how many here know of one of the oldest religions.. HINDUISM.. ?? How old is it? Y is it less popular or less spread?
hinduism
I think there are a couple reasons why it is so widespread:
There is no real central organization
There is no real holy text or guidelines
Consistency is not required (for instance, I know of a Hindu who doesn't really believe in god). It varies widely from person to person.
Those are the big three reasons that come to mind. Bear in mind, though, that many people who practice "their own religion" hold beliefs very similar to Hinduism.
There is no real central organization
There is no real holy text or guidelines
Consistency is not required (for instance, I know of a Hindu who doesn't really believe in god). It varies widely from person to person.
Those are the big three reasons that come to mind. Bear in mind, though, that many people who practice "their own religion" hold beliefs very similar to Hinduism.
| Soulfire wrote: |
| I think there are a couple reasons why it is so widespread:
There is no real central organization
There is no real holy text or guidelines
Consistency is not required (for instance, I know of a Hindu who doesn't really believe in god). It varies widely from person to person.
Those are the big three reasons that come to mind. Bear in mind, though, that many people who practice "their own religion" hold beliefs very similar to Hinduism. |
I agree that there is not a prominent holy scripture such as the Bible. But the Hindus have many other holy scriptures such as the Bhagavath Gita, The Mahabharatha, and the Ramayana etc. Although the last two won't count as holy scriptures, as they are mythological stories, they do hold a prominent stand in the Hindu religion.
I am a Hindu. Hinduism is believed to be one of the oldest religions ever known on earth. The most densely populated Hindu community is in India, I believe. It is also one of the most widely spread and popular religions from what I know. But, it had some bad elements such as Sati, widow not able to remarry and many other such social evils.
I'm indian and i think Hinduism is not to be considered a Religion. In actual fact it is a way of life. Our religion does not have any requirements neither is there a conversion process which forces you to undergo rituals to practice that religion, that is why it seems that its not widespread, we can't actually count the number of Hindu's because we don't keep a check, its hard to tell whos a hindu, coz anyone could be 1.
On another note : Many people see the kamasutra as a book of sex, as it been misconceived thanks to numerous idiots. Actual fact is the kamasutra is more then that , it teaches about family life, the behavior of both the husband and the wife and everything else.
On another note : Many people see the kamasutra as a book of sex, as it been misconceived thanks to numerous idiots. Actual fact is the kamasutra is more then that , it teaches about family life, the behavior of both the husband and the wife and everything else.
So the question become is Hinduism a religion. I am not a Hindu but having hindus in my community sure shows hinduism as a religion.
I think if you pray to god be it a statue or scriptures, it is a religion. Hinduism is like Buddhism - the teachings of how to lead a better fruitful life, etc. In fact buddhism comes from India and has its roots in hinduism (correct me if I am wrong).
And most countries designate islam, hinduism, buddhism, christianity as religion, something that has state recognition and goes beyond the idea that it is just a way of life. It also partly depends on the individual. A more devoted Hindu would see it as a religion as he attends prayers on a daily/weekly basis while a lesser one would prefer to see it as a way of life without the stringent prayers and preaches that often accompany islam.
I think if you pray to god be it a statue or scriptures, it is a religion. Hinduism is like Buddhism - the teachings of how to lead a better fruitful life, etc. In fact buddhism comes from India and has its roots in hinduism (correct me if I am wrong).
And most countries designate islam, hinduism, buddhism, christianity as religion, something that has state recognition and goes beyond the idea that it is just a way of life. It also partly depends on the individual. A more devoted Hindu would see it as a religion as he attends prayers on a daily/weekly basis while a lesser one would prefer to see it as a way of life without the stringent prayers and preaches that often accompany islam.
I'll give you the answer why it is less spread. Hindus do not believe in the duty to spread hinduism. Those who are born Hindu are the lucky ones.
| genchan wrote: |
| I think if you pray to god be it a statue or scriptures, it is a religion. Hinduism is like Buddhism - the teachings of how to lead a better fruitful life, etc. In fact buddhism comes from India and has its roots in hinduism (correct me if I am wrong). |
Hindu is basically a combination of Buddhist ideas with the older Brahmanic religion, which also influenced Buddhism. Do they "pray to a god"? There is a great deal of reverence for Vishnu and Shiva, but to what extent are they understood as actual personalities vs. personifications of spiritual themes? I don't have an answer for you.
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