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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

Jainism, Buddhism.  Early Hindus ate meat.  The vegetarianism comes from Jainist influence.  Advaita Vedanta is believed to be a response to Buddhist schools of thought, a way to sort of incorporate some of those concepts into Hinduism.

Hinduism doesn't have a set, codified set of beliefs.  It's more of an umbrella term for a lot of different sects, a lot of various movements -- some more theological and others more pure philosophy.   Unlike the three main monotheistic religious traditions -- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam -- Hinduism does not have one text.  Rather, there are a bunch of different texts from different time periods.  And even then, there are also many strands of "Hinduism" that are more like tribal religions in certain regions of India (worship of the mother goddess in some areas is a good example of this).

There was even a point in time and some strands of Hinduism that practice animal sacrifice to deities.  That stands in sharp contrast to the vegetarianism many people associate with Hinduism today.

I would also caution people about making declarative statements about Buddhism, as Buddhism has many schools as well.  Some forms of Buddhism have gods; others not so much.

The point is that I don't think you can talk about Hinduism in the same way you talk about Judaism or Christianity.  Even though there are different schools of thought in Judaism and Christianity, they still hold one book as kind of the primary source.  So their differences lie in their interpretation of that book.  In Hinduism, there isn't one book.  There are lots of sources.  And even outside of that, there are traditions that aren't written in any source.  Some scholars even take issue in the term "Hinduism."  They find the term itself something that came from outsiders to describe a religion they didn't really respect or understand.

So even if we all agree that "Yoga is Hindu," there isn't agreement on what it means to be "Hindu."  Like "yoga," the term is an umbrella term.

So all of the offense and outrage is kind of misplaced.  These are dynamic systems.  It's all a conversation.  Hinduism isn't a closed system.  Neither is yoga.

And besides, no one owns a term.  No one owns a religion.  No one owns a practice.  I don't care if people call themselves yogis, Hindus or whatever.  So long as they don't try to copyright terms and practices that existed before they were born, then they can do whatever they want.  So long as they don't try to sue someone else who practices and teaches something that has been around for a long time, then I'm cool with them doing what they want.

I think, on the whole, yoga -- even Americanized, gym yoga -- does a lot of good for a lot of people.   To expect the general masses of people to be highly spiritual or study ancient texts is kind of a foolish expectation.  Even most religious practitioners -- Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists -- only know sort of a certain base level of knowledge.  I went to school with a guy who was born and raised Buddhist (he was from a South Asian country), and he used to laugh when people assumed he was some sort of expert on Buddhism.  He was like most of the rest of us.   He knew some traditions, some basic tenets about his faith.  But it's not like he studied in a Buddhist monastery.   He was a regular guy.   But he certainly didn't take offense if Americans were interested in Buddhist meditation or reading Buddhist texts in translation.

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There are SO many things wrong in this post.  I picked up on it from your first post stating that Hinduism draws from other practices, I remember hearing that in my South Asian studies classes.

This is the exact type of thing I addressed previously, how Western historians white-washed and distorted Hinduism in order for it to fit more neatly into their package of it.

Interesting fact, most religious studies and even women's studies departments in universities are taught by those that either are from that religion, have a deep and connected history to that religion or have a fond reverence for that religion.  EXCEPT, the study of Hinduism.

Hindus, by and large, do not feel any need to study other religions.  It is mostly Westerners that feel this need for "Comparative Religious Study".  And the reason being is to fit the world's history and religions into a Western/Judeo point of view.

You will certainly find countless books and university dept teachings on how Hinduism wasn't really Hinduism, it's taken from Buddism, from Jainism, even from Christianity and Islam, etc.etc.

There are scriptural authorities, they are the Vedas, the Upanshads and our Itihasas.  We don't believe that the all encompassing formless God, Brahman, would simply reveal his divinity to ONE person at ONE point of time in the world's entire history which for us is BILLIONS of years and then say by the way you are the last one and make sure everyone knows it or they will suffer eternal hell.   This is why Hinduism is so universal at it's core. Our most important prayers that we say before and after any event are universal prayers for the well being of [u]all of humanity. [/u]Hindu's do not prosletyze, they will teach you their ways if you are interested but will also tell you to now go back and be steadfast in the religion you hail from and you will reach God.

Advaita did not spring from Buddha, vegetarianism did not spring from Jains, asanas were always a part of yoga not a recent thing.

When we say their may not be an agreement to what being Hindu is, it just like how not all Christians practice Christianity the same or how not all Muslims practice Islam the same. There are different denominations/sects/sampradayas.  Our scriptures are still the core but we practice in different ways just like those of you in other religions.  Not that there is no definition of being Hindu and not that we don't have sacred scriptures.

But I'm sure you will find PLENTY of literature to appease the need that is felt to make it this 'backward, not real Truth' religion to suit the needs of Judeo beliefs and feel better about co-opting some of the beliefs and traditions.  That has been a constant since the 1800s.  The difference is nowadays you will hear more people speaking out about these false histories and depictions.

And btw, the reason this whole Yoga is Hindu thing is being more and more touted is because of the numerous Westerners that have started putting multiple patents on yoga asanas and pranayama techniques.  That is why there is the outrage.

Just like recently there has been a Westerner that tried to place a patent on turmeric.  A spice that has grown in India and been used in cooking and Ayurvedic medicines for 1000s of years.  Indians and Hindus have been very open about sharing our native knowledge, we've been happy to give.  But now it's being not just taken and used appropriately for good- it's being ripped and sanitized from it's roots.  Hence the reason for more vocal opposition.

I'm all for everyone enjoying yoga, it is a deep spiritual guide that will enhance your relationship with God by tuning your body towards reception (this makes you become and feel healthier) but if Hinduism is not something you can stomach than you really are just fooling yourself (not God) about your yoga practice. (I'm trying to say that kindly but "computer speak" doesn't always come off like that).
 [/quote]

OP here. Thanks so much for saying this. I no longer had any energy left to argue and I read that post and was like, "I'm just going let it go, I can't keep arguing this." I'm so grateful you said it for me.[/quote]

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