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I'm curious, a question about Hindu beliefs about deities. Do most laypeople literally believe in the pantheon of Gods? I mean in what sense do they believe in say Ganesha? Do they believe there's literally a guy with an elephant head somewhere in another dimension, or that that form represents a spirit? If avatars, do they believe the avatars reside somewhere else in physical form, kind of like Jesus embodying God? I've heard more educated Hindus just view them as symbolic representations of a supreme being, so are basically monotheistic or otherwise pantheist, would you say that's true?
I'm curious, a question about Hindu beliefs about deities. Do most laypeople literally believe in the pantheon of Gods? I mean in what sense do they believe in say Ganesha? Do they believe there's literally a guy with an elephant head somewhere in another dimension, or that that form represents a spirit? If avatars, do they believe the avatars reside somewhere else in physical form, kind of like Jesus embodying God? I've heard more educated Hindus just view them as symbolic representations of a supreme being, so are basically monotheistic or otherwise pantheist, would you say that's true?
Not sure...but when NASA made a statement saying how life on other planets will not look like us (more than likely), I couldn't stop thinking about the Hindu Gods LOL
I agree but I want point out. Hinduism in India itself is very different from region to region. Hinduism in North India is different from the South. In the North its quite diluted and changed from its original ways due to the Islamic hordes invading and forcing their ideas and beliefs and the local populace. In the South, Hindusim is quite conservative due to the ability of that region to keep foreigners in check for a long time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mistertee
South is more conservative and represents Hinduism in its truest forms ( at least somewhat). Whereas Hinduism in North India is heavily diluted
You made these statements and have yet to give specifics on what exactly constitutes this "dilution."
You're emphasis on the importance of temples as a causation for this "dilution" shows a fundamental lack of understanding about Hinduism. Temples never acted as important repositories of information, sources of (universal) doctrine, or mandatory worship in Hinduism.
You made these statements and have yet to give specifics on what exactly constitutes this "dilution."
You're emphasis on the importance of temples as a causation for this "dilution" shows a fundamental lack of understanding about Hinduism. Temples never acted as important repositories of information, sources of (universal) doctrine, or mandatory worship in Hinduism.
Maybe you should travel to India and compare the temples in North and South. Then you will be able to gain perspective.
Its not hard to understand Hinduism quite well. Maybe you don't. You cannot compare the state of temples today to what it once was. Hindu has changed so much from it once was. You are correct. Temples historically never played the roles you mentioned. We had major universities that would collect such information. As for mandatory worship, I never said that, you did. With all the havoc going on in India from the 8th -18th century, hinduism was mess in North India. Do you have any idea why? Think about it. Where do you think texts and other valuables were stored in such emergencies when willing households could not be found? These are the reasons we have such a mess in Hinduism today. No real authority has been able to step in.
Is anything hard to understand as long as you can read
Yes, I don't read anything and I am stupid. But I grew up in India and I lived in different places there. It's not so simple. By the way, it's not just south India that had less Muslim influence. Assam, in northeast India, fended off the Moslems multiple times, and the Aryans never got very far (which you seem to not know). I'm not saying that's good or bad. I'm just saying you don't have a grasp of the whole subject.
Yes, I don't read anything and I am stupid. But I grew up in India and I lived in different places there. It's not so simple. By the way, it's not just south India that had less Muslim influence. Assam, in northeast India, fended off the Moslems multiple times, and the Aryans never got very far (which you seem to not know). I'm not saying that's good or bad. I'm just saying you don't have a grasp of the whole subject.
Btw I already posted about the AHOM. I did the India circuit for a few yrs. Look at Assam now LOL, a bunch of Bangladeshi's setting up shop without bloodshed! Aryans? Well, I wouldn't pay too much attention to that garbage. DNA testing has proved otherwise. Plus, that theory was kind of debunked if I remember correctly. I believe it was hyped up by Europeans during colonialism. But there is the whole Iranian angle (Aryans).
What did I say that you got you and your buddy all riled up? The differences between North and South Hinduism? Or something else?
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