Is Hinduism the eldest of Islam and Christianity and budism?

[anon5216]

I know that you are not seeking converts. I just like the discussion.

Dumb question: if Jesus would not define himself within Hinduism, is it even acceptable for Hinduism to have a veiw of him within it?

I’m glad you are enjoying the discussion as well. This is a Catholic forum, so I don’t want to get too far out of bounds.

Jesus’ self-identification with the Divine is precisely a defining within Hinduism, because Hinduism defines by substance, not by form (or words). Of course, the words are there to reveal the substance, but words can also fake it. There is no shortage of people claiming Enlightenment or Self-Realisation or God-Realisation within the Hindu tradition that are just conning gullible people out of their money or even just loyalty or worship. Those, however, can not deny the Truth of genuine God-Realized souls, any more than the false or corrupt Christian leaders can deny the Truth of someone like Padre Pio.

It’ be interesting to read the results of a group of impartial scholar types that formally research a comparison of the teachings of Jesus, the Jews, Hinduism and Buddhism (which in some circles is considered a reformation of Hinduism that opposed some of the excessive ritualistic form vs. substance that had crept into Hinduism).

Over the years of spiritual study and practice, my personal impression is that Jesus’ words share much more in common with Hinduism and Buddhism than with the Jewish religion - especially when comparing substance vs. form.

Since I’ve always only looked at things from the perspective of my personal spiritual journey, I’ve never kept a written record of my comparative studies and development of my conclusions.

This means there is no concrete set of details I can list for anyone, to prove my position to them. I consider this actually to be important for me not to do - for the reason of avoiding getting stuck in semantic details of form, to the detriment of realizing the actual substance of Truth.

But to get back to your question, because I see the essential substance of Jesus’ teachings to be also the essential substance of Hinduism and Buddhism, there is no question of Hinduism having the right to have a view of Jesus within itself. He is automatically there by the Truth of his very nature.

From the perspective of superficial followers of external form - well that’s another issue entirely. I don’t find that area particularly fruitful spiritually, although I certainly can (at times) appreciate that view as far as it goes for its own sake. (rituals, etc.). And there are plenty of examples of specific individuals using ritual as a vehicle and going far beyond it to Truth itself - Catholic and non-Christian alike.

 

[Sagefrakrobatik]

Because Christianity is based upon one historical figure. Hinduism is not.

The faith founded by Jesus Christ would be the true, historic Christianity.

Well if that is the litmus test for whether or not a religion is true than Islam must be true and Judaism is false saying the Bible was revealed to israel on Mt. Sinai.

Its interesting to note how nobody in this thread has refrenced the Vedas, the Upainshaids, nor the Epics or the Bhagavada Gita to refute Hinduism yet everyone thinks they know what it is about.

I want to know is why did all the other idolotraous religions become extinct yet Hinduism has still existed over the years and unlike contemporary counterparts it has become institutionalized. Not with the same degree of scholarship as the Abrahamic Faiths but it is still has a body of scripture and and an established place of worship.

There was no Vishnu or any of them

However according to hindu scriptures “Vishnu” manifested himself as Krishna

 

[spoiltvictorian]

Well, at least we know which is the youngest of these four religions.

 

[Sagefrakrobatik]

I have no issue with studying other faith systems. You should be fore-warned that SOME in hinduism will say that you can embrace Jesus AND hinduism or that they are brother faiths leading to the same place.

They are not.

Tell that to Deepak Chopra. which reminds me I still have to read his book the “Cosmic Christ”

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

I never realy considerd hinduism.
Only Christian denominations and Islam.

It seems Hinduism is older then I thought, and I see no reason to remain ignorant of it.

Dose hindu religion have any fruits to show for itself, such as resurections…miracle healings…etc…etc?

Hinduism is the oldest organized religion in the world.

They have many “fruits to show for itself.” They’re god, Krishna.

Krishna was said to be born a couple thousand years before Christ. He was conceived without a sexual union. He killed demons and protected the natives from persecution. He was killed from arrow wound to the left foot, yet he rose from dead, saying he was beyond physical form.

Krishna is considered as “The Light,” “The Way,” and “The Truth” among other names.

religioustolerance.org/chr_jckr1.htm

One of many websites on Krishna. You can easily google it, though.

Ironically Yours, Blade and Blood

 

[cathopologist]

I never realy considerd hinduism.
Only Christian denominations and Islam.

It seems Hinduism is older then I thought, and I see no reason to remain ignorant of it.

Dose hindu religion have any fruits to show for itself, such as resurections…miracle healings…etc…etc?

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Its not a modern invention nor a ‘New Age’ movement. In fact, Hinduism is quite literally a monotheist religion. Its present form is a bastardized version of its true form because just like any other religion, its adherents wanted to know what God looked like when He was angry, sad, victorious, etc; how His power transforms the world we live in and how He can manifest Himself in any known form or being.

The Vedics have many accounts of Hindu gods and goddesses performing miracles, resurrections, etc. There are also many Hindu sages and saints who have performed miracles before hundreds, sometimes thousands of witnesses.

But just like any other religion, there will be frauds (Yogis, Swamis, Gurus) who will prey on the weak-minded for power and money. Osho and many others like him are actually outcasts from the religion because they have deviated from the Vedic teachings and perverted it.

Hindus shy away from preaching and proselytizing. I say this because i was once, one (well a Brahmin actually). The ones who do preach do not actually preach but from their perspective, ‘educate’ the non-Hindu about the religion. Since there have many books written on Hinduism that have saddened and angered many of its adherents based on biased and misinformed opinions and studies. There is really no harm in studying other religions - including Islam, but make sure you know where you are, who you are and what you are now. Think about it, there must have been a reason why i converted to Catholicism, right?

 

[excaliber]

Hinduism is the oldest organized religion in the world.

They have many “fruits to show for itself.” They’re god, Krishna.

Krishna was said to be born a couple thousand years before Christ. He was conceived without a sexual union. He killed demons and protected the natives from persecution. He was killed from arrow wound to the left foot, yet he rose from dead, saying he was beyond physical form.

Krishna is considered as “The Light,” “The Way,” and “The Truth” among other names.

religioustolerance.org/chr_jckr1.htm

One of many websites on Krishna. You can easily google it, though.

Ironically Yours, Blade and Blood

How knowledgeable are you on this?

So there are some things Christianity and hinduism have in common.

Am I correct that St.Thomas went to india to preach. Is it possible that hindu people adapted some of his teachings?

 

[excaliber]

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Its not a modern invention nor a ‘New Age’ movement. In fact, Hinduism is quite literally a monotheist religion. Its present form is a bastardized version of its true form because just like any other religion, its adherents wanted to know what God looked like when He was angry, sad, victorious, etc; how His power transforms the world we live in and how He can manifest Himself in any known form or being.

The Vedics have many accounts of Hindu gods and goddesses performing miracles, resurrections, etc. There are also many Hindu sages and saints who have performed miracles before hundreds, sometimes thousands of witnesses.

But just like any other religion, there will be frauds (Yogis, Swamis, Gurus) who will prey on the weak-minded for power and money. Osho and many others like him are actually outcasts from the religion because they have deviated from the Vedic teachings and perverted it.

Hindus shy away from preaching and proselytizing. I say this because i was once, one (well a Brahmin actually). The ones who do preach do not actually preach but from their perspective, ‘educate’ the non-Hindu about the religion. Since there have many books written on Hinduism that have saddened and angered many of its adherents based on biased and misinformed opinions and studies. There is really no harm in studying other religions - including Islam, but make sure you know where you are, who you are and what you are now. Think about it, there must have been a reason why i converted to Catholicism, right?

A big part of Christianity, is just trying to figure out what form of it is pure.

But how many pause from there struggles with the thousands of denominations, and look at Judaism budhism Christianity Hinduism Islam etc…

To me Catholisism is The Original form of Christianity, more so then Orthodoxy because Simon given the name Peter was definitely treated as a leader among the Apostles in scripture.

I know zero about religions outside Christianity because of being stuck in the which denomination is right maze.

 

[RebeccaJ]

I never realy considerd hinduism.
Only Christian denominations and Islam.

It seems Hinduism is older then I thought, and I see no reason to remain ignorant of it.

Dose hindu religion have any fruits to show for itself, such as resurections…miracle healings…etc…etc?

Hi Excalibur, I studied Hinduism for a few years.

One major point of Hinduism that I found unacceptable is that you are, essentially, your own savior. The idea that you spend however many thousands of years and lifetimes attempting to reach “enlightenment”. On your own, by what you do, and within the caste that you have been placed, which is of course merited by a previous life.

That, and the pantheon of gods. I also looked at Wicca, somewhat, not as in depth as Hinduism. Both have a belief in multiple gods. Something I could never bring myself to believe.

But yes, Biblically the record is pretty clear, that pagan religions have always existed beside the religion of One God. This was a major struggle of the Hebrews who kept wandering towards those pagan gods.

 

[anon5216]

Hi Excalibur, I studied Hinduism for a few years.

One major point of Hinduism that I found unacceptable is that you are, essentially, your own savior. The idea that you spend however many thousands of years and lifetimes attempting to reach “enlightenment”. On your own, by what you do, and within the caste that you have been placed, which is of course merited by a previous life.

That, and the pantheon of gods. I also looked at Wicca, somewhat, not as in depth as Hinduism. Both have a belief in multiple gods. Something I could never bring myself to believe.

But yes, Biblically the record is pretty clear, that pagan religions have always existed beside the religion of One God. This was a major struggle of the Hebrews who kept wandering towards those pagan gods.

It’s not that you are your own savior. There is certainly Divine Grace - to the point that even a person’s longing for God is considered the result of Divine Grace, let alone any actual spiritual progress.

You seem to mistake taking personal responsibility for yourself for being your own ‘savior’.

It’s like taking music lessons, having the teacher give you all the instruction and wisdom etc. about music you could imagine, and then whining that you are expected to actually do some practicing on your own.

The complaint against endless incarnations until you get it right also tends to come from a perspective that wants an easy, quick way to God - such as a pledge of allegiance, membership in a club and keep to a few simple rules.

I don’t think you’ll find any Catholic saints of those types.
(Of course, I’m not suggesting they believe in reincarnation).

 

[Silouan]

If age of system is all that matters, why not be an animist?

Why not worship your ancestors?

I believe what people refer to as Animist is in fact, Shamanisn. And I believe this to be the oldest religion.

Hinduism is not a religion per se. What we have called Hinduism is in fact, should be called, the Religions of India. Because there are many religions within HInduism. It is very diverse tradition.

Buddhism actually came from Hinduism or one of the religions of the Hinduism.

There are Hindus that believe in One God. I am NOT qualified to speak on the particulars of HInduism, and I am sure most of us here are not.

Peace,

Silouan

 

[SedesDomi]

There are Hindus that believe in One God. I am NOT qualified to speak on the particulars of HInduism, and I am sure most of us here are not.

All Hindus believe in ‘One God’. Their ideas of ‘One God’, though, may be very different from Christian ideas of ‘One God’. That’s because the ‘One God’ cannot be totally captured via words of any sort.

 

[excaliber]

Hi Excalibur, I studied Hinduism for a few years.

One major point of Hinduism that I found unacceptable is that you are, essentially, your own savior. The idea that you spend however many thousands of years and lifetimes attempting to reach “enlightenment”. On your own, by what you do, and within the caste that you have been placed, which is of course merited by a previous life.

That, and the pantheon of gods. I also looked at Wicca, somewhat, not as in depth as Hinduism. Both have a belief in multiple gods. Something I could never bring myself to believe.

But yes, Biblically the record is pretty clear, that pagan religions have always existed beside the religion of One God. This was a major struggle of the Hebrews who kept wandering towards those pagan gods.

True other religions were in the bible, Did nimrod start the first man made religion?

 

[SedesDomi]

True other religions were in the bible, Did nimrod start the first man made religion?

I thought that was Cain.

 

[excaliber]

I thought that was Cain.

Cain sacrificed to the True God,
How could he have started a new religion?

So budhism came from hinduism…
I did not know that.

 

[SedesDomi]

Cain sacrificed to the True God,
How could he have started a new religion?

So budhism came from hinduism…
I did not know that.

Well, Buddhism did not “come” from Hinduism (Hinduism is also known as the Vedic, or Brahmin, tradition). Buddhism came from the Sramana tradition, which is a tradition that is just as old, if not older, than Hinduism. Church Father Clement of Alexandria mentions the Sramanas in his writings.

 

[Blade_and_Blood]

How knowledgeable are you on this?

So there are some things Christianity and hinduism have in common.

Am I correct that St.Thomas went to india to preach. Is it possible that hindu people adapted some of his teachings?

I know the basics of Hinduism. I have two Hindu friends.

I highly doubt the Hindu people borrowed anything from Christianity. They are too old as a religion.

But, if you were to learn about other religions (whether they’re older than Christianity or not), similarities to Christianity become very evident.

Ironically Yours, Blade and Blood

 

[excaliber]

I know the basics of Hinduism. I have two Hindu friends.

I highly doubt the Hindu people borrowed anything from Christianity. They are too old as a religion.

But, if you were to learn about other religions (whether they’re older than Christianity or not), similarities to Christianity become very evident.

Ironically Yours, Blade and Blood

How did they get a Trinity?

 

[SedesDomi]

How did they get a Trinity?

A Trinity is not that hard to “get”. Many religions have a “Trinity”. For instance, in Buddhism the “Triple Gem” is the Buddha (the Enlightened Teacher), the Dharma (the Teaching), and the Sangha (the Community of Enlightened Beings). You could say that the Buddhist Triple Gem might correspond (roughly) to the Christian Trinity of the Son, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, respectively.

Hinduism has many “Trinities”. One of them is “Om Tat Sat”, which means “The Original Word” (Holy Spirit), “Transcendental Truth” (Father), and “Manifested Truth” (Son). Another Trinity is “Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra/Shiva” – God as Creator, Sustainer, and Transformer.

 

[morning_star777]

I can give u one info . Like Christians , Hindus also believe in the Trinity .

For your kind information,Hindu trinity is not like Christian trinity.Thank you.