[dogra]

(Original post by SaintSoldier)
TrueWe do not have a preistly "caste" like Hinduism, as all forms of casteism are banned in Sikhism.

Ok, the above is incorrect, in Sanatan Dharma( hinduism real name) this birth based caste is poo poo, non existent in scriptures, it simply talks of functions, and priest is called Bhramin, so those who become qualified to become a priest can do so reagrdless of which family they are born into, different from corrupted social evil of caste we see, though illegal but declining.
More information:
http://agniveer.com/888/caste-system/
Its not difficult, each function has a name ie Priest, thats it

[dogra]

(Original post by nosaer)
Hinduism as I understand they have multiple deities and/or multiple manifestations),

There is one supreme being, with many manifestations in Sanatan Dharma:

http://agniveer.com/2708/vedic-god/

The Supreme One who represents selflessness, controls the entire universe, is present everywhere and is the Devata of all Devatas, alone is source of bliss. Those who do not understand Him remain drenched in sorrow and those who realize Him achieve unconditional happiness. (Rigveda 1.164.39)

[sachinisgod]

Why arent hindus united like other religions?

For example, In muslims- even though sunnis and shias fight among themselves, if an individual of another religion harms a muslim, the whole muslim world will unite

In sikhs-again if they have differences between themselves, sikhs worldwide will unite behind a cause ( eg Rajoana's hanging controversy)

Jews and christians(maybe not in the Uk but in africa, south america) they are staunch and will do anything to protetct their indentity.

There are many attrocities committed against us in Pakistan and bangladesh and many muslim countries. But we will never see huge demonstrations in India condemming such acts. This can be compared to when the Koran was burnt by accident in Afghanistan, the whole country went nuts. It was only a book and not a human life.

As a hindu I have noticed we are the only religion which is not united and we are the only people who will step on our own people if there is some monetary or some other forms of gain.This can be explained by the fact we were easily conquered by the Mughals and subsequently by the British. Who is to say if all of us had been united these foreign invaders would not have been kicked out. Also reports of students getting killed and assualted a couple of years back in Australia suggest they were mostly hindus. That could have been avoided if they were in large groups( like muslims do-strength in numbers as they say)

Also the question of hindu nationalism, why is it acceptable that if muslims are proud of their religion and will do anything to promote and preserve it, Sikhs are on the whole united for a separate state based on the principles of sikhism and a place for sikh interests. Again jewish people have Israel. Also christians in Africa and south america are very religious.

But when organisations like RSS and VHP, whose goal is to stand up for hindus rights in their own country and try to preserve some sort of respect for hindu culture, why are they labeled as fascist and radical? Is it becuase they are a majority they do not have rights.

[Politricks]

(Original post by sachinisgod)
x

Is there a relationship between India's caste system and Hinduism?

[sachinisgod]

(Original post by Politricks)
Is there a relationship between India's caste system and Hinduism?

Well the caste system was deep rooted in the religion as a way to distinguise between people. Now in my personal opinion, culturally it is difficult to change people's views on this because India by in large is still conservative country. However th evergrowing new generation of young people are trying to break barriers. I feel that it is time to change this caste business. However the Indian Caste system has caused the politics to make that issue 'important' and used it as an opportunity to gain votes and remain in power. There are quotas for low castes in universities and governments. For example for every 100 places in a uni, 50 have to be for low castes. And their entry requirements are way lower compared to normal entry. 45% aggregate in school compared to 85% for a normal person. These have caused resentment among the majority of the population as they feel that instead of trying to tackle the issue constructively, politicians are always trying to divide people on the basis of caste.
However the life the Low castes has massively improved comapred to 20/30 years. But the western media gives the wrong information by covering only the worst cases rather than the good ones.

[Politricks]

(Original post by sachinisgod)
Well the caste system was deep rooted in the religion as a way to distinguise between people. Now in my personal opinion, culturally it is difficult to change people's views on this because India by in large is still conservative country. However th evergrowing new generation of young people are trying to break barriers. I feel that it is time to change this caste business. However the Indian Caste system has caused the politics to make that issue 'important' and used it as an opportunity to gain votes and remain in power. There are quotas for low castes in universities and governments. For example for every 100 places in a uni, 50 have to be for low castes. And their entry requirements are way lower compared to normal entry. 45% aggregate in school compared to 85% for a normal person. These have caused resentment among the majority of the population as they feel that instead of trying to tackle the issue constructively, politicians are always trying to divide people on the basis of caste.
However the life the Low castes has massively improved comapred to 20/30 years. But the western media gives the wrong information by covering only the worst cases rather than the good ones.

A few months age I read about a low caste woman who became a millionaire, have you heard about it?

[dogra]

(Original post by Politricks)
Is there a relationship between India's caste system and Hinduism?

No there is not as
in Sanatan Dharma( hinduism real name) this birth based caste is poo poo, non existent in scriptures, it simply talks of functions, and priest is called Bhramin, so those who become qualified to become a priest can do so reagrdless of which family they are born into, different from corrupted social evil of caste we see, though illegal but declining.
More information:
http://agniveer.com/888/caste-system/
Its not difficult, each function has a name ie Priest, thats it

My caste: HUMAN, as Lord Krishna, God resides inhearts of all beings.
There is also dignity of labour, so each function in society is important, e.g. take an office there is the big boss, middle managers and cleaners, without the cleaner can office function properly, so we see each function is important regardless of pay packets, each society works for the betterment of humanity when all fucntions works togther.
http://agniveer.com/dignity-of-labor/

In Vedas, dignity of labor is the key underlying concept. Let us review some mantras in Vedas in this regard:Rigveda 1.117.21
The King and minister should sow seeds and do farming from time to time to set right examples for Arya. This makes them deserving of praise

[navarre]

Just a question to any Hindus on here: how do you feel about the Hindu right in India? Do you think the secularity of India is a good thing or that Hinduism should become more entrenched in laws? And finally, do you consider yourself a monotheist or polytheist?

[ash92:)]

(Original post by dogra)
No there is not as
in Sanatan Dharma( hinduism real name) this birth based caste is poo poo, non existent in scriptures, it simply talks of functions, and priest is called Bhramin, so those who become qualified to become a priest can do so reagrdless of which family they are born into, different from corrupted social evil of caste we see, though illegal but declining.
More information:
http://agniveer.com/888/caste-system/
Its not difficult, each function has a name ie Priest, thats it

My caste: HUMAN, as Lord Krishna, God resides inhearts of all beings.
There is also dignity of labour, so each function in society is important, e.g. take an office there is the big boss, middle managers and cleaners, without the cleaner can office function properly, so we see each function is important regardless of pay packets, each society works for the betterment of humanity when all fucntions works togther.
http://agniveer.com/dignity-of-labor/

Hello peeps, this is my first post in this thread. I am not a Hindu.

But am I not correct in thinking that it's believed that the Brahman caste came from the Hindu diety's head and some came from his belly, and some from his feet?

To put forward my own question:
It seems to me that Hindus worship many, many things. What is the reason for this? Is it because of the above quote that says God resides in our hearts?
If so, can this not logically mean that God is for everyone to love/call upon, etc.?

The way this has been interpreted by the above seems not to be literal (which would be that God physically resides in the heart, kind of as does blood), nor completely metaphorical - rather an intermediate between the 2.

I hope no offence was caused by my post.

ash


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[Three Mile Sprint]

(Original post by ash92:))
Hello peeps, this is my first post in this thread. I am not a Hindu.

But am I not correct in thinking that it's believed that the Brahman caste came from the Hindu diety's head and some came from his belly, and some from his feet?

To put forward my own question:
It seems to me that Hindus worship many, many things. What is the reason for this? Is it because of the above quote that says God resides in our hearts?
If so, can this not logically mean that God is for everyone to love/call upon, etc.?

The way this has been interpreted by the above seems not to be literal (which would be that God physically resides in the heart, kind of as does blood), nor completely metaphorical - rather an intermediate between the 2.

I hope no offence was caused by my post.

ash


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

Depending on which school of Vedic thought you approach with the question, the answer will be that God is a separate and distinct being, conciouslly aware, with attributes, emotions and such things that are unique to him.

However through the extension of his power in Vaishnaiva theology Vishnu(The Supereme Godhead) has five forms, the fourth of which is In the Antaryami; "Dwelling within" or "Suksma Vasudeva" form, in that Vishnu exists within the souls of all living beings and in every atom of matter.
So that while being distinct and separate in his Individual or "Para Vishnu" form he is still ever-present and ever residing within every soul and thing of the Universe, he surounds us, resides within us and yet is separate and beyond us.

As for your question "Does that not mean God is for everyone to call upon?"
Absolutely, you do not have to be a member of Sanatana Dharma to know or experience God in some form or another, all living creatures are on the wheel of Karma together and all may aproach or retreat as they desire.

[Three Mile Sprint]

(Original post by navarre)
And finally, do you consider yourself a monotheist or polytheist?

Not being a cultural Indian, I won't answer the first two.

However I would consider myself a Monotheist, though I do recognize the existence of the Demigods and Devas.

[Phantom Lord]

(Original post by Three Mile Sprint)
Not being a cultural Indian, I won't answer the first two.

However I would consider myself a Monotheist, though I do recognize the existence of the Demigods and Devas.

When and why did you become a Hindu?

[ash92:)]

(Original post by Three Mile Sprint)
Depending on which school of Vedic thought you approach with the question, the answer will be that God is a separate and distinct being, conciouslly aware, with attributes, emotions and such things that are unique to him.

However through the extension of his power in Vaishnaiva theology Vishnu(The Supereme Godhead) has five forms, the fourth of which is In the Antaryami; "Dwelling within" or "Suksma Vasudeva" form, in that Vishnu exists within the souls of all living beings and in every atom of matter.
So that while being distinct and separate in his Individual or "Para Vishnu" form he is still ever-present and ever residing within every soul and thing of the Universe, he surounds us, resides within us and yet is separate and beyond us.

As for your question "Does that not mean God is for everyone to call upon?"
Absolutely, you do not have to be a member of Sanatana Dharma to know or experience God in some form or another, all living creatures are on the wheel of Karma together and all may aproach or retreat as they desire.

Hi Three mile.

But then going by this ideology, is not God residing in one's self also? Then why worship other things, and not other peple, or more logically, yourself?

[Three Mile Sprint]

(Original post by Phantom Lord)
When and why did you become a Hindu?

Ofically, 4am this morning.

Though I have been studying Vedic Theology(mainly focusing on Vaishnava and a bit of Saivite) for about three years, and attending temple, worshiping and more or less living as a devotee for just over a year.

So I more or less just made it "Official" today, which is why I felt I would answer the question, as previously I would have leaft it for someone who firmly thought of themselves as a follower of Santana Dharma

As for why?
All the normal reasons, a love of the philosophy and theology, an emotional feeling of connection and love when in worship and devotion, a great joy and agreement in aspects of it's regulations and ritual.

[Three Mile Sprint]

(Original post by ash92:))
Hi Three mile.

But then going by this ideology, is not God residing in one's self also? Then why worship other things, and not other peple, or more logically, yourself?

Hello Ash my friend!

God is residing in ones self indeed, as a spark of creation and as a spark of divine awareness.

As for why you do not worship other people or yourself, is because it is recognized that we are only in the Karmic Existence and only covered by maya, because we arrogantly presumed ourself to be equal to God , and it was that arrogance and love of the self, that led us into our current state. One who idolizes himself and the material world will only fall deeper and deeper into the cycle, as opposed to becoming more aware of his or her true nature and escape the Karmic Cycle or more preferably become a perfect Devotee at the Lords Lotus Feet.

[navarre]

(Original post by Three Mile Sprint)
Ofically, 4am this morning.

Though I have been studying Vedic Theology(mainly focusing on Vaishnava and a bit of Saivite) for about three years, and attending temple, worshiping and more or less living as a devotee for just over a year.

So I more or less just made it "Official" today, which is why I felt I would answer the question, as previously I would have leaft it for someone who firmly thought of themselves as a follower of Santana Dharma

As for why?
All the normal reasons, a love of the philosophy and theology, an emotional feeling of connection and love when in worship and devotion, a great joy and agreement in aspects of it's regulations and ritual.

Hinduism fascinates me. After studying Christianity, Islam and Judaism, I became interested in Hinduism.

Do you go to the mandir often and are you vegetarian?

[Three Mile Sprint]

(Original post by navarre)
Hinduism fascinates me. After studying Christianity, Islam and Judaism, I became interested in Hinduism.

Do you go to the mandir often and are you vegetarian?

It's a very interesting set of faiths.

I go about once a week at least, occasionally more if something is going on (which quite often there is)

And yes im a vegetarian.

[Farm_Ecology]

(Original post by sachinisgod)
Why arent hindus united like other religions?

For example, In muslims- even though sunnis and shias fight among themselves, if an individual of another religion harms a muslim, the whole muslim world will unite

I'm not an expert on hinduism, but I consider that attitude a bi-product of one of it's greatest points. I understand hinduisim is quite individualistic, and as such prevents any wide-spread unity. But at the same time, it's also been why it's been one of the most accepting religions.

(Original post by sachinisgod)
But when organisations like RSS and VHP, whose goal is to stand up for hindus rights in their own country and try to preserve some sort of respect for hindu culture, why are they labeled as fascist and radical? Is it becuase they are a majority they do not have rights.

I'm also no expert on the indian political situation. But I wager it is an issue of majorities not being able to express their concern for their own well being when in the face of something that threatens that. Hindu's should be able to stand up and attempt to preserve their culture and heritige without being labeled as fascist or radical (so long as they actually arnt)

[The Lyceum]

Well the problems with organisations like RSS is that they're fundamentalist crazy bastards in nature. Do you know the picture of India we picked up via British contact? The somewhat spiritual, dispassionate fairminded scholar like figure happy to investigate the past and the (spiritual) universe without pressing for orthodoxy or heresy or anything like that? Yes, that's not them.

There is a reason why minorities like Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains etc are scared of them, there are reasons why the best Indian academics like Thapar and Sen are not part of these circles. The India of the past is dying, there'll be no more Paninis with their grammar, Kalidasas with their amazing plays or the interesting theological speculation of men like Sayana on the Vedas.

I see India, without secularisation, running into the kind of problems we've had with Christianity and fundamentalists here or the Arabs did with Islam. Which is sad, I can think of no other nation with such a powerful intellectual history outside of the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire.

[tamil4]

(Original post by navarre)
Just a question to any Hindus on here: how do you feel about the Hindu right in India? Do you think the secularity of India is a good thing or that Hinduism should become more entrenched in laws? And finally, do you consider yourself a monotheist or polytheist?

I think India's fine how it is with it's laws and such being very much general to everyone. It's such a diverse country and creating laws that are more religion-based will only cause controversy IMO.
Interesting Question, I pray mainly to one of the many gods of hinduism but I believe in all and i do pray to them all as a general thing when i go to temple so I would class myself Polytheist.

Question for everyone: How do you find the way hinduism treats women? I know it's not so much handled the same way as an issue in Modern society but traditionally women were very much put as inferiors. In Islam this is discussed a lot and in Christianity they mention how women had authority in Biblical days but I don't hear about it much in regards to Hinduism.