Hey everyone. I thought I might post up a thread on Hinduism. It seems to me that this mysterious and spiritual well-spring doesn't get much of a mention in here. We get so many threads of Christianity, Islam or Judaism and not that there is anything wrong with that, it would be good to see some alternative spiritual approaches expressed in here. When it comes to religious democracy, you can't get much better than Hinduism. Buddhism too is renown for it's religious tolerance.

I do not know enough of Hinduism to give a proper account of it's history etc. It originated in India and as far as religion goes it is mind-blowing. It emphasizes everything on Brahman (Absolute Godhead) and that the only way of uniting with it is via understanding the self. God is us and we are God. According to many renowned Hindu philosophers and mystics, the soul (that which is behind the ego, personality) equates with God. The spirit of our soul and the spirit of Brahman is one and the same. Anyway, I decided that what I will do, is put in random order, many various Hindu teachings from various Hindu philosophers and mystics and let the reader for himself decide whether there is any substance to them.

Some will be long pieces of writing and others will be one liner quotes.

You may find that you may want to research more of this fascinating religion yourself or Hindusim may help strengthen the faith you are already a part ,or other. Unlike Christianity Hinduism has no central organized base, and also they don't just believe in any one sole revelation in one instant of time. The teachings of Hinduism are timeless, you will see that for yourself if you take the time to read any of the writings I am about to post up.

Atman= Self, the basis of all; the substrate of the individual, and identical with Brahman (the Absolute Godhead)

Brahman= The ultimate Reality; the eternal imperishable Absolute, ungraspable by thought and inexpressible by speech.

Anyway, I hope you at least partly enjoy some of these.

When Svetaketu was twelve years old he was sent to a teacher, with whom he studied until he was twenty-four. After learning all the Vedas, he returned home full of conceit in the belief that he was consummately well educated, and very censorious.
His father said to him, "Svetaketu, my child, you who are so full of your learning and so censorious, have you asked for that knowledge by which we hear the unhearable, by which we perceive what cannot be perceived and know what cannot be known?"
"What is that knowledge, sir?" asked Svetaketu.
His father replied, "As by knowing one lump of clay all that is made of clay is known, the difference being only in name, but the truth being that all is clay---so, my child, is that knowledge, knowing which we know all."
"But surely these venerable teachers of mine are ignorant of this knowledge; for if they possessed it they would have imparted it to me. Do you sir, therefore give me that knowledge."
"So be it," said the father. . . . And he said, "Bring me a fruit of the nyagrodha tree."
"Here is one, sir."
"Break it."
"It is broken, sir."
"What do you see there?"
"Some seeds, sir, exceedingly small."
"Break one of these."
"It is broken, sir."
"What do you see there?"
"Nothing at all."
The father said, "My, son, that very subtle essence which you do not perceive there---in that very essence stands the being of the huge nyagrodha tree. In that which is the subtle essence all that exists has its self. That is the True, that is the Self, and thou, Svetaketu, art That."
"Pray, sir," said the son, "tell me more."
"Be it so, my child," the father replied; and he said, "Place this salt in the water, and come to me tomorrow morning."
The son did as he was told.
Next morning the father said, "Bring me that salt which you put in the water."
The son looked for it, but could not find it; for the salt, of course, had dissolved.
The father said, "Taste some of the water from the surface of the vessel. How is it?'
"Salty."
"Taste some from the middle. How is it?"
"Salty."
"Taste some from the bottom. How is it?"
"Salty."
The father said, "Throw the water away and then come back to me again."
The son did so; but the salt was not lost, for salt exists for ever.
Then the father said, Here likewise is this body of yours, my son, you do not perceive the True; but there in fact it is. In that which is the subtle essence, all that exists has its self. That is the True, that is the Self, and thou, Svetaketu, art That."

----From the Chandogya Upanishad

The Atman is that by which the universe is pervaded, but which nothing pervades; which causes all things to shine, but which all things cannot make to shine. . . .

The nature of the one Reality must be known by one's own clear spiritual perception; it cannot be known through a pandit (learned man). Similarly the form of the moon can only be known through one's own eyes. How can it be known through others?

Who but the Atman is capable of removing the bonds of ignorance, passion and self-interested action? . . .

Liberation cannot be achieved except by the perception of the identity of the individual spirit with the universal Spirit. It can be achieved neither by Yoga (physical training), nor by Sankhya (speculative philosophy), nor by the practice of religious ceremonies, nor by mere learning. . . .

Disease is not cured by pronouncing the name of medicine, but by taking medicine. Deliverance is not achieved by repeating the word "Brahman," but by directly experiencing Brahman. . . .

The Atman is the Witness of the individual mind and its operations. It is absolute knowledge. . . .

The wise man is one who understands that the essence of Brahman and of Atman is Pure Consciousness, and who realizes their absolute identity. The identity of Brahman and Atman is affirmed in hundreds of sacred texts. . . .

Caste, creed, family and lineage do not exist in Brahman. Brahman has neither name nor form, transcends merit and demerit, is beyond time, space and the objects of sense-experience. Such is Brahman, and "thou art That." Meditate upon this truth within your consciousness.

Supreme, beyond the power of speech to express, Brahman may yet be apprehended by the eye of pure illumination. Pure, absolute and eternal Reality---such is Brahman, and "thou art That." Meditate upon this truth within your consciousness. . . .

Though One, Brahman is the cause of many. There is no other cause. And yet Brahman is independent of the law of causation. Such is Brahman, and 'thou art That." Meditate upon this truth within your consciousness. . . .

The truth of Brahman may be understood intellectually. But (even in those who understand) the desire for personal separateness is deep-rooted and powerful, for it exists from beginningless time. It creates the notion "I am the actor, I am he who experiences." This notion is the cause of bondage to conditional existence, birth and death. It can be removed only by the earnest effort to live constantly in union with Brahman. By the sages, the eradication of this notion and the craving for personal separateness is called Liberation.

It is ignorance that causes us to identify ourselves with the body, the ego, the senses, or anything that is not the Atman. He is a wise man who overcomes this ignorance by devotion to the Atman. . . .

When a man follows the way of the world, or the way of the flesh, or the way of tradition (i.e. when he believes in religious rite and the letter of the scriptures, as though they were intrinsically sacred), knowledge of Reality cannot arise in him.

The wise say that this threefold way is like an iron chain, binding the feet of him who aspires to escape from the prison-house of this world. He who frees himself from the chain achieves Deliverance.

----Shankara

You are the Self, the infinite Being, the pure, unchanging Consciousness, which pervades everything. Your nature is bliss and your glory is without stain. Because you identify yourself with the ego, you are tied to birth and death. Your bondage has no other cause.

---Shankara

Behold but One in all things; it is the second that leads you astray. --Kabir


Hinduism... gave itself no name, because it set itself no sectarian limits; it claimed no universal adhesion, asserted no sole infallible dogma, set up no single narrow path or gate of salvation; it was less a creed or cult than a continuously enlarging tradition of the Godward endeavor of the human spirit. An immense many-sided and many staged provision for a spiritual self-building and self-finding, it had some right to speak of itself by the only name it knew, the eternal religion, Sanatana Dharma...

---Sri Aurobindo

All religions are approaches to a single truth. ---Sri Aurobindo

One should not think, 'My religion alone is the right path and other religions are false.' God can be realized by means of all paths. It is enough to have sincere yearning for God. Infinite are the paths and infinite the opinions. (page 158)

----Sri RamaKrishna

God can be realized through all paths. All religions are true. The important thing is to reach the roof. You can reach it by stone stairs or by wooden stairs or by bamboo steps or by a rope. You can also climb up by a bamboo pole. (p. 111)

----Sri RamaKrishna

You must know that there are different tastes. There are also different powers of digestion. God has made different religions and creeds to suit different aspirants. By no means all are fit for the Knowledge of Brahman. Therefore the worship of God with form has been provided. The mother brings home a fish for her children. She curries part of the fish, part she fries, and with another part she makes pilau. By no means all can digest the pilau. So she makes fish soup for those who have weak stomachs. Further, some want pickled or fried fish. There are different temperaments. There are differences in the capacity to comprehend. (p. 486)

---Sri RamaKrishna


Truth is one; only It is called by different names. All people are seeking the same Truth; the variance is due to climate, temperament, and name. A lake has many ghats. From one ghat the Hindus take water in jars and call it 'jal'. From another ghat the Mussalmāns take water in leather bags and call it 'pāni'. From a third the Christians take the same thing and call it 'water'. Suppose someone says that the thing is not 'jal' but 'pāni', or that it is not 'pāni' but 'water', or that it is not 'water' but 'jal', It would indeed be ridiculous. But this very thing is at the root of the friction among sects, their misunderstandings and quarrels. This is why people injure and kill one another, and shed blood, in the name of religion. But this is not good. Everyone is going toward God. They will all realize Him if they have sincerity and longing of heart. (p. 423)

---Sri RamaKrishna

God alone is Real and the goal of life is to become united with Him through love. ---Meher Baba

Like the bee gathering honey from different flowers, the wise man accepts the essence of different Scriptures and sees only the good in all religions. ---Srimad Bhagavatam

Learn to look with an equal eye upon all beings, seeing the one Self in all. ---Srimad Bhagavatam

Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is. ---Bhagavad Gita

Seeing Him alone, one transcends death; there is no other way. ---Svetasvatara Upanishad

Having achieved human birth, a rare and blessed incarnation, the wise man,leaving all vanity to those who are vain, should strive to know God, and Him only, before life passes into death. --Srimad Bhagavatam

The savour of wandering in the ocean of deathless life has rid me of all my asking;
As the tree is in the seen, so all diseases are in this asking. ---Kabir

Benares is to the East, Mecca to the West; but explore your own heart, for there are both Rama and Allah. --Kabir.

Having realized his own self as the Self, a man becomes selfless; and in virtue of selflessness he is to be conceived as unconditioned. This is the highest mystery, betokening emancipation; through selflessness he has no part in pleasure or pain, but attains absoluteness. ---Maitrayana Upanishad

Talk as much philosophy as you please, worship as many gods as you like, observe all ceremonies, sing devoted praises to any number of divine beings--liberation never comes, even at the end of a hundred aeons, without the realization of the Oneness of Self. --- Shankara

This Self is not realizable by study nor even by intelligence and learning. The Self reveals its essence only to him who applies himself to the Self. He who has not given up the ways of vice, who cannot control himself, who is not at peace within, whose mind is distracted, can never realize the Self, though full of learning in the world. --Katha Upanishad

Henceforth in the real Brahman (the liberated spirit) becomes perfected and another. His fruit is the untying of bonds. Without desires, he attains to bliss eternal and immeasurable, and therein abides. ---Maitrayana Upanishad

There is neither past nor future; there is only the present. Yesterday was the present when you experienced it; tomorrow will also be the present when you experience it. Therefore, experience takes place only in the present, and beyond and apart from experience nothing exists. Even the present is mere imagination for the sense of time ispurely mental. --Ramana Maharshi

Guru, God, and the Self are One. ---Ramana Maharshi

Reality is only one and that is the Self. All the rest are mere phenomena in it, of it and by it. The see, the objects and the sight all are the Self only. Can anyone see or hear,leaving the Self aside? ---Ramana Maharshi

Disciple: What is reality?

Ramana Maharshi: Reality must be always real. Itis not entangled with forms and names, but is That which underlies these. It underlies limitations, beingitself limitless. It is not bound. It underlies unrealities, itself being real. Reality is that which is. It transcends speech and lies beyond such expressions as existence, non-existence, etc.

The body itself is a thought. --Ramana Maharshi

Pleasure and pain are only aspects of the mind. Our essential nature is happiness. We forget the Self and imagine the body or the mind to be the Self. It is this wrong identity that gives rise to misery. --Ramana Maharshi

There is no greater mystery than this: Being Reality ourselves, we seek to gain Reality. ---Ramana Maharshi

When the mind, turning inward, inquires, "Who am I?" and reaches the heart, that which is "I" (the ego) sinks crestfallen, and the One (Self) appears of its own accord as "I-I". Thought it appears thus, it is not the ego; it is the Whole. It is the Self. ---Ramana Maharshi

God who is absolute, can be seen in his absoluteness only by God in us. God can be known only by God in us, God is to be known by experience of God, and God can be experienced only by God in us. ---Swami Omkarananda

The whole world is a manifestation of God in God. ----Swami Omkarananda

Truth is God. ---Mahatma Gandhi

God has no religion.---- Mahatma Gandhi

The "I" casts off the illusion of "I" and yet remains as "I". Such is the paradox of Self-realization. ---Ramana Maharshi

Is it the body in front of me which desires to obtain my grace? Or is it the awareness within it? If itis the awareness, is it not now looking upon itself as the body and making this request? If so let the awareness first of all know its real nature. It will then automatically know God and my grace. The truth of this can be realized even now and here.

-----Ramana Maharshi after being asked by a seeker if he would bestow his gracious wisdom.

....The real God is not to be sought in idols and symbols ,in temples or churches. The truth of the matter is that purified man is God himself, for he has become one with universal life. The purified man is the self-realized man. He has not to await answers from God, for he has no questions to ask. He himself is the answer to all questions; his life itself is a benediction. --Sudhakar

Oh I like that quote.
Thank you Brave, that is really cool. I'll have to print it out and read it later. The puter make my eyes tired. I am sure I'll have questions for ya. I wonder do we have any Hindus on the site?

Yes I agree, I would love to hear some comments from some Hindus.

I really enjoyed your post Brave, very informative and definitely something to ponder over.
It is nice to see something that's other than the norm on here, i have no quarrel with existing threads, but i personally feel this topic will have a lot of interest

Hey Brave I think you posted a wonderful topic, I have always believe this to be a very peaceful and beautiful religion, It's a shame more people don't take the time to read up on this, It's really rare to find one single religion that does not have blood on it's hand's, But i think Hinduism maybe the exception to that rule.....

Great Job sweetie, I hope everyone will take the time to read this......

Isis

We do Avinash that was who i thought of immediatley i will Pm him and ask him to share with us, i don't know alot either BNW , but i do find it interesting and Ghandi was on kool kat IMO, as you are for psoting this i enjoy learning of other relgions .... alot of Deepak chopras wriitngs are hindu in essence and he has agreat way of explaining it..There is a wonderful DVD called how to know 'god' and it touches on hinduism and quantum physics the very basics but enough to get a taste....

Yeah great post brave!

I must say i have always seen religion as a sign of weakness, as if the self was untrue and needed support to stay true. The self is there and it is what it is nomatter what religion it "chooses to believe in" for it's own social purposes. Because as you can see, religion is very often a matter of placement, social placement. The chances of you ending up believing in another religion than the one that is popular in your social community are slim. People believe what others believe to fit in. It's a machine driven by fear... Fear of beeing different and out of the norm. <---- (that's just how i see things and as we all know there are various colors of the rainbow, but here i choose to illuminate the darker nuances)

For what is religion out in the material world but some buzzing electrical impulses in our brain, deriving us of expanding our minds to endless possibility?

Sitting by the ocean, watching a sunset, listening to the sound of the waves, the wind, the people talking miles away, some laughing, some crying that is the sweet harmony of the universe, but only if you truly listen and shut up your inner voice it will unveil itself to you. Meditation. Other planes of thought. (Be still and know that i am god?)

Beauty of sadness, pleasure of pain when god has awoken inside you he'll never sleep again...

(sorry if im rambling here bud smoked a big one sorry )

Nice thread BNW. Keep up the good work. I'm sure I'll have some questions.

Yes, but how long could you sustain yourself to stay in that state of expansion? During that expansion, some people feel this tremendous fire, intense burning sensation..., but who is burning? Through the grace of God and one's stedfast focus, one goes through this deep journey. And this meditative journey will test one's sincerity, and one would surely find out how much one (tightly) clings to life, to breath, to one's memories, and so on.

Everything is real in the end because we are all part of this world, and this world is created by God, the Original Thought, and EVERYTHING points to this meditative journey, basically for one to surrender to the flow, the infinite expansion..., PERHAPS the road to liberation, true freedom. Stray just a little..., and you may lose the flow. "How much are you willing to give of yourself to stay focus?" I heard this mentioned to me once...

I believe some people reincarnate out of boredom..., while others come back because they couldn't handle eternity, and many reincarnate automatically (without any choice). Like infinity, the reasons are endless.

"(sorry if im rambling here bud smoked a big one sorry )"

hahaha i hate when that happens...,

yes anyways, i took that one test they have on this site, the one where they ask you the 40 or so questions and give you a percentage of what religion you are based on your test results and i scored 100% hinduism. I myself being raised a roman catholic have spent my years so far questioning many religions and have concluded Hinduism best suits my beliefs, i can kind of say im an unnofficial hindu in that my own personal beliefs share entirely in common with this "religion."

Compassion for all physical beings, and the openmindedness towards the infinite are basically my two commandments.

Plus i mean all the Indian people ive ever met are genuinely great and that i love Indian people cuz they just kick ass.

ASide from that hell yah to Hindusim, it's non-self centered no-need for devotion or commitment outlook is the way things ought to be, it truely is a non-blind religion.

One beef i have with buddhists is i mean, all seems right except for the extent they go in not holding onto possessions to the point where they are required to shave their heads in that hair is but an asthetic possession?! I agree with everything but that. if they're gonna shave their heads because they feel it is an asthetic unecessary possession, then whats the point in keeping your eyebrows, they make you look like something too, come on now buddhists, off with the eyebrows... Like , hair is meant to keep one warm, foolish devotion to "religion" is possession in itself.

The Self according to the Hindu mystics is who we are eternally. We have always been it and have just forgotten, If it is a state of being and we have to worry about losing it then it cant be our true self because for one you cannoit gain or lose something that is eternal, or it wouldnt be eternal.

The point of enlightenment is that you become something you wern't, but realize something you have always been. If something is eternal and infinite then where does boredom fit?

Thank you for your post. Ya about the buddhists, like other religions buddhism can fall into an orthodox formulae in which the bald head thing comes to play, many true enlightened buddhists out there probably couldnt care less about their hair.

If you read Shankaras long writing I typed in before the quote you just quoted him on, it explains the answers to the questions you asked.

This is why Hinduism differs. Hinduism sees religion as a means to something Higher and direct and not as an end in itself.

I read into Hinduism somewhat, but never got around to reading the Veda's. I find the divinity aspect quite interesting. It cant completely be labeled polythestic or monothestic. From what I understand There is one true god, but with many gods and goddess representing that one true god. Which is what got me interested because I feel it is closest to my view of the divine than any other religion that I have read on.

I also practice Kundalini meditation, but I haven't meditated in such a long time; cant clear my mind.

Your response is much valued and appreciated. Thank you.

Yes and no. Those mystics could never be 300% sure since they still occupy their flesh when they had their so-called realization. And none of them ever returned from the grave... One cannot truly know if one is only in the mind, or if one truly has seen the the "self" since again, a mystic rely on their meditation experience (while in the body). Death is completely another story.



Do you believe this, or have you just read about this? If this is your experience, then it is merely an experience, a single experience. I respect your posts, however.



That is for all of us to find out. Some people (saints and mystics) do say that God created this world out of His boredom.

Bless the Shankaras and (his) future incarnations! My questions, however, are directed to you.

Peace.

sorry, but i hold a few criticism on hinduism. First, it was created by men, They wanted to rule over women. they treat women as properties
and inferior. They were taught that a husband is like a god to a wife. In some parts of india they are burned when the husband dies. But
when the wife dies, the husband remains alive. The husbands dont want their wives to marry again after they die, they are pimps.Second, the religion is based on people having extreme respect for nature, therefore they turned
the animals into gods. For example, they deified cows, calling them "Ma", meaning mother, as in god. Fourth, whatever the media says
they believe, even when its false information or accusation. Then they all beat that person, just because the media villified him/her.
For example, when someone calls out thief, everyone runs after that person and beats him/her up, even thought he/she might be innoncent and
they dont even know him. Fifth, they are extremely racist against muslims.

No offense, but its true. I end my case.

Wait, did you just copy and paste your reply from the Hinduism thread from the "Spirituality vs. Skeptism" forum? O_o

I think you need to find quotes from the holy books to prove your claims. And when you say they are extremely racist against muslims; that is a generalization. Like any other religion you cant lump all hindu's into one.

In the end the answer is Yes, for one's religion gives one a (very basic) map, and this map helps the soul to know this world, to appreciate this (perfect machinery) world since it is part of one's spiritual growth, and this perfect machinery includes the body, for the body is the physical manisfestation of the chakra system. The body is also the vessel of this undying energy. Religion also tells one to be "good," for the most part, because being "good" keeps the Chakra System open to let the energy flow, cycle, and for one to go very deep during meditation. Being "good," therefore, is a must (for one's spiritual growth). Unfortunately, this is where the problem occurs. Who dictates what's "good"? Who created religion? As you and I know, these will take volumes...

On the other hand, I believe in the saying: "Does it (situation) close you off, or does it open you?"

Does the energy flows smoothly and strongly, or is it hard, painful, and takes a lot of effort during meditation? Does it tighten your face, forehead, legs, chest, throat, and so on? Does it create more clutter to spin in your mind during meditation?

So, is this flow God? Is the energy inside us God? That I don't know, but then again, I don't really know how to define God, for It is beyond me and "I am merely a bug" in the scheme of things. And I am not completely sure (300%) if God has CONCRETELY spoken to any human being since day one, and if He had, then why not now since we are all equal in His eyes - past, present and future?! I believe, however, that every tension we have in our body is meant to be released to basically strengthen and nourish the Chakra System for one to really surrender deeply to the 'flow.' It takes spiritual stamina (mind and body and chakra system) to truly surrender to the flow to go deeply in one's meditation..., and of course, through God's grace. So, everything in this world is meant to free us, but unfortunately, we all get sidetracked by our learned belief systems, culture, propaganda, religion, status, gender, and so on. Instead of opening to a situation, we close off, our chakras close off and tighten up.

And instead of freeing us, religion "sometimes" add to more confusion, more problems, the blockage and tightening of the Chakra System, even if it's meant to get us "to a single truth." And if that's going to be the pattern, then perhaps one should flush one's religion down the toilet, and start again. Just a point of view.

As long as you do not embrace the situation (which is always) in front of you, including the existence of this material world, you would not be able to go beyond it, for it would present itself in many forms, and they will all be as real as yesterday, today and tomorrow. Mind and body are real because they are part of the MACHINERY to know the energy flow, the 'expansion." Without the body, there is no "classic" meditation. Therefore, one cannot let go of what one has not gained. How could one appreciate the 'other' if one has not known or experienced the world? One's self is tested by the world. There must be a reason for every season, don't you think?

One simply cannot go from point A to point B, unless God gives one that grace. Therefore, one must begin somwhere, including total respect for this world, God's created world.

I believe this "present" is about the 'flow,' the Expansion. True, time stops during this state because all focus is on this 'flow'; however, when the mind comes back to Earthly reality, one finds that time did move on. When the mind snaps back to Earthly reality, one finds out how long one has been meditating. Even if one is on the 'flow,' or following the Expansion, one is also fully aware of one's surrounding, such as one's bedroom, or what have you. To be in the 'flow,' you don't space out, or fall asleep, unless the Chakra System is weak. Some say that if one stays in this Expansion, one might even be able to leave one's body consciously like a Samadhi, a physical death..., through God's grace of course. Some even say only through God's grace that one snaps back to Earthly reality.

In the end, everything is real, for everything is through God's grace. So, why meditate? Whether we like it or not, we are meditating, every moment. Perhaps it is even the nature of our mind and body to connect to the 'flow.' And I believe everything in our world is geared for this connection. "There are no accidents," so people say.

Therefore, this is the nature of yoga, the union of body, mind, and 'flow' while on Earth, in "present" mode (while it lasts). While on Earth, it is a symbiosis, I believe. Leave one out, the process is aborted. The body has to be nourished and nurtured by our material world. The stuff of the world gives the Chakras the strength, the work out, like those physical exercises.

No doubt, a focused mind is a must. How to focus the mind, or how the mind becomes focused is another story.

During a formal meditation, I believe that the 'flow' is always there to guide the mind to follow its expansion (for one to be in the "present"); however, the mind is not always in the "present" because of too many excuses, or perhaps God wants it to be this way, perhaps one's sincere desire is to play in this world, the mind gets easily distracted. There are many reasons, I'm sure, but an excuse is neither good nor bad, it just is, I think.

And everyone will get whatever it is what one needs to get, in the end. On the other hand, if one gets the urge to follow one's bliss, then one should really go for it. In most cases, it would be beyond your control, the strong urge will take over, and PILGRIMAGE to one's connection to this Expansion, "present," or 'flow' is in order.

Is the 'flow,' Expansion, or "present" equals to God or self, that I don't know. Again, "I'm merely a bug" to define God, but I do know that this Expansion is 300% real.

The thing is, a true mystic doesn't identify with his flesh. He only appears that way to ignorant people like me. This is why they can preach because they have the practice to back it up. I have faith and believe in everything the perennial philosophers say because they have said nothing that counters my intuition.

God created it out of boredom and didnt, and created it out of rage and didnt, created it out love and didnt. The point is God is all possibility. We can't say anything about God because we are always wrong because God transcends all concepts and words.

I am not a qualified mystic. I am simply a spiritual seeker (not a very intense one at that) and hold faith in what people like shankara says. It makes sense to my own rationality and intuition. And in my eyes it is only by holding faith and practising the methods of the mystics (which is always loving, peaceful and pacific, I have never come across a mystic yet who has suggested violence or imposing one's view on another person or on a people as a whole as part of a means to finding God or true reality).

Yeah

Yes, you are right that God transcends all concepts and words, but words are a necessary evil to explain the unexplainable, unfortunately; however, there is that "present," Expansion, 'flow.' Do not lose faith, and keep meditating. I believe sincerity is the key, and I feel that you are very sincere.

Again. There is no flow of God nor is there stillness. True reality is beyond all contrivances of imagination. It is beyond everything but also includes everything. Mind, chakra systems and even the concept of God are all illusions. All belief is wrong. For Truth is fact or knowledge. There is nothing to believe with Truth. It just is.

I agree. Without grace there is no enlightenment. It is always with us, we just have to realize it. I live in theoretic constructs but I am well aware that this is only a means to proximate means to knowing God and never a proximate means. The only true proximate means to god is via one-pointed contemplation.

If that's what you believe, then I could only respect that. The good thing about living in this world is the fact that it teaches us, everyday.

In the end, yes, but only through God's grace. How one gets this grace is beyond me. All I know is that sincerity goes a long way. But, sincerity gets tested a long the way. The world has a way of polishing us up like gems... And to be able to contemplate is truly a gift, for many reasons. Again, you cannot go from point A to point B (without fully appreciating point A), unless God wills it so, at least this is my experience.

Unfortunately even hindusim has blood on its hands, although if people all followed the scriptures as they were written it wouldn't.

Interestingly, from what i've read of the History of Hindusim, i've found that at its roots its a polytheistic religion that over time, evolved certain monotheistic aspects (the Rig veda, the oldest of the four vedic texts, is in fact rather polytheistic in its writings), possibly due to contact with other denominations, as a result there are multiple acceptable interpretations as to the "nature of the supreme" (or even lack thereof in certain interpretations)

Again, I respect what you are saying, and I could only go by my experience. Whether "true reality" is "just is," or not, I really could not tell you, nor can dead mystics and saints could defend their earnest conclusion since they are not on Earth anymore. None of them has ever returned from the grave.

While on Earth, there is an "expansion" which occur during a deep meditation, that I cannot deny, but is this "expansion" this "true reality" you are talking about? That I cannot tell you. On the other hand, gurus, saints, and mystics I've met in this lifetime have told me that this "expansion" is god. They say that it is the ever "present," that I know. Whether one believes this or not, it is always there, it just is. This world, on the other nand, will also do its thing, regardless of one's belief system. This world will take everyone on a journey, for it is its task.

Fortunely or unfortunately, depending on one's state of thinking (at the moment), one still occupies a body, flesh; therefore, the Chakra System is real, relative or not, whether one believes this or not. Then again, it really doesn't matter in the end, at least I don't think so, as long as one is sincere. Like breathing, the Chakra System will do its thing without you even being aware of it, regardless of your Earthly philosophy. And as long as you live in this world, the energy 'flow' is real since you still occupy a moving flesh. Since there is movement, their is a 'flow.' Think of a bell analogy: the bell is the eternal energy, and the earthly wind is the flesh in motion.

"If every tongue were stilled, the noise would still continue. The rocks and stones themselves would start to sing!" -- Jesus Christ Superstar

Some also say that while you are living on this Earth, it is wise to meditate with a known conduit of the energy because the enegy acts like a magnet. The conduit is a tool, not God. Like other tools, why not use him or her?! Some say that it is easier or faster to get to that "expansion" or "present" than meditating by yourself. The conduit is like a beacon. The energy 'flow,' which pervades the atmosphere of the meditation hall, will take you to a new level of reality, take you to that Expansion, the "present." And this Expansion will also translate to your everyday living - some people call it test, while others call it grace, many call it "concrete teaching," among other things.

Some say this world is not real..., but tell that to people who are really suffering, with high bills to pay, full of tension and fear..., or in deep ecstasy.

Without the other, the cycle is aborted, unless God gives one that grace...

Peace.

Yeah but insofar as your intensity of your level of thinking. If you think intensly enough that you can shapeshift into an elephant, it will happen. Reality is a result of our thoughts. Most of us (like me) simply do not know how to reach such immense levels of thought power.
You are right. It all doesnt matter in the end because the universe is always as it should be.

I know, its all part of gods plan. God lets satan do his dirty tricks, but he cant defeat God. God had told satan how he can do
anything he wants before the day of judgement. But on the day of judgement, Satan and his followers will go to dauzagh (hell)
eternally. And God said that he has protected some people from Satan. And all this discrimination of people against
muslims is part of Satans plan, to destroy and defame muslims. Like for example, the so called muslim terrorism of 9/11. Bull sheet.
It was part of the conspiracist like the corrupted federal agents, who are pawns of satan. A very global and evil plan is anout
to begin in the near future.Have u heard of the 2012 prophecy? well thats what it is. WW3 or some spiritual awakening.
And whats up with your yoga crap? religion is the light out of the darkness, not confusion itself. What's confusing
is the blocked mind. OPEN IT UP. Through prayers and meditation.

You don't have to believe in anything I wrote, and I'm not here to convert anyone. Your POV is just as valid. On the other hand, I am what I am. It just is, until a new reality comes my way.

2012 prophecy? Please tell me you are not talking about the false and horrible misunderstood Mayan "prediction" about the end of times or whatnot.

Also, one persons crap is another persons treasure...so in other words, whats up with your "treasure"

To All Hindu mystics, schoolars, spokesperson, and believers is required to join in the discussion and to represent Hindu Gods and its followers in this thread. Your God wish you to be there and to contribute his ideas.

http://www.unexplained-mysteries.com/forum...t&p=1544800

He also mentions meditiation as being the path to god, totally ignoring that that is what Yoga is all about

My guess is that he's never really done much investigation into Hinduism and is just speaking out of ignorance.

I hate to be callous, but calling someone's beliefs or practices "crap" for no real reason is pretty rude and shows a great amount of ignorance...so I think I will have to agree with that statement.

2012??? Hmmm! I seem to remember Drosnins bible codes predicting two cosmic impacts in that year, one in India and one in Canada. Hope not, but his prediction and forewarning to Rabin turned out to be true.

i am very much appreciative of experiencing Your wisdom, namaste.

Hi Folks,

first of all, let me introduce myself as a guy from india who has had the fortune to be in the convent school for 12 years and then with sheer luck out of the ordinary to be exposed to the hidden but true realities of this world through persons and people only just a few whom exists even today, dunno if there's aliens or something; and yes I'm a Hindu, was born extreme racist had this feeling something superior existing on the planet controlling us all, I'm even willing to share the address of the person concerned cause I know how well protected he is, his phones are tapped, there's these intelligence guys around him and since I've been in contact with him for so long most likely this message is being read too.

try reading through the lines, I know they're fragmented but every thing I'll write is 100% true and as happened and therefore cannot write them down as full fledged story or essay; believe it or not and it doesn't matter.

Hinduism as per se is not a religion; in its true form or as we say in the `age of the truth' it was life orientated, meaning all living things are emotional, it's our feelings that matter; they say anything that can FEEL shouldn't be hurt as it responds. take for eg: all the animals and including humans, we all FEEL; hinduism strictly prohibit and killing or such things and that include all life forms which respond or move or show emotional behavoiur; PLANTS NEVER SHOW AN EMOTIONAL REACTION; Ah!!! yes, I know people claiming to have heard even stones crying when you try throwing them around

it's as simple as this, if you slap a person without any reason or snatch something from him, you'll FEEL that you're wrong the first day may be the next day and after that you'll NOT FEEL anything. you can kill and eat an animal and WONT feel anything, that is not strength, in reality ITS a weakness.

Humans are at the top of the chain in the animal kingdom not because we stand on two feet but we've evolved to manage and build on our FEELINGS, by destroying them you're destroying yourself.

We don't pray nature, we respect it for supporting us. In a true sense we're making ourselves sensitive to the forces of nature. I've spoken to people who call Hindus as Baygons; I can't help but laugh at those people.

the first person I met had these unusual powers and this unusual feeling of something around him and let me tell you beforehand I was fresh out of Convent school and utterly scientific in my approach as I am even today or would have not written what I'm writing down. So what does this person do,

1. He only speaks to people of his choice, and yes that includes gentlemen and women who come from almost all parts of the world and are docs, engineers, army colonels etc.etc. he has refused to speak to many billionares, and didn't go to visit a function when exclusively invited by the king of nepal.

2. he himself is a police officer, at a very junior post; if you know how corruption and poor admin setup in india stalls any progress.

3. nevers speaks about himself to the media, so many people tried putting hidden cameras and recorders, but no use; he'll tell you beforehand to turn them off

4. when he closes his eyes to do his stuff; i observed closely there's a small opening about 2-3 mm that opens up in the middle of his forehead, I've heard a lot about the third eye in hinduism but this is real.

5. I was once standing behind him when he was doing his prayer in the morning, my feet felt like flames were coming around, I got excited and very scared as nothing was visible, he quitely turned around and said ` keep still and ignore it as it's not harmful ' Phew!!!

6. he can tell you exactly what you dreamt last night and in what position did you wake up if you did.

7. think something stupid in front of him and you can see his immediate reaction as if you're an open book, and yes!!! this is exactly what I mean, he knows what you're thinking

8. i asked him why can't I do some remote viewing and seeing through walls and he was smiling and said `you'll be less interested in you studies than the girls who're bathing' i was obviously looking down by then

9. he once mentioned, that sometimes when he's through his prayer which lasts for about 5-6 hours, he can see even the spirits moving about and says true saints see them all the times.

10. he politely refuses any scientific experiment to be conducted upon him, but is willing to speak to anybody on the subject; and yes!! a lot americans visit him every year.

11. we (that means me and him) can talk telepathically during the night, he starts the connection and once it's established; it like a virtual world where we both are in it, I'm still trying to understand the physics behind it but excuse me I can't divulge more information on this.

12. He can call dead people on his body, I know I've seen such on TV and etc.etc. but say if a french guy comes requesting to speak to his dead relative, then as he says `if he hasn't taken a rebirth' he leaves his body temporarily and calls the spirit over it; so the french guy can now speak in french and communicate. It's true and I've seen it happen a gazillion times. He however doesn't even know english.

Aside, after my first encounter with this guy I was shaken by the boots, couldn't sleep for 3 days during the night and had to keep the bulbs ON, cause I just could not tell myself to not be afraid and blind; whatever it is IT IS THERE; there is something which is REAL AND OMNIPRESENT.

if we see history and try predicting and working on our future which probably is about 100 years approx. combining our future generations; Just imagine these people who can talk to spirits and climb to the highest as in his words `I take my mind in the absolute Zero (Maha Shoonya) to predict what will happen in the future' what kind of time frame do these people have in thier hands to play with may be 10,000 years atleast. NOW that's the difference, we 100 they 10000.

put yourself in a higher frame of mind, who's playing who and who's captilazing and making a profit; Huh!! I'm still trying to recover from this sh*t of truth; may be he's an alien or something.

that's all the time now folks, see ya all later, do pitch in replies.

Regards,
Bhaskar

Very interesting post to say the least. What is your opinion on Ramana Maharshi?

wow, does your friend have a solution to the problems(environmental, political, moneydriven) in this world? one that is realistic...and not something that ive already heard like , "it all starts with you" kinda deal, because realisticly thats not even good enough as well intended as it is...

Whatever that guy is having, it is happening in me. If I win lottery I'll tell UM members some numbers.

Yes, one step at a time, complete one lesson before going on to the next, and play one's role to the best of one's abilities and talents with God in one's heart and mind.

All religions are approaches to a single truth. ---Sri Aurobindo

One should not think, 'My religion alone is the right path and other religions are false.' God can be realized by means of all paths. It is enough to have sincere yearning for God. Infinite are the paths and infinite the opinions. (page 158)

----Sri RamaKrishna


I couldn't agree more, i really enjoyed reading your thread. I have been wondering about Hinduism, Budism and confusionism. See I have been searching for the religion to which I belong. I was born and raised Catholic,and I have many doubts. I have been gathering information about other religions, but I wanted to step out of my shell and broaden my search to the eastern religions.I'm still searching, but your thread was very helpful. Thanks.

You're welcome.

http://www.hinduism.co.za/hinduism.htm