Followers of Hindu philosophy

[rvikz]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

@ssn

Farukh says ‘I have also read parts of the Veda and needless to say it distubed me and made me sick, no wonder more and more Hindus are becoming secular.’

It is still better than more and more people becoming terrorists and killing innocent people in the name of GOD

secular thinking is not new expressed in vedas
Then there was neither Aught nor Nought, no air nor sky beyond.
What covered all? Where rested all? In watery gulf profound?
Nor death was then, nor deathlessness, nor change of night and day.
That One breathed calmly, self-sustained; nought else beyond it lay.

Gloom hid in gloom existed first - one sea, eluding view.
That One, a void in chaos wrapt, by inward fervour grew.
Within it first arose desire, the primal germ of mind,
Which nothing with existence links, as sages searching find.

The kindling ray that shot across the dark and drear abyss-
Was it beneath? or high aloft? What bard can answer this?
There fecundating powers were found, and mighty forces strove-
A self-supporting mass beneath, and energy above.

Who knows, who ever told, from whence this vast creation rose?
No gods had then been born - who then can e’er the truth disclose?
Whence sprang this world, and whether framed by hand divine or no-
Its lord in heaven alone can tell, if even he can show.

-- Anon. (The Rig Veda)

Too, the hymn, and subsequent commentary, evoke the academic intensity and
diversity of theological debates in Vedic and classical Hindu traditions.
This presents a marked contrast to the ritualism and orthodoxy that suffuse
the religion today

http://www.cs.rice.edu/~ssiyer/minstrels/poems/739.html

[Lahore_981]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

Okay so where is the "directed" discussion about Sadiyah's questions?

Why nobody has specifically discussed those questions?????

[Rahul67]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

Sadiyah, There have been lots of dicussion on your questions in above posts...
If you have further clarifications..

[Lahore_981]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

@Sadiyah

Could you please start a thread on 'Converts to Hinduism' and tell us about the statistics as well as about the famous personalities who have converted to Hinduism. I'm sure it'll be a learning experience for the remainder of us.

@Sadiyah

I'm interested in finding out how many have given up their previous beliefs and have embraced the philosophy of Hinduism where the new followers worship God in the same manner as Hindus do and take part in Hindu rituals and celebrations.

@Sadiyah

Not getting back to topic, yoga may be part of Hinduism and many may have embraced it. However, what I'm interested in finding out is famous personalities and other people in general who have embraced the philosophy of Hinduism where they read the Hindu holy books, worship God as per the instructions present in the Hindu holy books, and celebrate Hindu festivals.

I put forth the questions again....

[ssingh]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

Earlier i had mentioned about George harrison of beetles. Its not just george harrison but also john lennon of beetles. he was stabbed by a christian fanatic because he was very much influenced by a other religion called hinduism.

During the silver jubilee celebrations of art of living nearly 2.5 million attended the gathering. Of which i heard nearly 20% of them were foreigners. During a live TV broadcast, I saw some of them singing bhajans of Lord shiva.

If we go to some of the famous hindu shrines you will see many foreigners.

These are some of the quotes on hinduism:

Henry David Thoreau, American Thinker /Author: 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.

R.W. Emerson, American Author: In the great books of India, an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence, which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the questions that exercise us.

Max Muller, German Scholar: "If I were to look over the whole world to find out a country most richly endowed with all the wealth, power and beauty that nature can bestow – in some part a very paradise on earth – I should point to India."
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]"There is no book in the world that is so thrilling, stirring and inspiring as the Upanishads." (‘Sacred Books of the East’)

Hu Shih (Former Chinese Ambassador to USA): "India conquered and dominated China for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across its border."

Sir William Jones, British Orientalist: "The Sanskrit language, whatever be its antiquity is of wonderful structure, more perfect than the Greek, more copious than the Latin and more exquisitely refined than either

Apollonius Tyanaeus, Ancient Greek Traveler: "In India, I found a race of mortals living upon the Earth, but not adhering to it, inhabiting cities, but not being fixed to them, possessing everything, but possessed by nothing."

Mark Twain, American Author: "India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most astrictive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only!"

"So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked."
In religion, India is the only millionaire... the One land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined."/

[rvikz]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

@Lahore 981

I put forth the questions again…

does islam considers hindus number one enemy? or pakistan wants to use
allah agianst hinduism?

Islam also shares some similarities with Hinduism. As with Hinduism, Islam also teaches that there is a divine law and order in the universe and that we must be in harmony with it. While the ultimate reality in Hinduism is Brahman, one of the 99 names for God in Islam is Rahman (Most Gracious) – strikingly similar words used to name God. In Islam, as in Hinduism, the motivation and intention of one’s actions have an important bearing on one’s life on earth and beyond death. The main differences are as follows:

http://www.muslimway.org/en/questions_and_an/a.49867.html

[ssingh]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

In spite of yoga, ayurveda and other things related to hinduism being so famous, we dont find many converting to hinduism when compared to other religions because proselytation or convertion is something which many hindus dont care about it.

[Rahul67]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

@rvikz

does islam considers hindus number one enemy? or pakistan wants to use
allah agianst hinduism?

Islam also shares some similarities with Hinduism. As with Hinduism, Islam also teaches that there is a divine law and order in the universe and that we must be in harmony with it. While the ultimate reality in Hinduism is Brahman, one of the 99 names for God in Islam is Rahman (Most Gracious) – strikingly similar words used to name God. In Islam, as in Hinduism, the motivation and intention of one’s actions have an important bearing on one’s life on earth and beyond death. The main differences are as follows:

http://www.muslimway.org/en/questions_and_an/a.49867.html

Good article, seems to be trying to understand Hinduism… Though should look at following inputs on differences…

1. Hinduism does have concept of Start and End, with only GOD remaining. Even in Geeta, Krishna says I was there before the start and I will be there after the end.
2. It looks close comparison, the difference is semantic and can be part of interpertation.
3. Statement that Brahm can’t be worshiped/prayed on directly is wrong. The Yoga/ mediation and Rajyoga directly pray to supreme. There aren’t million God and Goddesses, they are manifestation of supreme being. This logically gets clear with point 2, where belief is that everything has part of being, including you and me.
4. Classes were divided on occupation and this wasn’t tied to birth, or we can’t have Karna (Shudra) being made a king in Mahabharta. As well some of the epics have been written by people whose parents were suppose to be from lower castes. Its in later time mainly in Gupta period when interpertation of caste was made rigid by sections of society to keep hold on positions of power.

Last statement is very interesting deen - Way for life. Since many a philosphers have used same statement of Hinduism.

[Yudishthir]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

@Lahore 981

I put forth the questions again....

Sadiyah sahab, the quotations of the following people answers your 3 questions.

" When I read the Bhagawad Gita and reflect about how God created the Universe, everything seemed so superflous"
--Albert Einstein.

"The Bhagavad Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution of endowing value to mankind. It is one of the most clear and comprehensive summaries of perrenial philosophy ever revealed;hence its enduring value is subject not only to India but all of humanity"
--Aldous Huxley

"The Bhagawad Gita has a profound influence on the spirit of mankind by its devotion to God which is manifested by actions"
--Albert Scheiweiser

You dont have to "convert" to Hinduism to understand its underlying philosophy. You just have to follow it.

No wonder, Hinduism is not a religion, but indeed a way of life.

[quote]
proselytation or convertion is something which many hindus dont care about it.
[/quote]
You said it, ssingh.

[ssingh]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

To this question there are many answers:

1.Conversion is something which hindus don’t care, eventhough certain aspects of it like yoga, ayurveda etc are popular.So there are few people converting to it.(I said this answer in the beginning and still say it)
2.A person studying Hinduism for many years, realizes that all religion teaches the same thing and he doesn’t convert to it since the end goals are the same
3.Another person studying it for many years says that Hinduism has nothing to offer to this world and says it’s a very bad religion and doesn’t convert to it

There is one more possible answer which many people agree and I have even come across one of the swamis saying it. It’s not related to this topic but would like to say it

1. When we are kids, we start learing A,B,C,D….,Z. When we go high up the ladder(like class 5,10 …..engineering), we still don’t read A,B,C…Z. Similarly, every religion teaches A,B,C….Z of GOD. Beyond that, to know god, we still don’t have to read A,B,C…Z(religion). Means still we don’t have to consider part of any religion.

A,B,C…..Z of god = ”who am “I”? From where did I come from? What is this universe and from where did it come from?”

A religion just brings these questions closer to you. To answer the above questions, you don't have to be a part of any religion.That was his(swamis) answer.

Now, I think I have given all possible answers and I am sure there is some one who believes in one answer or the another as there are more than 6 billion people. Even if the answer is no: 3, it will not and should not bother me as there will be always some one who likes Hinduism and other religions in this world.

It’s for the thread starter to choose and also others(including hindus) whatever answer they want. If they have any other answer, they can add it and choose anything from it.

[Sadiyah]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

rvikz, I don't think Islam considers Hinduism its number one enemy, or anything of that sort. I have no idea about the second half of what you said. Pakistan isn't really an Islamic country. It's more of a secular country.

Yudishthir, the three quotes that you've posted are quite good. Did the three follow Bhagawad Gita and the teachings found in it, or was it limited to the philosophy? Please shed some light on it.

Also, if Hinduism is a way of life, then it should be covering all aspects of how to lead one's life. Is such the case? If it is, then shouldn't there be teachings telling you what to do in most situations. If it does, do people follow it and could you give examples of such teachings where it shows how to lead one's life.

I am a little confused because at one end some are saying it's mainly a philosophy; however, at the other end you're telling me that it's a way of life. I don't have a problem with either one. Given that this has confused me, could you please clarify the two and tell me how the two go together. Thank you.

ssingh, I have a few convert friends who converted from Hinduism to Islam. Initially their families didn't take it well and were not very pleased with it. They weren't happy with the fact that they converted out of Hinduism. Could you please shed some light on it, as you said conversion is something Hindus don't care about?

Also, in general, I'd appreciate if someone could explain the Hindu philosophy. I know Rahul made an attempt; however, it was way too concise for me to get the actual essence of the message. It doesn't have to be too long, but detailed enough that I can get a clear picture. Thank you.

PS. I'd like to thank you all for keeping it clean. Lets keep up with this trend.

[Lahore_981]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

And the truth is that the quotes given by them, although are from some prominent figures but Sadiyah's questions reamin to be answered?

Who converted?

How many follow Hinduism?

What is the conversion rate?

What to the people follow, Bhagwad Gita, Vedas? What????

@Sadiyah

Also, if Hinduism is a way of life, then it should be covering all aspects of how to lead one's life. Is such the case? If it is, then shouldn't there be teachings telling you what to do in most situations. If it does, do people follow it and could you give examples of such teachings where it shows how to lead one's life.

And I am also intrested to know this. But nobody seem to explain it in this manner. Which makes me confused......

[_Lahore_Ka_Cheetah]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

The topic grows bigger and bigger, yet the questions remain unanswered.

[rvikz]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

@Sadiyah

rvikz, I don’t think Islam considers Hinduism its number one enemy, or anything of that sort. I have no idea about the second half of what you said. Pakistan isn’t really an Islamic country. It’s more of a secular country.

Yudishthir, the three quotes that you’ve posted are quite good. Did the three follow Bhagawad Gita and the teachings found in it, or was it limited to the philosophy? Please shed some light on it.

Also, if Hinduism is a way of life, then it should be covering all aspects of how to lead one’s life. Is such the case? If it is, then shouldn’t there be teachings telling you what to do in most situations. If it does, do people follow it and could you give examples of such teachings where it shows how to lead one’s life. they dont have any dipute with non-pakistani muslims .

I am a little confused because at one end some are saying it’s mainly a philosophy; however, at the other end you’re telling me that it’s a way of life. I don’t have a problem with either one. Given that this has confused me, could you please clarify the two and tell me how the two go together. Thank you.

ssingh, I have a few convert friends who converted from Hinduism to Islam. Initially their families didn’t take it well and were not very pleased with it. They weren’t happy with the fact that they converted out of Hinduism. Could you please shed some light on it, as you said conversion is something Hindus don’t care about?

Also, in general, I’d appreciate if someone could explain the Hindu philosophy. I know Rahul made an attempt; however, it was way too concise for me to get the actual essence of the message. It doesn’t have to be too long, but detailed enough that I can get a clear picture. Thank you.

PS. I’d like to thank you all for keeping it clean. Lets keep up with this trend.

may be they view islam through pakistan’s hostility or eqaute islam with pakistan
pakistan also uses islam as a cover so if we attack it will be considred as attack on islam. so dont drag god in to india-pakistan issues.
fight for land and water or god?

[Sadiyah]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

@rvikz

may be they view islam through pakistan's hostility or eqaute islam with pakistan pakistan also uses islam as a cover so if we attack it will be considred as attack on islam. so dont drag god in to india-pakistan issues. fight for land and water or god?

Ohkay there! I fail to see how this answers any of the questions I posted above. You said something about Pakistan, so I clarified. I did not 'drag in india-pakistan issues' or 'fight over land and water'.

[_Lahore_Ka_Cheetah]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

This is a typical response from someone who is unable to answer questions, and for the face-save, attemps to change the topic-at-hand. How long will this go? We are nearing the end of Page 2, not to mentions that it has happened in so many topics before.

[rvikz]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

@_Lahore_Ka_Cheetah

This is a typical response from someone who is unable to answer questions, and for the face-save, attemps to change the topic-at-hand. How long will this go? We are nearing the end of Page 2, not to mentions that it has happened in so many topics before.

you have the burden of proof since you claim all relgiens are corrupted excpet islam we caliim there many paths including islam

[_Lahore_Ka_Cheetah]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

@rvikz

you have the burden of proof since you claim all relgiens are corrupted excpet islam we caliim there many paths including islam

^^ What does your reply have anything to do with the questions asked by Sadiyah, in the first post?

On a side note - the above post further proves what I had said earlier: change of topics, because of the inability to answer a few simple questions

[rvikz]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

@_Lahore_Ka_Cheetah

^^ What does your reply have anything to do with the questions asked by Sadiyah, in the first post?

On a side note - the above post further proves what I had said earlier: change of topics, because of the inability to answer a few simple questions

you claim others are wrong you have to fight them until they change
do oyu have the power to change china india isarel europe?
you have no chioce other than living in diverse religens.

As men approach Me, so I receive them. All paths, Arjuna, lead to Me.

1. Hinduism. Bhagavad Gita 4.11

Confucius said… “In the world there are many different roads but the destination is the same. There are a hundred deliberations but the result iis one.”

2. Confucianism. I Ching, Appended Remarks 2.5

http://www.unification.net/ws/theme00a.htm

[ssingh]

Re: Followers of Hindu philosophy

I was asked that some hindus have converted to islam and their hindu families opposed it. And they should not since hindus dont care about conversion. Yes, hindus dont care about "others" converting to hinduism. It's not the opposite. the question is why?..because if this trend continues hindus will go down in numbers. Nobody, wants their people to go down in numbers. This may look exagerrated. But i think thats how it is, atleast what i believe. This may look very trivial also.

I will tell you guys one more incident. Recently a few foreigners (one of them princess of thailand) who were devotees of Lord Jagannath of Puri came to see Lord jagannath's ratha yatra. They were not allowed inside the temple by the priests simply because they are not hindus by birth.Even the present government contested it but only to futile. So, i again say hindus dont prosetelyte(or what ever it is) or invite others to hinduim. I myself being a hindu not seen any hindu priest inviting people of other faiths to hinduism not even heard of it.

But if a hindu says that he wants to go to other religions because it brings him more closer to god, then i dont have any qualms with that. But definitely i cant say this to those who are his relatives.

Yes the conversion rates into hinduism are low when compared to other faiths. Nobody atleast me, over here is denying it. I dont see any shame in accepting that.

Regarding the famous personalities on hinduism, i have posted them above and different answers to this question. I read this incident in Times of india. A german lady who participated in Sri Sri Ravishankar convocation in bangalore recently said this, dont remember the exact sentence. she said "For 12 years or so, i am a part of this Art of living foundation and a follower of guruji, but still, i am a christian". Her guruji or any other guruji didn't ask her to change her faith. Even the indian muslim gurus or maulanas as you call, came to that congregation. Ofcourse it was on the invitation of sri sri ravishankar. rest all came on their own. Anyone can accept or reject whatever i said.

some one said that he or she wants to know hinduism, open a different thread. I will give my views. May not be a very exact one because even though by birth i am a hindu, i have no authority on hinduism . Best is get some hindu religious scriptures and read on your own. Again, dont worry you will not convert to hinduism and nobody will ask you also.