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On Hinduism
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01. God Concept
Agnosticism and Atheism are both valid concepts in the Hindu thought.
An important thing to recognize is that neither agnosticism nor atheism mean nastik. Within the Hindu traditions there are some that accept the Vedas as scriptures. They are the astiks. Those who don’t accept Vedas as they are, but either partially or utilize them when needed or convenient, are the nastiks. Jainism and Buddhism are therefore nastik faiths.
To paraphrase Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami of the Kaua’i Hindu Monastery, Hinduism is about advancing the human condition. That said, Hinduism does not ostracize or punish. The multiplicity of paths to the Truth are the foundation of Hindu traditions. Agnostics who find the concept of God to be unknowable and the atheists who reject the concept of God are equally a part of the Hindu tradition.
Swami Vivekanada said, “Man is not traveling from error to truth, but climbing up from truth to truth, from truth that is lower to truth that is higher.” Agnosticism and Atheism are as an aspect of the Truth.
Other reading material: Also see Jainism
Contributor: Rajeev Singh
Location of this post (1k): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-does-hindu-philosophy-say-about-agnosticism-and-atheism/
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01. God Concept
29. Other 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
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29. Other Faiths