Hinduism & Christianity

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Let's take a closer look. I also attached an artilce compairing the concept of self from Hinggism vs. Christianity.

RESPONSE:

1 Need help with information on Hinduism. Address the following:

A. What are challenges in practicing Hinduism?

There are over 700 million reported Hindus, mainly in Bharat (India), and Nepal. Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma, the eternal faith. Hinduism is not strictly a religion, making it a challenge to practice. Rather, it is based on the practice of Dharma, the code of life. There are over 700 million reported Hindus, mainly in Bharat (India), and Nepal. Hinduism is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma, the eternal faith. Hinduism is not strictly a religion, making it a challenge to practice. Rather, it is based on the practice of Dharma, the code of life. "Sanatana-dharma contains a wealth of spiritual philosophies and practices by which one can enter and experience one's own level of spiritual perception and Self-realization" (http://www.stephen-knapp.com/becoming_a_hindu_or_devotee_is_easy.htm). This is a challenge when practicing Hinduism.

In fact, from the Hindu perspective no religion owns time and no revelation defines history" (http://www.bharatvani.org/books/civilization/partI4.htm). Another challenge is based on the fact that Hinduism has no founder, so anyone who practices Dharma can call her or himself a Hindu. She or he can also question the authority of any scripture, or even the existence of the Divine. The ambiguity and lack of structure makes it a challenge to practice Hinduism, including that for Hindus, it is not compulsory to visit temples. Some people do the worshipping in their own homes. So, as well as embracing the spiritual wisdom of other cultures, there is also great diversity within Hinduism itself. (see http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Hinduism/id/51466).

B. What are the traditions?

Hindu religious traditions include the following;

? The religious life of most of the Hindus is centered on the devotion to God.
? The interpretations of God may differ from person to person.
? Many rituals are developed which help the man realize the divinity from the midst of daily life.
? The more philosophically oriented Hindus will ignore the idea of gods and seek realization through different forms of meditation.
? Other Hindus will perform their duties towards society while keeping the moral values and seek the divine. (see more detail at http://hinduism.ygoy.com/hindu-ideology/traditions.php.
? In fact, there are three possible paths (margas) to liberation and all the recognized as equally valid. The three paths are:

a. Karmamarga-the path of work and action
b. Jnanamarga -the path of knowledge
c. Bhaktimarga- the path of devotion (http://hinduism.ygoy.com/hindu-ideology/traditions.php)

C. What are important Holidays?

Like most ancient religions, Hindu holidays are based on the cycle of nature. This is because they change of seasons, celebrate the harvest, and encourage fertility of the land. Others are dedicated to a particular deity, such as Shiva or Ganesh. Still other popular holidays commemorate events in the lives of Rama or Krishna. In addition to the major Hindu festivals that are celebrated throughout India, many regional festivals are also held in honor of various deities. There are several major holidays and festivals likely to be observed by most Hindus are:

? Holi - festival of colors and spring (February-March)
? Mahashivaratri (Shiva Ratri) - night sacred to Shiva (February-March)
? Rama Navami - birthday of Lord Rama (April)
? Krishna Jayanti - birthday of Lord Krishna (July-August)
? Raksābandhana - renewing bonds between brothers and sisters (July-August)
? Kumbh Mela - pilgrimage every 12 years to four cities in India (July-August; last one 2003) ...