Hinduism

[andyjohnsonman]

So I understand that there are many different gods in Hinduism and Brahman is the word for absolute infinity and that Shiva and other gods are basically forms of Brahman (which is technically the same as a banana or any other object, being that they are all forms of the absolute).

There seems to be so many different branches of Hinduism, some which are non dual in the way i just described, however, when in India i was talking to an American Hindu who was on a beach doing a Harre Krishna mantra, he was talking about the differences between Hinduism and Buddhism as I was deeply into Buddhism at the time. He claimed that Hinduism believes in an afterlife and was trying to convert me by making me see what is the point in realising Buddha Nature if you just reincarnate as another unconscious entity once your material body dies. He was trying to show me how having faith in an afterlife will make it a reality. For me this wasn't what I understood about Hinduism.

Is his way of thinking due to a lack of consciousness and lower spiral dynamics stage? Is hinduism actually like all religions in that the ones who take the scriptures in a dogmatic way as metaphorical are stage blue and it requires a raise in consciousness and mystical experiences (stage turquiose) to understand true Brahman.

 

I would like to learn more about Hinduism as I don't know too much on it does anyone have any recommended reading?

[Aakash]

2 minutes ago, andyjohnsonman said:

ones who take the scriptures in a dogmatic way as metaphorical are stage blue

all religions do this, those devotees that devote themselves to the scriptures and act word for word instead of interpreting the underlying meaning, the underlying teaching of the truth are present in all religions, but yes your right it takes mystical experiences to understand brahman. 

4 minutes ago, andyjohnsonman said:

Is his way of thinking due to a lack of consciousness and lower spiral dynamics stage?

it could be, but it's also very cultish in my opinion when harre krishnas are trying to convert people, like its their sworn mission 

i am only making assumptions and non tennable arguments but this is my perspective of it 

but yet again harre krishna the ones who understand also understand the true self which they call krishna 

again is an assumption

[Aquarius]

These stories they tell about gods and goddesses are symbolic, and are meant to be contemplated. That's not to say they are not real! You just have to "get" what it points to, on an experiential level.

And just because someone is trying to help you with the best method they currently know, it doesn't mean they "try to convert" you. Maybe the guy really meant to teach you wisdom, but didn't have the right vocabulary or simply didn't connect with you. You never know.

I've had people from actual sects that tried to literally convert me, and I told them on a completely calm tone and a warm smile on my face, "Thank you, I appreciate that you thought of me but I have my own religion and I hope you respect that.", and I wasn't lying. And they thanked me for giving them that experience of authenticity they never met before. So it's a two-way street.  

A conversation always will depend on both persons. Better not label people with value systems. It's not people that are blue, yellow, turquoise, etc., but it's the things they value. Even so, better not demonize blue, most people are really nice with you if you respect them. 

[Leo Gura]

Hare Krishnas a very dogmatic folks. Many of them are just brainwashed believers who have never approached awakening.

This is the classic problem with religion: people belief stuff without ever validating it through consciousness work. Which is actually worse than atheism. At least the atheist values empirical investigation, albeit a crippled materialistic version of it.