Hinduism

Hinduism is a liberal philosophy that allows for any individual to live life any way they like until they arrive at the realization that any other person is not different from themselves and that the entire creation is not different from themselves. 

It is left for the individual to believe this at the outset or find out for themselves the hard way.

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This week I have come across statements from different people making a reference to Hinduism in random contexts. I was tempted to enter into the conversation. Above is my statement in response to the most recent statement by an alumnus of my medical school Alma mater on a WhatsApp group.

His statement:

HINDUISM IN A NUTSHELL

Who or what is a Hindu?

Hinduism defies definition. It is a word without any content. As

a faith, it is vague and amorphous. In the usual sense of the

word one cannot say whether it is a religion or not. It has

within itself all types of religions. It contains all forms of

worship and its conflicting philosophies can confound anyone. It

has altered from age to age, and from community to

community. The age-old value systems so deeply entrenched in

the society have become subjects for debate. The wisdom of the

Vedas, the dogmas from the Puranas and the Shastras, the iron

laws of caste, the belief in karma and rebirth and the rule of

status by birth are serious issues that preside over this complex

culture. Hinduism is not congregational and is unstructured, as

compared to other religions. Each Hindu decides for himself

which manifestation of God is most important to him, what

scriptures to accept as authentic, or which holy man to follow.

It is a very personal religion with complete freedom of practice.

A.P.  MD