Hindu Diversity

Vinayaka · #1 01-06-2016, 11:50 PM

There are a few beliefs in Hinduism that are common to nearly all sects. Reincarnation, karma, God or Gods, and a few more.

After that it gets very divergent. Which scriptures we use, the nature of God, the nature of moksha, dualism, monism, pluralism, how we approach daily living, diet, how modest we are, which festivals we celebrate, how we approach God, what language we speak, how we approach other faiths and sects, ... well, to not over-exaggerate at all ... it varies ... a lot. We're really about 5 religions rolled into one.

To top it off, many Hindus are blissfully unaware of our own diversity. Having been brought up in one geographic area, one language, and one sect, they erringly believe that their own little version of Hinduism is THE version. Understandable, but not really that accurate. Then they pass their bit on to a newcomer, and the newcomer accepts it, sating, 'Well, I spoke to this Hindu and he said that _____________" there fore it must be true about Hindus. So it's a bit like one person from small village in the UK or the US speaking for the entire country, as if the entire place was all like that one small village. (I don't generally go on rants like this, but another thread inspired it.)

This is both a challenge and a boon. Its a challenge, because you have to somehow sort it all out, and its a boon because its a celebration of human diversity.

So for the newcomer, it can be a bit overwhelming. That's why I personally suggest reading the ovderview introductory books, before narrowing it down.

BlueSky · #2 02-06-2016, 12:10 AM

I personally see Hinduism as a culture, not a religion. Being an American, I would never claim, nor could I claim, to be a Hindu.
There are many paths to Self realization and those of us who are not Hindu learn from the many sages and scriptures which have nothing to do with being a Hindu. So I don't see diversity, cuz I do t practice it like a religion. I see it as a guru in writing. It's not in anyway overwhelming although it is certainly mind provoking and enlightening.

Shivani Devi · #3 02-06-2016, 12:19 AM

Namaste.

Very nicely written, Vinayaka. Nice to see you make a thread. lol

I see Hinduism as a way of life and not a religion. Even though I was born in Australia into an anglo-caucasian family, I would make the claim to be a Hindu...why wouldn't I? why couldn't I? what was stopping me? I couldn't find anything that did.

Hinduism is the most diverse and all-encompassing faith. It gives one room and breathing space to explore their own beliefs and spirituality within it.

Forget about 5 religions rolled into one...there are thousands of religions all rolled into one...the whole link to them all being the Agamas and the whole concept of Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma is the essence of Hinduism and everything else just arose out from that.

For the newcomer, it's hard to grasp these concepts, but they'll learn in time if they are dedicated, tolerant and persistent enough.

Vinayaka · #4 02-06-2016, 12:30 AM

I'm white, Canadian, and totally unabashedly Hindu. I have absolutely no problem declaring it. My name is Hindu (I changed it) my lifestyle is Hindu, and other than skin colour, I'm more Hindu than most Hindus, and have been told so quite a few times (by other Hindus). I go to a Hindu temple regularly, my Guru is really unabashedly Hindu, all my friends are Hindu, I'm a past president of a Hindu temple, and a former priest at same temple. I eat, sleep and dream Hindu, have been to over 100 Hindu temples. I love it.

I prostragte full out, always wear veshti, do daily sadhana, annual pilgrimage.

40 years ago, when it became obvious, one could say I went 'all in'.

BlueSky · #5 02-06-2016, 12:36 AM

And if you let go of all that, what would you be?

BlueSky · #6 02-06-2016, 12:46 AM

This path represented in the Hindu scriptures is a truth. A truth that no religion can claim. A truth that is everywhere. A truth that leads us to uncovering that truth in us.
If one follows the practices in Hinduism then one is following that religion. That's cool but it's just a path, not who or what you are. iMO

Shivani Devi · #7 02-06-2016, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinayaka

I'm white, Canadian, and totally unabashedly Hindu. I have absolutely no problem declaring it. My name is Hindu (I changed it) my lifestyle is Hindu, and other than skin colour, I'm more Hindu than most Hindus, and have been told so quite a few times (by other Hindus). I go to a Hindu temple regularly, my Guru is really unabashedly Hindu, all my friends are Hindu, I'm a past president of a Hindu temple, and a former priest at same temple. I eat, sleep and dream Hindu, have been to over 100 Hindu temples. I love it.

I prostragte full out, always wear veshti, do daily sadhana, annual pilgrimage.

40 years ago, when it became obvious, one could say I went 'all in'.

Yep, you're a Hindu.

*although you probably didn't need me to tell you that.

I'm not as 'dedicated' as you are, I guess you could say, but if it looks like a duck...walks like a duck...quacks like a duck...then it's a duck.

I never really got into any of the entrapments or outward shows of my faith. In fact, I left Hinduism for a while...for 10 years because it was too 'showy'.

I went to poojas...all the ladies sitting around in their best silk sarees and gold dripping everywhere...gossiping about other people there...just using the event as a chance to socialise and not understanding anything about what the pooja was actually about...

Men sitting around drinking kava kava, discussing sport and politics...

All the prayers were dry and had no meaning...there wasn't any feeling...no ecstasy...none of that spiritual vibration that stirs up spinal energies just by being in that room...nothing!

I ended up hating this thing called 'Hinduism' and rebelled against it.

Then, about 5 years ago, Lord Shiva appeared to me and sorta went 'what about Me...or did you forget that?" I surrendered to Shiva again and delved back into it with full force.

Shivani Devi · #8 02-06-2016, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Self

And if you let go of all that, what would you be?

Even if you let go of it all, you'd still be a Hindu. It goes beyond mere representation - it's a 'heart thing' in the end.

BlueSky · #9 02-06-2016, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Necromancer

Even if you let go of it all, you'd still be a Hindu. It goes beyond mere representation - it's a 'heart thing' in the end.

In the end, it's a word that holds different meanings to different people. It obviously means something different to you than it does to me and that's cool.

Shivani Devi · #10 02-06-2016, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Self

In the end, it's a word that holds different meanings to different people. It obviously means something different to you than it does to me and that's cool.

Agreed, it's just a word that holds different meanings...

I'll leave you with this thought...what is the difference between the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and those of Buddhism?

This may help you understand the difference between that which is 'Hindu' and that which is 'Not-Hindu'...

However, in the end and after all is said and done...after the fact...

It's funny that after all of the journeys one takes, they arrive back at the same place they started from. lol