The meaning of being Hindu.

Hinduism is greatly misunderstood. In fact there is no such religion called Hinduism. There is only 'Sanatana Dharma' meaning the eternal way. The way it was, is, and will always be. This is a universal philosophy and applies to life, independent of ideology, religion or race.

It is a spiritual and philosophical tradition so abstract, vast and complex that it requires one to be a true seeker, possess purity of thought and spirit to understand. It is so radically different from Western beliefs and thought that it makes it difficult if not impossible for Westerners or Middle Easterners to appreciate. 

Hindu is the name given by foreigners to the people that lived beyond the Indus river and bounded by the three great waters of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Hindu are the people who inhabit this land and many colonised Indian minds themselves often do not understand or appreciate this fact.

Even Muslims when travelling on Hajj to Saudi Arabia are classified by Arab countries as Hindi. The term Hindu is foreign and we have come to live with it. Hindutva is not a religious term it translates into Indianness. A term that represents the society and the people of India.

An Indian can follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, without being an Arab or Turk and still remain a Hindu. An Indian can also follow the teachings of Christ without being a European or Middle Eastern and remain a Hindu.

What does being Hindu mean? Because India such an open civilisation, anything and everything is accepted. Here are some aspects, 

1. Believe in God! - 'Aastik' - You are accepted unconditionally.
2. Don't believe in God! - You're too are accepted as a 'Nastik'.
3. You want to worship idols - please go ahead. You are a Murti Pujak.
4. You don't want to worship idols - no problem. You can focus on Nirguna Brahman'. the formless One.
5. You want to criticise something in religion. Please come forward, lets discuss logically. Nyaya, Tarka etc. truth, justice, debate, discussions are core Hindu approaches.
6. You want to accept beliefs as they are. Most welcome. Please go ahead, its your choice.
7. You want to start your journey by reading. Sure! many texts are available 'Bhagvad Gita', Upanishads, Purana, Adi Granth, etc.
8. You want to start your journey by reading something else - Go ahead. Be my guest.
9. You just don't like reading. No problem my dear. Go by 'Bhakti' tradition. (Love and devotion)
10. You don't like idea of Bhakti! No problem. Do your 'Karma'. Be a 'Karmayogi'.
11. You want to enjoy life. Very good. No problem at all. This is 'Charvaka' Philosophy.
12. You want to abstain from all the enjoyment of life and find God - jai ho! Be an ascetic! a 'Sadhu', a person who lives in absolute simplicity and one with nature.
13. You don't like the concept of God. You believe in Nature only - Welcome. 'Prakriti' as nature is called is worthy of worship.
14. You believe in one God or Supreme Energy. Superb! Follow 'Advaita' philosophy.
15. You want a Guru. Go ahead. Receive learning, 'Gyaan'.
16. You don't want a Guru. Do 'Dyhan', help yourself! Meditate, Study
17. You believe in Female energy! Shakti' is worshipped.
18. You believe that all beings are equally worthy of love and respect. Yeah! You're awesome, "Vasudhaiva kutumbakam" (We are all children of this one earth, we are all one family)
19. You don't have time to celebrate a particular festival. Don't worry. You can enjoy another festival,  there are multiple festivals every single day of the year.
20. You are a working person. Don't have time for religion. Its okay. You will still be a Hindu.
21. You like to go to temples. No problem, devotion at anytime and anyplace is all you need.
22. You don't like to go to temples, or any other place of worship - no problem. You are still a Hindu!
23. You know that Hinduism is a way of life, with considerable freedom.
24. You believe that everything has God in it. So you worship your mother, father, Guru, Tree, River, Prani-mitra, Earth, Universe!
25. And If you don't believe that everything has GOD in it - No problems, we respect your viewpoint.
26. 'Sarve jana sukhino bhavantu' (May all beings live in peace and contentment)

All of us represent this! We are free to choose. Whatever we choose we will still be accepted and respected by a true Hindu.

This is exactly the essence of Hinduism, of 'all inclusiveness'. That is why it has withstood the test of time inspite of repeated onslaught both from within and outside, and assimilated good aspects from everything . That is why it is eternal !!!

There is a saying in Rigveda , the first book ever known to mankind which defines the Hinduism philosophy in a Nutshell - "Ano bhadrah Krathavo Yanthu Vishwathah"- Let the knowledge come to us from every direction".

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Many wise teachers, preachers, scholars are now opening themselves up to these concepts, Christians and Muslims too. Here is an example.
We are all Hindus Now - Sermon by Rev. Jennifer Ryu