Surprisingly some of the recent posts that I've read had to do with religion and more specifically about Hinduism or being a Hindu.
Hinduism! - I think it is very difficult to have a common definition of what it is. If a set of Hindu's are asked to define what it is - I am of the opinion that there are likely to be as many different perceptions of the term as there are respondents. This difference could be in the God(s) worshiped, rituals followed, religious texts followed etc.
That is part of my comment on Hip Hop Grandma's post on her understanding of Hinduism. Personally I dont have any belief or non-belief in religion or hinduism. Given below are a set of links to posts about different people's understanding/views of Hinduism/Religion:
Hip Hop Grandma on Hindu way of life
Kurrodu on To hug a tree
Bharathis on Being a Hindu
Noble Savage (Jay) has several posts on Hinduism. Among these her post on God/belief system probably reflects her own beliefs. Another post (drawn from another source) gives a general overview of Hinduism.
Mister Pregunto - asks a very general question - If you were to create your own religion, what would it be like?
Do you have your own take on the topic?
Note:This is a topic I'm a little wary of touching, because of the emotions that it is likely to rouse and the differences of opinion possible.
4 comments:
I guess you know your religion or at least your interpretation of it, only when you try to explain it to someone in words or in writing.. (this statement might be contested by a lot of folks.)
I have been and am a Hindu. But the realization of what I am came, when I was trying to explain to two gorgrous 18 something, Jehovas Witness propaganda girls, trying desperately to convince me and my Catholic friend David that if we did not become Witnesses(?), we would definitely rot in hell.
They had a good idea of Christianity, but just to have some fun, David who had joined me in the Wharton Business school lawns mainly to admire many of gods creations catching some sun, turned them on me and said "Hinduism is actually the greatest. This dude sitting next to me is Hindu. do you know what Hinduism is? He will tell you!"..
the rest of the story dear visitor, will be a post in my blog.. this comment is too long already!
Sundar - Thanks a lot for your comment.
I guess you know your religion or at least your interpretation of it, only when you try to explain it to someone in words or in writing..
This is what came across when I read Kurrodu's post on the same topic.
One would probably be dismayed that one didn't know much about his/her religion, and while trying to answer the question they themselves would be surprised that they 'knew' so much! :)
For Hindu dharma sutra by Apastamba in blog form visit www.grihyasutras.blogspot.com
What do I understand from the word Hinduism?
ABSOULTE FREEDOM. Freedom of thoughts and actions. No other culture or religion in the world has as much freedom as one has in Hinduism.
As a Hindu, you have the right to worship or not to worship.
As a hindu, you do not have to bow down in front of heirachy.
As a Hindu, you can condemn everything that is called Hinduism and still proclaim that you are a Hindu.
Even atheists can proudly proclaim they are Hindus.
http://www.amiahindu.com/
http://www.boloji.com/hinduism/036.htm
Post a Comment