Hindu is a geographic rather than a religious term.
It is based on the practice of Dharma, the code of life. Since Hinduism has no founder, anyone who practices Dharma can call himself a Hindu. Hinduism lays emphasis on direct Experience rather than on authority.
An important concept is the search or quest for Truth. Hinduism is a relentless pursuit of Truth. "Truth is God."
Knowledge, vision, wisdom, is the goal of the Upanishads. It is a new kind of thinking in which the whole man in implicated. The aim is not intellectual conformity to inherited doctrine, but one of attainment of knowledge. He can question the authority of any scripture, or even the existence of the Divine. Despite being the oldest religion, the truth realized by the seers prove that the Truth and path provided by Hinduism is beyond time. Its concern is with the absolute Truth, not with systems of belief. The absolute Truth is universal, and forever impersonal. No one has a proprietary claim to it.
To the Hindu, religion is an awareness of ultimate reality, not a theory about it; religion is psychology and method rather than theology and dogma.................
"Hinduism is a process - for this reason, Hinduism must be studied not as a fixed body of doctrine, but as a developing tradition that has changed considerably throughout the centuries and which is still changing in a creative direction. Everything in India makes sense in the light of the changing process. Nothing makes sense without it. Hinduism is still a living, changing process and must be seen as such."
(source: Religions of India: Hinduism, Yoga, Buddhism - Thomas Berry p. 3-16).
2006-06-15 09:07:18
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answer #1
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answered by rian30 6
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I am not Hindu, and so not perhaps as qualified to respond as a Hindu believer, but...
Hinduism certainly provides a guiding path, as you said, to a good, respectful life. However, it falls firmly into the category of religion (vice 'ethical teaching') in that it teaches belief in deities. Hindus' belief in the Lord Vishnu, as well as in Krishna, Brahma, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Shiva, Kali, Durga, and so on, point to an elaborate and complex religious heritage. If someone could strip his Hinduism of all the gods and goddesses of the Hinu dharma, leaving only the ethical teachings behind, would it still be Hinduism?
[Incidentally, the "avatars' used by Yahoo, come from Hinduism-- an avatar is an earthly form or disguise used by a Hindu god-- usually Lord Vishnu. I haven't yet heard conservative Christian clergy complain about the use of computer avatars, but I suspect that'll happen before too long.]
2006-06-14 23:40:48
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answer #2
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answered by The Padre 4
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As time period "Guru" got here from Vedic tradition, you must seem for the definition within the Vedic, historic Indian literature. There are a couple of classes of specialists: the person who is just about on the equal stage as you're, however he can exhibit in which to move; the person who is way above your religious lever,however can supply you a hand to get there; the only is regularly above the fabric manifestation, however can descend (avatar) down right here to aid you. Plus to that, there was once the sort of factor as "loved ones guru", a brahmana - priest, who would advisor you and your loved ones (dynasty) individuals. These specialists would supply you all types of aid, no longer simply religious, however any social recommendation as good. YOU SHOULDN'T BE AFRAID OF LOOKING FOR A GURU. Everyone could be a guru in designated measure. Every instructor is a guru. This is an overly essential forged in any society, in any instances.
2016-09-09 02:03:15
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answer #3
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answered by huenke 4
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surely you can see it as both. i am not a Hindu, but i am a life-long student of eastern religions.
i don't see 'laws,' per se, indeed as you describe it, a guiding path. excellent. not a religion as Judeo-Christian style religion, no. but then the whole belief system is different. the West is predominated by mono-theism. the East teaches a multiplicity of 'gods.' but isn't Hinduism a way to ultimate reality? a fairly religious concept if you ask me.
just my 2 points worth. Namaste.
2006-06-14 23:42:34
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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I like Hindu's guide to live a good, respectful life. Because it aligns with Christianity's teachings of peace, love, humility, self-control, forgiveness, etc.
However, I think worshipping multiple gods (idols) are not right. We should worship only our Creator.
2006-06-14 23:34:06
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answer #5
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answered by VAVAV 3
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Yeah that's right.But some of the rules need to be changed.Religion should be a dynamic doctrine of lifestyle.The problem with our Hinduism is that it is too old fashioned and there are no scopes for upgrade.As long as there is no upgrade there is no scope for improvement in people's mentality and their thinking.Hence if Hinduism can modify itself to the present culture then it will be a guiding light for real.
Good luck to you.
2006-06-14 23:28:37
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answer #6
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answered by Eternity 6
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We are the most liberal on the earth.Though it is one of the oldest religions, i think it has a very practical approach.With regards to multiple worship there are not a select set of deities. We do worship animals and plants 'cause of the benefits we get from them.We are changing and evolving along with this everchanging world.
2006-06-14 23:28:37
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answer #7
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answered by shayan 2
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hinduism is both religion and way of life.
Anyone, even if he is christian or muslim, if lives in harmony with his environment, has a real thirst for Truth, is spiritual, does not spread hatered or conversions...can be called a Hindu
2006-06-14 23:41:29
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answer #8
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answered by ۞Aum۞ 7
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I think all religions try to do the same, is just that some people do not adapt themselves, they adapt the theory for their purpose and is there where the true nature of a religion breaks.
2006-06-14 23:28:42
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answer #9
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answered by William W 3
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I'm not a hindu, but I view hinduism more as a philosophy than a religion. Same with Buddhism, Taoism, journalism, nudism, chrism, prism, -ism, -ism, -ism...
2006-06-14 23:56:28
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answer #10
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answered by walrus carpenter 3
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