FAQ1.

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What is Hindu religion? 

Why are they called Hindu religions? 

Is Religion different from Dharma?

Why are there so many deities in Hinduism? 

When there are so many, which is the true god?

Which Philosophy is to be accepted? 

How is Hinduism different from other religions like Islam or Christianity? 

Are not Hindus fundamentalists?

What is Hindu religion?

Well, there are Hindu religions. There is no single Hindu religion. This is a very common misconception. By enlarge Souram, Ganapatyam, Saivam, Vaishnavam, Saktham and Koumaram are the Hindu religions. They are respectively worship of the Sun, Ganapathy, Shiva, Vishnu, Shakthi and Muruga or Karthikeya. There are many more forms of worship each one worth calling a religion.

Why are they called Hindu religions?

They are called so because all of them have been borne in this land where Hindu dharma is prevailing.

Is religion different from dharma?

Yes, they are different. Religion implies a God and describes the ways to appease the God. It also describes what one gains from it. It prescribes a way of life to be led.

On the other hand Dharma can be looked at as a set of universal laws. "Do this and this happens," describes it well. Therefore it prescribes what should be done, what can be done and what must not be done. Though religion can be a part of it, it goes beyond mere religion.

Why are there so many deities in Hinduism?

There are so many deities because of the differing levels of under standing of man. There are different ways of worship to cater to all.

Take the highest order of realisation. Every thing is Brahman. Even if one reaches this stage intellectually, it hardly comes into practice. For the one who practices, there is no need for anything at all. This is the "advaitha " (non- dual) perception.

The next level of understanding is that of the three supreme forces: Shiva, Vishnu and Shakthi. Here except there is a "dvaitha bhava "(dual perception).  The man looks at everything else as Shiva, Vishnu or Shakthi according to his choice. He looks at everything as God except himself.

Next we have the Vedic deities i-e those mentioned specifically in the Vedas. They are thirty-three in number and along with their consorts and court make the thirty-three crore "devas". They are worshiped by man in the prescribed manner to fulfill worldly and other desires. One needs the knowledge of Vedas for this.

Next come the puranic deities. They are mentioned in various puranas of which eighteen are important ones. These puranas tell a story of that deity and also prescribe ways of worship for that particular deity.

At the commonest level of perception there are innumerable deities in various places of worship each with its own interesting history and unique ways of worship. Most of us are only at this level and that is why we see so many "Gods".

When there are so many, which is the true god?

All are true gods.

Take for example the atom. At the primary level of education we are told that it cannot be split. This is accepted as the correct view. At the higher secondary level we are told that atom is divisible and three particles namely proton neutron and electron make up the atom. This at that level is considered right. At an even higher level we are told that even the protons and neutrons are made up of other particle called quarks, which is true! But the researchers say whether there is a solid particle or an energy form is uncertain! It seems to differ the way it is looked at. So where is the truth? It is there at all levels depending on the stage of realisation!

Which philosophy is to be accepted?

All of them, since at a given stage each one is true! You may disagree with some thing but you are in a different plane. It is not correct to put down a particular view because you have risen above it. This is the beauty and essential concept of Hinduism. This is the tolerance sadly lacking in so many of us. As long as it does not interfere with your practices you should put up with it.

So I can preach my views to those I think are in a stage below mine?

Preach, do not force. Philosophy is something to be brought to realisation, not mere intellectual appreciation. So if the other person is not capable of rising to your level of thinking you will end up confusing him rather than clarifying his views. This is really a tricky thing. That is why only those who have realised where they are should preach. Just because you know something intellectually do not say somebody is wrong.

How is Hinduism different from other religions like Islam or Christianity?

As I said earlier anyone is welcome to his views. The essential difference in Hinduism is that it accepts different levels of understanding. Suppose Islam or Christianity says X is god, it says only X is God. Hinduism says X is also God. They say only so and so is the messenger of God. Hinduism says so and so is also the messenger of God. The key words are only and also. They make all the difference in the outlook!

Are not Hindus fundamentalists?

No Hindu can be a fundamentalist in the way it is perceived. If you take fundamentalism as the attitude to force other people to behave like themselves, it is evident that it is not fitting with Hinduism. Islam or Christianity can fit in the bill as the makers of those religions have enjoined the followers to convert others to their "faith". No true Hindu religious leader has ever said that.