How does Hinduism differ from major religions?

Answer 1

1. Hinduism is a holistic religion. It enables us to lead the entire spectrum of life.

We have seven basic forces and in Hinduism each of them is represented by a god.

They are,

Dreaming force - Indra

Illusory force - Shakti

Voluntary force - Brahma

Semi Voluntary force - Vishnu

Involuntary force - Shiva

Status altering force - Shani

Compulsive force - Yama

By worshiping these gods we can have control over all the seven forces and thus over our life under all conditions and therefore we can utilize all the seven forces we are endowed with.

2. It enables us to have bi directional control over our life

Hinduism give us the ability to make our life better or worse, under all conditions.

This is made possible by associating each basic force with the opposite element in nature.

The Dreaming force (Indra) - Thunder, lightning, war

Illusory force (Shakti) - Strength

Voluntary force (Brahma) - Small and transient force and therefore associated with creation of the eternal universe.

Semi voluntary force (Vishnu) - can't be associated with the opposite element

Involuntary force (Shiva) - force of ambition and thus associated with meditation in grave yard with matted hairs.

Status altering force (Shani) - can bring about dramatic changes in life and therefore associated with slowness.

Compulsive force (Yama: Unstoppable force and therefore associated with death.

However, worship of gods at the extremities is not recommended.

3. It is the source of Inner Knowledge

In Hinduism each of the basic force is represented by a god. By studying the gods we can know the properties of the basic forces.

Inner knowledge enables us to understand all the secrets of life. we can understand concepts like god, science, mental disorders, consciousness, etc.

4. It enables us to have dynamic equality

Each of the four classes of the society rule it in turn, depending on whether the external conditions are hospitable or hostile. When the external conditions are extremely hospitable it is rule by people at the bottom and if is hostile it is rule by the people at the top. This rotation of rule is a must to keep all the four classes of the society satisfied and to maintain eternal status quo.

Thus, contrary to popular belief in Hinduism there is no exploitation of any class.

5. It keeps us at the junction of our real and imaginary worlds

Every Hindu god has mythology associated with it and idols to represent. Thus, Hindu gods are both within us and also in the real world. Thus, they enable us to dwell at the junction of our real and imaginary worlds.

In fact, human beings are created to dwell at the junction of their real and imaginary worlds. This would enable us to do what we think and also think about what we are doing.

6. It is an eternal religion

Hinduism is based on the basic forces human beings have. Thus, it would exist as long as human beings exist on this planet.

It is a self sustaining religion and needs no propagation.

Since it has opposing people any attempt to change it would result in opposition from one of the classes, sometimes from all the classes.

Answer 2

hindus have many different dieties, unlike the other 3 main religions who have one god and are mono theists

Aupmanyav adds: Hinduism accepts many Gods and Goddesses. It accepts different views ranging from polytheism to Atheism. It does not insist on one God. It has no Supreme book and no individual who established it.

Answer 3

Hinduism is not an exclusive religion. Worship of one God like YHVH, Allah, or God as in Bible is not necessary. Hinduism has many Gods and Goddesses and it allows one to worship many, three, one, or none. People are not sent to hell just for the reason that they do not worship a God mentioned in a particular scripture or his son or messenger.

The good and bad deeds are not added up. People go to heaven for their good deeds and to hell for their bad deeds for proportionate periods according to set rules. Stay in heaven and hell is not for eternity. The souls are sent back to improve their record. The cycle stops when somebody does not have any bad deed left in his/her account. That is 'nirvana' or 'moksha'. Such a person, then, stays with God.

All people are judged impartially. It does not matter if the person is a Hindu or a non-Hindu. No God other than the God of Death, Yama, is involved in this process. The great Gods and Goddesses have set the rules and he is supposed to follow them meticulously. There is no grand day of judgment when the people are judged. In Hinduism, it happens as soon as the soul reaches the Office of the God of Death, no waiting.

Hindus have many scriptures. Actually, all books carrying any wisdom are termed as scriptures. They may be in Sanskrit or in local languages. There are books written by thousands of people since time immemorial. These were remembered orally and very meticulously. Remembering them, even the tone in which they are to be recited, was a very scientific process. Even now, thousands of people learn these books in the traditional manner.

Though two books, Vedas and Bhagawad Gita are considered to be divine, but this is more or less a 'tongue in cheek' statement. For the writer of each verse of the Vedas is clearly mentioned along with his/her genealogy. Yes, there are 32 women who have written verses in the Vedas. However, the writer of BhagawadGita remains anonymous in spite of the huge popularity of the book, which is very surprising.

Lastly, idol worship is not considered a sin in Hinduism. Images or idols are supposed to be a help in concentrating thoughts during worship and propell one to act according to 'dharma', which is fulfilling one's duties and engaging in righteous action.

Answer 4

Hinduism has no founder, single teacher nor any prophets.

Hinduism is not a Single Religion. Hinduism is the practices of a variety of different religious groups which come out of India.