Hinduism and other religions

In the field of comparative religion, many scholars, academics, and religious figures have looked at the relationships between Hinduism and other religions.

Indian religions

Ayyavazhi

Ayyavazhi and Hinduism are two belief systems in India. Though Ayyavazhi continues to officially exist within Hinduism and is considered by some observers to be a Hindu denomination, members of the religion claim that it is independent. The most notable distinction from Hindu are the Ayyavazhi religion's concepts of good, evil and dharma.[1]

Buddhism

Main article: Buddhism and Hinduism

Buddhism and Hinduism have common origins in the Ganges culture of northern India during the "second urbanisation" around 500 BCE.[2] They have shared parallel beliefs that have existed side by side, but also pronounced differences.[3]

Jainism

Main article: Jainism and Hinduism

Hinduism and Jainism have a rather similar view on the topic of asceticism, or, in simpler terms, abstinence. It is thought that their beliefs on the topic come from the early belief that some meditative and monastic practices cleanse the body of impurity. The Hindu theory of Karma gave Jainism a great deal of support to start promoting asceticism. Both of these traditions attribute human greed, hatred, and delusion to the presence of impure residues (samskaras or vasanas) that must be cleansed as the individual person moves towards "freedom" (death). Both of these religions believe that practicing asceticism is not only to the benefit of the individual but also to the benefit of the society as a whole. Nonviolence plays a large role in both of these religions so the concept of asceticism relies greatly on both of their beliefs.[4]

Sikhism

Main article: Hinduism and Sikhism

Abrahamic religions

Christianity

Main article: Hinduism and Christianity

History

Although little is known of the immediate growth of the church, Bar-Daisan (154–223 CE) reports that in his time there were Christian tribes in North India which claimed to have been converted by Thomas and to have books and relics to prove it.[5]

Doctrine

Indian philosopher Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, wrote:

Unfortunately Christian religion inherited the Semitic creed of the ‘jealous God’ in the view of Christ as ‘the only begotten son of God’ so could not brook any rival near the throne. When Europe accepted the Christian religion, in spite of its own broad humanism, it accepted the fierce intolerance which is the natural result of belief in 'the truth once for all delivered to the saints.'[6]

In Hinduism (also in Jainism and Sikhism), the concept of moksha is akin to that of Buddhism's nirvana, but some scholars further claim that it is akin as well to Christianity's doctrine of salvation. Hindu sannyasi Swami Tripurari states:

... in theory the sinners of the world are the beneficiaries of Christ’s sacrifice, but it is God the father for whose pleasure Christ underwent the crucifixion, even when the father’s joy in this scenario lies in the salvation of sinners. Christ represents the intermediary between God and humanity, and his life aptly illustrates the fact that it is sacrifice by which we come to meet our maker. Thus in Christ the Divine teaches us “the way” more than he does the goal. The Christ conception represents “the way” in the sense that the way is sacrifice, out of which love arises. The Krishna conception represents that for which we not only should, but must sacrifice, compelled by the Godhead’s irresistible attributes, etc. depicted therein.[7]

The Christian Ashram Movement, a movement within Christianity in India, embraces Vedanta and the teachings of the East, attempting to combine the Christian faith with the Hindu ashram model, and Christian monasticism with the Hindu sannyasa tradition. In Western countries, Vedanta has influenced some Christian thinkers (see also: Pierre Johanns, Abhishiktananda, Bede Griffiths), while others in the anti-cult movement have reacted against the activities of immigrant gurus and their followers.

Islam

Main article: Hindu–Islamic relations

Judaism

Main article: Hinduism and Judaism

Other religions

Many theologians interpret Hinduism to teach that since all souls will eventually arrive at salvation, every religion can lead to it.[8][9]

Baháʼí Faith

Main article: Baháʼí Faith and Hinduism

Hinduism is recognized in the Baháʼí Faith as one of four known religions and its scriptures are regarded as predicting the coming of Baháʼu'lláh (Kalki avatar). Krishna is included in the succession of Manifestations of God. The authenticity of the Hindu scriptures is seen as uncertain.[10]

Zoroastrianism

See also: Zoroastrianism in India

The "Council of Dharmic Faiths" (UK) regards Zoroastrianism, whilst not originating in the Indian subcontinent, also as a Dharmic religion.[11]

There are direct links between Hinduism and Zoroastrianism. Many analysts of Hinduism claim that Hinduism embraces elements of all contemporary religions,[12][13] Hence scriptures of Hinduism such as Vedas and Puranas, along with Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, have incorporated and adopted significantly elements from the Avesta of Greek religion and Zoroastrianism: Asura from Ahura, Deva from Daeva, Hindu monotheism from Ahura Mazda, Varuna, Vishnu and Garuda from Agni, the heavenly juice from the drink called Soma-Haoma, the contemporary Indian and Persian war of Devasuras from Arya, Arya from Mithra, Mitra from Mithra, Dyaushpita and Jupiter from Jupiter, Yagya to Yagya, Narasanga to Narasangasa, Indra, Gandharva to Gandharva, Vajra, Vayu, Mantra, Yama, Ahuti, Hamta to Sumati etc.[14][15]

Cognate terms

The following is a list of cognate terms that may be gleaned from comparative linguistic analysis of the Rigveda and Avesta. Both collections are from the period after the proposed date of separation (c. 2nd millennium BC) of the Proto-Indo-Iranians into their respective Indic and Iranian branches.[16][17][18]

Vedic Sanskrit Avestan Common meaning
āp āp "water," āpas "the Waters"[18]
Apam Napat, Apām Napāt Apām Napāt the "water's offspring"[18]
aryaman airyaman "Arya-hood" (lit:** "member of Arya community")[18]
Asura Mahata/Medha (असुर महत/मेधा) Ahura Mazda "The Supreme Lord, Lord of Wisdom"[19][20]
rta asha/arta "active truth", extending to "order" and "righteousness"[18][17]
atharvan āθrauuan, aθaurun Atar "priest"[17]
ahi azhi, (aži) "dragon, snake", "serpent"[18]
daiva, deva daeva, (daēuua) a class of divinities
manu manu "man"[18]
mitra mithra, miθra "oath, covenant"[18][17]
asura ahura another class of spirits[18][17]
sarvatat Hauruuatāt "intactness", "perfection"[21][22]
Sarasvatī (Ārdrāvī śūrā anāhitā, आर्द्रावी शूरा अनाहिता) Haraxvati/Haraxvaitī (Ārəduuī Sūrā Anāhitā) a controversial (generally considered mythological) river, a river goddess[23][24]
sauma, soma haoma a plant, deified[18][17]
svar hvar, xvar the Sun, also cognate to Greek helios, Latin sol, Engl. Sun[21]
Tapati tapaiti Possible fire/solar goddess; see Tabiti (a possibly Hellenised Scythian theonym). Cognate with Latin tepeo and several other terms.[21]
Vrtra-/Vr̥tragʰná/Vritraban verethra, vərəθra (cf. Verethragna, Vərəθraγna) "obstacle"[18][17]
Yama Yima son of the solar deity Vivasvant/Vīuuahuuant[18]
yajña yasna, object: yazata "worship, sacrifice, oblation"[18][17]
Gandharva Gandarewa "heavenly beings"[18]
Nasatya Nanghaithya "twin Vedic gods associated with the dawn, medicine, and sciences"[18]
Amarattya Ameretat "immortality"[18]
Póṣa Apaosha "demon of drought"[18]
Ashman Asman "sky, highest heaven"[21]
Angira Manyu Angra Mainyu "destructive/evil spirit, spirit, temper, ardour, passion, anger, teacher of divine knowledge"[18]
Manyu Maniyu "anger, wrath"[18]
Sarva Sarva "Rudra, Vedic god of wind, Shiva"[21]
Madhu Madu "honey"[18]
Bhuta Buiti "ghost"[18]
Mantra Manthra "sacred spell"[18]
Aramati Armaiti "piety"
Amrita Amesha "nectar of immortality"[18]
Amrita Spanda (अमृत स्पन्द) Amesha Spenta "holy nectar of immortality"
Sumati Humata "good thought"[21][18]
Sukta Hukhta "good word"[18]
Narasamsa Nairyosangha "praised man"[18]
Vayu Vaiiu "wind"[18]
Vajra Vazra "bolt"[18]
Ushas Ushah "dawn"[18]
Ahuti azuiti "offering"[18]
púraṁdhi purendi[18]
bhaga baga "lord, patron, wealth, prosperity, sharer/distributor of good fortune"[18]
Usij Usij "priest"[18]
trita thrita "the third"[18]
Mas Mah "moon, month"[18]
Vivasvant Vivanhvant "lighting up, matutinal"[18]
Druh Druj "Evil spirit"[18]
Ahi Dasaka Azhi Dahaka "biting serpent"[25]

Yezidism

Recently, some people have found similarities between the customs of Hindus and Yezidis, suggesting that in ancient times they may have even been one people.[26] Recent comparisons and historical research between the two people have revealed many links that now thousands of Hindus and Yezidis believe that they are part of the same family.

Further reading

  • Musch, S. (2024). Christianity and Hinduism: German Views in the Long 19th Century." The Routledge Handbook of Christianity and Culture. Edited by Yaakov Ariel, Gregor Thuswaldner, and Jens Zimmermann. Routledge, 415-427.
  • Panikkar, K. M. (1965). Asia and Western dominance. Millswood, S. Aust: Braille Writing Association of South Australia.
  • Swarup, Ram (1995). Hindu view of Christianity and Islam. Hinduism vis-à-vis Christianity and Islam (Indonesian: Pandangan Hindu atas Kristen dan Islam, French: [Foi et intolérance] : un regard hindou sur le christianisme et l'Islam)
  • Swarup, Ram (2015). Hinduism and monotheistic religions.
  • Swarup, Ram (1995). Pope John Paul II on Eastern religions and yoga: A Hindu-Buddhist rejoinder.
  • Jain, S. (2010). Evangelical intrusions: [Tripura, a case study]. New Delhi: Rupa & Co.
  • Elst, Koenraad. (2002). Who is a Hindu?: Hindu revivalist views of Animism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other offshoots of Hinduism.
  • Goel, S. R. (2009). Catholic ashrams: Sannyasins or swindlers, with new appendices. New Delhi: Voice of India.
  • Goel, S. R. (2016). History of Hindu-Christian encounters, AD 304 to 1996.
  • Shourie, Arun (2006). Harvesting our souls: Missionaries, their design, their claims. New Delhi: Rupa.
  • Shourie, Arun (2006). Missionaries in India: Continuities, changes, dilemmas. New Delhi: Rupa.
  • Narain, Harsh (1997). Myths of composite culture and equality of religions.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Ayyavazhi Religion" (Web page). religious-information.com. SBI. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
  2. ^ Samuel, Geoffrey (2010), The Origins of Yoga and Tantra. Indic Religions to the Thirteenth Century, Cambridge University Press
  3. ^ Y. Masih in A Comparative Study of Religions (2000), Motilal Banarsidass Publishers: Delhi, ISBN 81-208-0815-0 Page 18. "There is no evidence to show that Jainism and Buddhism ever subscribed to vedic sacrifices, vedic deities or caste. They are parallel or native religions of India and have contributed much to the growth of even classical Hinduism of the present times."
  4. ^ Chapple, Christopher (2008). "Asceticism and the environment". Cross Currents. 57 (4): 514–525.
  5. ^ A. E. Medlycott, India and The Apostle Thomas, pp.18–71; M. R. James, Apocryphal New Testament, pp.364–436; A. E. Medlycott, India and The Apostle Thomas, pp.1–17, 213–97; Eusebius, History, chapter 4:30; J. N. Farquhar, The Apostle Thomas in North India, chapter 4:30; V. A. Smith, Early History of India, p.235; L. W. Brown, The Indian Christians of St. Thomas, p.49-59.
  6. ^ The Philosophy of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, by Paul Arthur Schilpp, page = 641
  7. ^ Tripurari, Swami, Christ, Krishna, Caitanya Archived 9 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine, The Harmonist Archived 3 October 2016 at the Wayback Machine, May 31, 2009.
  8. ^ Ellens, J.H. (2013). Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife: Eternity in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam [3 volumes]: Eternity in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality. ABC-CLIO. p. 1-PA234. ISBN 978-1-4408-0184-6. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  9. ^ MacNair, R.M. (2015). Religions and Nonviolence: The Rise of Effective Advocacy for Peace: The Rise of Effective Advocacy for Peace. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-4408-3539-1. Archived from the original on 12 April 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  10. ^ Smith, Peter (2000). "Indian religions". A concise encyclopedia of the Baháʼí Faith. Oxford: Oneworld Publications. pp. 195. ISBN 1-85168-184-1.
  11. ^ "Council of Dharmic Faiths UK". councilofdharmicfaithsuk.com. Archived from the original on 13 July 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  12. ^ Swamy, Subramanian (2006). Hindus Under Siege: The Way Out. Har-Anand Publications. p. 45. ISBN 978-81-241-1207-6. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  13. ^ "Zoroastrianism and Hinduism". Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia. 20 September 2024. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
  14. ^ Muesse, Mark W. (2011). The Hindu Traditions: A Concise Introduction. Fortress Press. p. 30-38. ISBN 978-1-4514-1400-4. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  15. ^ Griswold, H. D.; Griswold, Hervey De Witt (1971). The Religion of the Ṛigveda. Motilal Banarsidass Publishe. p. 1-21. ISBN 978-81-208-0745-7. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  16. ^ Cite error: The named reference Gnoli was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h Muesse, Mark W. (2011). The Hindu Traditions: A Concise Introduction. Fortress Press. pp. 30–38. ISBN 978-1-4514-1400-4. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak Griswold, H. D.; Griswold, Hervey De Witt (1971). The Religion of the Ṛigveda. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers. pp. 1–21. ISBN 978-81-208-0745-7. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  19. ^ The Sacred Books of the East: The Zend-Avesta, pt. I. Clarendon Press. 1880. p. LVIII. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
  20. ^ Mani, Chandra Mauli (2005). A Journey Through India's Past. Northern Book Centre. p. 10. ISBN 978-81-7211-194-6. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  21. ^ a b c d e f Muir, John (1874). Original Sanskrit Texts on the Origin and History of the People of India, Their Religion and Institutions. Vol. 2. Trübner. p. 224. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  22. ^ Bonar, Horatius (1884). The Life and Work of the Rev. G. Theophilus Dodds: Missionary in Connection with the McAll Mission, France. R. Carter. p. 425. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  23. ^ Kainiraka, Sanu (2016). From Indus to Independence: A Trek Through Indian History. Vol. I: Prehistory to the Fall of the Mauryas. Vij Books India. ISBN 978-93-85563-14-0. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  24. ^ Kala, Aporva (2015). Alchemist of the East. Musk Deer. ISBN 978-93-84439-66-8. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  25. ^ Braga, Teófilo (2013). Formação do Amadis de Gaula (in Brazilian Portuguese). Imprensa Portugueza. p. 36. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
  26. ^ "Yezidis and Hindus: Re-Uniting as One People". yeziditruth.org. Archived from the original on 7 November 2019. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
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