Hinduism – A Religion Or A Way of Living?
Referred to as the oldest religion on earth, Hinduism boasts about a billion followers, mostly on the subcontinent of India. This makes them the third largest religion after Christianity and Islam. But is it a religion?
Quite unlike other religions, the Hindu religion does not worship any specific God, it does not claim any specific Prophet, it does not believe in any specific philosophic dogma, it does not follow any specific set of religious rites and does not have any specific founder; in fact, it does not satisfy the traditional definition of a religion in any way. It appears to be a way of life and it was not very surprising to learn that some Hindus are atheists.
It acts like an umbrella, accommodating several religious factions, each with their own god(s), prophets & rituals, binding them in a lose federation. Some of these factions differ from each other as much as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism differ from each other, of course without the animosity we got used to.
It teaches behavior such as honesty, kindness, patience, forbearance, self-restraint, and compassion, among others. As such, it has remarkable similarities with the Abramic religions. I have not met a lot of Hindus but the few I got to know all had one thing in common. They were pacifists who would rather do themselves short before putting another at a disadvantage. They behaved more like Christians than most Christians I know. Maybe we can learn something from the Hindus. It appears that any person can practice his own religion within Hinduism without violating the doctrine of his own religion.
So, I ask again; is it a religion or is it a way of living?
This is not an effort to convert anybody to Hinduism; it is merely my view on the topic and therefore just my opinion. You are welcome to give your take on it providing that it does not start another religious war on the blogs.
May you have a prosperous day.
Comments (49)
Nice to see you around again. I was hoping to get some people with first hand knowledge around. Thank you for dropping in.
The father of my kids is a Hindu. Even though we don't live together anymore, I still take the kids to see him and his parents regularly.
Recently, we attended an Indian festival that glorifies Lord Muruga.
Will try to upload some pics here if you don't mind.
Btw, my daughter's name is Yasoda. It's the name of Lord Krishna's mom and also the name of Lord Buddha's wife, Yasodhara.
I gave my daughter that name and it suits her very well....I think
You have a great day too, Catfoot
I'm going against the grain here as normally I steer clear of topics containing the word 'religion'.
Although I find it interesting, I personally think the world would be a far better place with no religion...
Have a good one yourself
I think you mentioned the father of your children once before (some time ago).
Please do post some pics. I'm sure we all would like to see more.
PS
When last did you take stock of your goods in the warehouse. I saw Jim sneaking around there last night. And don't as what I was doing there.
Religion is so imbedded in our society that we'll never be without it. The Soviet Union tried to stamp it out and failed. It is here to stay. But you're right, religion (or rather the difference between religions) has caused more wars than anything else.
Doesn't sound like a too a bad way of living. I refer to myself as a christian but I know that's not totally true. I'm more of a 'wanna be' christian thats hooked on sinning.
We all try to live a good life according to the values that we were brought up with. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we slip. The way I understand Christianity, you have to repent to be forgiven. That means being so sorry that you won't do it again. I'm not sure if deliberate sinning whilst knowing that you will be forgiven, falls within the scope of Christianity. Taking God for a fool by sinning because we know it will be forgiven, may be sinning against his spirit. And we know what is said about such sins.
No, I said they behaved more like Christians than some Christians I know.
I don't want to let this became a Christian blog but Christians are recognized by the (spiritual) fruit they bear. Even non-Christians like me can recognize the fruits of His Spirit. When somebody is a Cristian, he does not have to tell the people; he will be recognized by his fruit.
I somehow recall the parable about two people who came to pay in the temple.
My last sentence should read:
I somehow recall the parable about two people who came to pray in the temple.
Nevertheless it is also a way of living.
Possible, I'm not the expert here. But do those Gods belong to Hinduism or to the factions within it?
And their parades, are very beautiful too!
PS. And I don't know if its a religion or a way of living. But! You can Google it. Maybe! It will give you that information. Just go to: Ask Google
......
Though that one girl reminds me of an octopus.
Indeed. Stunning!
Btw, I don't need Google. My grandson(17) knows everything. It is a pity his school reports indicate the opposite.
True, they have some real impressive temples in India.
Then just Ask; Mygrandson.com
.....
There is a website by the title; List Of Religion's.
Maybe! It's listed on it......
I think I can do without that list. Maybe a list of nearby pubs will do better but ten I know them all.
........
Last I tried that I was redirected to
PS. Yes! I had hacked your PC. That day!
...
That is why I put everything back the way it was.
But! I will place it back, where I got it from.
Don't do it again
I don't like it when people play with my mouse
I'm really not into this but it seems that government is not doing enough to uplift and normalize the lower castes.
Don't quote me on this, that is only my uninformed view. It is more than likely that I'm completely wrong. I don't follow India's politics.
" Zee! And you think that you know a person."
Well! That mouse works different now.
Now top that!..
I just loves that song...
Any one who want to know further may check this...
PS. We are not allowed to have chickens walking around. duh!
Thank you for this thought provoking contribution.
And I'm very afraid too!