I would like to start by saying that India and Israel, Hindus and Jews are and should be the greatest allies to each other. I am a American born Hindu who grew up in Queens, New York. I have had countless Jewish friends through the years and they have been great friends.
I'm writing this post because I've read a lot of the threads on Hindus and India on the JTF forum. I must say that there seems to be many misconceptions on what Hindus believe and how they relate to other societies and civilizations today and in the past. I believe that Jews and Hindus need to make an effort learning about one another and forge an unbreakable alliance to ensure the survival of our civilizations.
In this post I will discuss Hinduism and its misconceptions, who the Hindus are and what Hindus and India have done as a civilization.
What is Hinduism:
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Hinduism is a culture and tradition or religious tradition[1] that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is often referred to as Sanātana Dharma (सनातन धर्म) by its practitioners, a Sanskrit phrase meaning "the eternal law"[2]. Among its roots is the historical Vedic religion of Iron Age India.
Hinduism is often stated to be the "oldest religious tradition" or "oldest living major tradition".[3][4][5][6][7] It is formed of diverse traditions and types and has no single founder.[8] Hinduism is the world's third largest religion after Christianity and Islam, with approximately a billion adherents, of whom about 905 million live in India.[9] Other countries with large Hindu populations include Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, and the United States.
Hinduism's vast body of scriptures is divided into Śruti ("revealed") and Smriti ("remembered"). These scriptures discuss theology, philosophy and mythology, and provide information on the practice of dharma (religious living). Among these texts, the Vedas and the Upanishads are the foremost in authority, importance and antiquity. Other major scriptures include the Tantras, the Agamas, the Purāṇas and the epics Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa. The Bhagavad Gītā, a treatise from the Mahābhārata, spoken by Krishna, is sometimes called a summary of the spiritual teachings of the Vedas.[10]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism
Misconceptions of Hinduism:Misrepresentation #1: Hindus are Polytheistic
“Hindus, for example, generally reject the idea of a vindictive G-d bringing destruction to the world, said Ariel Glucklich, an associate professor of theology at Georgetown University and a specialist in Hinduism. Krishna and other major gods who participate in human history are "always unfailingly on the side of good," he said.” (Washington Post, January 8, 2005)
There are three common errors in this report. Firstly, Hindus worship one Supreme Being through many different names. Different regional beliefs, traditions and languages have created what appear to be many Gods understood in distinct ways. All forms of life are sacred. The implication of a community of many equal “major gods” is inaccurate. The Vedas, the scriptures sacred to all Hindus, speak of “Ekam sat vipraha bahudha vadanti” (Truth is one; the wise call it by many names). Secondly, describing the Hindu perception of G-d with a small ‘g’ is insulting to most Hindus, just as it is rarely found in association with depictions of the Judeo-Christian G-d. Lastly, the Gods are rarely referred to by their first names; Hindus would preface “Krishna” with the word, “Lord” or “G-d” purely out of respect.
Misrepresentation #2: Cow Worship
“Some trace cow worship back to Lord Krishna, who is said to have first appeared as a cowherd and protector of cattle. Several other gods also lived for a time as cows, and the animals remain a powerful symbol of the religion.” (The Associated Press, May 14, 2005)
Although Hindus respect and honor the cow, they do not worship them in the same sense in which they worship G-d. Hindus considers all living things to be sacred, an attitude reflected in reverence for the cow.
In Hinduism, the cow is seen as a generous, ever-giving source, which takes nothing but that which is necessary for its own sustenance in return. Hindus treat the cow with the same respect accorded to the mother, as the cow is a vital sustainer of life, providing milk and a means of ploughing the earth to grow crops. The cow received such status as a result of the historical need of early agrarian Hindu civilization. The Rig Veda (4.28.1;6) recorded, “The cows have come and have brought us good fortune. In our stalls, contented may they stay! May they bring forth calves for us, many-colored, giving milk for Indra each day. You make, O cows, the think man sleek; to the unlovely you bring beauty. Rejoice our homestead with pleasant lowing. In our assemblies we laud your vigor.”
The cow thus represents Hindu values of selfless service, strength, dignity, and ahimsa, or non-violence. For this reason, although not all Hindus are vegetarian, they traditionally abstain from eating beef.
Misrepresentation #3: Holy Books
Video: “The Bhagavad Gita is not as nice a book as some Americans think. Throughout the Mahabharata…Krishna goads human beings into all sorts of murderous and self-destructive behaviors such as war…The Gita is a dishonest book; it justifies war.” (The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 19, 2000)
The Bhagavad Gita, perhaps Hinduism’s most popularly revered text, is essentially a conversation between Lord Krishna and the great warrior Arjuna on the eve of the great battle depicted in the epic Mahabharata. Lord Krishna, a manifestation of G-d, delivers a philosophical discourse on aspects of living the spiritual life towards attaining moksha, freedom from cycles of birth and death and living as one with G-d. Hinduism extols ahimsa, non-violence, and in more than 5,000 years of recorded history, Hindu rulers have never attacked a land in the name of religion or with the goal of conversion. Although considered a sacred text, the Gita does not claim ultimate authority on religious ideals, as, for example, the Christian Bible does for Christianity. The Vedas, a series of four ancient scriptures are treated as more authoritative texts.
Written in Sanksrit the Vedas impart knowledge for living. The oldest portions date back as far as 6000 B.C.E., making them the oldest scriptures in the world. The four Vedas are Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. Each Veda has four sections, Samhitas – hymn collections, Brahmanas – priestly manuals, Aranyakas – forest treatises on philosophy and Upanishads – enlightened discourse.
Misrepresentation #4: Idol Worship
“A Hindu temple houses idols of goddesses and gods, which are typically carved in stone or marble from India.” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, September 5, 2000)
The use of the word “idol” to refer to the representations Hindus use in worshiping G-d is inaccurate. There is no Sanskrit (the medium of Hindu scriptures) equivalent to the word “idol,” and by definition, “idol” means a false G-d and “idol worship” refers to the worship of graven images. The correct term is murti and refers to a powerful visual tool for contemplating the nature of G-d. In English, the closest word would be “icon.” Followers of Hinduism do not blindly worship idols, but use divine images, murtis, as focal points designed to be aides in meditation and prayer. Hindus do not consider G-d to be limited to the murti, but it is a sacred symbol that offers a medium for worship. Indeed, Hindus perceive only one G-d who is infinite and can be addressed in infinite ways and the multiple Gods and Goddesses are a manifestation of that infinite.
Misrepresentation #5: Karma
“At Mr. K's Party Shoppe in Utica, producer of one of the winning tickets, many of the unlucky were back at the counter today, hoping to ride good karma to victory in next week's drawing. "I guess they think we're the good luck store," said Melvin Kassab, son of the convenience store's owner.” (Washington Post, May 11, 2000)
Karma is often misinterpreted to mean “luck” or “fate,” something over which one has no control. However, the Vedas explain that every person is responsible for and in control of their own actions. Karma is the universal principle of action and reaction on physical, mental, and spiritual levels; our thoughts and actions will return to us in the future. Since each action has a reaction, the cycle of karma is endless. To avoid being trapped in this cycle Hindus endeavor to become unattached to the results of their thoughts and actions. When a person can act without thought of reward they are free of the cycle of karma.
Misrepresentation #6: Dowry
"Pooja's case was the latest in a series of well-publicized incidents in which brides have balked at dowry demands, suggesting that some young women are losing patience with the age-old Hindu tradition." (The Washington Post, March 27, 2005)
Dowry is the practice of payment to the bridegroom's family by the bride's family along with the giving away of the bride during the marriage ceremony. The practice originated as a means of helping with marriage expenses and became a form of insurance against mistreatment by a bride's in-laws. Dowry was outlawed in 1961, but remains a social evil that is practiced across several religious traditions throughout South Asia. Dowry is not a part of Hindu tradition.
Who is a Hindu ?- Belief in one G-d, many adorable forms, names and incarnations
- Acceptance Karma and the fruits of each deed
- Upholding Dharma as a duty towards all aspects of life
- A true Hindu will give up his life to defend and protect Hinduism.
- Will fight evils perpetrated against our religion and will take up arms if his/her Bharat, its' people and religion are under threat from enemies
- Knowing Hinduism as the eternal religion
- Acceptance of various paths leading to G-d
- Respecting all ancient Hindu scriptures
- Seeing G-d in all
- Body dies but the soul is eternal
- Belief in the concept of reincarnation
- All living things have souls & moksha as the final destination
- Respect of gurus and their teachings
A true Hindu is one who has tasted the sweetness of freedom of choice and is wiling to choose death before giving up his freedom. Freedom of choice to follow a path is the basic human right and no one shall tell him/her otherwise. Any Hindu who converts to islam or christianity is giving up his rights and virtually giving himself and his future generations to slavery.
A Hindu is one that believes in one G-d who incarnates, as and when He feels fit, in the shape and form He wants. G-d creates, sustains and destroys when time comes. Many names and forms are given to each with the love and affection of each individual devotee. He has, can and will send us as many prophets ( Only prophet ?) , saints and sons (only son?) and is fully capable of doing so. Our Dharma is eternal, so is G-d and all the souls. It is our conviction that body dies but not the soul. The old scriptures are a guide to salvation and an individual can steadily make his way back to G-d in the speed and path selected. Karma (deeds) and results of Karma are the basis of our lives. Knowing that good karma will bring good results and vice versa, our lives can be guided towards fruition of Salvation termed as Moksha. Guru plays a very important part in molding our lives and whilst the Holy book Gita can be accepted as Guru so can the word of Guru Nanak . A Hindu may or may not agree to some of the points above but he will willingly give his fellow human the right to practice religion as and how the other sees fit.
What is Sanskrit:Video:
Video: Sanskrit (संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is one among the two classical languages of India, the other being Tamil. It is a liturgical language of Hinduism and other Indian religions. [1] It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India. [2] It belongs to the historical Indo-Aryan sub-branch of the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European family of languages. It is the origin of several languages of South and Southeast Asia and it has significantly influenced most modern languages of India.[3]
The pre-Classical form of Sanskrit is known as Vedic Sanskrit, with the language of the Rigveda being the oldest and most archaic stage preserved, its oldest core dating back to as early as 1500 B.C.E.,[4] qualifying Rigvedic Sanskrit as the oldest attestation of any Indo-Iranian language, next to the Mitanni records, and one of the earliest attested members of the Indo-European language family.[5] Classical Sanskrit is the standard register as laid out in the grammar of Pāṇini, around the 4th century B.C.E..
The corpus of Sanskrit literature encompasses a rich tradition of poetry and drama as well as technical scientific, philosophical and generally Hindu religious texts, though many central texts of Buddhism and Jainism have also been composed in Sanskrit. Today, Sanskrit continues to be widely used as a ceremonial language in Hindu religious rituals in the forms of hymns and mantras. Spoken Sanskrit is still in use in a few traditional institutions in India, and there are some attempts at revival.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SanskritWho we are:Video: The Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3000–1500 B.C.E., Mature period 2600–1900 B.C.E.), abbreviated IVC, was an ancient civilization that flourished in the Indus River basin. Primarily centred in the Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan, and Gujarat and Rajasthan in India, it extends westward into the Balochistan province of Pakistan as well. Remains have been excavated from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Iran, as well. The mature phase of this civilization is technically known as the Harappan Civilization, after the first of its cities to be unearthed; Harappa in Pakistan. Excavation of IVC sites has been ongoing since 1920, with important breakthroughs occurring as recently as 1999.[1]
The civilization is sometimes referred to as the Indus Ghaggar-Hakra civilization[2] or the Indus-Sarasvati civilization. The appellation Indus-Sarasvati is based on the possible identification of the Ghaggar-Hakra River with the Sarasvati River mentioned in the Rig Veda,[3] but this usage is disputed on linguistic and geographical grounds.[4]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indus_Valley_Civilization
Video: Aryan is an English word derived from the Sanskrit "Ārya" meaning "noble" or "honorable".[1][2] The Avestan cognate is "Airya" and the Old Persian equivalent is "Ariya". It is widely held to have been used as an ethnic self-designation of the Proto-Indo-Iranians[citation needed]. Since, in the 19th century, the Indo-Iranians were the most ancient known speakers of Indo-European languages, the word Aryan was adopted to refer not only to the Indo-Iranian people, but also to Indo-European speakers as a whole[citation needed].
In Europe, the concept of an Aryan race became influential in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as linguists and ethnologists argued that speakers of these Indo-European languages constitute a distinctive race, descended from an ancient people, who were referred to as the "primitive Aryans", but are now known as Proto-Indo-Europeans.
In linguistics, Aryan is most often used in the context of the sub-branch of Indo-Iranian languages referred to as Indo-Aryan languages.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AryanPeople of South Asia
Early 20th century anthropologist Carleton Coon wrote in the 1930s that within the Caucasoid race there is a "third division [Mediterraneans which]... included... southern India" but remarked this group had "facial features of a Veddoid character which in some instances suggest Australoid affinities."[20] He further elaborated that in India there are "Veddoids... individuals who are to all extents and purposes Australoid." Regarding the exact racial composition of India, Coon admitted, "[T]he racial history of southern Asia has not yet been thoroughly worked out, and it is too early to postulate what these relationships may be...
shall leave the problems of Indian physical anthropology in the competent hands of Guha and of Bowles."[20]
In 1995, geneticist Cavalli-Sforza wrote, "[T]he Caucasoids are mainly fair-skinned peoples, but this group also includes the southern Indians, who live in tropical areas and show signs of a marked darkening in skin pigmentation, although their facial and body traits are Caucasoid rather than African or Australian."[21]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucasoid
What Hindus and India have done as a civilization:
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The History of Science and Technology in India dates back to pre-modern times.[1] Indian civilization begins at Mehrgarh (7000–3300 B.C.E.), where graineries, and mud brick houses were constructed.[2] Farming, metal working, flint knapping, tanning, bead production, and dentistry, were also known to the people of Mehrgarh.[2][3] The Indus Valley civilization yields evidence of hydrography, metrology and sewage collection and disposal being practiced by its inhabitants.[4][5][6] Among the basic fields of science pursued in India were Ayurveda, astronomy and mathematics.[1]
Great attention to mathematics is visible during the Vedic period (1500 B.C.E. - 400 B.C.E.), which also witnesses the first inquiry being made into the field of linguistics by the 5th century B.C.E. scholar Panini.[7] Construction of Stepwells and stupas, use of diamond as a gemstone, and plastic surgery operations are visible during later periods.[8][9][10] In the classical period of Indian mathematics (400 C.E. to 1200 C.E.), important contributions were made by scholars like Aryabhatta, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskara II.[11] Indian mathematicians made early contributions to the study of the decimal number system,[11] zero,[12] negative numbers,[13] arithmetic, and algebra.[14]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_and_technology_in_ancient_India
Ancient India can be acredited with many acheivements. Some of them are listed here:
* Earliest known precise celestial calculations: Aryabhata, an Indian Mathematician (c. 500AD) accurately calculated celestial constants like earth's rotation per solar orbit, days per solar orbit, days per lunar orbit.
* Astronomical time spans: Apart from the peoples of the Mayan civilization, the ancient Hindus appear to be the only people who even thought beyond a few thousand years. Hindu scriptures refer to time scales that vary from ordinary earth day and night to the day and night of the Brahma that are a few billion earth years long.
* Theory of creation of the universe: A 9th century Hindu scripture, The Mahapurana by Jinasena claims that the world is uncreated, as time itself is, without beginning and end. And it is based on principles.
* Earth goes round the sun: Aryabhata, it so happens, was apparently quite sceptical of the widely held doctrines about eclipses and also about the belief that the Sun goes round the Earth. As early as the sixth century, he talked of the diurnal motion of the earth and the appearance of the Sun going round it.
* Binary System of number representation: A Mathematician named Pingala (c. 100BC) developed a system of binary enumeration convertible to decimal numerals. He described the system in his book called Chandahshaastra. The system he described is quite similar to that of Leibnitz, who was born in the 17th century.
* Earliest and only known Modern Language: Panini (c 400BC), in his Astadhyayi, gave formal production rules and definitions to describe Sanskrit grammar. Starting with about 1700 fundamental elements, like nouns, verbs, vowels and consonents, he put them into classes. The construction of sentences, compound nouns etc. was explained as ordered rules operating on underlying fundamental structures.
* Invention of Zero: Although ancient Babylonians were known to have used what is often called "place holders" to distinguish between numbers like 809 and 89, they were nothing more than blank spaces or at times two wedge shapes like". The first notions of zero as a number and its uses have been found in ancient Mathematical treatise from India.
* The word "Algorithm": Al-Khwarizmi's work, De numero indorum (Concerning the Hindu Art of Reckoning), was based presumably on an Arabic translation of Brahmagupta where he gave a full account of the Hindu numerals which was the first to expound the system with its digits 0,1,2,3,...,9 and decimal place value which was a fairly recent arrival from India. The new notation came to be known as that of al-Khwarizmi, or more carelessly, algorismi; ultimately the scheme of numeration making use of the Hindu numerals came to be called simply algorism or algorithm, a word that, originally derived from the name al-Khwarizmi.
* Representing Large numbers: Mathematicians in India invented the base ten system in ancient times. But research did not stop there. The practice of representing large numbers also evolved in ancient India. notion of representing large numbers as powers of 10, one that was invented in India, turned out to be extremely handy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Indian_inventions
Topic: Misconceptions about Hinduism and India on the JTF Forum (Read 7334 times)