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10-10-2010, 10:14 AM
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#1 |
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 Why I'm a Hindu?
A very Interesting conversation B/W one Indian Professor and An American Girl. Here it is:-
Four years ago, I was flying from JFK NY Airport to SFO to attend a meeting at Monterey , CA An American girl was sitting on the right side, near window seat. It indeed was a long journey – it would take nearly seven hours. I was surprised to see the young girl reading a Bible unusual of young Americans. After some time she smiled and we had few acquaintances talk. I told her that I am from India Then suddenly the girl asked: ‘What’s your faith?’ ‘What?’ I didn’t understand the question. ‘I mean, what’s your religion? Are you a Christian? Or a Muslim?’ ‘No!’ I replied, ‘I am neither Christian nor Muslim’. Apparently she appeared shocked to listen to that. ‘Then who are you?’ ‘I am a Hindu’, I said. She looked at me as if she was seeing a caged animal. She could not understand what I was talking about. A common man in Europe or US knows about Christianity and Islam, as they are the leading religions of the world today. But a Hindu, what? I explained to her – I am born to a Hindu father and Hindu mother. Therefore, I am a Hindu by birth. ‘Who is your prophet?’ she asked. ‘We don’t have a prophet,’ I replied. ‘What’s your Holy Book?’ ‘We don’t have a single Holy Book, but we have hundreds and thousands of philosophical and sacred scriptures,’ I replied. ‘Oh, come on at least tell me who is your God?’ ‘What do you mean by that?’ ‘Like we have Jesus and Muslims have Allah – don’t you have a God?’ I thought for a moment. Muslims and Christians believe one God (Male God) who created the world and takes an interest in the humans who inhabit it. Her mind is conditioned with that kind of belief. According to her (or anybody who doesn’t know about Hinduism), a religion needs to have one Prophet, one Holy book and one God. The mind is so conditioned and rigidly narrowed down to such a notion that anything else is not acceptable. I understood her perception and concept about faith. You can’t compare Hinduism with any of the present leading religions where you have to believe in one concept of god. I tried to explain to her: ‘You can believe in one god and he can be a Hindu. You may believe in multiple deities and still you can be a Hindu. What’s more – you may not believe in god at all, still you can be a Hindu. An atheist can also be a Hindu.’ This sounded very crazy to her. She couldn’t imagine a religion so unorganized, still surviving for thousands of years, even after onslaught from foreign forces. ‘I don’t understand but it seems very interesting. Are you religious?’ What can I tell to this American girl? I said: ‘I do not go to temple regularly. I do not make any regular rituals. I have learned some of the rituals in my younger days. I still enjoy doing it sometimes.’ ‘Enjoy? Are you not afraid of God?’ ‘God is a friend. No- I am not afraid of God. Nobody has made any compulsions on me to perform these rituals regularly.’ She thought for a while and then asked: ‘Have you ever thought of converting to any other religion?’ ‘Why should I? Even if I challenge some of the rituals and faith in Hinduism, nobody can convert me from Hinduism. Because, being a Hindu allows me to think independently and objectively, without conditioning. I remain as a Hindu never by force, but choice.’ I told her that Hinduism is not a religion, but a set of beliefs and practices. It is not a religion like Christianity or Islam because it is not founded by any one person or does not have an organized controlling body like the Church or the Order, I added. There is no institution or authority. ‘So, you don’t believe in God?’ she wanted everything in black and white. ‘I didn’t say that. I do not discard the divine reality. Our scripture, or Sruthis or Smrithis – Vedas and Upanishads or the Gita – say God might be there or he might not be there. But we pray to that supreme abstract authority (Para Brahma) that is the creator of this universe.’ ‘Why can’t you believe in one personal God?’ ‘We have a concept – abstract – not a personal god. The concept or notion of a personal God, hiding behind the clouds of secrecy, telling us irrational stories through few men whom he sends as messengers, demanding us to worship him or punish us, does not make sense. I don’t think that God is as silly as an autocratic emperor who wants others to respect him or fear him.’ I told her that such notions are just fancies of less educated human imagination and fallacies, adding that generally ethnic religious practitioners in Hinduism believe in personal gods. The entry level Hinduism has over-whelming superstitions too. The philosophical side of Hinduism negates all superstitions. ‘Good that you agree God might exist. You told that you pray. What is your prayer then?’ ‘Loka Samastha Sukino Bhavantu. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti,’ ‘Funny,’ she laughed, ‘What does it mean?’ ‘May all the beings in all the worlds be happy. Om Peace, Peace, Peace.’ ‘Hmm ..very interesting. I want to learn more about this religion. It is so democratic, broad-minded and free’ she exclaimed. ‘The fact is Hinduism is a religion of the individual, for the individual and by the individual with its roots in the Vedas and the Bhagavad-Gita. It is all about an individual approaching a personal God in an individual way according to his temperament and inner evolution – it is as simple as that.’ ‘How does anybody convert to Hinduism?’ ‘Nobody can convert you to Hinduism, because it is not a religion, but a set of beliefs and practices. Everything is acceptable in Hinduism because there is no single authority or organization either to accept it or to reject it or to oppose it on behalf of Hinduism.’ I told her – if you look for meaning in life, don’t look for it in religions; don’t go from one cult to another or from one guru to the next. For a real seeker, I told her, the Bible itself gives guidelines when it says ‘ Kingdom of God is within you.’ I reminded her of Christ’s teaching about the love that we have for each other. That is where you can find the meaning of life. Loving each and every creation of the God is absolute and real. ‘Isavasyam idam sarvam’ Isam (the God) is present (inhabits) here everywhere – nothing exists separate from the God, because God is present everywhere. Respect every living being and non-living things as God. That’s what Hinduism teaches you. Hinduism is referred to as Sanathana Dharma, the eternal faith. It is based on the practice of Dharma, the code of life. The most important aspect of Hinduism is being truthful to oneself. Hinduism has no monopoly on ideas.- It is open to all. Hindus believe in one God (not a personal one) expressed in different forms. For them, God is timeless and formless entity. Ancestors of today’s Hindus believe in eternal truths and cosmic laws and these truths are opened to anyone who seeks them. But there is a section of Hindus who are either superstitious or turned fanatic to make this an organized religion like others. The British coin the word ‘Hindu’ and considered it as a religion. I said: ‘Religions have become an MLM (multi-level- marketing) industry that has been trying to expand the market share by conversion. The biggest business in today’s world is Spirituality. Hinduism is no exception’ I am a Hindu primarily because it professes Non-violence- ‘Ahimsa Paramo Dharma’ – Non violence is the highest duty. I am a Hindu because it doesn’t conditions my mind with any faith system. |
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10-10-2010, 11:47 AM
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#2 |
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A very Interesting conversation B/W one Indian Professor and An American Girl. Here it is:- 
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10-10-2010, 02:45 PM
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#3 |
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Really appreciate ur reply shri naraji.
pemanent link to this article- Why i am a Hindu ? nandrigal. |
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10-10-2010, 06:45 PM
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#4 |
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A very Interesting conversation B/W one Indian Professor and An American Girl. Here it is:- Your conversation echos the following words of Swami Vivekananda in his address to the World Parliament of Religions at Chicago on September,11, 1893: "I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth." Regards, Brahmanyan, Bangalore. |
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10-10-2010, 08:03 PM
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#5 |
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appreciate ur reply shri Brahmanyanji. Here is another interesting article(its not mine)
Hindus take tremendous pride in the fact that their religion encourage true pluralism. According to Hinduism, all religions are true and they all lead to the same God. This leads to confusing conclusion leading some people to loose the significance of Hinduism itself. They wonder what makes Hinduism stand out. They question why can’t Krishna be called Allah or Jehovah. I do believe the way you name your God or the spiritual path you follow is very important to your realization of the lord. When people say they are above all religions or representation of the God, I get very confused. To me this conclusion has no basis. Then we would have no multiple spiritual path to the God but only one. Greatest seers or religious leaders were not even above all religions. It’s important for you to stick to your spiritual path and identify yourself with it. It will make sense if we think of spirituality as a materialistic goal. Let’s say our goal is to make 1 million $. There are multiple ways of acquiring that goal but all ways are not successful for everyone. If you find your way, then stick to it and identify yourself with it. If you keep saying that all paths to million $ are the same then you are deceiving yourself as they are not. Then after you get that million $, you recognize your path, not discard it. Don’t say, now that you got million dollars your path is not anymore important to you. That’s why the people that have truly achieved moksha (i.e. Vivekananda) they continued to recognize their path to their spiritual goal. The belief of different paths leading to the same God is strictly a belief of Sanatan Dharma. If you believe in that philosophy, then you are a Hindu. If Hindu philosophy is not your thing then move on to a different spiritual philosophy. However, if you ascribe to a non-sanatan philosophy, remember then you are actually giving up this belief of all paths being equally valued. Even though it sounds very promising, one cannot pick and choose different spiritual philosophies or follow his heart to constitute his own philosophy. That’s because he is not the God. One cannot be lawyer, doctor, teacher, accountant at the same time to be successful in his materialistic life. 1 has to ascribe to one path only and become the best at it. Spiritual goal is like that. Hindu Philosophy.hinduism-philosophy-god.jpg Source-(Paradox of Different Paths Leading to One God | BangladeshiHindu.com) |
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10-12-2010, 10:48 AM
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#6 |
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I request Shri Nara Ji and Sri Brahmanyan ji or anyone else to visit this link and real the question and all the answers properly and tell me which answers appeals to you mostly. Sorry for inconvenience. Looking forward to a reply.
Is Hinduism one of the most sensual religions still going? - Yahoo! Answers |
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10-12-2010, 01:37 PM
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#7 |
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Dear Ramanujan, as one of the respondent in that site says, "you better believe it". The Tamil SV literature is filled with most sensual of poetry. When some of the heads of SV Mathams, who are sanyasis, give upanyasam they have to either skip some of these phrases or will have to be pretty explicit. While other Azhvars had to take on the role of female paramour, in the case of Andal it came naturally as she didn't have take on that role. Here is one from Andal from Nachchiyar Thirumozhi.வானிடை வாழும் அவ்வானவர்க்கு மறையவர் வேள்வியில் வகுத்த அவி
கானிடைத் திரிவது ஓர் நரி புகுந்து கடப்பதும் மோப்பதும் செய்வது ஒப்ப ஊனிடை ஆழி சங்கு உத்தமர்க்கு என்று உன்னித்து எழுந்த என் தட முலைகள் மானிடவர்க்கு என்று பேசப்படில் வாழகில்லேன் கண்டாய் மன்மதனே.Wow, is all one can say. She says she rather die than let anyone even suggest that mere mortal touch her firm, rising, beautiful breasts that are for none other than the perfect one one who wears Sangu and Chakram. That would be like a vile fox messing around and sniffing the offerings made ready for the gods in a homam. But, Nammazhvar and Thirumangai Azhvar are no less in expressing their carnal love for Sriman Narayana. Thirumangai says in Siriya Thirumada that people describe four goals for people, Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha, but AFAIC, there is only one goal, kaamam for Sriman Narayana. Cheers! |
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10-12-2010, 03:53 PM
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#8 |
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I think this article has undergone many modification as per the fancies of the readers. I do not remember reading a good many things in the early emails containing what might have been the original.
Maybe before forwarding the email, folks kept adding their own views and thots to the original. It has now bcome a conversation b/w a 'professor' and a girl. Cities of travel and duration of travel time have been added (which is not necessary for a short conversation). Reason for travel has also been added (which is not required in a write-up regarding hindusim). There are quotes on personal god. There is also advice that one must take pride in somethings..and so on....well, it now sounds like a completely interpolated copy with hardly any resembelence to the old format.. |
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10-12-2010, 06:09 PM
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#9 |
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To Happyhinduji,
Yes while forwarding they add lot of passionate thing in the bottom like rise up hindus, be proud to be a hindu(garv se kaho hum hindu hain),be wary of conversions or muslims. They don't cut but they add. I have seen two versions and in the second version they added extra para in bottom "A man/ woman who change 's his/her birth religion to another religion is a fake and does not value his/her morals, culture and values in life. Hinduism was the first religion originated. Be proud of your religion and be proud of who you are. Om Namo shivayah !!!! Send it to all Hindus who you think will find it interesting!!!!!!!!!!!" obviously to rake up passions and achieve their political gain. But they forget to be careful about what to add and what not to add i.e. what is in the spirit of article. I only stated what I have read in a particular blog. I cannot vouch for its reliability. But to a naked eye it seems authentic and credible. I don't think we should think on that lines. We should focus on the main thing that is the message. Does it appeal to the world at large? Is it sufficient to convey to the non hindus esp muslims and christians an understanding abt hinduism or not. It doesn't matter if sachin scores or dravid an Indian win is imp. we should Eat the mangoes not count the trees. |
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10-12-2010, 06:19 PM
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#10 |
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Thank you Shri Nara ji for the prompt reply. Really appreciate it. Actually one of the replies which was the biggest was mine(anushraj87). That's why I asked for the feedback.
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10-12-2010, 06:31 PM
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#11 |
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appreciate ur reply shri Brahmanyanji. Here is another interesting article(its not mine) That is an interesting article indeed. But again it is based on mixing up of spiritualism, philosophy, religion (western thought) and Dharma (most misunderstood word). It is an accepted fact that Hindu and Hinduism are the names given by outsiders to the people who were living other side of Sindhu (Indus) River and their way of life and spiritual thoughts. Interestingly there is no Sanskrit equivalent for the word Religion. Dharma and Panth are being used to denote Religion. But they do not mean Religion as the westerners understand. I am told the word Hindu is not found in Vedic literature or Itihasa Puranas. Pundit Nehru in his Discovery of India, writes "That the word Hindu was first used in a Tantrik book of the 8th century and there the word ‘Hindu' is not referred to a religious section but rather to a group geographically located. In the same book Nehru continues "that it is hardly possible to define it [Hinduism] or indeed to say definitely whether it is a religion or not in the usual sense of the word. In its present form and even in the past it embraces many beliefs and practices from the highest to the lowest, often opposed to or contradicting each other." According to Essentials Of Hinduism by Swamy Vivekananda, the word "Hinduism" is a misnomer and that the followers of this religion should be actually referred to as Vendantists. Warm Regards, Brahmanyan, Bangalore |
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10-12-2010, 07:48 PM
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#12 |
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Shri Brahmanyan Sir I must say that you raised an imp point hear. The word "Hindu" This particular article by Hindujas throws some light on it.
HVK Archives: Our 'Hindu' identity: A vision for the millennium |
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10-12-2010, 08:20 PM
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#13 |
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I request Shri Nara Ji and Sri Brahmanyan ji or anyone else to visit this link and real the question and all the answers properly and tell me which answers appeals to you mostly. Sorry for inconvenience. Looking forward to a reply. Your answer under the pseudonym anushraj87 seems to be comprehensive. But the lady has asked a genuinely innocent question to know more about sensual thoughts among the Hindu religion. In fact "Kama" or fulfillment of Desire is one of the four aims (purusharthas) of marriage between man and woman. Our religious literature has plenty of writings eulogising the beauty of female form of Goddesses. "Soundaryalahiri" written by Sri Sankaracharya is one among them. Wherein the beauty of Devi is described head to toe without inhibition. It is a wonderful piece of writing in our religious literature. . Poet Kalidasa is considered the doyen of writings in "Sringararasa". His Raghuvamsa Mahakavya, Ritusamhara, Kumara Sambhava are replete with "Sringararasa". This is a vast subject of interest that needs separate discussion. Regards, Brahmanyan, Bangalore. |
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10-12-2010, 08:31 PM
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#14 |
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Shri Brahmanyan Sir I must say that you raised an imp point hear. The word "Hindu" This particular article by Hindujas throws some light on it. Very interesting article by Srichand P. Hinduja. I wish this should be read by all those interested in knowing Hindus and Hindu Religion. Regards, Brahmanyan, Bangalore |
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10-13-2010, 05:06 AM
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#15 |
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Dear Ramanujan, as one of the respondent in that site says, "you better believe it". The Tamil SV literature is filled with most sensual of poetry. When some of the heads of SV Mathams, who are sanyasis, give upanyasam they have to either skip some of these phrases or will have to be pretty explicit. While other Azhvars had to take on the role of female paramour, in the case of Andal it came naturally as she didn't have take on that role. Here is one from Andal from Nachchiyar Thirumozhi.வானிடை வாழும் அவ்வானவர்க்கு மறையவர் வேள்வியில் வகுத்த அவி |
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10-20-2010, 07:22 AM
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#16 |
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TODAY I saw an attachment in pdf format from Mr.GIREESH.H in iyer123.com
http://How-I-Became-a-Hindu.pdf The attachment refers to an article(BOOK?) from Mr.DAVID FRAWLEY ( PANDIT VAMADEVA SASTRY): HOW I BECAME A HINDU MY DISCOVERY OF VEDIC DHARMA. [/QUOTE]WE have QUITE LARGE NUMBER OF KNOWLEDGEABLE MEMBERS like MR.NARA,MR.SANGOM, M/s. HAPPY HINDU in this forum.THERE COULD BE MORE MEMBERS COMING UNDER THIS CATEGORY about whom I may not know. My apologies to such members for my inability to include their names in the list. IT will be a good idea if the contents of the book is discussed by knowledgeable members for the benefit of all members. |
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10-20-2010, 06:21 PM
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#17 |
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Dear Sri Krishnamurthy,
While appreciating the interest of Mr David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Sastry) in Vedic Religion of Hindus, I give below the words of Jagadguru Chandrasekhara Bharathi Swamigal of Sringeri Sharada Peetam quoted by the present Jagadguru Bharathitheeratha Swamigal in this regards: On Conversion to Hinduism When some foreigners approached my guru's guru, Sri Chandrasekhara Bharati, seeking conversion to Hinduism, he advised them to "become better Christians, that is the essence of Hinduism. If you cannot find solace in your religion, you will never be able to find it in any other religion." You can read Jagadguru's conversations on other subjects in the book "Dialogues with the Guru" compiled by R.Krishnaswami Aiyar. Regards, Brahmanyan, Bangalore. |
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10-20-2010, 10:17 PM
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#18 |
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TODAY I saw an attachment in pdf format from Mr.GIREESH.H in iyer123.com MR.NARA,MR.SANGOM, M/s. HAPPY HINDU in this forum.THERE COULD BE MORE MEMBERS COMING UNDER THIS CATEGORY about whom I may not know. My apologies to such members for my inability to include their names in the list. IT will be a good idea if the contents of the book is discussed by knowledgeable members for the benefit of all members.[/QUOTE]Dear Shri krishnamurthy, The pdf file cannot be downloaded. Will you kindly check and make it downloadable? DF rose into prominence in India at least, after the Ayodhya incident. BJP was becoming very popular with the masses then. But BJP was also seen as the party of the higher castes esp. Baniyas and BSP was trying to wean away the dalit vote banks by propagating the Aryan vs indigenous ideas. DF and some others like one Mr. Rajaram were probably commissioned to support the BJP. This lobby wrote much about the Aryan invasion being a myth and related topics. I think DF has been honoured for all such services. It is relevant to note that he studied Chinese indigenous medicine but nothing is stated about when and where he studied ayurveda, jyotisha, etc. Still he has been given titles like Ayurvedacharya,etc. It is good that DF in his personal level, finds hinduism more attractive. But for discussing the book it is necessary to read it but DF has not even allowed googlebooks to show even a few pages from it. |
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10-21-2010, 07:09 AM
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#19 |
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10-21-2010, 05:37 PM
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#20 |
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Mr.Sangom, |
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