Occasionally I noticed that in western publications Hinduism was missing when religions were listed. Buddhism was there without fail, but its mother so to speak, was being ignored. What could be the reason? About one billion human beings are Hindus. Hinduism is alive and vibrant. There is hardly another people who are as ’religious’ and have so much faith in the Divine. Yet what they revere and hold dear is often considered ‘only’ as a way of life.
However, the discussion is still on. Some argue, “Dharma”, as Hindus (and Buddhists, too) refer to their ‘religion’ cannot be translated as religion. It differs from western religions in many aspects; therefore Hinduism is not a religion. Others feel that since ‘religions’ are legally and socially greatly privileged in today’s world, it would be a big blunder to leave this field to Christianity and Islam who would triumphantly wade into that vacuum. They might claim (and they are experts in unsubstantiated claims) that everyone has a right to religion: therefore, since Hindus don’t have a religion, they need to be blessed with the ‘true’ religion.
To get any further, let’s look at the definition of religion. Unfortunately, there is no clear cut definition. There is however an implicit understanding that religion is about the mysterious origin of our universe, about its creator, about God and about moral guidelines for our lives. The word ‘religion’ comes from re-ligare (Latin) which means to bind back. One could assume that it means to bind the human being back to his creator or God.
In that case, Hindu Dharma is definitely a religion. In fact it is the original, most ancient religion. Many thousands of years ago, the Indian rishis enquired into the truth of this visible world. They postulated criteria for ‘truth’ and came to the conclusion that one invisible, conscious essence is the only true ‘thing’ permeating everything in this apparent universe and beyond. They called it Brahman (from big, expanding) or simply Tat (that) and postulated that it was eternal, infinite, unchanging, true, aware, blissful and the invisible basis of everything including our own person. So basically, we are that Brahman. Our essence is That. Only, we are born blind to this truth and the purpose of life is to realize it. Further, ancient Indian scriptures give many methods for achieving this Self- or God-realization.
Now, when western religions appeared on the scene, they limited this vast, all-pervading Brahman to a “God” who is personal, male, separate from his creation and with strong likes and dislikes. For example, this God, so is claimed, greatly dislikes any human being who does not acknowledge him as the only true God. In fact he even has decreed that any such human being will burn eternally in hell, unless he officially (through a small ritual) joins the ‘true religion’.
Now, how do these religions know what God is and what he wants? Because God/ Allah has revealed ‘the truth’ to two persons – to Jesus Christ some 2000 years ago and Prophet Mohammed some 1400 years ago, and these revelations have been handed down in two books, the Bible and the Quran. And what is the proof that all this is true? There is no proof, except for the words of those two persons who are, however, not ordinary persons: Jesus Christi is the only son of God and Prophet Mohammed Allah’s final prophet.
That is what Christianity and Islam claim as truth and they repeat this claim again and again so that it looks as if proven and nobody dares to question it.Further, in a psychologically clever move, they cater to in-group instincts: “God has chosen you to be born in the true religion. You are very lucky, because if you believe and follow what we tell you, you go to heaven, whereas all others go to hell.”
We can see by now that there are indeed significant differences between the Abrahamic religions on one side, and Hinduism on the other. The Abrahamic religions come as a fixed ‘belief system’, which means that blind belief is required in dogmas, which have no chance to be verified. Hindu Dharma on the other hand is based on a genuine enquiry into truth, which means that there is no need to accept any claim that does not make sense.
Now, religion is also defined as ‘belief system’. In that case, the Abrahamic religions easily qualify. However, there is a contradiction. On one hand, religions claim to tell us about the truth, and on the other hand we have two different, unverifiable ‘belief systems’ about this truth from Christianity and Islam. They can’t be both true and there is a chance that none of them is true, because they contradict human intelligence. It certainly does not make sense that the absolute, eternal truth is a story about a God who is heavily biased towards one group (which one?) of humanity.
So here comes in again Hindu Dharma. It is the best possible ‘belief system’ that is not based on dogmas but based on knowledge and direct experience. It is open to scientific validation. It is possible to know that this manifold manifestation is permeated by one energy or awareness. So the Hindu claim that all including the human being is divine, because all is ultimately Brahman is in all likelihood true. “Tat tvam asi” or in English, ‘you are God’, is however fiercely rejected as heresy by the Abrahamic religions. Mystics of both Christianity and Islam, who experienced this oneness and dared to proclaim it, were excommunicated or even killed.
So does it follow that those religions even resist the truth? Could re-ligare “bind back” be better interpreted as “holding the individual back from realizing his oneness with the Absolute”? This conclusion may actually not be off the mark, especially if one sees how much effort goes into denigrating Hinduism. Every school kid in the world is taught that Hinduism is weird. Not only school kids, at the university level, too there is clearly an attempt by western academics (and that includes western orientated Indians) to aggressively despise Hinduism. “Invading the Sacred: An Analysis of Hinduism Studies in America” gives ample proof how outrageously Hinduism is portrayed and how benignly the ‘revealed’ religions. Are people in the west really intellectually so deficient to believe that an irrational dogma, like “everyone has to join the Church to be saved” has anything to do with the truth? Or do they denigrate Hinduism as they know that it has the capacity to trump the western belief systems and undermine their power if only there were a genuine debate on what we can know about the truth?
However, running down Hinduism was for too long too crude and it backfired by now. Hindus realize that their tradition cannot possibly be as bad as it is made out to be. They reacted first in the US and got the syllabus in US schools and colleges changed. Slowly in India, too, the awareness that Hindu Dharma actually stands tall among religions is growing.
So is Hindu Dharma a religion? Well, if religions are about the truth, then Hindu Dharma (I see Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism as its offspring) is the best religion. However, if religions are meant to prevent the individual from realizing the truth, then Hindu Dharma is not a religion. But since Christianity and Islam claim to reveal the truth and will not acknowledge that they hinder their flock from knowing the real truth, Hindu Dharma needs to take its rightful place on top among the religions. So far, the two big ‘belief systems’ have dominated the scene and each one declared itself as the ‘only true religion’, even called itself ‘universal’ for the sole reason that both storm all over the world trying to impose their dogmas. Hindu Dharma should appropriate the ‘universal’ tag for itself as it is naturally universal. Everyone and all are included in Brahman.
Many Hindus will probably jerk now and call such advice unacceptable: “No, we are not chauvinistic. Even if others are, we are not like them.” But is it not true? And is Hindu Dharma not about being truthful and fearless and helpful to others? Many in the west feel oppressed by mandatory belief in dogmas, and leave the Church. They opt for atheism as for them anything metaphysical is intrinsically connected with the Church. Some, mostly educated people discover Buddhism. Hinduism unfortunately is not an option for most, as it is projected to be weird. Only few discover its value and stand by it, like Julia Roberts did. If Hindus would be forthright about the profound insights of their rishis, Hindu Dharma would surely spread across the world, as it did in ancient times throughout Asia. Of course Hindus would need to know at least the basics of their dharma and do some sadhana for refining intellect and character, to be able to see that Hindu Dharma is indeed the best of religions.
by Maria Wirth
125 Comments
Excellent analysis. Thanks Maria.
http://themotherindia.com/2012/09/24/but-what-is-the-hindu-religion/
HYMN CXXIX. Creation.
1. THEN was not non-existent nor existent: there was no realm of air, no sky beyond it.
What covered in, and where? and what gave shelter? Was water there, unfathomed depth of water?
2 Death was not then, nor was there aught immortal: no sign was there, the day’s and night’s divider.
That One Thing, breathless, breathed by its own nature: apart from it was nothing whatsoever.
3 Darkness there was: at first concealed in darkness this All was indiscriminated chaos.
All that existed then was void and form less: by the great power of Warmth was born that Unit.
4 Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning, Desire, the primal seed and germ of Spirit.
Sages who searched with their heart’s thought discovered the existent’s kinship in the non-existent.
5 Transversely was their severing line extended: what was above it then, and what below it?
There were begetters, there were mighty forces, free action here and energy up yonder
6 Who verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was born and whence comes this creation?
The Gods are later than this world’s production. Who knows then whence it first came into being?
7 He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not form it,
Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily knows it, or perhaps he knows not.
That was from the Rig Veda.. Skepticism and inquiry is the foundation of Hinduism..But the Bengali and Kerala Lefties of India are clueless about Hinduism. They learn Hinduism from Baptist preachers and Islamists.
[…] http://mariawirthblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/27/is-hinduism-a-religion/ This link was forwarded to me and I’m not usually somebody who encourages or even reads most of those things. I genuinely believe they are a waste of time. and those that are not also sadly get lost! But that’s how they get treated in my inbox. See? I can be the boss too.. somewhere. (Inbox is considered somewhere ) So well, I will try not to deviate much this time. Little S has given me a tiny break until next meal So this article got me thinking. I do that sometimes. (Think, I mean.) And I wondered if I am a true Hindu, if there ever was such a thing and what it might mean to each of you who reads these lines. For instance, I like certain practices even if may not know the significance.. and yet, I do not always do it (not very ashamed to admit either). Does that mean I’m not a Hindu? Whether it comes to drawing the rangoli at our doorstep (when we were back in India, of course) or going to a place designated for worship, I like them, but I don’t always do them. How essential is that to being a Hindu? I believe that there is this unique binding that I have with a supreme power, if you will, or something beyond me or God- whichever you choose to call- and I do what I feel is right. Like I said, I like doing some things, but am not this rigid rule follower. So I bend some of them, skip some, break some and just completely ignore a few. These dictum that come down generations.. of sayings and rituals, how much of it should I follow to be considered a Hindu? That said, I guess I am at least part of some belief system somewhere.. believing in freedom and charity and dharma. I am not religious. No. I am not pious either. Not a fanatic, not an extremist. Not agnostic, not atheist. I used think I was agnostic.. until something drastic happened one day and I realized I could not have survived it if it was not for an intervention from an unforeseen force. Thus was born my faith on the afternoon of 28th Feb, 2010. So I guess I can safely conclude I am a true believer. Of the fundamental eternal things. Like all has to be well. I mean.. there is no other way for things to be.. but “well”. If it is not well not, it eventually will be. We only have to hold on a little longer. And in the meanwhile, it helps to smile, ease the pain, be happy. Being grumpy and irritable and sad is not making anything easier! Like what goes around comes around. It does. Always. You kick a nice squishy bum, be sure yours will be kicked too. You do good to somebody random, another random person will do good to you. Yes. That is it. I conclude here, my dear confused souls. I am me. A true believer. Am I Hindu? You decide! […]
[…] Source: Maria Wirth’s Blog […]
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after looking at some of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
Anyhow, I’m certainly happy I stumbled upon it and I’ll be
bookmarking it and checking back frequently!
Firstly I would like to say that I really liked your article and am amazed at the understanding you have of religion and spirituality.
It has been the misfortune of Indians to understand their culture from Western viewpoint. Since West condemned Hindu way of life as ridiculous, they also agreed and changed their entire education system to fit in with the Western worldview.
The ancient Rishis who inhabited this part of the world had made extraordinary progress in the understanding of both material and metaphysical worlds and designed a way of life that would ensure the people who follow it lead a balanced life filled with comfort, gratitude and also constant memory of the ultimate human goal of self realization.
As you said Hinduism is not one religion but a way of life, where each person has an option to choose his own set of beliefs and still live in harmony with the people around.
By denouncing Hinduism the world actually loses thousands of years of wisdom dating back to even times science was even more advanced than today. For example, Ramayana talks about Ravana’s possession of a flying machine. Mahabharata talks of children being born in pots. These were incomprehensible for such a long time until technologies of flight and test tube babies we designed. The next generation of readers of Ramayana and Mahabharata, if there are any left, would not consider these epics illogical on these accounts. Of course they would need to be humble enough to accept that someone before their time was smarter than them which is not the case for most.
Thank you for the enlightening post.
I find it uncomfortable that someone who has spent 30 years seeking enlightenment so readily obfuscates the truth. You continually claim that Hinduism has sole ownership of the moral and intellectual religious high ground, over the personal, unverifiable, non-scientific, recent Abrahamaic religions. But whatever challenge that you bring to bear on Christianity can be just as readily levelled against Hinduism.
For instance, you have stated a number of times in your blogs that Christians are more barbarous than Hindus. You cited the Holocaust as evidence. But I can just as readily cite the atrocities committed by Hindu Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka or the fact that after 5000 years of Karma, India has the highest rate of malnutrition in the world. I was reading in yesterday’s newspaper about Indian tea plantation workers dying of starvation because the owners had locked them out of work for eight months simply because they demanded a wage that they could live on. Such an action would never be tolerated in the West. The simple fact is that no religion can be judged by the actions of those who claim to be its adherents. Tamil Tigers, just like the ‘Catholic’ and ‘Protestant’ Irish who seek to stir up rebellion are xenophobic nationalists, not religious fundamentalists.
You claim that Hinduism is utterly distinct from the monotheistic faiths. But that simply depends on the criteria that you use to make the judgement. In many ways, all religions are the same. They all seek to restore oneness with God. Judaism teaches that to do so one must obey the Mosaic law. Islam teaches that you must obey the five pillars and Hinduism teaches that the path is through many reincarnations seeking enlightenment through meditation, yoga etc. All of these religions have at their core the belief that the devotee must do something to earn divine favour, he/she must work to earn salvation. In that sense, Christianity is the distinct religion because its basic tenet is that we can never be good enough to bridge that human/divine gulf. The good news is that we don’t need to because God, through Jesus Christ, bridged it for us and redemption is a free gift that cannot be earned, but simply received.
Furthermore, you argue that God is in the business of casting people who don’t go to church into Hell. Death is the natural consequence of rejecting the God of life. If an evil person rejects God, it is their choice. They reap the consequences of it and are annihilated in Hell. God no more causes that person to go to Hell than Brahman causes him to be reincarnated as a plankton.
You claim that Hinduism is somehow superior because of its age. Right back in Genesis 3 God promises that someone will come who will restore the broken relationship caused by the fall. That messianic figure was prophesied about hundreds of times through the course of the Old Testament and those prophesies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Christianity can trace its roots back 10,000 years, far older than Hinduism.
You also claim that Hinduism is scientific and verifiable. Where is your evidence? In fact you specifically ask concerning Christianity and Islam, ‘And what is the proof that all this is true? There is no proof, except for the words of those two persons who are, however, not ordinary persons: Jesus Christ is the only son of God and Prophet Mohammed Allah’s final prophet.’ So where is your irrefutable, scientifically validated proof that Hinduism is the one true religion?
I’m afraid that you really start to lose you’re your audience when you make ridiculous statements like this – ‘Are people in the west really intellectually so deficient to believe that an irrational dogma, like “everyone has to join the Church to be saved” has anything to do with the truth?’ Firstly, it is erroneous. You have to be united with Christ to be saved – that’s all. Secondly, if the boat that you are on is sinking, it is hardly intellectually deficient to get on the life raft.
I eagerly await your response Maria.
Dear Brian,
that “Christians are more barbarous than Hindus” is a historical fact. There cannot be a discussion about it. Certainly, among those claiming to be Hindus can be found violent personages. But denying the Christian unique cruelty needs a high dosage of blindness.
Firstly, let me mention re. your non-sensical accusation that the Tamil Tigers separatists in Sri Lanka were Hindus: Wikepedia says, “The ideology of the Tamil Tigers emerged from Marxist-Leninist thought, and was secular. Its leadership was atheist.” To call them Hindus shows your ignorance of India.
Secondly, alone the fact that believers of other religions are not damned to eternal hell’s torture by Hinduism, shows it to be the best and most tolerant way of life. Certainly, suffering is a result of doing sins – but, for God’s sake, eternal punishment cannot have been conceived by a “merciful God”.
Nowhere in India or anywhere in the world happened such atrocities like the barbarous and animalistic torturing of millions of women accused to be “witches” or burning alive “heretics” or unbelievers/”differently-believers” in thousands. I can assure you, you will vomit only by reading the contemporary chronicles and reports what those monks and priests did to women – with the blessings of the Church.
The Crusaders is a sad and blood-filled chapter of the Church. The cold-blooded killing and annihilation of entire communities of “differently-believers” is well-documented. And is unique in human history.
The Church was not only cruel to other faiths, it was unbelievably cruel to christians, too:
One example were the Albigenser (Cathars): 20’ooo were killed in one day – just because they believed in Jesus in another way than the official Church.
From Wikipedia: …The crusader army under the Pope…The Cathars spent much of the year 1209 fending off the crusaders. The leader of the crusaders, Simon de Montfort, resorted to primitive psychological warfare. He ordered his troops to gouge out the eyes of 100 prisoners, cut off their noses and lips, then send them back to the towers led by a prisoner with one remaining eye. This only served to harden the resolve of the Cathars.
Arnaud, the Cistercian abbot-commander, is supposed to have been asked how to tell Cathars from Catholics. His reply, recalled by Caesar of Heisterbach, a fellow Cistercian, thirty years later was “Caedite eos. Novit enim Dominus qui sunt eius.”—”Kill them all, the Lord will recognise His own.”[22][23] The doors of the church of St Mary Magdalene were broken down and the refugees dragged out and slaughtered. Reportedly, 7,000 people died there. Elsewhere in the town many more thousands were mutilated and killed. Prisoners were blinded, dragged behind horses, and used for target practice.[24] What remained of the city was razed by fire. Arnaud wrote to Pope Innocent III, “Today your Holiness, twenty thousand heretics were put to the sword, regardless of rank, age, or sex.”[25][26] The permanent population of Béziers at that time was then probably no more than 5,000, but local refugees seeking shelter within the city walls could conceivably have increased the number to 20,000.
And similar stories about annihilation of the communities of -Waldensians, -Stedinger, -Hussites, -Geuzen, -Hugenotts, -Langobards, -Sachs, -Sarazens, etc. In general, the wars between Catholics and Protestants against each other and against other religions is something most repelling and nauseating.
We just mention the 2 nuclear bombs thrown on civilians by the Christian USA. Or the sexual abuse of youth by priests that lasted many centuries. And it too so long to discover it because the Church actively hid the criminals.
This in comparison with India, that has led not expansion wars for 10’000 years. Sadly enough, India was not ruled by Hindus since gaining Independence in the 1940s.
Re. the age of Religions: Christianity cannot trace it’s roots 10’ooo yrs back because the world is acc. to the bible 6000 yrs old.
I don’t know what Christianity you follow, but it cannot be the one from Bible. It is clearly stated and taught in the Church that if you don’t believe in Jesus, you will be thrown to Hell for ETERNITY. This is definitely a very cruel and barbaric alternative to being “born as plankton” from which you always have the opportunity to get to God again.
Moreover, you state that “all religions have at their core the belief that the devotee must do something to earn divine favour”: Not for Hinduism, though, which clearly postulates the omnipresence of God and his powers. Yoga, meditation etc. serve only to remove the veil that covers the omnipresence and immortality of Brahman that is at the core of one’s personality, already. It is this point that legitimated Maria’s inquiry whether Hinduismus should, at all, be called a religion.
Also, Hinduism is not a religion because it does not have an arbitrarily acting biblical “jealous” God. Since EVERYTHING is his doing, on the basis of his omnipresence and omnipotence, he is balanced and impartial. All are his.
You demand some scientific proof: There are hundreds of scientific research on Yoga, Yagya, meditation, Ayurveda (the “Hindu” ancient system of health), and on many other so-called Hindu disciplines.
When the Christians have burned scientists for dissecting corpses to know better the anatomy, when the Church has imprisoned and burned astronomers for telling facts,
when women experts of herbal medicine have been tortured as so-called witches,
Indian Hindu ancient scientists, since milleniums, have had deep knowledge of anatomy and of how to heal with herbs and minerals, even knowledge of surgery, knowlegde of how build healthy buildings, how to pronounce a language properly, how to make music, how to heal by nutrition alone, etc.
Admittedly, they were not so efficient in the science of war. In this field the Christian world gained real supremacy.
Interestingly, only Hindu scriptures have dealt exhaustibly with the basic concept of “consciousness”, pure consciousness, without which there would be neither Hinduism, not Christianity, nor anything. That makes Hinduism the foremost of sciences.
With best wishes
Brian,
You seem to live in the west, and still seem to believe what probably we both have been told in childhood. No problem. There in the west, you see charity of Churches, everybody somehow believes in Jesus and there is no friction. Festivals and Christmas songs are nice, Church architecture, organ music, etc. However, if you live in India, you will see the immense negative impact that one core belief of Christianity has: the belief:
We (Christianity) alone have the full truth and whoever wants to be saved has to become Christian and believe that Jesus died for our sins and has risen from the death, etc. Who does not will burn in hell eternally. How do you know it is true? you don’t know. The same claim is made by Islam which some 700 years later produced a new equally unverifiable version of the one and only truth. Why not sort out between those 2 faiths who is right (not possible of course, because both are based on blind faith) before attempts are made to convert anyone?
I have only one request from the Christian (and Muslim) authorities. Please drop this unverifiable, ridiculous and outrageous claim that Hindus (and other heathen/ unbelievers) will burn in hell eternally. The II Vatican Council has eased somewhat the condition for entry into heaven for Muslims and Jews, but bad luck for Hindus, unless, someone is a really good human being and has NOT heard of Jesus. Now, if Christians were genuinely interested in saving the souls of Hindus, they would immediately stop telling Hindus about Jesus, because they know well, that not all will convert. They don’t. It means they want to expand their empire. They are not interested in the welfare of heathen souls; they are not even interested in the good of Christian souls. Meister Eckhart was a Christian mystic who experienced the oneness of all and he was excommunicated from the Church (“There is no salvation outside of the Church”, so the poor soul is also in hell, like all Indian rishis???? Or are they still in an ante room and have to wait for the judgment day? In fact, this question troubled me, when I was still believing in hell. On one hand, the judgment is supposedly given on the last day, on the other hand, when someone dies, relatives are comforted “he/ she is in heaven now”…
Inexplicably for me, you seem to be convinced that it serves Hindus or anyone right that they go to hell if they reject “the God of life” , meaning the dogmas of Christianity.
BTW: you may be pleased to know that Prabhakaran and most of top cadre of LTTE were Christians.
You may know the impact of British colonial rule on the Indian economy and how they bled the country.
Best wishes
Maria Wirth
The unfortunate contemporary fact is that Hindus are their own worst enemies. India’s politicians have cleverly (mis)used the concept of secularism for transient, temporal ballot box gains. The intellegentsia, westernised and ignorant of their own traditions, culture, and philosophical underpinnings, have largely found fault with their own ethos, preferring to wear the cloak of mistaken fairness and impartiality. Ergo, a rapacious political class has found so-called intellectual armour in the educated class to pursue their nefarious and illicit acts. That’s India today.
Dear Shaas and Maria,
When you compare the barbarism of the ‘Christian’ West with peaceful India, that has led not expansion wars for 10,000 years, I totally agree with you. However, when discussing the differences between religions, that has no relevance. It is an irrelevance that I think, it would be difficult for an Indian to understand. I believe that you would say that everyone who claims to be a Hindu, is a Hindu, but some are better Hindus than others. The same cannot be said about Christianity. The large majority of people who claim to be Christian, because they were born into a ‘Christian’ family, or christened in a church, or go to church at Easter have never sought forgiveness from God and are therefore, not Christians.
Only something in the order of 50% of Europeans believe in any sort of god at all and the number of true Christians in Europe is probably less than 10%, even though European countries are nominally ‘Christian’. Can you see how misplaced it is to blame Christianity for European oppression? You cannot pass judgment on a religion based on the beliefs and actions of any country’s political leaders, nor by the actions of the majority of people in that country. Citizens of some countries are generally more peaceful and less inclined to go to war than those of other countries. India is one such country, great, but so are Sweden and Switzerland. I very readily acknowledge that people have committed terrible, terrible atrocities in the name of God. However, I stand by what I said previously – a religion must be evaluated according to the merits of its beliefs, not the actions of those who claim to be its adherents. To be a Christian means to be a follower of Christ. Was there ever a time when Jesus said behead all non-believers? No. What he did was to pray that God would forgive those who were crucifying him. That is Christianity. Please judge Christianity on that basis.
The second point that you both raised relates to eternal damnation. You both misunderstood what I said, so I will explain it more fully. According to Matthew 25:41, Hell was made ‘for the devil and his angels’, not for human beings. 2 Peter 3:9 – ‘The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.’ God is not in the business of casting people into Hell, but that is the consequence of rejecting him. If people reject God, they doom themselves to Hell. Obviously we are going to disagree on the principle of Hell and annihilation per se, but can you see my point that a sinner going to Hell is a similar principle to a bad Hindu being reincarnated as a plankton. It is the result of their actions, not God’s. Personally I don’t believe that the Bible teaches that Hell is a place of eternal torment. If you wish to read more about that I have a blog of my own where I have addressed it.
http://blogofbrian.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/omega-4/
Finally Shaas, the Bible nowhere says that the world is only 6000 years old. That is a commonly held interpretation of certain Bible passages that is fortunately, but slowly, being cast aside as new scientific discoveries about the true age of the universe are being made.
Hi Maria, I hear the Vedas have been distorted by vested interests. Could you point me to a copy of the original books? Thanks!
Similarly for the Upanishads…!
Hi Kush,
I assume you also don’t know Sanskrit? There is a translation by Ramakrishna Mission of the 12 main Upanishads (they are part of Vedas). Swami Dayananda’s Ashram has MP3 of many Suktams, Upanishads, etc, plus a series of many volumes of “Rediscovering Indian Literary Classics”, for example of Ganapathi Upanishad. ‘Light on Vedas’ is by Aurobindo. Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati (former Shankaracharya of Kanchi Peeth) worte “The Vedas “(Bharathya Vidya Bhavan). I definitely would read Indian sources.
The Mahavakyas are easy to translate. But important imo is to do some sadhana along with reading and search for the truth inside. It is not just a thing for the intellect, head, but also intuition, inspiration, heart…
Dear Blackjack20,
It is not that one or more specific persons “have distorted the Veda”. It is the course of time that brings the dilution of everything. This is a principle even in Physics.
Shri Krishna discribes the situation in Bhagavad-Gita 4:2:
एवं परंपराप्राप्तं राजर्षयो विदुः । स कालेनेह महता योगो नष्टः परंतप ।।
Thus having received it one from another, the royal sages knew it. With the long lapse of time, O scorcher of enemies, this Yoga has been lost to the world.
But the speciality of wholistic knowledge, such as the Veda and Vedic Literature do represent, is that the Wholeness is found in every point. So, even the Vedic rests with which we live today, are sufficient to lift a person to enlightenment and moksha.
Veda and Vedic Literature contain enough intellectual AND practical knowledge for enlightenment for the individual and the World Peace.
http://is1.mum.edu/vedicreserve/
http://www.mum.edu/default.aspx?relid=618602
Thanks Maria! I aim to learn Sanskrit one day and read the original texts…one day. 🙂
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna states: Everyone follows my path in all ways.
That is an essential teaching of the Vedic literature—God is in control of what you’re doing; what you believe; how you live your life; what happens to you; etc. The Gita also says:
isvarah sarva-bhutanam
hrid-dese ‘rjuna tishthati
bhramayan sarva-bhutani
yantrarudhani mayaya
The supreme controller is at the heart of all beings Arjuna, motivating the movements of all living beings, who are mounted on the machine of his universal potency.
In other words God is in control. You will believe what God wants you to believe, when you need to believe it, as you develop. Everyone is where they are meant to be, doing what they are meant to be doing.
Like John Lennon:
There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done.
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game.
It’s easy.
Nothing you can make that can’t be made.
No one you can save that can’t be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time.
It’s easy.
Nothing you can know that isn’t known.
Nothing you can see that isn’t shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.
It’s easy.
All you need is love.
Dear vraja,
your understanding, or rather explanation, is not correct – or not complete. Your explanation leaves it to the reader to think that Hitler’s way was the Lord’s way as good as, let’s say, Jesus. That conclusion is absurd. Unity does not mean blindness for differences!
But, in a way, you ARE right – in the sense that the ultimate goal of evolution is the Lord but the ways are very different in quality and effectivity. So, Hitler or Church supporters (both organisations have killed in the last millenium about the same number of people) will, eventually, over many births – after reaping all of the karma, first – certainly reach the goal. In that sense, “all ways are mine.”
They called it Brahman (from big, expanding) or simply Tat (that) and postulated that it was eternal, infinite, unchanging,
Did you mean “Brahmam” ? instead?
Maria, I really like the way you write; there is both love and logic !! I’m going to follow your blog 🙂 Care to check mine out?!
Biju
You may believe as you like, but I was simply stating what the Gita teaches, and what is universally taught in the Vedic traditions (Hinduism). The principle of karma is that your life is predestined, just because something is bad to your outward perception, doesn’t mean that God isn’t in control, at least according to what Krishna teaches in the Gita. In the Gita, Krishna tells Arjuna, who doesn’t want to fight, that the fight is already over, that it’s all predestined, and that he wants Arjuna to get famous for winning (Gita 11.32-34). He even tells Arjuna it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t want to fight, that his will is an illusion, and that from within God will make him fight (18.59-61). All throughout the Gita, Krishna teaches that the jivatma (human soul) has no free will, for example:
3.27
prakrteh kriyamanani / gunaih karmani sarvasah
ahankara-vimudhatma / kartaham iti manyate
Everything is being done by prakriti, prakrteh kriyamanani, based on the gunas in all actions, gunaih karmani sarvasah, souls bewildered by egotism, ahankara-vimudhatma, think “I am the doer,” kartaham iti manyate
9.10
mayadhyakshena prakritih / suyate sa-caracaram
hetunanena kaunteya / jagad viparivarttate
Prakriti works under my supervision, mayadhyakshena prakritih, manifesting all created things, suyate sa-caracaram. This is how the universe works son of Kunti, hetunanena kaunteya jagad viparivarttate.
13.30
prakrityaiva ca karmani / kriyamanani sarvasah
yah pasyati tathatmanam / akarttaram sa pasyati
All activities taking place, in all respects, are performed by prakriti, prakrtyaiva ca karmani kriyamanani sarvasah. Who sees, yah pasyati, that the atma is not the doer, atmanam akarttaram, he sees, sah pasyati.
Prakriti is the substratum of our reality, it’s essentially synonymous with Brahman, i.e. Gods all pervasive energy. Krishna repeatedly tells Arjuna that the soul has no control over what it does, that God is in complete control over everything and everyone. You may complain that the idea of no free will makes God responsible for evil in our world, but this is a problem in every religion (see ‘The problem of evil’). How Krishna explains it is that everyone is receiving their karma, God is not responsible, that people are experiencing what they require to experience in order to spiritually evolve to higher levels. Just because people are uncomfortable with that, doesn’t change what is actually taught.
Though everything is God’s Will, in the ultimate sense, as long as we human beings are in a state of DUALITY, good and evil exist. The very fact that we are able to distinguish between good and evil shows that we have a choice, at least in a limited sense.
Do not read the scriptures merely intellectually. Arjuna was participating in a Dharma-Yuddha, a war for the victory of Dharma/ righteousness. Please don’t forget this important CONTEXT. It was necessary for him to fight to uproot the evil that was rampant and act as Lord Krishna’s instrument. But he was blinded by ATTACHMENT to his relations, all of a sudden, and declines to do his duty as a Prince. That is why Lord Krishna explains that God has already willed this war and he was deluding himself in thinking that he was the ‘DOER’. If Arjuna had refused to listen to Krishna, the Lord would have found some other means to achieve His purposes.
Though KARMA is responsible for the suffering one meets in life, there is always an extra factor called GRACE of God, that intervenes to change or even cancel Karma.
The theory of Karma is not the fatalistic doctrine that many Hindus themselves think it is. That leads to inaction and apathy. Greater than karmic consequences is GRACE that also operates beside karma. And hence, effort, empathy and participating in society are necessary, though what will ultimately happen lies with God.
Also “GRACE” comes when you deserved it or you showed that you deserve it. If God would need to correct or “change or even cancel Karma”, it would show that He is not all-knowing and infallible… and his laws are not good enough.
The whole difference between enlightenment and ignorance is: have you remembered and are you aware that “Everything is being done by prakriti”, or do you still think: “I am the doer?”
Be just an instrument, O Arjuna! Nimittam bhava, Savyasachin.
But first one has to know what one REALLY is – Self-Realization is the basis of every accomplishment. Regular experience of Âtmâ, the Self, Transcendental Consciousness will ultimately render it a reality even in the day-to-day life. And naturally, in Cosmic Consciousness, the reality will be the experience of being a Witness of everything: “I am just an instrument, I do nothing of my own. Everything happens right. My action is spontaneously right…”
GRACE can never be ‘deserved’ or ‘earned’. We can aspire, we cannot ensure. GRACE is bestowed on one out of the Lord’s infinite compassion, and not because He is not ‘infallible’. There are many instances when the rigour of Karma has been reduced through prayer and the bestowing of Grace by the Lord. Many Living Masters in India have demonstrated this. “If you NEED ME, you DESERVE ME”, says the Lord.
Till you reach and remain in the state of ADVAITA/non-duality, factors like Karma, effort, Grace have to be acknowledged by a human being to FUNCTION in the world. This is not casting aspersions on God’s Omniscience/Omnipotence/Omnipresence, it is being REALISTIC about the state one is in.
When you view life through the vision of ‘non-duality’, everything is CONSCIOUSNESS. But when we are still in the process, we must not belittle human effort, prayer or the efficacy of GRACE.
In the universe nothing happens undeservedly or chaotic. As you sow, so shall you reap. That is the Western version of “Karma”. From apple seed, only apple tree will grow – if not, God would not be infallible.
You say: ““If you NEED ME, you DESERVE ME”, says the Lord.” Here we have it… the deserving ability must be here. And if one feels the need of the Lord, THEN one deserves Him.
Oh my God Maria- you don’t know how much your writings tally with what My mind and heart are asking me to write for a while now. You are very right about we, hindus first need to know more about our Dharama. and that view about Intellect group from india, I certainly belong there but my eyes are opened, i had the same mindset until a year ago, in religion category i used to write ” humanity”, but a chain of eye opening awareness through “Ajit Vadakayil” ‘s blog just changed the very inside of me. And today i found you and you gave me this answer to define hindu as religion, I would request you to visit his blog as you will be better able to answer your readers about some controversy in Hindu system about class difference. He has clearly mentioned where the poison in our scriptures was injected, Vedas never talk about classifying human based on birth. may be you already know him. I can never be same person. Before this change, i used to say all religions are same, but now I say no way, there can be man made mind control fake religions too, which were crafted by lifting one story here and one there from vedas.
Peace.
.
@BRIAN
You are blinded by your faith.
Though the bible categorically does not say 6000 yrs old, but the presumption is very clear.
It was arrived at by adding up all the genealogies from Abraham to Jesus.. As per Bishop James Ussher, who put the creation of the world at 4004 BC.
Basically, if you think the Bible is the literal truth you have to accept that the Earth is about 4004 + 2012 years old
If you disagree Christianity did not commit genocide throughout the history, you need to start fresh with history lessons.
Compare cosmology-Hindu versus Christian/Islam- & visualise who is superior & scientific
Read ‘Carl Sagan’ about Hindu cosmology.
[…] Difference between Hinduism and Christianity/ Islam. […]
You can see some interesting differences between hinduism, chistianity and Islam at http://hinduismexposed.org
i was educated in convent school there used to confession day my freinds used to go and confess i was amazed to see that according to what my mother used to say when you do anything wrong go and confess that means you wont repeat what you have done but here christians used to say not that after confessions all our sins wiped out so again go do the wrong then what is the use of confessing when you dont belive in it that time i being small couldnt understand but with times i have learnt even muslims say five times prayer and over if this is true religion its amazing that our god says go on commiting sins without fear christians who are here to convert say all others non belivers wil go to hell they have come to save us from going to hell hindus are barbarians only jesus can save you other wise you wil go to hell if convert you wil go to heaven so if this is so how do they know only cristians go jesus does so many miracles then western countries must be happiest with no illness nothing bad but still why its other way round same with muslims i as hindu belive that when in this world paap i dont know english word for that god takes birth to save us he is jesus he is mohomed budha maharivira any other religion way to god is one the differenc eis that hindus belive all relgions leads to one god but others make fun of hinduism the tragedy is that hindus themselves see other religions best as they are modern but thank you for your article which at least gives us pride that some people dont humilate hinduism which is a relgion which only belive be true to the religion you are born into.
Hinduism is for all Human beings and thereore there is no concept of Religion. ‘Hindu’ is a foreign word. Originally the religion was called Sanatana Dharma roughly translated Everlasting Lifestyle. Chapter 1 of a Text called Manusmriti gives great scientific wisdom worth reading. The only blemish of Hinduism is a custom called birth based low/high Caste. Basic principles are Truth Nonviolence & Universal wellbeing (Satyam Ahimsa & Sarvamangalam).
Excellent article written by Maria Wirth about freedom of thought and inquiry into truth in Hinduism as opposed to dogmatism in other faiths/religious systems. A question has also been raised at this forum of discussion , whether one could call oneself a Hindu even if one did not do or follow everything that was Hindu like or something that Hindus do or follow. Another question raised is about Christians turning towards atheism or Buddhism. Let me clarify these points to the extent I have been able to understand them.The legal telescope is one way of seeing things. Under the Indian Constitution and , particularly, under Hindu Law , by definition a “Hindu” includes an atheist , a Buddhist , a Jain , a Sikh. A person may not believe in God , may not worship deities or idols, yet he/she does not cease to be a Hindu. The Arya Samaj is a leading movement of Hinduism where the followers do not worship deities. The Sanatan Dharma is another , where followers do deity worship. The divisions are based on personal beliefs that can keep changing even in one’s ;lifetime from moment to moment. One can inter-marry, whether you are an Arya Samaji or a Sanatan Dharmi or a Jain , etc. So there are no sects created by these different beliefs. There are thousands of different beliefs , Gods , rituals , ceremonies ,etc. Even Hindus do not know all the Gods or may never even have read the Vedas or the holy books ( so many to choose from ) you could not read them in a lifetime . There would be people who may have just prayed to deities or just taken the name of God, in their lifetime. They may have hardly read or talked about or discussed God or to have tried to find out about him. May have just watched some prayers or pujas from a distance. With or without participation in prayer or learning , they are all Hindus. There is no sectarianism , no apostasy , no persecution or heresy , no eternal damnation in Hellfire. No Hindu is stopped from visiting a mosque , a church , a Jain temple ,etc. Hinduism is spiritualism at its best trying to learn and accommodate everyone , trying to see good and peace in others. It is inner worldly and does not see conversions as a part of religion.If anyone likes Hinduism , well it is upto that person. But no one is going out to beg anyone to start looking at Hinduism. Hindus are .too, busy in their own spiritual life. It is a great survivor because of its versatility and adapability. Please see video Sermon “Are We Becoming Hindus” by Jennifer Lu. There is no sectarian strife in Hinduism. Just because a brother or sister Hindu worships idols or deities , another brother or sister does not worship so , but looks at the Universe more cosmologically and philosophically, that would not make him treat his brother Hindu or sister HIndu as lesser persons in their beliefs. This tolerance and variation in thought , in our span of understanding at different levels of consciousness, make Hinduism an even larger than life concept that enables individuals , families and friends facing challenges in the human quest for realizing spiritual truth , to continue to gain knowledge and move towards self realization , without losing any of your ethnic , cultural or social roots..
.
http://goo.gl/tNXyTF *Dr Subramanian Swamy in Assam*
http://1drv.ms/14rCPVU *skyM7* (sorry http://1drv.ms/1v8T7KI unshared)
http://goo.gl/qdDLrO *pakistan divided due Islamic reasons why India not hindutva*
http://goo.gl/IpQBVC http://goo.gl/YiyrBV http://goo.gl/XgPWxW *Gita Godse Dharma Media*
निलेष एक भारतीय
http://goo.gl/azR3W0 *Bharat muslims hindu ancestors*
http://goo.gl/ihHZ2m *Live: India inks deals on nuclear power, oil, armed forces with Russia*
http://goo.gl/WGLuBx *Shri Narendra Modi speaks on the power of Yoga at the opening of the Lakulish Yoga University 21 June World Yoga Day*
http://youtu.be/9ezZaDJMQYI *Mann Ki Baat III – PM Narendra Modi shares some thoughts with us* http://goo.gl/VAaIYN *soundcloud*
http://goo.gl/2nUcTy *Reality of Fridge Technology in INDIA Exposed By Rajiv Dixit*
http://goo.gl/tNXyTF *Dr Subramanian Swamy in Assam*
Hi BRIAN,
LTTE was not a Hindu organization as pointed out by you. Its entire top brass was converted Christians. Like one of their most vociferous supporters like Vaiko. Please correct your beliefs. Please Google for Ajit Vadakayil LTTE to learn more about them. It would also be interesting to know why Norway (of all the nations) was mediating between them and Sri Lankan government.
I am proud feel Hindu jai Sri ram
Hinduism is the most pacifist
religion in the world. There is a
statistic that says that India has
never invaded another country
in the last 10,000 years. Social
workers help out the
underprivileged but
missionaries are non-existent.
Hinduism believes that religion
is just a path to God, who is
present in everything and
everyone.
Thank you for your faith in goodness of Hinduism. Hinduism is the religion of golden era and it doesn’t follow religious authorities as others do, it only follows eternal love of God.
I wish all westerns think like you haha
there are many Indians who think like westerners… hope you include them in your wish…
Hinduism in its purest form tops the list; but it has lost its purity. Gandhi, though chanting Ram Rajya, was in fact peddling Jainism which to me was the worst religion conceived in India. It forbids you to lock horns with an enemy who is bent upon taking away your property/country. Is this the message of Ramayana? Did Lord Rama not fight and kill Ravana? Everything has been mixed up and Hinduism has become utterly confused. This is the reason why you hear so often among the Hindus “Sab chalta hai”. Everything goes.
We have to have something which should unite us and for which we should be ready to lay down our lives. A religion has grown out of Hinduism which has all this. It is home grown and delivers. It is Sikhism. I am a Hindu but admire Sikhism very much.
Again we have abused the word “Shanti”. It does not mean Peace. It means calmness. Not to be elated when victorious and not to be dejected when vanquished. This was the message of Lord Krishna the Karam Yogi.
Again, I cannot understand why we have not jettisoned the caste system. We believe in the immanence of God. If He is in all of us, there is no High and there is no Low. It is an egalitarian concept which we are losing sight of.
Reblogged this on prabhakaradas.
why compare incomparable- can a canal be compared with river- one man made the other natural. All these religions are man made, they have clear defined line of what their religion as propagated by its maker is to be followed-blindly. Hindu does not have a human being as the originator- it is like river or tree or any other being- it cannot be quantified.Only man made things are quantifiable, so these religions are quantifiable as per their originator. how can man made be equated or compared with natural- natural is very very vast, man made is very narrow and short lived.
Fascinating discussion by those seeking the truth. I got the truth from Guru Ramdas’s lectures that left me with no question about religion unanswered. All must at least once listen to this video (music only English text). If you still have a question after reading these come to this blog and ask. That is a challenge. These talk about purpose of life, heaven, hell, death, birth and so much more – total 30 lectures (no audio in language). https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeoLCq8W9hy690uOoFPYFqne4SGvMJqd9
Hindu Audiobooks not only strengthen your spiritual life, but also provide a great opportunity to get in close contact with ancient Hindu scripture, learn proper pronunciation of slogans and widen their spiritual knowledge.
Hi Maria, came across this post when searching for something. I am sorry to say that your understanding of Abrahamic faiths is incomplete. You keep talking about Christianity and Islam, but neglect mentioning Judaism, which is the main Abrahamic faith. Based on that omission, you do not realize that the God of Israel, of Judaism–Yahowah–is also the God of the Christians. We consider Yahshua as one with Yahowah.
What you also get wrong, about Christianity at least, is that God did not reveal the truth through Christ alone. God has revealed the truth through all the prophets of Judaism from Noah, Abraham, Moses to Malachi and finally Christ. His ministry was one of fulfillment and He came confirming and fulfilling everything that Judaism had already laid down. And with Him, God revealed the final truth–salvation.
In turn, the Old Testament of the Christians–which is the entire Tanach of the Jews–has prophesied the coming of Christ, about His birth and even His death. When we have so many prophecies that have come true and are coming true, it is unwise to call Christianity blind faith. You are free to eulogize the Hindu faith–and as an Indian, I do agree that they are good people. But to do so by stepping on an ancient and good faith detracts from your goodness as a Hindu, Maria.
Since you have a Catholic background, the content of my comments is not unfamiliar or alien to you. For a minute, dear friend, if you would put aside your anger and read through what Brian is trying to say–in the interest of understanding–you may find yourself less bitter about Christianity. I agree, a great many wrongs have been committed in the name of the Christian God, but these acts do not have any support in the Bible–not the Crusades, not the Inquisitions, not even forced conversions (Freewill is inherent in Christianity and Judaism). To judge a faith by the actions of its followers is unfair. I am not looking for an answer from you or even a debate. I just ask you to think about what I am saying. Have a blessed day.
Reblogged this on Alkesh2907's Blog.
Reblogged this on krishankumarjhs.
CHRISTIANITY is actually CHURCHIANITY, the worlds biggest organised religion. The biggest marketing mass fraud in human history.Jesus is no GOD.At the most, he can be called a saintly person.We have thousands of saints in India. But we do not create new independent religions after personalities.If you study the life of Jesus you will see that he lost his temper a lot of times. Lost his cool even with his disciples, cursed people, and even a tree! Please read the book ZEALOT- THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JESUS OF NAZARETH, By REZA ASLAN, which is a NEW YORK TIMES Bestseller.Here he proves that Jesus was actually only a Jewish freedom fighter. The name Jesus is itself fake. Jesus was not a White person he was of Arab Jewish descent(the land of Palestine in the Arabian peninsula). His actual name was YUZ ASAF later anglicised to Jesus, to morph him into a White European Caucasian Saviour of all people. Later his mother Mariam becomes Mary & father Yusuf becomes Joseph.
The West Headquartered Church organisations are nothing but geo-political, geo- strategic tools of the Western powers for domination on the non-Western world, a form of neo-Colonialism.
Please read the book BREAKING INDIA-By Rajiv Malhotra(available on Flipkart.com & Amazon.com).The West HQ Churches are involved in the NAXALITE/MAOIST violence affecting one-third of India,s districts.
In NE INDIA & also Buddhist majority Myanmar there are separatist movements, with dime a dozen Church militias, using NATO origin weapons fighting to establish sovereign Christian nations. The Baptist Church(HQ in U.S.A), Catholic Church(HQ in Italy), Presbytarian Church(HQ in Scotland-U.K), have their own Church militias carrying out, extortion,killings,kidnappings, ethnic clashes,forcible conversions at gun point in the region. Check out the site NLFT, NSCN etc.
It is a total mess in NE INDIA, all created by these Churches. Africa is being subjugated and looted, by using Church militias to have a situation of lawnessness, poverty, helpnessness. All an agenda of the Western powers for world domination, ensure their extravagant lifestyle till eternity.
As far as the claimed prophesy of the coming of Jesus(YUZ ASAF),it is all a post-mortem lie manufactured by the West HQ Church leaders. He was a Jew, but the Jews consider him a fake Prophet an imposter, because he failed to free the Jews out of slavery as promised and also failed to establish the Kingdom of God in Israel as promised.
A LIE REPEATED A THOUSAND TIMES TAKES THE SHAPE OF TRUTH(i.e does not become the Truth, but starts appearing as the Truth). As far as the Uniqueness of the death of Jesus on the Cross, as a unique event in history, people should know that death by hanging on the Cross was a normal mode of punishment for criminals in the Middle East during those times just as death by hanging by the noose is in India.Thousands of people have been hung on the Cross before this so called Unique event and hundreds after that also. Another marketing fraud. By that account tommrow somebody may claim that Indian Freedom Fighter BHAGAT SINGH was GOD, manufacture a THEOLOGY and market it as a Unique GOD and Unique TRUE RELIGION for all peoples!! Create a MNC CHURCH ORGANISATION and start converting all people of all nations! Why such a thing can very well happen, just as the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH was created 300 yrs after Jesus and the BIBLE written.
As a Hindu who has studied Christian Theology, I will accept Jesus in my own way. As another God, having place among the countless names & forms of the infinite nameless/formless(but also with form) Lord of all.If I can worship a tree, a river, a hill, a stone, the earth, the Sun, the moon as forms of god, I may as well worship Gods of other religious traditions with respect. But certainly not as an exclusive personality, by eliminating all so called False Gods/Evil Gods/Satanic Gods as these Churches desire.
Ignorant Hindus can read the books- WHAT RELIGION IS?, RAJA YOGA, JNANA YOGA, BHAKTI YOGA, VEDANTA- VOICE OF FREEDOM by SWAMI VIVEKANANDA published by RAMAKRISHNA MISSION(all low priced books). Also the book JESUS LIVED IN INDIA by HOLGER KERSTEN(Penguin Books). BEING DIFFERENT by RAJIV MALHOTRA, TAO OF PHYSICS by FRITJOF CAPRA.
Hi Chandra,
Can you tell me, with absolute certainty, with proof, that ‘Jesus’ is not God? I am not interested in Reza Aslan’s version…something you have found out on your own. And btw, the name is Yahoshua. It’s Hebrew as He was Jewish and it means Yahowah is Salvation.
As I mentioned in my earlier comment, to blame a faith for the wrongs that men commit in the name of religion, is just plain injustice.
You are right, the Jews reject Yahoshua…that they would is written in the prophecies. The uniqueness of Christ’s death on the cross is not that He was crucified. For God’s sake, there were two other thieves crucified on either side of Him…it’s given in the Bible in the Gospels. The uniqueness lies in His resurrection. But most importantly, the specifics of that death were mentioned in prophecies written at least a few centuries before it happened.
And come to think of it, even though the practice of crucifixion was a common Roman one, Christ’s death was different because He was innocent—neither Herod nor Pontius Pilate nor the Roman legal system were able to find any reason to convict Him. It was the Jewish High Priests who wanted His crucifixion. To get into deeper theology, His death fulfilled–once and for all–the Old Testament sacrificial requirements for salvation (Passover) and forgiveness of sins (Atonement). That does make His death, His sacrifice on the cross, unique.
Dear Rajendran,
The system of caste is the strongest aspect of our sanatana dharma. Don’t even think ever that our dharma has blemishes. It is because of our intellectual shortcomings that we fail to comprehend the true genius behind the caste classification. Don’t look for explanation from outside for this puzzle. Dwelve deep into your own self (irrespective of your caste) and the truth will dawn on you one day and that is the day you will truly regret about having uttered about blemishes in sanatana dharma. Hari Om.
plzz..maria wirth do you know what are you saying if a religion is saying that every religion is equal then what is the problem with that hinduism is way better then Christianity and islam it dosen’t forces you to con to convert from any other religion to hinduism whereas Christianity and islam does forces people to convert their religion
did you read the article? i wrote that Hindu Dharma is in a different category and Hindus should have the confidence to say that it is the best of all….
rajat its stupid people like you who mess it up for us hindus. Its about time we let the truth out about hinduism to the world so that people can choose for themselves and embrace Hinduism. Its time for our religion to grow and also belong to people outside of India and Nepal
Hindusm Is Mostproved popebsaid That earth is flat histry proof Profetc raping 6 years girl Islam rapist Cristian jesus born Without fatheR So This is misconceptions of people And also Its not true All heavnly lord Shiva maha deva Are suprem vishnu bramha used to pray shiva so hindusm is true
Ther religion of Prophet Zarathushtra (the Greek philosophers like Plato who read his teachings called him Zoroaster) popularly known as Zoroastrianism in the west, is also very ancient (dated by Greek and Roman historians as 6,000 years ago, which claim is agreed by American scholar Mary Settegast in her book “When Spoke Zarathushtra”. This monotheistic religion also does not believe in blind faith or superstitions. It believes in moral accountability of individuals, who are supposed to think for themselves before making decisions on what is the right or wrong choice.
It was the majority religion of three Persian empires for over a thousand years, with a brief interruption after Alexander’s invasion, and reversion back to Zoroastrianism, until the Arab Muslim invasion of the seventh century, when genocide, forced conversion to Islam,kidnapping and enslavement of women and children (just like ISIS actions), and centuries of persecution, humiliation, and coercion by successive Muslim rulers reduced it to a minority. Some Zoroastrians migrated to India over a thousand years ago, to save their religion and Persian culture. Under Hindu kings they survived, free to practice their religion, prospered, and helped their co-religionists in Iran to come out of their depressed condition through financial and political assistance.
Very very right.
Hinduism describes that there is a supreme being, a power out of our grasp of understanding, that has created this universe along with all the laws of the science and everything in it.
Without going into too much detail, Hinduism states that there is a higher power and we should bow down to it in the way we feel comfortable.
If an idol helps u concentrate, do it. If going to a special place, call it temple, mosque or church helps you, do that. If a particular shape of an idol/vision makes u comfortable, be it Shiva, Vishnu, kabaa, Jesus, hanuman or any other that’s okay too.
All path lead to the same god.
One thing that Hinduism DOES NOT say is to claim that my path is good and ur path is bad.
This is the only point where other religions fail.
As long as the purpose is to attain enlightenment, a christian or a muslim is as much a Hindu coz they r following a path to reach the final goal.
A Hindu would never say to a christian/muslim that change ur religion and u will become a better person or reach enlightenment faster. Hinduism doesn’t teach that.
Rest is following the scriptures u like and u have a free will to choose and follow without invading the belief system of a fellow believer.
Sir,
Though I agree with you for the part that religion and an individual that follows are not same. A fanatic person is hardly an epitome of the religion he/she follows.
I begin to disagree the moment u start saying that Christ is the only way.
My humble submission is that Christ is one of the ways to reach self-realization.
Claiming that something is old doesn’t make it superior but rejecting something just because its very old would be as big a mistake.
sorry for posting your comment late. was out of station…
Fundamental difference between hinduism and other religion is that those who are hindus they are so by birth while other are made by rituals.Hindus have in-built tolerance which makes them unique.
it means Hindus are normal human beings not “made” into something other after birth…??
sorry for putting up your comment late. couldn’t open wordpress on tablet and had no internet on laptop
Those pea brained Hindus r divided into so many tribes and classes that they forgot their original teachings. they claim that they r not polytheists,but what do we see? those so called talented gurus say the Abrahamic religions r bad and what not. u know what, what’s the biggest difference between the polytheists and monotheists except rules and beliefs? Polytheists r very superstitious, confused whereas monotheists r not at all superstitious and not at all confused.
and as they need a true religion,why they didn’t accept Islam at the first place? I believe Judaism and Christianity are really revealed by God,but were corrupted later. Islam is the modified and correct form of it. And the Quran was never ever changed, nor it will b. that’s why Islam is the only truth. many people misunderstand Islam only because of some stupid and crazy Muslims. they gave a new false name to Jihad. if they hadn’t done it,all the people ( except losers,mad,fools and stupids ) would b Muslims and this world would have been a heaven. I hate those crazy Muslims. I only love those Muslims who follow Islam properly and strictly and are tolerant. I am one of those sane Muslims.
Dear mnh (whoever you are)
This post, both contents and length, could be a test of your patience and perhaps even reading/comprehension skills 🙂
> biggest difference between the polytheists and monotheists except rules and beliefs?
This itself shows who really has developed a “pea brain”. I can tell that such could come from someone “learning” big from fellows like Mr Naik and all, but would suggest to open minds a bit and see outside. To our great fortune we even have a vast collective source of knowledge now readily available at fingertips in the form of internet, but we need to first develop prudence on how to separate wheat from chaff. Some hints to do that are in the paras below if you are really interested and serious about learning and discovering.
This polytheism, monotheism is a simplistic knife brought about by puny non-eastern philosophies. This knife does the dual purpose of trivialising things for those who “cannot understand better” as well as divide the people into some kind of mono vs poly vs atheist groups nonsense. Most Eastern philosophies have been concerned about a holistic description of reality rather than gibberish like “do this because God/Allah via some Prophet/Son says this”, “one God good, many gods are work of some satan” and so on. No wonder even slightly mature philosophies like modern day materialism based on science laugh their wits out at irrationality of religion in general having being mostly exposed to non-eastern ones.
I have used mild words here to describe these philosophies. It is actually a stretch of logic to even call these beliefs as any philosophy of civilized humans, not to mention that these hardly deal with reality as a whole. The consequences these have brought upon us, and continue to do so, is horrifying as the world has seen its effects all over ever since Earth has had the grave misfortune of seeing these barbaric philosophies flourish and spread, committing such wide-spread crimes that words fall short in trying to express.
Coming to actual philosophy, in actuality the difference is so huge that you cannot even comprehend at this point. For starters, most Vedanta schools start with analysis of what constitutes a valid source of evidence to describe Truth. This in itself could be a difficult concept for you to understand.
It then accepts direct observation (via senses or an extension) lock, stock and barrel as one of its primary source of evidence (e.g. modern science, geology etc is all accepted as is wherever evidence is of the standard as required by the respective school). Of course, the subject of errors in perception is also treated in details. It even accords it the *primary* status in its domain meaning it overrides any other evidence, including scriptures, as far as the physical realm is concerned. Then it accepts logic as the next source of evidence whose domain extends to all realms but is still subservient to others in some sense. This in itself is a vast topic with books and books on valid forms of logic, different formulations and so on. There are many other sources here accepted by some schools that can be broadly categorized under “logic”. Then the whole gamut of scriptures that constitute primary evidence for non-physical realms but still subject to logic and other sources of evidence where applicable.
All schools then also proceed to give detailed rationale on why all of the accepted sources of evidence should be accepted and are necessary. This includes scriptures as to what constitutes a scripture, are they even necessary, where are they applicable and so on. At the first instance all evidence like “Accept XYZ as Prophet, so now accept all he says” are not even considered seriously because of inherent flaw of interdependence.
I think this much is more than enough to digest if you happenstance to be really interested. Truth is very complex with infinite layers, as we can readily see the incomprehensible complexity of even material world, yet expect the highest Truth including God to be very simple. Like expressing serious philosophies using mono-poly-atheist kind of trivial categorizations.
However, the real point of interest is not superiority by vastness or complexity. The real point for me is this: can any of the philosophies even begin to actually explain the reason for this world, why this so-called God “create” all this nonsensical world, if so, who I really am, why put in this place at all, the reason for unimaginable suffering of large percentage, problem of evil and so on. As a serious student, the only philosophies that even attempted serious answers to such questions were some of the Vedanta schools. None of other Vedanta schools had satisfactory answers to those, what to talk about other philosophies. I must confess, however, that even though I have studied and understand most of the major philosophies there is no way I can claim to have seriously studied *all* or have a perfect understanding of every philosophy of relevance on planet (so this opinion is still subject to expansion).
> I believe Judaism and Christianity are really revealed by God,but were corrupted later.
You can believe anything — that some god revealed these religions, that mine is the best among these and so on. Don’t expect these to have any relation with reality though (like some of it as exposed by modern day science).
So where do these beliefs come from? Solely and completely from being born into a some home having some religious affiliation. Had you been born in a different house, you would have believed completely differently. This is not a personal commentary, but the case for nearly all humans at this point on Earth (not that I can claim to have fared any better had I been born under different circumstances).
Special appreciation is therefore due for people like author of this blog who questioned the beliefs into which they were borne, and took up something after a serious rational study.
Refer to paragraph just before your above quote. Can your beliefs seriously provide satisfactory answers to some of the those basic questions of human existence? It is a question every human ought to ask and answer, or better yet come up with own questions that are toughest and that we sweep under the carpet as per convenience. For example, for a long time I believed that there are no satisfactory answers in any philosophy to questions like why we were put here by some “god” in 1st place, problem of evil, suffering, but couldn’t have been more wrong as I gradually found out. There actually exist philosophies in this world that not only tackle each and every of the most troubling and toughest questions head-on, but way beyond one can think (like one I mentioned as to why sources of evidence like direct observation should be accepted as an evidence at all). Then even encourage you to question the philosophy itself and find your own answers beyond if required.
great comment. thank you
An insightful, simple but firm postultion. I wish everyone in the world especially everu Hindu read this and understand the true Hinduism.
Thank you so much for this reference capsule.
You need not be a Hindu to follow Hinduism. Religion is not an obstacle r vehicle to find the absolute truth.
[…] Source: Difference between Hinduism and Christianity/ Islam […]
Those crazy Muslims are the true Muslims. not people like you
Quran has explicit guidelines to kill non-Muslims.
I hate to differ with her but her knowledge of Islaam is not upto the basic level, Islaam is there since the creation took place,Every creation is muslim,And even a newborn baby is muslim too, and on this planet islaam is there since Adam & eve arrived here,Islam means Submitting your will to god and accepting his terms.
I think there a better ways to ‘glorify’ your views madame. But this way of humiliations towards belifes is just not acceptable. Maybe the two beliefs which you hate have done it in the past and some of thier followers still do speak such things. I guess we are here on earth to spread harmony and not hatred so or dislike. If you can’t praise your thoughts without putting others down there can no credibility in your thoughts either. So if you don’t like something there is no restrictions to leave it. but hating others is abosultely insane and full of prejudice.
I know all would hate me for the above comments- Apologies in advance, but just lets set aside differences and see a common good for humanity.
55% of the world caan’t be wrong.
Dhanyawad/ Kudhafiz/ God Bless/ Thank You
55% of world is worn you mean?
yes, i know. i also once believed what i had been told in childhood. nobody can make you doubt, except when it hits you from inside.
i am glad, it hit me, it’s a great relief to have gotten rid of blind belief.
please send us more links to uour research . great
please check out more posts on the blog and also replies on quora https://www.quora.com/profile/Maria-Wirth
Dear Human Being,
You said:
> Maybe the two beliefs which you hate
This is a common mistake made by people who think that deep understanding of various belief systems, analysis of their scope, rationality, consequences etc, and expressing them in a “politically incorrect” straight manner equals hate for others.
For example, one can very well say that some tribes have no understanding of other human society laws and their “laws” are primitive, without hating them at all.
> but hating others is abosultely insane and full of prejudice.
Now if you can get out of this mentality, perhaps you can actually read/understand the points being made sincerely and counter them on that level.
Maria
According to Hindu darma
Soul is energy
AND energy cannot be destroyed
And scientific proof that soul is energy
If it’s energy then why the mass increases of a dead person
Scientifically when mass increases energy also increases
E= mc2
Shazdali@gmail.com
Well written and explained systematically.
‘@Ali Jiva-atman (loosely speaking the “soul” in English) is different from the body. Mass of body has nothing to do with Jiva-atman. These are ABCs.
Hinduism is a deep rooted religion, all other religions are off-shoots/branches of Hinduism.
Brother Angi ! Nowhere in the bible is mention the time of creation with specific number of years,
They wrongly interpreted from the original text It says we created universe and all creations in it in 6 stages and each stage could be billions of years because Our creator is not bond to the time, Time is human perception,I appreciate your loyalty to your belive but you have wrong information
About bible.
HINDU religion Means Stone Likes God theory And its Rubbish.. Biddah with Real Almighty As Allah -the Supereme Almighty.. Thats it.!!!
If we want to make this earth the best place to live, evolve better, lead a peaceful life, have enquiring minds and seek truth, without being foolish to be brainwashed and if you don’t like to kill others like a satan , love scientific progress, and be humane, be responsible for your deeds (Karma) you have look into the treasure of human wisdom of time immemorial that is Hinduism . Go deep into it you will transcend to a level of higher consciousness when you will realise other religions are superficial rituals and childish in nature. Let’s all rise to truth. Let’s not fight, we all are the children of same God, God bless you.
[…] Wirth, M. (2013, June 27). Difference between Hinduism and Christianity/Islam. Retrieved from Maria Wirth: https://mariawirthblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/27/is-hinduism-a-religion/ […]
Hello Maria,
I am quite glad seeing and reading your posts which are comparing in a very insightful way. There are many pundits in different parts of India who can give even more deep dive with reasoning and answers to every possible question one can think of. I am personally aware of many in Mumbai and would be glad to take you to that institution where almost 1.5 Lacs books are stored and mastered which covers practically every religion and there are many scholars who have read all of those books as well and do research too. Do kindly let me know.
With warm regards,
Manupreey
thank you, Manupreey, for your kind offer. There are definitely many pundits who have far greater knowledge than I have. I see my contribution merely in pointing out how Hindu Dharma is far superior to the dogmatic religions (which incidentally claim that these are far superior to Hindu Dharma without giving any good arguments), because I am also an insider in Christianity, the first exclusivist, dogmatic religion (Islam followed a few centuries later) which try to plant fear and guilt into their followers.
Some time ago, when somebody on my blog rued that Hindus did not reply to Zakir Naik with arguments, but just complained about him hurting their sentiments, I first felt that I cannot do this job of replying to him. Hindu pundits are better qualified. But then I felt, that the pundits may simply not be interested in replying to him. Maybe indeed it is not worthwhile, but I tried to write a reply and feel it turned out well. Please see
https://mariawirthblog.wordpress.com/2016/07/18/a-reply-to-dr-zakir-naik/
Regarding the books, there were times when I read a lot, but at present, I just write from what has accumulated over the many years in India. Ultimately, I feel sadhana is more helpful than collecting information.
warm regards
Maria
My thoughts were exact. Recently after reading Quran, curiously I posted a question on reddit “Why do rational people follow Abrahamic religion”.
The essence was like this God is some big King who must be feared or you will burn in eternal hell. He doesn’t like if you worship some other king or question him or leave him.
The dharmic “religion” are open to even rejecting God altogether.
I just wanted to say “Tat tvam asi” literally translates to “That you are” from sanskrit to english. There was actually a question asked in one part of rigveda “who is God?” And while all the questioning and discussion was going on within the writings…this small phrase “tat tvam asi” came and went by. Scholars were able to point this out.
By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed this article. I loved the core essence of it.
instead of way of life, i would call Sanatana Dharma an ideal way of life, a way that leads to realising our true essence.
i use Hindu purposely, because it is used world over, but mostly with a negative connotation due to missionary propaganda. by using it positively, maybe this negative connotation changes in the minds of others.
A beautiful article except Ms. Wirth uses the word HINDU DHARMA. This maybe even be on purpose for even many so called Hindus do not know the actual word i.e. SANATAN DHARMA.
Yes, it does mean “THE WAY OF LIFE”. All the Holy Books of the DHARMA whether it be “THE SRIMAD BHAGVAD GITA”, “THE BHAGVATAM”, “THE FOUR VEDAS”, “THE UPANISHADS”, “THE PURANAS” Etc. are beautifully written, have no Dogmas of Do’s & Dont’s with very scientifically proven explanations to each verse. If anyone reads these books he/she would have to agree that these can be only written by great”Rishis” & “Munis” who with their Meditation could actually hear GOD and hence could write such ABSOLUTE TRUTH. FOR THEY WERE SPOKEN BY GOD HIMSELF OR HERSELF FOR GOD IS OMNIPRESENT. RADHA & KRISHNA ARE ACTUALLY THE SAME.
Religion is made by Man, LIFE or DHARMA is the Creation of the Creator GOD.
I once again than Ms. Maria Wirth for supporting SANATAN DHARMA AKA HINDUISM.
An extremely well written blog.
May I just add one point? Aham brahmasmi or tat twamasi are particular to Adwaita philosophy . Dwait philosophy believes in duality of Atman and paramatman and postulates that atman unites with paramatma
Maria ji you are doing great service for dhar Jc values to be known to all, being honest & being Hindu j myself never knew so much about Hinduism. Thanks to writers like you that I have been reading, getting enlightened & feeling Proud to be a Hindu
Mass increase due to the growth of millions of bacteria in the dead body
One must read & learn this so difference can be assessed among all in general & what not the expansionist nature religions do.
One must read & learn this so difference can be assessed among all in general & what not the expansionist nature religions do.
How allah be super power as no one can see & feel it?
Hindu religion is the most ancient religion which exist today & is no doubt the mother of all religion, And many saints like Tukaram, Eknath, Adi Shankaracharya, Shirdi Sai Baba & numerous others have proved Hindu Gods existence. & I am a proud Hindu
really superb. You knows more about hinduism than many Indians, hats off to you.
Best regards and wishes for rare wisdom…. it’s really very impressive and eye opener for all of all types humanity
Sanatan/Hindu is not at all a re lease.
Rest all like Christian, Muslims, even Baugh are all re leas of the Sanatan only.
Sanatan is the root of all the religions.
We are always open to accept and experiment to reveal the universal fact.
Maria, What a profound research and deep insights !
Is Islam just 1400 years old – dinno this !
Abraham and Brahman – and the binding and abiding – revealation of sorts !
Many thanks for digging into truths and sharing .
May your so called best enlighten you with real knowledge and way of life… Hari Oum…
Thank you
As I already tweeted, splendid and informative. We grew up in a society where there was little exposure to Hindu religion. Whether this was by design to suppress Hindus is still being debated. Anyway, this article is an eye opener for Hindus. Kudos.
Hinduism is not a theology, whereas Christianity & Islam are? By theology I mean a definite set of beliefs, well defined, rigid boundaries. Anyone not subscribing to the tenets is outside the boundary & is an ‘infidel’, ‘kafir’ My 2 cents
The philosophy behind idol worship in Hinduisim is much different and evolved than those of ancient pagan idolators like arabs Jews Egyptians Greeks Romans….. who just blindly worshipped the idols
Thank you
Wonderful read, Hinduism has gone through a lot over centuries, the external forces invaded and destroyed the true knowledge just to promote their religion and promoted myths about hinduism.
Dear Maria, you have lot of knowledge about hinduism. Let me introduce you to the practical aspect of it. I suggest the book “autobiography of a yogi” by sr sri paramhans yogananda. Also google self realization fellowship headquarters Los Angeles USA.
Yoganandawordpress.com
Srfamerica
Thanks. If you can, please share in your friends’ circle.
You’ve said scientifically proven mam!! Didn’t care to give us one example!! Also Hindus believe that the texts were received by scholars direct from God and passed on to the next generations by word of mouth. It is pretty much the same as other two religions!! Isn’t it!! God passing on the message to few select one’s to spred the word!! Christians and Muslims believe in one god…..can you explain thousands of gods !? You didn’t mention it even!
scientifically proven in the sense that nuclear physics now also claims that nothing is separate in this universe. it only appears as such. does this not mean science supports the Indian view? is it possible that there is a sseparate God somewhere who created this? just reflect about it.
regarding the many deities, please see this article
https://mariawirthblog.wordpress.com/2016/07/18/a-reply-to-dr-zakir-naik/
Very nice, thought provoking!!
Body is MATTER, where as SOUL is ANTI MATTER. That is the difference
Wonderfully written, but please give us a condensed version to share on social media.
I want to increase knowledge on hindu dharma what should i do now? what do mean by sadhana?? Is that means practice?? What should i practice to make me better and expert in hindu dharma?
If you really want to know the truth, help will come. Read the basics, BhG Main Upanishads, talks with Ramana, Vivekananda and ask your Atma for help to develop love
This is exactly the bs that islam teaches u to brainwash u. Hindus & Hinduism are time immemorial. But u have only been around for 1400 yrs & u cannot even prove mohmad existed. Forbidden to question ur false cult islam that u call ur ‘religion’, blasphemy laws & a jealous, hating, weak limited so called god allah whose messenger was a pedo, sex maniac, hallucinating, lying thief that invented the false allah & ur book of lies the quran. That’s why the no questions, offence, brainwashing takes place in islam, it survives based on a bunch of brainless, blind & brainwashed losers unable to think for themselves. The stone u worship in mecca is a Shiv Mandir.
Hinduism is the one true religion, time immemorial and the truth. We worship God in his image, our God is not limited.
Brilliant article Maria as always.
It is true that christianity and islam especially, want to create a flock of sheep that are unable to question their false cult, blasphemy laws and by brainwashing them so they cannot think for themselves. The incestous inbreeding further diminishes their ability to think. After the false indoctrination of lies, they cannot digest the facts and the facts become too difficult for them to bear. The other thing is, to hudge a religion by it’s followers. We can see how islamists are terrorists and christians are too busy trying to demean other religions, claiming theirs is true (no evidence) and busy trying to convert others. That is a cult. That says a lot about their so called god & their cults of lies. They produce the output that reflects their ‘religion’ ie cult.
Hinduism is time immemorial, truth, universal truth and been around thousands and thousands of years before the false cults were invented in the desert. The West knows the value of Hinduism, so they try to keep it under wraps, since Hinduism will emerge the truth. Hindus are rising now and realising how invaluable and the truth in Hinduism. Scientifically, spiritually and in every way the most advanced and most ancient religion and civilisation on Earth.
Yoga. Ayurveda, physics, astrology, scientific advancements, architecture, etc all originated from Hinduism and India. The West tried to steal them then falsely claim them as theirs. It’s not a coincidence that they were all ‘discovered’ during the colonial rule in India. The moghuls muslims were too dumb to know anything. But the British saw the value.
You’re right, Hinduism attracts the educated, literate, developed and logical minds, that too without forcing but self evident how great Hinduism is. You’re right that Buddhism and Sikhism come out of Hinduism. The Dharmic religions have their roots in Hinduism. Quality is what Hindus want. Quantity of weed is always higher, but the quality is in the diamonds, which are rarer. Quality is powerful, the truth and wins. Not false, quantity and lies. Very proud to be Hindu. God is with the truth and the truth is victorious, which is Hinduism.
[…] Source: Article published earlier on June 27, 2013 in Difference between Hinduism and Christianity/ Islam | MARIA WIRTH (wordpress.com) […]
Excellent analysis. You may also want to look at the page http://hinduism-christianity-islam.info/