Hindus and their way of treating other faiths

Mostly the Hindus show deep respect for Christians, Muslims or any other religions, as they do for all people. There is a very traditional Indian greeting, "Namaste" that means, I honor the divine truth within you. For Hindus, God is everywhere and within the heart of everyone.

Having said that, we do see in India and elsewhere that some Hindus are very anti-Christian (and anti-Muslim). They disrespect them and in some cases even outlaw their religion. One sometimes hears Christians lament their lack of religious freedom in India and other countries. The reason this is true needs to be understood however.

By contrast, we Americans are very rich people. We make in a week what many Indians do not make in a month, even in a year! Many Christian Missionary societies have gone to India and used their wealth to convert Hindus, Sikhs and others. They say, if you will become Christian your children can attend this school, eat this food, wear these clothes, be seen by this doctor, etc. As a result, some Hindus convert for material gain.

In China there is a group of Christians known as the Rice Christians because, during a hard time, Christian missionaries brought in bags of rice. They told the people, accept Christianity, reject Buddhism and you can eat, refuse and you can starve to death! This is the way many devout Hindus view Christianity. If they were truly godly people they would just provide the food and allow the Hindus to prepare it according to Hindu religious law. No, they believe, Christians do not care about us at all! They just want to convert us to way of living.

From the Christian perspective everyone needs to accept Jesus. That's the most important thing and if bribery works, so be it. From a Hindu perspective, conversion to Christianity (or Islam) destroys Indian culture and could even lead to widespread starvation if people adopted a carnivorous diet which many of the Missionaries in India demand as evidence that one has truly converted.

Such Hindus understandably see Christianity as a foreign force intent on destroying their religion and cultures. When they look at the West they further see that Christians, generally speaking, are no where near as devout in their religion as Hindus are in theirs. Conversion would therefore be a step back, they reason. Some Hindus tend to be a bit harsh on their perceived enemies. This is true. When viewed from a Hindu perspective however, this is quite logical.

One of the oldest branches of Christianity is that begun by Saint (Doubting) Thomas. This mission continues in India and is widely respected by the Hindus because it respects Hinduism. The Protestant and Catholic missionaries however come to India with ulterior motives.

The essential Hindu belief is expressed in the Rig Veda, "Truth is one, the sages call it by different names." Live and let live. However Christianity and Islam are missionary religions and many Hindus feel they must fight for their faith from these two very real threats. Islam has divided Pakistan from India and caused untold damage to the Indian way of life. Christianity attacks the very heart of Hinduism in the same way as Islam. Hindus want their religions and do not welcome those who attack them.

When you enter a Hindu temple you remove your shoes (as in the "Old Testament" to show respect that you are entering a holy place. God commanded this of Moses as he climbed the Mount). On a far wall you will usually see statutes (murtis) that represent God in various forms.

There will be no chairs. Worshipers will bow to the murtis, often dropping prostrate to the floor, while reciting prayers. A conch (horn) will sound, incense will fill the air. The people will sing songs of worship (usually in Sanskrit and other Indian languages), many will play various instruments, drums, cymbols, harmoniums, vinas, etc, some will dance, raise their hands in the air in praise and honor of God according to methods that are thousands of years old.

In some mandirs, people will sit on the floor or ground around a large (or small) fire pit. As they recite mantras (prayers) they will toss rice and other grains into the fire.

There may also be professional/temple musicians as well as individual members playing and dancing. Hindu rites are typically beautiful to behold and everyone takes part in them.

Normally after the service there will be a splendid vegetarian feast. Like everything else in Hindu temples, the food is first offered as a sacrifice to God before it is given to the people. Such food is called prasadam, God's mercy.

As I say, Hinduism is VERY diverse and what you will experience will depend on the particular temple and branch of Hinduism you with. What is generally true, however, is that you will leave feeling wonderful.

Normally there will be no collections done. There will be a donation box kept near the alter or exits where people can give according to their will and wish. It is traditional to make some donation when visiting a temple as one is able.

As is said in the Bhagavad Gita:

"9:26: If one offers Me [God] a leaf, a flower, a fruit or some water with devotion I will accept it. I accept what is offered by one whose mind is pure.

9:27: Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer (in sacrifice), whatever you give away (in charity), whatever austerities you perform, O child of Kunti, do it all as an offering unto Me.

Many people bring uncooked food, bags of rice, coconuts, bags of apples etc. and place them on the bottom steps of the alter with a prayer. Money is always good too, of course

John of AllFaith
aka Jagannatha Prakasa