what does the hindu religion say on.......?

Question

i have seen several people use god to frighten an unruly kid.....
so the kid may grow up more in fear of god than in love of him.
i personally do not want my kid to grow up that way.
so what does the scriptures have to say on the above

Answer 1

The Hindu religion doesn't teach that you should fear God. (that would mean you fear the universe since it, too, manifested from God). Generally the relationships that are advocated in scriptures are 1) God as parent and you as child 2) God as child and you as parent 3) God as your best friend 4) God as your lover 4) God as your enemy. The first one is obvious since this is often how many religions associate themselves to God. God is the father or mother and we are the children of God. The second appears in a small number of religions and appears in some sects of Hinduism. A good example is viewing oneself as Yashoda to Krishna (Yashoda being Krishna's foster mother) or Parvati to young Ganesh (there are even murtis/images of baby Krishna and baby Ganesh for this very form of worship and devotion). Some in many religions often view God as their best friend, this is also very common. Viewing God as one's lover is also somewhat common in deep devotional sects of many religions. An example sometimes given is seeing yourself as Radha to Krishna (it's not unheard of for men to view themselves as Radha to Krishna....since afterall, truly, God is beyond all genders). The final one always confuses people when I say it. Perhaps it is because it just doesn't seem right. Viewing God as your enemy. Why would Hindus even advocate such a thing? Simple, because if God is your enemy then your mind is still focused on God and if your mind is focused on God then God can still draw you back to union with God. An excellent example is Ravana. He was an asura/demon in the story of the Ramayana. He won a boon from Shiva that he couldn't be killed by gods, etc (except humans whom he viewed as weak and unable to kill him). Thus Vishnu incarnated as Rama. Ravana is devoted to Shiva (there are hymns in the Ramayana written by Ravana to Shiva...plus that's how he won his boon is through his austerities), but when he captures Sita from Rama and Rama then assembles an army to go and rescue Sita from Lanka (where Ravana is) Ravana's only thought is his enemy Rama. He constantly things about Rama and the battle that will come. His mind is consumed by thoughts about Rama and thus when the battle occurs and Rama kills Ravana, Ravana goes to heaven because a) he was killed by a human being which the boon didn't protect, but not just any human, a human being who is an incarnation of God and b) because his mind had been focused on God, Rama and c) he had never wavered on his devotion to Shiva until he became deeply concerned about Rama...but even then he prays to Shiva (not for help, but because he wants to show his devotion). Even before Rama sets out for the battle in Lanka he worships Durga. As far as Hindus are concerned so long as your mind is focused on God then God can still use that focus to help lead you back to God. Whether it's lover, friend, parent, child, or enemy. Over and over again the sacred texts make the point that it's about what's in your heart and if your heart and mind are focused on God, regardless of how, then that is what's important.

As for raising children it is often advised not to use God to frighten anyone, even children. Instead it is usually believed that one should discover and explore spirituality/religion/God on one's own and that we shouldn't interfere. It's okay to share and teach, it's another to misuse God to simply strike fear in others.

Excellent question.

Peace be with you.

Answer 2

To begin with, there is no one authoritative scripture in Hinduism. There are, literally, hundreds of thousands (though some are obviously more popular than others). Also, the answer will change depending on which Hindu god you were thinking of choosing for Bhakti (devotion - spelling could be wrong). Devi (the Goddess) or any of the other consorts (who are, strangely, all Shakti) are usually "friendlier" than some of the male Gods. Krishna is pretty safe.
The thing with Hinduism is that it presents a very strict guideline for living. The four goals of a good Hindu are education, material wealth, love and then devotion to a God. People believe that Hindus want out of the circle of life, death and rebirth, but this is not always true (that is closer to Buddhism). Hindus may sometimes aim to simply be born on a higher plane, and the way to do that for most people is to follow the dharma very closely. For women, this means getting married and raising children, being the typical "June Cleaver," basically. Also, because of the caste system, converting to Hinduism might be hard. What caste would you fit in as a foreigner? It's hard to say. I find Hinduism fascinating for study, and I do enjoy some of the philosophical elements (for instance, the gods do not judge you), but I find the rules for living a little too restrictive and oppressive for my tastes.

If you're looking for a religion that is completely devoid of "god-fearing" messages, I would suggest one of the more Philosphical religions, like Epicurianism, Deism, Shinto, Philosophical Daoism, Zen Buddhism, Spinoza/Spinosa's version of Judaism, Reconstructionist Judaism (or Reform or Conservative, but not Orthodox or Traditionalism) or something else along those lines. Good luck!

Answer 3

that's more a cultural question, no religion explicitly says anything about frightening children with hell or god. that is the parents doing. i'm sure frustrated mothers around the world share some version of this trick. In hinduism there's no hell so you have to tell them to be good or they'll come back as a frog. This may delight some children so mom has to know what animal frightens them the most, so you'll come back as a _____ worm or a crocodile, no mommy i don't wanna be a crocodile, then be good and let mommy work.

Answer 4

U probably misunderstood what your elders told you.
The actual fact is fear of God is used to chase away the evil. Remember, good and bad is within one's own mind and heart. If u hv the place for God, other evil or evil thoughts will not reside there. Fear of God was the best choice to chase away the unwanted ones.
The other theory is that the natural (five) elements were worshipped as God in early days. And you know how powerful those elements are. So fear of God was equated for fear of these elements as well.

Answer 5

Hinduism never drives children away. Rather... it imbibes in children a great sense of spirituality. How?

In every Hindu household one may find pictures of Lord Krishna about two years of age. This picture depicts the godly powers young Krishna had barely two years old. Hinduism religion is ripe with stories of godly people who in their childhood showed exemplary strength of character.

This depiction clearly reflects upon the thinking of Hindu children. No Hindu child ever fears any God. Seeing the picture of child Krishna dancing on the hood of Kalia naga (the multi faced king of Cobras) ... I have seen children dance with joy. This gives an impetus to their thinking that there is nothing to fear the gods.

Storytelling is common in Hindu households... particularly when the story relates to the childhood times of various gods in Hinduism. In Hinduism nothing adverse has been written about different gods that would reflect badly on children.

The stories of the two boys of King Rama who lived in exile with their mother devi Sita is also pictured in detail. Instances are galore! What Hinduism actually teaches children is... To become God fearing! It is only then they shall be able to face life head-on.

Hindu children never grow with fear... by the time they grow up they have learnt the inner meaning of compassion and forgiveness. Hinduism at large has so much to teach to children... so many scriptures... so much literature one can lay hands upon! More on krishna - http://www.godrealized.com/Krishna.html

Answer 6

If you carefully go thru the Hindu mythology no were it creates fear in child, in fact it inculcates love, patience and determination, these fearosis and all is created by human (frustrated souls) who have never achieved success in life or never found joy in others happiness. who have been selfcentered and selfish. Because they are frustrated they have harassed others in which they have tried to find out satisfaction. You take Ramayana, Mahabharata, other Amarchitra katha stories no were there it is written any of this sort.

Answer 7

The process of being being born, growing, dying and being reborn again is called samsara. It is the aim of every Hindu to be freed from this cycle in order to be in the presence of God, or become one with God (freedom from samsara is known as moksha). As such there is no idea of sin (falling short of God's standards), or punishment by God in Hinduism. People basically get what they deserve as a result of their own actions.

Answer 8

Teach him Hinduism to have no DOs & DON'Ts, restrictions, bars, prohibitions, fears, threats, accountability etc. to live as he wishes and thinks proper. Hinduism is not a religion. It is a custom, tradition, culture and way of Hindus' lives in Hindustan (India).

Answer 9

Fear of God prevents sins. Sinner is always in trouble. Therefore Love God and do not fear.

Answer 10

you are totally correct. dont let your kid to be afraid of god in any way. let him be afraid of satan(god of evil).. our heavenly father god is very kind and loving and his love is the most wonderful and permanent. instead teach your child to trust in god to love god. tell him stories about gods love.. teach him that whenever u have done wrong u should join ur hands close your eyes and confess in front of god and ask god for help. then see the magic.. i can guide you with the values you can put in ypour child..god bless you and your family.

Answer 11

a thank you to degree that somebody knows greater or much less? i might say that Hindu faith is so deep that any one who has dedicated his complete life will nevertheless be left with lots to comprehend..