Is the Hinduism the mother of All religions?

[yagna_narayana]

Since long time, I have a doubt over the history of religions. I am quite aware that Hinduism dates back to long time than other religions.Then, I doubt if there are any other religions such as Islam , Christianity at the time of Ramayana or Mahabharata.What are the People of western countries during Ramayana? Are they Christians or Jews or Muslims?

[MikeMalaysia]

 

Since long time, I have a doubt over the history of religions. I am quite aware that Hinduism dates back to long time than other religions.Then, I doubt if there are any other religions such as Islam , Christianity at the time of Ramayana or Mahabharata.What are the People of western countries during Ramayana? Are they Christians or Jews or Muslims?

 

"Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, said: I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvān, and Vivasvān instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Ikṣvāku." Bhagavad-Gita 4:1

 

From this verse, we see that Lord Krishna taught the Bhagavad-Gita to Vivasvān before or at the time of King Manu, the first human being. So we see that Sanatana Dharma (the proper name for Hinduism) dates back to the dawn of creation. Even modern religious scholars admit that the Vedas are the oldest revealed Scriptures, followed closely by the Avesta of the Zoroastrians of Iran. However, the Vedas were passed along by word of mouth for a long time, as man's memory was much better in the previous ages (Satya, Treta and Dwapara).

 

The Ramayana dates back two million years. The Mahabharata dates back 5000 years. Christianity came into existence 3000 years after the Kurukshetra war. Islam came into existence about 600 years after Christianity. Even Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, was not born until around a thousand years after the Kurukshetra war.

 

And yes, Hinduism is the mother of all religions as it is the original, eternal religion. Monotheism came from Hinduism (Krishna is the Supreme Lord). Ancient Greeks etc too the various devas and adopted them as their own gods (Indra is the king of heaven, Zeus is the ruler or Mt. Olympus). Religious iconography was taken from Hinduism.

 

The Rig Veda states: tama āsīt tamasā ghūḷamaghre.apraketaṃ salilaṃ sarvamāidam | tuchyenābhvapihitaṃ yadāsīt tapasastanmahinājāyataikam ||

 

" Darkness there was: at first concealed in darkness this All was indiscriminated chaos. All that existed then was void and form less: by the great power of Warmth was born that Unit." (Rig Veda 10.129.3)

 

Compare this to Genesis 2: "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

 

So yes, I think that it is quite safe to say that Hinduism is the oldest religion and the mother of all other religions.

[yagna_narayana]

Sir,

 

Thank you very much for your informative reply. I wonder how one can have that much information . So must be a ardent follower of Hinduism with great knowledge on Vedas. Kudos.

[Smiley]

Here is another good place to learn about Hinduism:

www.hinduwisdom.info

[bija]

 

Then, I doubt if there are any other religions such as Islam , Christianity at the time of Ramayana or Mahabharata.What are the People of western countries during Ramayana? Are they Christians or Jews or Muslims?

 

It depends what dates we accept these vedic texts originated.

[Ravindran Kesavan]

There were Religions before Christianity and Islam and Judaism. Human kind were never with out religion.

 

K. Ravindran

[Smiley]

Before Islam there was Christianity. Before Christianity there was Judaism. Abraham is called "the father of the faithful" by all three. However formal Judaism was thought to be codified by Moses many generations later.

Sanatana Dharma predates all of these 'Abrahamic' religions and has influenced them to some degree. Judaism, the oldest of the three was also influenced by ancient Egyptian mysticism (the Egyptian Book of the Dead is plagiarized by some of the Bible authors) and other religions that predated it. If you read the Jewish Bible you see that people were worshiping different gods and "idols" even before Abraham received his first vision. So the Jewish Bible admits that these so-called 'pagan' religions predated Abraham.

Of course if you actually believe the Jewish Bible then all life began with Adam and Eve around 6,000 years ago and the earth was populated with Cain and Seth getting their sisters pregnant. This contradicts the best scientific evidence that we have so it seems best to view that story as an allegory written either by Moses or several different authors writing under that name. Please bear in mind that one of the big reasons that these things seem to be in dispute is that there are heavy-duty agendas, especially among people who are not Hindu or want to water Hinduism down in order to equate it with Abrahamic Theism. These simple-minded people think that Christians and Muslims will perhaps start to hate Hinduism less and maybe even curtail their conversion activities. Here is a pro-Hindu source of information: www.EncyclopediaOfAuthenticHinduism.org

(I have no association with the author)

 

Since long time, I have a doubt over the history of religions. I am quite aware that Hinduism dates back to long time than other religions.Then, I doubt if there are any other religions such as Islam , Christianity at the time of Ramayana or Mahabharata.What are the People of western countries during Ramayana? Are they Christians or Jews or Muslims?

[theist]

 

There were Religions before Christianity and Islam and Judaism. Human kind were never with out religion.

 

K. Ravindran

 

In human life the souls natural urge to appreciate and glorify God starts to become exhibited. In the beginning it is mixed with ignorance with no real knowledge of God. Voodoo being an example. Worship of nature spirits in the form of the volcano or river gods arise based on a sense of power beyond that possessed by man. A sense of dependence on the river god fosters rituals being made to please the river god so she keeps flowing and providing for those that depend on her.

 

These things must always be present wherever there are human communities. Avatars are periodically appearing to harness this urge and redirect it in a meaningful way so as to help humanity become focused on the eternal religion which is a personal relation of loving service to the one Supreme Lord.

 

So Hinduism is not the real mother of religion. It may predate Christianity, Buddhism and Islam and influence them but if we want to find the mother of all religions we must look more deeply within IMO.

[kaisersose]

 

...elp humanity become focused on the eternal religion which is a personal relation of loving service to the one Supreme Lord.

 

That is Gaudiya Vaishnavism which is 400 years old. To be accurate, this is just one branch of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. GV is only one type of religion in countless types of religions of which a whole bunch of them with different concepts claim to be the eternal religion for all mankind. Nothing special there.

 

If we are looking for the mother of of all religions - assuming there is such a religion - we may find traces of it in worshipping nature and in rituals for departed souls, etc. Obviously, no names can be assigned to these basic beliefs. But it is certainly not Hinduism as we know it, which is not the oldest extant religion.

 

Cheers

[bija]

The mother of all religions might be Mother. Early man noticed mother gave life, so they seem to have projected that onto their outer world and its reality.

 

These images were found in various places over the world. Man seems to have collectively evolved religiously through the mind.

 

Interestingly the images found all had no faces and other abnormalities, and the breasts etc all enlarged.

 

I forget the date of this statue, but I do recall it 'far' predates most religions known (sumeria, vedic etc which flourished around 2500 BC). I am thinking this statue is dated at around 10,000 years old.

 

[Sarva gattah]

 

 

Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp):

The Power of the Dharma

An Introduction to Hinduism and Vedic Culture

 

By Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp)

 

 

This has been especially written for those who want an easy reference and introduction to the Vedic Hindu philosophy and tradition. This provides a concise overview and quick guide of the major principles found within Vedic culture, and answers the most common questions people have about Vedic customs and its Dharmic teachings.

 

It also offers a good grasp of the essential values and ideology of the Vedic path while keeping it simple to understand. It provides many insights into the depth and value of the timeless wisdom of Vedic spirituality and reveals why the Dharmic path has survived for thousands of years. Not only is it as good introductory book for beginners, but it is also a review of what every Hindu should know.

 

This reveals why the Dharma is presently enjoying a renaissance among an increasing number of people who want to explore its teachings and see what its many techniques of self-discovery have to offer. In “The Power of the Dharma”, you will find:

 

* quotes by noteworthy people on the unique qualities of Hinduism;

* essential principles of the Vedic spiritual path;

* particular traits, customs, and explanations of Hindu worship;

* descriptions of the main yoga systems;

* significance and legends of the colorful Hindu festivals;

* benefits of Ayurveda, Vastu, Vedic astrology, and gemology;

* important insights of Dharmic life and how to begin practicing it.

 

This book also serves as an introduction to deeper reading that a person may like to do in considering the more elaborate explanations of the Vedic/Hindu philosophy. And as an introduction or a companion to other books by Stephen Knapp, such as The Secret Teachings of the Vedas: The Eastern Answers to the Mysteries of Life, which is a good in-depth analysis and exposition of the Vedic spirituality and philosophy, and The Heart of

 

Hinduism: The Eastern Path to Freedom, Empowerment and Illumination, which is a complete course in itself for learning exactly what Hinduism and Vedic culture teaches. So if this book piques your interest and you are inquisitive to learn more about the deeper aspects of Vedic spirituality, those are the books that can take you much farther in this spiritual knowledge and awareness.

 

The Dharmic path can provide you the means for attaining your own spiritual realizations and experiences. In this way, it is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. This is the power of Dharma’s universal teachings which have something to offer everyone!

 

Book Contents

 

Introduction

Chapter 1: What is Vedic Culture/Hinduism? The Simple Definition of Hinduism * What Hinduism is Not * The Versatility of Hinduism * Who Founded Vedic Culture * Vedic Culture Started Before the Beginning of Time

Chapter Two: Quotes by Noteworthy People on the Glories of Vedic Culture

Chapter Three: The Essential Principles of the Vedic Path

Chapter Four: Explanations of the Essential Vedic Principles Principle One–

 

The Vedic Tradition is a Way of Life * Principle Two–The Universal Truths are for Everyone * Principle Three–Hinduism’s Correct Name is Sanatana-Dharma * Principle Four–The Vedic Understanding of God * Principle Five–All Existence is part of the One Great Truth * Principle Six–The Avataras of God * Principle Seven–The Supreme is Found in the Spiritual Dimension and as the Supersoul *

 

Principle Eight–We are All Eternal * Principle Nine–The Soul Undergoes Reincarnation * Principle Ten–The Goal of the Vedic Process * Principle Eleven–We Are Spiritual Beings in the Realm of Matter * Principle Twelve–We Are One Universal Family * Principle Thirteen–Spiritual Progress Does Not Depend on One’s Birth * Principle Fourteen–Respect for Individual Freedom of Inquiry * Principle Fifteen–

 

The Wonder and Beauty of the Vedic Path * Principle Sixteen–All Life is Precious * Principle Seventeen–The Law of Karma * Principle Eighteen–The Material Manifestation is Designed and Created * Principle Nineteen–Hindus Worship Many Gods? * Principles Twenty and Twenty-one–The Divinity of the Vedic Texts and Sanskrit * Principles Twenty-two and Twenty-three–What are the Vedic Texts * Principles Twenty-four and Twenty-five

 

Chapter Five: Sanatana-Dharma: Its Real Meaning

Chapter Six: The Power of the Dharma

Chapter Seven: The Vedic Spiritual Paths to Liberation Jnana-yoga * Karma-yoga * Raja-yoga * Bhakti-yoga * The Significance of OM * The Potency of the Hare Krishna Mantra

 

Chapter Eight: Particular Traits of Vedic/Hindu Worship Why Hindus Worship Images * Hindus Do Not Worship Idols * Basic Techniques in Vedic Worship of God * Why Devotees Have Prayer Rooms in Their House * What is “Namaste” * Why Red Dots are Worn on the Forehead * What is Tilok or Forehead Marks * What is the Holy Ash * Why Shanti is Said Three Times * Why Ring Bells in the Temples * The Reason Lamps are Used * The Significance of the Aarati Ceremony * Why a Conch Shell is Blown * Why Coconuts are Offered

 

* Purpose of Offering Food to the Lord Before Eating * Why a Kalasha (Pot) is Worshiped * Why Worship the Tulasi Tree * Why the Lotus is Sacred * Purpose of Fasting * Purpose of Temples * The Significance of the Vedic Temple * Purpose of Circumambulating Temples or Deities * Why Non-Hindus are not Always Allowed to Enter Temples in India * Purpose of Pilgrimages * Why Hindus Respect the Cow

 

Chapter Nine: The Dharmic Festivals Makara Sankranti * Vasant Panchami

 

* Maha Shivaratri * Holi * Gaura Purnima

* Shri Rama Navami * Ugadi and Vishu * Hanuman Jayanthi * Guru Purnima * Onam * Raksha Bandan * Krishna Janmashtami * Ganesh Chaturthi * Navaratri * Dusshera * Karva Chauth * Deepavali * Gita Jayanthi

 

Chapter Ten: Other Important Traits of Vedic Dharma The Vedic Path Has a Most Developed and Complete Spiritual Philosophy * The Purpose of Having a Guru * Nonviolence * Compassion is a Prime Principle of Vedic Dharma * Vegetarianism * Vedic Dharma Promotes Seeing God in all Living Beings * Vedic Scriptures do not Condone Abortion * The Vedic Path Views all Religions as Portions of the One Truth and Ways of Understanding God * Truth is One, the Names are Many,

 

But all Religions are not the Same * Sanatana-Dharma has Spiritual Knowledge Found Nowhere Else * Hindus are not Interested in Converting Others * Vedic Dharma has no Concept of Jihad, Holy Wars, Crusades, or Martyrdom on its Behalf * This is why the Followers of the Vedic Path can Live Peacefully with those of Other Religions * Hindus or Dharmists Prefer to Share the Vedic Knowledge Freely

 

* If Hinduism Dies Out

 

* Vedic Dharma is not Poverty Based * Vedic Dharma Teaches that the World is Real but Temporary * The Dharma Teaches that Desires Merely Need to be Spiritualized * Hindus Practice Monogamy * Hindu Dharma Does not Teach that there is a Competing Evil Force * Vedic Dharma Teaches that we Should Achieve God’s Grace * The Position of Women in a Truly Vedic Society * In Essence, Vedic Dharma Opens the Door to the Real

 

Potentials of Life

 

Chapter Eleven: Who May Be a Hindu or Practice Sanatana-Dharma Sharing the Dharma * Becoming a Dharmist or Devotee is Easy * The Basics of a Daily Routine

 

Conclusion: The Future

Glossary

Index

Ordering Information

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[ARJ]

 

Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp):

Why do these converts change their name ? especially the Hare Krishnas. Does the name Stephen Knapp make him any lesser hindu ? can the Hare Krishnas give a rational explanation ? is it mandatory ?

 

Christian & Muslim converts have to change their name, such a practice can never be Vedic.

[bija]

 

can the Hare Krishnas give a rational explanation ?

 

The spiritual names given to devotees by their spiritual master often have some devotional significance.

 

If one understands the bhakti path, the devotional name can be a cultivation in itself. For example Nandanandana. This name can be meditated on and cultivated internally with devotional feeling...thus the name dasa.

 

That may seem like an unnecessary thing for some...but for the devotee it is nice, with a devotional scope that is unlimited and ever-new. That is, if you accept the Holy Name of God as having spiritual substance. If the name is taken as a mundane thing, then it is very limited. Stephen Knapp will be a name in some family tree, oneday possibly, with the ancestors wondering what he was like.

 

But the name Nandanandana has charmed people for many centuries. I am sure Stephen would feel 'gratitude' for that Name.

[bija]

 

Christian & Muslim converts have to change their name, such a practice can never be Vedic.

In the catholic tradition we were given two names of saints. One at baptism as a baby, that became our permanent middle name.

 

At the age of twelve we were given the ritual of laying on off hands (confirmation). A new name was selected then by the receiver, of his liking. But that name is hardly ever used.

 

The Hare Krsna tradition seems to give clearer hints what to do with the name, in my opinion.

 

Normally the catholics only take a full new name at ordination into priesthood etc, but not always. I dont think catholics ever claimed to be vedic:). Ofcourse there is radical exceptions, maybe like Bede Griffiths, who felt much attraction to vedic externals. Taking the saffron cloth. Good old saint Bede .

[Jack_ripper]

 

Since long time, I have a doubt over the history of religions. I am quite aware that Hinduism dates back to long time than other religions.Then, I doubt if there are any other religions such as Islam , Christianity at the time of Ramayana or Mahabharata.What are the People of western countries during Ramayana? Are they Christians or Jews or Muslims?

 

No, no Christianity and Islam came a lot time later. Hinduism has been there for hundreds of years, in different forms and all. We don't know how the civilization people worshipped, because it was only after civilization that we Hinduism began. If we knew what happened earlier, then we might get a satisfactory answer to your Q.

[ARJ]

 

I dont think catholics ever claimed to be vedic:).

 

What I meant is if a hindu convert is required to change his/her name, adopt a new dress code & hairdo along the lines of their muslims & at times like catholic & buddhist counterparts, than it is not so.

 

If I want to convert to some other religion, why should I change my name, shave my head & moustaches or grow a loooong beard or start wearing headdresses (24x7 ) or wear typical clothes.

 

Where is the need for a "convert" to show off ?

[bija]

 

Where is the need for a "convert" to show off ?

 

well i guess arj the externals serve no purpose if there is no devotion and only for show. but if there is devotion even the smallest external may compliment the inner feeling.

 

here is an example. i do not wear dhoti etc, or sikha presently, but do have a very simple wardrobe of kurti's and other simple hand made cloth. washing those items, folding them each day for the clothes shelf etc...is for me a devotional practice. a very simple 'inner cutivation' of bhakti yoga - rememberance. same with cooking and cleaning simple pots. this is devotional service. one does not have to be anything great to do simple practice.

 

now, if some devotee adheres closer to traditional customs, dhotis, tilaka etc...who are you to say that he is showing off. you may be right in some cases, or you may be vastly wrong. by these orthodox practices he may be experiencing an inner cutivation.

 

devotion is not about showing off, it is the private dealing within the heart, that sometimes becomes more external due to various bhavas. the external is accepted in ways like this, for the thoughtful modest devotees.

[paarsurrey]

 

Since long time, I have a doubt over the history of religions. I am quite aware that Hinduism dates back to long time than other religions.Then, I doubt if there are any other religions such as Islam , Christianity at the time of Ramayana or Mahabharata.What are the People of western countries during Ramayana? Are they Christians or Jews or Muslims?

 

Hi

 

I think it is only symbolic. By mother is meant source, perhaps. It cannot be that the mother is physically living in India; and giving birth to children in Europe, Arab, China, Australia and America.

 

The times when man was eating a loaf of bread in India baked on tawa or in a tandury in ancient times; the people in other regions of the world were also provided with Bread or something equvalent of the same by ONE- the Creator of Heavens and Earth . If one provided them food and water- the physical food; why should he deny them the Moral and Spiritual food.

 

The followers of Hinduism, Judaism, Zoraoastrianism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam etc are are children of ONE in metaphoric sense if they follow His message and try to acquire His attributes and make themselves naturally peacful. No one needed to copy teachings from any other source when the doors of ONE are open for everybody and of course without a worldly price.

 

This is plainly what I uderstand; I have no intention to injure feelings of anybody else here. Please forgive me if I have.

 

Thanks

[Smiley]

An intellectually honest reading of either the Bible or the Koran will admit that both texts make exclusive claims to truth. For instance, a Jew or a Muslim can not worship an image - it is forbidden. Those that follow Sanatana Dharma have freedom of conscience on that point. They are not considered evil if they worship images (called murti puja).

The idea of an angry and jealous God is antithetical to Bhagavad Gita "If a man desires to worship another God, I will strengthen his faith so that he may attain what he desires".

People who talk about everybody coming together and worshiping one God want first that people give up the worship of images which is important to many Hindus (and Catholics).

Also many people believe that the Supreme Being can and does incarnate to act like a man - eating, drinking and loving. Sri Rama and Sri Krishna are only two examples. Islam and Judaism can never countenance this.

The fact is, it does not bother Hindus that Jews, Christians and Muslims believe as they do. However it does indeed bother Christians and Muslims that Hindus believe as they do. That is a great source of tension and anyone who would deny that fact is not an intellectually honest person.

 

 

 

Hi

 

I think it is only symbolic. By mother is meant source, perhaps. It cannot be that the mother is physically living in India; and giving birth to children in Europe, Arab, China, Australia and America.

 

The times when man was eating a loaf of bread in India baked on tawa or in a tandury in ancient times; the people in other regions of the world were also provided with Bread or something equvalent of the same by ONE- the Creator of Heavens and Earth . If one provided them food and water- the physical food; why should he deny them the Moral and Spiritual food.

 

The followers of Hinduism, Judaism, Zoraoastrianism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam etc are are children of ONE in metaphoric sense if they follow His message and try to acquire His attributes and make themselves naturally peacful. No one needed to copy teachings from any other source when the doors of ONE are open for everybody and of course without a worldly price.

 

This is plainly what I uderstand; I have no intention to injure feelings of anybody else here. Please forgive me if I have.

 

Thanks

[srikanthdk71]

 

Since long time, I have a doubt over the history of religions. I am quite aware that Hinduism dates back to long time than other religions.Then, I doubt if there are any other religions such as Islam , Christianity at the time of Ramayana or Mahabharata.What are the People of western countries during Ramayana? Are they Christians or Jews or Muslims?

 

No. Hinduism is not the mother of all religions coz its not a religion at all. Religions are based on a founder and the founded material. Hinduism is the name given to the set of common beliefs spread across a sphere. It does not have any founder. The beliefs of different regions are subject to practices followed and that prevailed in their regions. Every other religion has a realised soul who had followers of his belief. But not the case of Hinduism. To an extent, the Greek God beliefs and the Jewish beliefs are also very ancient and do not have founders.

[Smiley]

I agree with you for the most part. However Moses was the first writer of Jewish scriptures and so he was most likely the founder of Judaism. Jews however point to Abraham (a character in the writings of Moses) as "the father of the faithful".

 

 

No. Hinduism is not the mother of all religions coz its not a religion at all. Religions are based on a founder and the founded material. Hinduism is the name given to the set of common beliefs spread across a sphere. It does not have any founder. The beliefs of different regions are subject to practices followed and that prevailed in their regions. Every other religion has a realised soul who had followers of his belief. But not the case of Hinduism. To an extent, the Greek God beliefs and the Jewish beliefs are also very ancient and do not have founders.