On Hinduism

Yes and no. Some religions consider their God as being the “only” one. Anything else is false. Some reflect the flexibility of modern times and indicate that while others may choose to label it different, it is essentially the same “God”. So, it appears that the God-ful religions in their very own essence talk about their “different” and very “own” God. Hinduism, on the other hand, is a “God” less philosophy. There is all-pervasive energy and its creation.

Other reading material:

Relevant videos: Swami Nikhilanand Hinduism Q & A: Do Different Religions Have Different Gods

Contributor: Rajeev Singh

Location of this post (29a): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/do-different-religions-have-different-gods/

Since the inner intent of all religions is to bind man back to God, Hindus seek not to interfere with anyone’s faith or practice. We believe that there is no exclusive path, no one way for all. Hindus profoundly know that God is the same supreme being in whom peoples of all faiths find solace, peace and liberation. None the less we realize that all religions are not the same. 

Each has its unique beliefs, practices, goals, and paths of attainment, and the doctrines of one often conflict with those of another. Even this should never be a cause for religious tension and intolerance. 

Hindus  respect all religious traditions and the people within them.

Modified from the original source: Sadguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami of Kauai Hindu monastery.

Other reading material:

Relevant videos:

Contributor: Jyoti Lulla

Location of this page (29b): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-is-a-hindus-attitude-towards-other-faith-beliefs/

Main differences between three Abrahamic and four Dharmic faiths are summarized in this table. This is a high level general guidance. Not all religions follow these beliefs equally (example: circumcison).

Source: From the Book-Interfaith Marriage: Share and Respect with Equality by Dilip Amin

Other reading material: Being Different, An Indian Challenge to Western Universalism, by Rajiv Malhotra. HarperCollins Publication.

Relevant videos

Contributor: Dilip Amin

Location of this page (29c): hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/z-what-are-the-main-differences-between-abrahamic-and-dharmic-faiths/

Hindus believe there is an Ultimate energy or God and your soul or atman is a part of that Ultimate.

In Hinduism, Vedas are the body of knowledge that reveal God. That means, if you want to “know” God, Vedas are the source for such knowledge. Vedas are considered “Apaurusheya” – i.e. not created by a “purusha” – neither human nor divine being. It is just “pre-existing knowledge” that was given to the four faced creator, Brahma to govern the function of creation with its help. Per the vedas, God exists severally – and pervades every atom, cell, object/beings as antaratma.

Mahavira, the 24th tirthankara (ford-finder or one who establishes the path; 527 BC) approach represents a complete departure from the theistic world with a radically new way of engaging spiritual practice being initiated. In Jainism, the concept of God is fully replaced by a focus on the self, the soul being viewed as capable of discovering its own inner truth or divinity entirely for itself. Going within ensures that every soul could become paramatma (a fully enlightened being). In this respect, Jainism is a nastik (not believing in Vedas teaching) religion.

Other reading material:

Relevant videos

Contributor: Dilip Amin

Location of this post (29d): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-is-the-main-difference-between-hinduism-and-jainism

When discussing this with non-Hindu Americans, I often draw a parallel to World War II. I ask: “Are you glad the USA defeated Japan?” Almost everyone says yes. Then I ask: “Are you glad we dropped two atom bombs on Japan?” The responses are mixed. History shows we could have won without such a horrendous act, yet the victory itself was seen as necessary.

In the same way, I feel deep sorrow that lives were lost and injuries occurred during the Babri demolition. I wish a better strategy had been pursued. At the same time, I am grateful that archaeological surveys have now confirmed the site’s original identity as a Hindu temple.

Reporters often phrase it as “Hindus ‘believe’ it was a temple.” That overlooks an important fact: unbiased historians and archaeologists have declared it to be an ancient temple.

Can we prove Rama was born precisely at that spot? No—just as we cannot prove that Jesus was born at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. But can we imagine the world’s Christians allowing Muslims to turn that sacred site into a mosque without resistance?

Contributor: Fred Stells

Location of this post (29e): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-are-your-views-on-demolition-of-the-babri-mosque/