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Re: ARTICLE : Just say no ...
Greetings all,
As an American, again I feel awkward replying to this commentary.
While we know Santana Dharma is a collection of faiths, most Americans and
I think most non-Indians do not. For that purpose, and that purpose only,
Hinduism is a convenient title. To the American mind, Vaishnavism,
Shaivism, Vedanta, and all the other "faiths" are merely denonminations of
Hinduism.
I am a yogi. If I tell that to an American, they think I practice various
asanas and have no idea what yoga has to do with religion; their
confusion remains even if I say I practice one of the meditative yogas.
This is why if I'm asked what religion I have, I reply mostly Hindu.
In reality, there are only two Frequently Asked Questions FAQs here: what
is the significance of a bindi / talik and what is Hinduism. In a short
answer, Hinduism is any of the collection of faiths which are based upon
the vedas, puranas, upanishads, and epics, and include any of the deities,
avatars, "versions of God" included therein.
All that I'm really saying is that non-Dharmists do not understand that
the Way of Dharma is actually a collection of faiths. It is convenient
using the term Hindu only with non-Hindus. The two times I have been
asked by Indians what religion I was I replied I am a yogi.
I apologize for my disorganization of my post.
Bests,
Jay
