Again, I am making peace with Hinduism.

[Honza]

The Eastern teachings really took me by storm. Does anyone notice that it is only in the last 50 years or so, since the advent of world media, that all this worldwide information is available to us?

Before world media came along I had no idea about Eastern spirituality. I was definitely a 'Westerner'.....

So much new stuff to consider in these days. I am making peace!

[Unseeking Seeker]

So many scriptures, plethora of gods, yet in the end, we must find the light within. In stillness.

[HITESH SHAH]

Originally Posted by Honza

The Eastern teachings ... Does anyone notice that it is only in the last 50 years or so, since the advent of world media, that all this worldwide information is available to us?
Before world media came along I had no idea about Eastern spirituality. I was definitely a 'Westerner'.....
So much new stuff to consider in these days. I am making peace!

Indeed what you are doing is great . While eastern teachings is great, Hindu's themselves have lacked an understanding of it leaving its practice far more superficial , superstitious and 'commercial' (give and take driven by lure and fear) . On the other hand other religion/westerner may have simple language which at times not intelligible to so called intellectuals of current era . But on the understanding and its practice front they come very good . So ultimately it is combination of thoughts , speeches writings and actions which takes one to greater heights.

And indeed with world media , we can really see through the best aspects everywhere and learn a lot . I have learnt a lot with knowledge sharing opportunities since internet revolution in 90's .

[peteyzen]

So pleased for you Honza! I think when an understanding of God, reincarnation and Karma are combined with practices such as meditation, Mantra and prayer, alongside with massive action (doing the practices), great progress is inevitable, as long as an awareness of the ego and its self destructive tendency is remembered.

[Rah nam]

A major step in anyone's development is to overcome religions.

[Native spirit]

I agree with Peteyzen and Rah Nam



Namaste

[kralaro]

As Unseeking Seeker has subtly pointed out that Hinduism is vast; it isn't a single religion. I don't even know Hinduism in its fullness to be able to say that i'm making peace with it. A lady i know is devoted to Lord Shiva and she's against animal sacrifice - but not that she's an activist against that, which is fine - sticking to one's path, not bothering with others' paths.

[HITESH SHAH]

It is not about leaving ones path or bothering other path . It's about re-invigorating or rejuvenating our own path with newer fresh perspectives and about appreciating other parts different but equally valid perspectives . This gives very good impetus to so-called 'frozen theoretical bookish ' ideas of spirituality and makes spirituality easier to practice.

[kralaro]

Sorry my last phrase came off as an instruction which i didn't intend to. I've now edited "stick" -> "sticking" and "don't bother" -> "not bothering". I meant there are so many paths in spirituality, it's okay if some paths don't resonate with the person, and gave e.g. of someone following a particular Hindu practice while not resonating with other.

[Unseeking Seeker]

Here’s a poem on this topic. Enjoy!

Religion vs Spirituality

brought up a Christian
we were taught to believe
Jesus is the only true saviour
saved from sin ~ burden we heave

somewhere not far away, another soul
born and brought up in a Hindu household
chants mantras in a tongue incomprehensible
trusts fables endlessly retold ~ delusion takes hold

fierce war of words oft ensues about narrow beliefs
religious fundamentalism is the curse of our age
although Mother Earth does not discriminate
the fire of intolerance continues to rage

if it were not tragic, we would laugh
for simply by thought cessation
ego recedes and pure heart
imbibes God’s vibration