So whats the deal with Hinduism and Atheism?

D

Dookie Marcus

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Is it like a specific type of School that crops them up or what?
 
I was out of action for a few days (moved to a new house). Yes, I am an orthodox and a strong atheist hindu. The school/philosophy is known as 'advaita' (non-duality), i.e., we believe that the universe and everything in it is constituted by one entity (I personally take it to be 'physical energy', others take it as an impersonal non-interfering divinity). Nothing supernatural, no God, since that would mean a duality, God and us. This is an old philosophy, finds mention in the Vedas. It was vigorously propounded by an eighth century philosopher, Sankara. Presently, it is one of the very popular philosophies among hindus. But we live happily with theists - whatever floats any person's boat.
 
Welcome back... you really need to start a thread on Advaita.

So it really (in Western terms... yeah, I know, we are so uncivilized) to a kind of Spinozian or Whiteheadean pantheism or panentheism?
 
No supreme being (like Allah or YHWH or God), is there a supreme force or tendency that pushes us forward or back (Eternal Buddha or Kalachacra).
 
Aupmanyav said:
I was out of action for a few days (moved to a new house). Yes, I am an orthodox and a strong atheist hindu. The school/philosophy is known as 'advaita' (non-duality), i.e., we believe that the universe and everything in it is constituted by one entity (I personally take it to be 'physical energy', others take it as an impersonal non-interfering divinity). Nothing supernatural, no God, since that would mean a duality, God and us. This is an old philosophy, finds mention in the Vedas. It was vigorously propounded by an eighth century philosopher, Sankara. Presently, it is one of the very popular philosophies among hindus. But we live happily with theists - whatever floats any person's boat.
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Thank you, that explained it for me.
 
Advaita Vedanta is only one school of many within the vast ocean. In the west, it may be a popular school, but in India dualistic Vaishnava schools have way more adherents. Of course many Hindus will give varying answersto your queries. Hinduism consists of many schools, and no one school can claim to speak for all. The only peolpe who might be able to are scholars versed in several of the main schools. Certainly, that is not me.
 
ammad2011 said:
big difference between Hinduism and atheism.
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I just happen to be reading an historical round up of the so called "eastern" philosophies, and it would seem to be the case that "Hinduism" is more a blanket word to cover a whole host of various movements and ways. Of which one would now be that which Aupmanyav identifies with.

It all seems rather complex.
 
Or rather it is quite simple. Feel happy with many Gods and Goddesses, OK. Want just one Goddess (and of course, her various forms), OK. Want 9 Gods, OK, avataras of Vishnu including Buddha. Want three Gods. Brahma, Vishnu Shiva, OK. Want one God, Shiva? Vishnu? Brahman, to the exclusion of others? OK. Want no God, that too OK.

Whatever your belief about God, do you accept the social rules, 'Dharma'. Do you promise to fulfill your social and familial obligations and engage in righteous action? You are a good Hindu. Because no God or Goddess would want anything else.
 
Aupmanyav said:
Or rather it is quite simple. Feel happy with many Gods and Goddesses, OK. Want just one Goddess (and of course, her various forms), OK. Want 9 Gods, OK, avataras of Vishnu including Buddha. Want three Gods. Brahma, Vishnu Shiva, OK. Want one God, Shiva? Vishnu? Brahman, to the exclusion of others? OK. Want no God, that too OK.

Whatever your belief about God, do you accept the social rules, 'Dharma'. Do you promise to fulfill your social and familial obligations and engage in righteous action? You are a good Hindu. Because no God or Goddess would want anything else.
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Good. Yes, thanks.

I suppose the difference between looking in from the outside and being on the inside.
 
Tariki, it is a matter of focus. Monotheistic religions focus on their one God. Indian religions (hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism) focus or responsibilities and righteous action. Either the Gods are absent or they are less important than 'dharma'.
 
Aupmanyav said:
Monotheistic religions focus on their one God.
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Do you think that your understanding of monotheism is the best example of monotheism? Is it possible that you don't understand it as well as you understand Hinduism? Is it possible that you understand Hinduism better then Thomas? Is it possible that Thomas understands Christianity better then you?
 
The Hindu version pf monotheism is usually one Supreme God, inclusive of many other Gods, whereas the western view is generally One God period.
 
A Cup Of Tea said:
Do you think that your understanding of monotheism is the best example of monotheism? Is it possible that you don't understand it as well as you understand Hinduism? Is it possible that you understand Hinduism better then Thomas? Is it possible that Thomas understands Christianity better then you?
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:). You decide. I give my opinion.

I think I understand monotheism quite well. The Prophets, Son, Messenger saying that follow Me (Prophets, Son, Messenger, Saint, Manifestation, Mahdi), otherwise God has eternal hell for you. It did not stop with the three. In each age there are Saints, Mahdis, Manifestations, who repeat this ad-nauseam, though not as successfully. Yes, I understand Hinduism better than Thomas. I understand Christianity as well as Thomas.
 
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