In what way is India religiously diverse?

Answer 1

Hinduism was not shaped by an authoritative holy book such as The Bible or the Qur'an. It developed out of folk beliefs, and the Hindu scriptures tell stories rather than giving absolute commands.

Therefore there is no "correct" version of Hinduism that demands all other versions be wrong. A variety of beliefs is acceptable to a devout Hindu.

Hinduism is based on Brahmajnana, the omnipotent knowledge that is independent of time, place or person. It is more reliable than science.

Interposed between our real world (body) and mind is the human interface that gives man unlimited freedom.

1. In other religions this Human Interface is replaced by a code of conduct that enables the follower to use just the safe and reliable central part of this interface.

Because of this, in other religions all aspects of life are defined, making them look universally similar.

In contrast, in Hinduism the human interface is made of seven parts, each part of the which is called a god. The Hindu selects the right interface (god) for a given task and it is the nature of the interface that controls the Hindu. The use of each of the seven gods completely or partially, separately or in combinations, makes the scope of the Human interface literally unlimited. This gives a Hindu unlimited freedom.

2. In other religions the follower must believe in their god.

A Hindu too believes in gods However, a master of Hinduism finds that his god Brahman is so reliable that he accepts it as a fact. Brahman is directly compatible with science.

The smooth transition between god and science makes Hinduism still more diverse.

3. In other religions belief in heaven and hell is a must. In Hinduism it is optional. A Hindu, who has understood Hinduism, can widen his freedom by accepting the fact that heaven is the manifestation of the force that gives him exaggerated pleasure, over which he has very little control, and hell is the manifestation of the force that makes him compulsive and thus, makes him detrimental to the society. He can master these two forces and use them also.

4. A Hindu can be religious or atheistic. This is because the supreme Hindu knowledge Brahmajnana is the interface that enables him to understand the symbolism involved in Hinduism and thus know the scientific basis of Hindu believes.

Thus,

1. The code of conduct of other religions make their followers look universally similar

2. The use of the Human interface makes no two Hindus look similar.