. If your faith allows collective worship with other communities so be it, mine doesn't. However, on countless occasions I've happily been to mandirs and gurdwaras when invited by close friends. Im often asked to help out In whatever capacity (ushering, serving food, directing traffic, etc) but they have enough awareness to not expect me to partake of certain practices.

If your point was to petty point-score please carry on. I have no desire to engage in a futile waste of time and energy.

 

[Itachi]

His was a blanket statement, categorically stating it doesn't happen. He didn't qualify it or disqualify it with any examples or alternatives.

I gave an anecdotal example that it does occur and that my experience isn't unique in any way. It's a lot more common than one might think and that people don't make a song and dance about it, illustrates that it's not a big deal. Moreover, my point about each community having a place of worship nearby which then negates the need to seek space elsewhere seems to be lost on you. That doesn't just apply in India, it’s applicable across the globe

Whenever the three Abrahmic faiths share a common space, it's obviously not to engage in collective worship as each community has its own dogma and a particular way of praying.

Your point vis-a-vis how religion is practiced in Hindu temples, demonstrates an ignorance about distinctions in faith practices and what other religions allow or frown upon. If your faith allows collective worship with other communities so be it, mine doesn't. However, on countless occasions I've happily been to mandirs and gurdwaras when invited by close friends. Im often asked to help out In whatever capacity (ushering, serving food, directing traffic, etc) but they have enough awareness to not expect me to partake of certain practices.

If your point was to petty point-score please carry on. I have no desire to engage in a futile waste of time and energy.

You are ranting even without addressing the keypoint that I put in capital letters.

In your case, the Muslims prayed in church because they HAVE TO as no other alternative is available for them.

In his case, they prayed because they want to NOT because they HAVE TO.

 

[PakLFC]

As [MENTION=147707]NishanKonar[/MENTION] (and he didn't mention Jainism) and some more posters have said - Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism separated from Hinduism but I wouldn't call it separation. They sort of gave it a definite structure by creating certain Tenets like Sikhs worship Granth Saahib but not idol worship.
Jains have 5 ways and 12 steps to adopt in their life and have certain beliefs which are based on their research. I don't know much about Buddhism but am sure it also has a definite structure to be followed.

Hindu Muslim Sikh Issai are far more common and dominant religions practiced in India whereas Buddhists (0.7%) and Jains (0.3%) constitute only about 1% of the population.
There are several other countless religions (and they will keep evolving and devolving ) and that is the perfectly ok as this is the essence of Sanatan Dharm.

Change is embraced and the various scriptures act only as a guideline but not a rule book. They are not a word of God but words of Rishis (Saints who were seeking knowledge) and even then their words are just age old wisdom or a way of life.
Since these act as a guideline not a rule book, that is why Hinduism survives even though it is the world's oldest religion. These are entirely my reflections and mentioned only so that you may point out the differences.

In modern parlance for all us spreadsheet users, it is better to set a formula rather than Hardcoding anything otherwise your work becomes futile with any change in the data set.

Sikhs insist there faith is unrelated to Hinduism. Sikh's do not worship the Granth but believe for it to be the direct utterings of their waheguru hence they prostrate in front off it. They consider Nanak to be God in human flesh much like the Christians do Hadrat Isa, astaghfirullah.

As I have said before Hinduism is difficult to define because there is no clear concept.I have always looked upon it as more of a colourful culture then outright belief system. So if change is embraced readily then it is difficult to define exactly what it is and what the boundaries are. There is no certain or absolute belief other then anything goes.

 

[guna]

Sikhs insist there faith is unrelated to Hinduism. Sikh's do not worship the Granth but believe for it to be the direct utterings of their waheguru hence they prostrate in front off it. They consider Nanak to be God in human flesh much like the Christians do Hadrat Isa, astaghfirullah.

As I have said before Hinduism is difficult to define because there is no clear concept.I have always looked upon it as more of a colourful culture then outright belief system. So if change is embraced readily then it is difficult to define exactly what it is and what the boundaries are. There is no certain or absolute belief other then anything goes.

From what I see, some Sikhs are ashamed to be related to Hinduism as Hinduism has some really weird traditions in certain pockets of the country. It also has an element of racism in there too as they look down upon Hindus for their appearance. It’s mostly Jatt Sikhs from my experience.

But there is no Sikhism without Hinduism. All of their Gurus were Hindus. Sikhism would not have spread so much without Hindus giving their sons to be Sikhs.

From my view, Sikhism is a reformist movement started by Nanakji to challenge Hindu dogma and brainless rituals. They can consider what ever they want about themselves. But they cannot change history. All of these Sikhs were once Hindus. Just like Muslims of subcontinent. But it hurts their ego to think that their ancestors were once Hindus. So they delude themselves by deriding and bashing Hindus.

 

[street cricketer]

It was like tution right ? like sangeetha class after school ? Were they actually exclusive or more like only they bothered to take it ?

They were conducted in the school premises daily after school hours and the classes were optional only, not mandatory. But you would have to be a brahmin to enroll yourself in those classes. Not that I was ever interested in learning the vedas are anything, but just saying that the classes were exclusive.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

At a social level for all practical purposes - Hindus , Sikhs, Buddhists & Jains are like 1 extended family.. These communities visit each other's places of worship & marry with each other

U wont see Muslims praying in church or Christians praying in mosque. But in India u will see loads of HIndus praying in Sikh Gurdwaras & following Jain religious leaders & lots of Sikhs worshipping Hindu deities

ps : Guru Gobind Singh (10th Sikh Guru ) wrote Punjabi version of Ramayan !

Hindus also pray in Dargahs.

 

[OMB]

Sikhs insist there faith is unrelated to Hinduism. Sikh's do not worship the Granth but believe for it to be the direct utterings of their waheguru hence they prostrate in front off it. They consider Nanak to be God in human flesh much like the Christians do Hadrat Isa, astaghfirullah.

As I have said before Hinduism is difficult to define because there is no clear concept.I have always looked upon it as more of a colourful culture then outright belief system. So if change is embraced readily then it is difficult to define exactly what it is and what the boundaries are. There is no certain or absolute belief other then anything goes.

Let us just say you are beginning to understand the concept so it may be too early to say that "it is more of a colourful culture". All kinds of connotations arise out of the word colourful.

Honestly speaking learning about another religion is more difficult than learning a foreign language so probably our interest might stop sooner than we should stop. Who has got the time really?
That's the reason I don't know much about other religions so cannot claim to be an expert and should not judge or define in my terms.

When I said it embraces change I meant that it allows breakaway religions and also their assimilation back into the fold. It also allows dissent. Did you know in Kerala there are many hindus who eat cow beef? Check it out with Hindus from Kerala, I have a senior engineer in next room who avoids ordering beef when we dine together and I respect him for that and I do tell him to not avoid because of me.

If you are looking for outright belief system, then you will not find it defined like as say praying 5 times a day or say like in Sikhism about 5 K's or in Jainism like eat only Satvik foods (from their concept of non violence and simple living) or to not eat pork or beef etc.

As far as setting boundaries in any religion is concerned, there is not a single religion in the world which has been able to set a boundary. There have been breakaway sects and different beliefs and the boundaries will keep changing over periods, long or short.

I don't have enough in my cranium to find the right words but I feel that boundaries don't work. Maybe set guidelines and not boundaries. maybe set the goal and not the path and I found my conclusion that All roads lead to the One.

 

[Mankaded]

According to the Indian constitution no, If we go by history than yes People east of the Indus were called hindus or hindis by those west of the Indus.

In Arabic, India is called Hind and an Indian is called a Hindi (female - Hindiya) regardless of faith. The plural is Hinood which according to context I have seen used to describe both Indians and Hindus.

 

[PakLFC]

Let us just say you are beginning to understand the concept so it may be too early to say that "it is more of a colourful culture". All kinds of connotations arise out of the word colourful.

Honestly speaking learning about another religion is more difficult than learning a foreign language so probably our interest might stop sooner than we should stop. Who has got the time really?
That's the reason I don't know much about other religions so cannot claim to be an expert and should not judge or define in my terms.

When I said it embraces change I meant that it allows breakaway religions and also their assimilation back into the fold. It also allows dissent. Did you know in Kerala there are many hindus who eat cow beef? Check it out with Hindus from Kerala, I have a senior engineer in next room who avoids ordering beef when we dine together and I respect him for that and I do tell him to not avoid because of me.

If you are looking for outright belief system, then you will not find it defined like as say praying 5 times a day or say like in Sikhism about 5 K's or in Jainism like eat only Satvik foods (from their concept of non violence and simple living) or to not eat pork or beef etc.

As far as setting boundaries in any religion is concerned, there is not a single religion in the world which has been able to set a boundary. There have been breakaway sects and different beliefs and the boundaries will keep changing over periods, long or short.

I don't have enough in my cranium to find the right words but I feel that boundaries don't work. Maybe set guidelines and not boundaries. maybe set the goal and not the path and I found my conclusion that All roads lead to the One.

I know enough about Hinduism to be able to form an opinion on it. Once again I am not belittling Hinduism by saying it if much more difficult to grasp then monotheistic religions because of it's many God's, Goddess and incarnations. You seem unable to understand that expressing an opinion does not mean criticism. I have no problem when other people question certain things about Islam after all nothing should be closed to an open mind.

No need to go to Kerala when I have many Hindu colleagues who consume meat where as others are strict vegans. Some are okay with all forms of meat other then beef so it depends on their upbringing and if or not cow is holy to them or not. There is no fundamental belief in Hinduism like there is in other religions which can be both a good or bad thing. It does somewhat lack clarity as a whole.

Of course Islam has boundaries but Muslim's may not necessarily have so like it prohibits liquor yet many Muslim's can't get enough off it. Not judging Muslim's who drink rather just making a point here. The Qur'an and hadiith are adamant on certain things as far as I am concerned even if believers are over it's authenticity. Islam does say "there is no compulsion in matters of faith" yet there are compulsions if a person decides to believe.

 

[PakLFC]

From what I see, some Sikhs are ashamed to be related to Hinduism as Hinduism has some really weird traditions in certain pockets of the country. It also has an element of racism in there too as they look down upon Hindus for their appearance. It’s mostly Jatt Sikhs from my experience.

But there is no Sikhism without Hinduism. All of their Gurus were Hindus. Sikhism would not have spread so much without Hindus giving their sons to be Sikhs.

From my view, Sikhism is a reformist movement started by Nanakji to challenge Hindu dogma and brainless rituals. They can consider what ever they want about themselves. But they cannot change history. All of these Sikhs were once Hindus. Just like Muslims of subcontinent. But it hurts their ego to think that their ancestors were once Hindus. So they delude themselves by deriding and bashing Hindus.

I don't want to upset Sikh's by saying it is an offshoot of Hinduism, it is for the two communities to decide on this matter only that I have seen them arguing about it many times on debates. I guess the correct word would be it has many similarities with Hinduism much like all three monotheistic religions do.

It upsets many Sikhs for some reason to be reminded that their Guru's had Hindu backgrounds. As a Muslim it has never upset me if a Jew points out Islam's similarity to Judaism which is a fact too, it creates greater harmony when two or more communities agree on certain things as far as I am concerned.

I agree that the Sikh Guru's were like social workers of their times protesting against all forms of injustice that was going around during that period. They also challenged the Mughal's who inflicted so much harm upon them so it was a form of protest. The Muslim's or Sikh's of today were never Hindu's at all, those who were have long passed on. Today's non Hindu's of the subcontinent like me were born in to Islam and Muslim families. Another thing is that Hindu's themselves originally worshipped all kinds of animals. This belief that everyone was a Hindu from the first day of creation does not even merit a serious discussion.

No one is bashing Hindu's from where I am standing. It is the Hindu's who argue with non Hindu's over why their ancestors left Hinduism. So weird that the Hindu's of India force the happy Muslim's, Christians or Sikh's to revert back to Hinduism to increase their own numbers. Just because something is older does not make it right.

 

[KingKhanWC]

A Question to ALL.

Does Hindu holy scripture advise if another religous building has been built over a temple, Hindus must demolish the building and rebuild the temple? What is the correct Hindu religious view on this?

Thanks

 

[Champ_Pal]

A Question to ALL.

Does Hindu holy scripture advise if another religous building has been built over a temple, Hindus must demolish the building and rebuild the temple? What is the correct Hindu religious view on this?

Thanks

There is no rulings on it. Hinduism is about following Dharma. The duties and rituals that a person has to perform based on his profession.
So if anyone demolishes an old temple and builds a mosque on it, it becomes the dharma of all Hindu citizens to restore it back to its original temple. But no one follows Dharma in this day and age. Very small percentage do it. Majority are namesake Hindus or borderline atheists or agnostics.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Can someone just explain to me in just one sentence what Hinduism is?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Can someone just explain to me in just one sentence what Hinduism is?

Currently it is just a political jumla used by BJP to fool millions. Real hindus are in minority in India.

 

[Mesozoic]

Currently it is just a political jumla used by BJP to fool millions. Real hindus are in minority in India.

Oh really? Who are these real Hindus and how can one differentiate them from the fake ones?

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Are all cows everywhere considered sacred or just the cows in India?

 

[Itachi]

Are all cows everywhere considered sacred or just the cows in India?

Everywhere.

 

[KingKhanWC]

There is no rulings on it. Hinduism is about following Dharma. The duties and rituals that a person has to perform based on his profession.
So if anyone demolishes an old temple and builds a mosque on it, it becomes the dharma of all Hindu citizens to restore it back to its original temple. But no one follows Dharma in this day and age. Very small percentage do it. Majority are namesake Hindus or borderline atheists or agnostics.

So there is a ruling, Modi is following Dharma.

What an understanding and peaceful religion , never thought otherwise.

 

[Champ_Pal]

So there is a ruling, Modi is following Dharma.

What an understanding and peaceful religion , never thought otherwise.

The issue is as much political as much political as much as religious sentiments.

Hinduism is understanding and peaceful for the most part like Buddhism or Jainism. Sikhism is the only one that has the Shastra or Arms role in it. Even Sikhs are peaceful for the most part.

Babar was a Turk and he did exactly what Turks were doing in their conquest of dozens of empires. They demolish the existing structures and build their own religious structures and monuments.

 

[KingKhanWC]

The issue is as much political as much political as much as religious sentiments.

Hinduism is understanding and peaceful for the most part like Buddhism or Jainism. Sikhism is the only one that has the Shastra or Arms role in it. Even Sikhs are peaceful for the most part.

Babar was a Turk and he did exactly what Turks were doing in their conquest of dozens of empires. They demolish the existing structures and build their own religious structures and monuments.

Not everyone follows their faith.

To say Hinduism allows climbing up a religious building , knocking it down and replacing with a temple, doesnt seem peaceful or understanding at all, its the opposite.

You have scriptures, surely there must be some text regarding how to treat other faiths? If you dont know, its fine.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Not everyone follows their faith.

To say Hinduism allows climbing up a religious building , knocking it down and replacing with a temple, doesnt seem peaceful or understanding at all, its the opposite.

You have scriptures, surely there must be some text regarding how to treat other faiths? If you dont know, its fine.

Hinduism does not allow to destroy anything. It was done by religious zealots.

I am sure Islam also does not allow destroying or occupying others religious structures. So Babar exactly did not follow Islam. Turkic people are savages and barbarians. They also converted Hagia Sophia church into a Mosque.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Hinduism does not allow to destroy anything. It was done by religious zealots.

I am sure Islam also does not allow destroying or occupying others religious structures. So Babar exactly did not follow Islam. Turkic people are savages and barbarians. They also converted Hagia Sophia church into a Mosque.

I dont agree with H Sofia being turned into a mosque, its totally against Islamic teachings and the same for anyone else. One day this Cathedral will be handed back to the Orthodox Church.

Appreciate your honesty, its hard to believe Hinduism would. I know many Hindus in the UK, Ive only met a few which support the BJP/RSS version of ideas.

 

[Champ_Pal]

I dont agree with H Sofia being turned into a mosque, its totally against Islamic teachings and the same for anyone else. One day this Cathedral will be handed back to the Orthodox Church.

Appreciate your honesty, its hard to believe Hinduism would. I know many Hindus in the UK, Ive only met a few which support the BJP/RSS version of ideas.

Any proof of it? Did Erdogan say that?

 

[KingKhanWC]

Any proof of it? Did Erdogan say that?

Erdogan is part of Nato.

The Islamic view and prohicies say one day the city will be liberated and scholars assume from this, it will be given back to the rightful owners.

Please dont think Turkey is an Islamic nation, its secular and Erdogan plays to religion for votes, much like Modi.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Erdogan is part of Nato.

The Islamic view and prohicies say one day the city will be liberated and scholars assume from this, it will be given back to the rightful owners.

Please dont think Turkey is an Islamic nation, its secular and Erdogan plays to religion for votes, much like Modi.

So Turks will vacate Turkey and give it back to Greeks + Armenians + Eastern Euros?

 

[KingKhanWC]

So Turks will vacate Turkey and give it back to Greeks + Armenians + Eastern Euros?

No the Turks will liberate Turkey, taking it out of Nato and ending the secular identity.

 

[Champ_Pal]

No the Turks will liberate Turkey, taking it out of Nato and ending the secular identity.

So they become Islamic country and yet you are saying that the Hagia Sofia will given back to Christians? Man, Please!!

 

[KingKhanWC]

So they become Islamic country and yet you are saying that the Hagia Sofia will given back to Christians? Man, Please!!

Exactly, it should never have been turned into a mosque. This is the Islamic view, see the thousands of churches still standing in lands where Muslims ruled and continue to rule.