Hinduism

[IamTheWalrus]

Yah I've noticed theres been alot of the same old, "how can you believe in god, give me proof threads" , so I decided to mix it up, I've just recently learned about hinduism, and its just a crazy religion, I believe alot of there teachings and concepts are just, I dunno fascinating I guess. Karma, and Dharma, both very essential and it makes the truth seem so very easy to reach, without the fact you go through thousands of life times. What are your views on hinduism? I like it I've veen been considering it, but I know Ill always have a belief in God and Jesus so that ideas kind of out unless you can call Jesus a reincarnation of Vishnu :D. But what do you guys think about it?

[greendove]

Well, Hinduism isn't really a polytheistic religion. It's more monotheistic. When folks pay tribute to certain Hindu "gods", it's more like they're paying tribute to a specific aspect of God, since God is so vast and so overwhelming that it's impossible for a human mind to comprehend its entirity. So, they break it down into parts. In a way, its like looking at the ocean. From where you're standing when on the beach, you can see and comprehend a part of the ocean, but you can't fathom the whole thing. It's deeper and bigger than your brain can really completely wrap around just looking at it from Earth.

I'm also intrigued about how so many people misunderstand Karma. Many people think that it's a "what goes around, comes around" kind of belief, but in reality, it's more about life's lessons. Your soul, over thousands of lifetimes, needs to be taught various lessons. Karma is what teaches them. If you don't learn a lesson the first time it's taught, Karma will teach it again, harder the second time, and so on and so forth.

I'll write more on the subject a little later on. Gotta' do some dishes. Peace!

[IamTheWalrus]

Yah I forget what movie it is but Dustin Hoffman holds up a blanket, and its such a good description he says im here pointing to one part, and pointing to another says your here, but like this blanket were all connected. Also yah I realize Hinduism is Polytheistic, but in some ways its mono as well, and not at all. Brahman isnt an entity its here, and nowhere, it sees without eyes, hears without ears, feels without touching. I think it was Gandhi who regarded Hinduim as monotheistic? What I love about him though is he embraced all religions, just as different ways to the one truth. But thanks to replying doesnt seem like many people are interested in this thread.

[MastaChronic]

im interested, i just dont have anything to offer you.
im hoping other people will contribute to this thread

[Polymirize]

You're thinking of "I (heart) Huckabees", which was a pretty kickass movie but focuses more on the existential/nihlist distinction. Man I remember watching that movie for the first time blazed out of my mind. That was an experience.

As for hinduism, it's remarkably poetic and I love the symbolism that goes into it. As has been said there's a strong sense that all are simply manifestations of the universal One. If you really want to know more about it I'd suggest reading something like the Bhagavad Gita.

[IamTheWalrus]

yah Ive actually considered that, its a long read, but worth it.., and yah I hope more people contribute here to, I have a decent understanding, but you can always learn more.

[greendove]

As has been said there's a strong sense that all are simply manifestations of the universal One.

One thing that I love about Hinduism is that it is, in it's barest and most literal form, a non-judgemental faith. It's about progression of the soul, and preparing the soul to eventually become one with the galactic bowl of tapioca pudding that is "God". Hindus believe that folks of all faith are able to attain this enlightenment, Christian, Jewish, Pagan, or otherwise. The only difference is that they may not reach enlightenment as quickly, since they do not practice the precise techniques that will get you there at an accelerated pace. It's the true Yoga, and it's not the same thing that skinny blondes use to be able to stretch their legs behind their heads.

Yoga is one of the integral parts of Hinduism. It refines control over the body, which in turn, allows an easier time controlling the mind and spirit. Basically, if your body is able to react exactly as you would like for it to, without bumbling or putting in too much thought, the movements of the body become flawless, allowing one to focus on the spirit always, instead of worrying about what the body is doing. A refined body can be trusted to do as it needs to do. Unlike the Western interpretation, one of the largest parts of Yoga is the meditation and spiritual growth involved, the ability for one to learn to truly focus, both inside and out.

There are four main phases to the Hindu levels of enlightenment. Phase one, for younger souls, is focussed entirely on physical pleasures, gaining desires. However, as the story goes, a soul will over time eventually learn that they cannot be made truly fulfilled by these things. So, they move on. Phase two is focussed on hard work, gaining money, and material wealth. However, a soul will eventually learn that, this too, does not bring satisfaction and enlightenment. Phase three is what comes next, a burning desire to do good in the world, in philanthropy, and bringing joy to others. However, the spirit will eventually learn through this that the pains and sufferings of people are not necessarily "bad" things. Karma has to teach it's lessons, and every soul needs to go through terrible lives, as well as beautiful ones in order to grow. There will always be suffering in the world, and there is no one who can change that, regardless of politics or anything else mankind will have to offer. Once someone realizes that in their soul, next comes "enlightenment", which is a very short phase, until one becomes "one" with God. An enlightened man will cease to worry about food, water, and sustinence, and will usually not live very long, not needing the material world for growth anymore. One thing that's interesting is that there's no major "rush" to gain this enlightenment. If you're a young soul still in Phase one, hey, not a problem... everyone went through it. You will not be looked down on for it. The progression of the soul is much like the progression of a human life, containing childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and maturity.

Hinduism, with all it's poetry and beauty, has just as ugly and defiled of a past as any religious faith has. I may explain the caste system at a later time, but it was used and perverted by people in power to do what most corrupt governments do... keep the rich in power, and the poor man down.

There have also been a lot of awful things to come out of Hindu based faith. When the British East India Company came in and pretty much "took over" India (an occupation ended thanks to Ghandi), the Hindus were still throwing the living widows of all men onto their funeral pyres, executing them. If you were an Indian woman before England came along, you would hope to die before your husband. Otherwise, your death was going to be quite unpleasant and untimely. One of the first things England did when it got there was put a stop to that practice. Though their occupation did some terrible things, it wasn't completely bad.