How Hindus view Jesus Christ
shiva...@my-dejanews.com
incomplete (no fault of Hindu Vivek Kendra) since it does not include
Shivadaasa's views (just kidding, folks, don't feel enraged over this).
I think that Christianity is a good religion, nothing wrong with it but I am
very convinced that Jesus Christ was a student of Hinduism. There is a lot of
disconnect between the Old and the New Testaments. It is impossible (atleast
in my mind) for someone who lived during the times of the Old Testament to
have come up with the concept of love of humanity (which is a very strong
Hindu characteristic). Also, some of the sayings of Christ are strikingly
similar to what the Vedas and Upanishads say.
Christianity has some great pluses. (1) There is no caste system in
Christianity (it does not even talk about it, whereas Hindu scriptures do
talk about it; I must say here that Caste System is a societal issue in
India, not a religious issue). (2) The concept of One God is neat (which is
nothing new to Hinduism - Parabrahman is a pure Hindu concept - but a lot of
Hindus themselves are not aware of it due to sheer ignorance). (3) Service to
humanity is a great concept practiced very well by Christians. Hinduism only
talks about it. Plus the Christian society is a lot more liberal with regards
to widow remarriage, etc.
Christianity has several unacceptable characteristics associated with it. (1)
It is extremely dogmatic. Accept Jesus as your saviour or go to eternal hell
(what an inferior concept!). (2) An extremely jealous God who feels very
insecure and demands total devotion to Himself. (3) No development in the
philosophical part of the religion, which is due to the dogmatic nature of
the religion. (4) An insecure Church hell bent on converting all of humanity
to its religion (5) Christianity believes in total pardon to the greatest of
sinners (another inferior idea) whereas Hinduism teaches responsibility for
one's own actions. I can go on more but in the interest of time, I will end
my remarks here.
Enjoy! Don't forget to post your comments (nice, nasty, whatever; all are
welcome).
********************************************************************************
Title: How do Hindus view Jesus Christ?
Author: Felix Machado
Publication: The Examiner
Date: October 10, 1998
For many Hindus Jesus Christ remains an inspiration for social
teaching. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) would be an eminent
example among these. He found the whole social teaching of Jesus
Christ beautifully summarised in the Beatitudes. More than as a
person, Jesus Christ is understood as a moral principle or an
ethical symbol by Mahatma Gandhi. In other words. Gandhi was
simply fascinated by the message of the Gospel or the thought of
the preaching of Christ. This is what he said: "I can say that
the historical Jesus never interested me. Nothing would change
for me if someone proved that Jesus never lived and that the
Gospel narration was a fictitious story. Because the message of
the Sermon on the Mount would always remain true for me". He was
certainly moved to a profoundly spiritual action but his
attitude couldn't be said to be evangelical. At best it could
be described as a Gospel value-based attitude. Going through the
writings of Mahatma Gandhi one may reach the conclusion that he
was attached to the person of Christ. M. Gandhi once said,
"During many years of my life I considered Jesus of Nazareth a
great Master, perhaps the strongest the world has ever known...
I can say that Jesus holds a special place in my heart as a
teacher who has exerted a considerable influence on my life".
However, it could not be said to be a commitment of faith in
Christ. Jesus Christ remains for Hindus like Gandhi a supreme
human model to be imitated or an inspiration to be referred to.
It must be noted that Hindus scarcely distinguish between the
human and the divine. That Jesus Christ was Divine is hot a
disputable question for many Hindus. However, they find it
difficult to believe it when the Christian understanding affirms
Jesus Christ as the only incarnation of the Divine. Hindus tend
to interpret the Mystery of Jesus Christ exclusively from the
Hindu point of view. Thus, in consistency with the Hindu
weltanschauung (Hindu world-perception), for many Hindus Jesus
Christ is one among many Masters or Prophets or Incarnations.
For Keshave Chandra Sen, a Hindu who lived from 1838 to 1884,
the person of Jesus Christ becomes his central preoccupation.
Rooted in patriotism he understood Christ as an authentic Asian
person. He asked, "wasn't Christ and also his disciples Asian?
Christianity was founded and first developed in Asia". Marked
profoundly by the Bhakti tradition of Hinduism K.C. Sen
expresses, in emotional fervour, his deep love for the person of
Christ. The fundamental Mystery of Jesus Christ as God and Man
at the same time is overlooked by Hindus like K.C. Sen.
Syncretism is a phenomenon viewed negatively in the West. But
calling it "an attempt towards synthesis" all such efforts are
regarded with high esteem by Hindus. Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan
(1888-1975) typifies this attitude. He is known for his astute
mind, eclectic ideas and comprehensive vision. Like many
intellectual Hindus his approach to the Mystery of Christ is a
philosophical one. Deeply rooted in the Neo-Vedantic vision he
interprets Jesus Christ as an example of the birth of a mature
and evolved humanity. In other words, Jesus Christ is not an
individual person but a symbol of progressively evolved humanity
or it is a humanity realised itself its a full manner. This is
what he wrote, "Every event in the life of Christ, because he is
born of the Spirit, is to be seen as a universal-symbolic stage
of spiritual life; Christhood is the state of glorious interior
illumination in which divine wisdom has become heritage of the
soul".
Many Hindus like S. Radhakrishnan have an idealist view of Jesus
Christ, i.e. they completely de-historicise Jesus reducing Him
to an illusion. Such a view comes close to gnosticism. Obsessed
by a dream of the so-called universal religion S. Radhakrishnan
sees the Mystery of Jesus Christ as a historical formulation of
the formless Truth.
It is interesting to note the radically different vision of
history which the Hindus have in comparison with the Christian
perspective. History is always a partial knowledge of reality
according to Hindu tradition; therefore, it is imperfect
knowledge of reality. In that context to identify the Mystery
of Jesus Christ with historical fact is to reduce God to an
imperfection.
Swami Akhilananda (1894-1962), whose mission was to the West,
interprets the Mystery of Jesus Christ as one who is already an
integral part of Hinduism. The goal of Hindu dharma is self-
realisation and Jesus Christ is the supreme example of this
"soul which is totally illumined". The ultimate liberative
experience in Hinduism is described as aham Brahma asmi, i.e.
the realisation that I am That (Absolute). Only Jesus Christ,
according to Hindus like Akhilananda who meditate the Gospel
according to St John, is capable of identifying that Truth with
Himself ("I and the Father are one").
Taking Christ as an example Akhilananda argues for the greatness
of Hinduism as the supreme religion: Hinduism is the experience
of Christ lived. Once again we see here the Mystery of Jesus
Christ separated from its historical roots.
Attracted by a Hindu portrait of Jesus Christ M.C. Parekh (1885-
1967) converted himself to Anglican Christianity. He has said,
"More I am a Hindu closer I follow Jesus". In Advaita Hinduism
all duality is made to disappear. Following this, M.C. Parekh,
describes Jesus Christ as the supreme Yogi who surpassed in his
being all duality of subject-object. Based on the model of
advaita experience many Hindus like M.C. Parekh make Jesus a
superhuman, inaccessible being.
Bhawami Charan Banerji (1861-1907) represents an interesting
view of Jesus Christ held by many Hindus. He took the name of
Brahmabandhava Upadyaya when he converted to Christianity and he
retained the Vedas (Hindu Scripture) as guiding principles for
the religious life. He said, "The Vedas speak of the Supreme
Being, who' knows everything, a Personal God who is Father
Friend, even brother of the faithful, who recomposes good to the
virtuous and punishes the evil-doers, who controls the destiny
of all men". Like many Hindus who love Jesus Christ and His
Gospel B. Upadyaya rejected all superstitious beliefs
interpolated in Hinduism in the course of its history. Proud of
his Hindu heritage he declared, "By birth, we are Hindus and
till death we will remain Hindus. It is by dvija, i.e.
sacramental birth, that we are Catholics, members of one
indefectible communion which embraces all ages and all places".
Following in his footsteps today many Hindus like to repeat the
slogan attributed to B. Upadyaya, i.e. religiously we are
Christians but socially we are Hindus.
There are Hindus who incorporate the Mystery of Jesus Christ in
their lives and imitate Him as an ethical' teacher, revere Him
as an object of devotion, explain Him as a philosophy (wisdom),
serve Him as a theology, admire Him as an ascetic or contemplate
Him as a mystic. These models generally represent the overall
mentality and attitude of many Hindus who in their own way love
and admire Jesus Christ. Questions that are of fundamental
importance to the Christian faith do not seem to make any
difference to them. In fact this is the greatest obstacle in
Hindu-Christian dialogue.
(Fr Felix Machado, Addeto for Asia, The Pontifical Council for
Inter-Religious Dialogue, Vatican)
--
Hindu Vivek Kendra http://www.hvk.org/
5/12, Kamat Industrial Estate Tel. +91-22 422 1440
396 Veer Savarkar Marg Fax +91-22 436 3756
Mumbai 400 025, Bharat info...@hvk.org
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Matt Heusser
In other words "I accept Jesus as a great teacher but reject
99% of the message he preached."
Harsh? No.
The author rejected the reason Jesus claimed to live.
(The salvation of the world)
He rejected the character and personage of Jesus Christ
as the only begotton Son by defining _all_ of us as Children
of God.
Rejected close to 100% of the message of Paul the
Apostle in Acts, Romans, Galations, Ephesians ...
He rejected Jesus's message of "Ye must be born again"
Rejected Jesus's teachings on sin, the mosaic law, the and
the new covenant.
To claim to respect Jesus as the greatest master of all
time, yet reject completely the message he preached is
perhaps the greatest way to insult him.
But, let God be true, and every man a liar,
Matt H.
ALLAN CARPENTER
Thanks for the thought-provoking post, Shivadaasa. It would also be
interesting, I think, to consider the experience of Sri Ramarishna, who
temporarily suspended his Hindu sadhana to practice Christianity,
eventually having a vision of Christ.
As a westerner--and Ramakrishna devotee-- raised Christian, I find that
Ramakrishna's experience is worthy of much study and contemplation.
Certainly RK had a revolutionary view of Christ, but one that continues
to influence countless Hindus.
\
ramk...@imap3.asu.edu
: Here is a great article on how Hindus view Christianity. The article is
: incomplete (no fault of Hindu Vivek Kendra) since it does not include
: Shivadaasa's views (just kidding, folks, don't feel enraged over this).
: I think that Christianity is a good religion, nothing wrong with it but I am
: very convinced that Jesus Christ was a student of Hinduism. There is a lot of
I think and heard Christianity is Krishna-Neeti and do belive Krishna was
an anglo-saxon dude(wonder why he was called Neel-Megha-Shyam)! He had a
lot of fun, was mischievous and loved butter(something close to cheese)
and had lot of fun with women and had no compunction to order killing
when Arjuna was hesitating to kill his screwed up cousins, and all you
have to do is call the cousin or the other guy a 'rougue' sorta like
Bush&Bill calling Saddam! ;-)
George Roemer
I'm aware of books about how Christ was influenced by Buddhism. Any others?
Any comments?
shiva...@my-dejanews.com wrote in message
<707hgq$des$1...@nnrp1.dejanews.com>...
Mo
J.S. Bains
Buddhism is hinduism with a minor spin.
-sunny
In soc.culture.indian George Roemer <gro...@execpc.com> wrote:
: One interesting note, Shivadaasa feels Christ was influenced by Hinduism,
Sadhu Miranda
>
> Buddhism is hinduism with a minor spin.
>
> -sunny
Christianism aka chiristianity (if any) is hinduism with a minor spin.
Cheers Hindus.
SM
>
> In soc.culture.indian George Roemer <gro...@execpc.com> wrote:
> : One interesting note, Shivadaasa feels Christ was influenced by Hinduism,
Matt Noonan
Sadhu Miranda wrote:
> J.S. Bains wrote:
> >
> > Buddhism is hinduism with a minor spin.
> >
> > -sunny
>
> Christianism aka chiristianity (if any) is hinduism with a minor spin.
Everything is mind, with a minor spin. :)
Peace,
Matt
ramk...@imap3.asu.edu
sheep's clothing!
regards, --Ramakrishna.
George Roemer (gro...@execpc.com) wrote:
: One interesting note, Shivadaasa feels Christ was influenced by Hinduism,
ramk...@imap3.asu.edu
: Buddhism is hinduism with a minor spin.
That spin is inaction and ahinsa mostly....
: -sunny
: In soc.culture.indian George Roemer <gro...@execpc.com> wrote:
: : One interesting note, Shivadaasa feels Christ was influenced by Hinduism,
shiva...@my-dejanews.com
influenced by each other. The best of the four, I feel, is Sikhism. Lately I
have developed a lot of respect for Sikhism which, in my opinion, takes
certain tenets of Hinduism and develops a great way of viewing and leading
life. But in essence, all these religions are the same.
In article <7094t0$hi1$3...@emu.cs.rmit.edu.au>,
ba...@cs.rmit.edu.au wrote:
>
> Buddhism is hinduism with a minor spin.
>
> -sunny
>
> In soc.culture.indian George Roemer <gro...@execpc.com> wrote:
> : One interesting note, Shivadaasa feels Christ was influenced by Hinduism,
> : I'm aware of books about how Christ was influenced by Buddhism. Any others?
> : Any comments?
>
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
shiva...@my-dejanews.com
In article <70bltj$q8j$5...@news.asu.edu>,
ramk...@imap3.asu.edu wrote:
> I think Jesus was inspired(to care for/protect) by the innocent sheep in
> sheep's clothing!
>
> regards, --Ramakrishna.
>
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
Yajn
Jesus and Christianity are not one and the same. Christianity is a western
phenomenon that started with Paul in Antioch about 15 years after Jesus left
Palestine.
St. Thomas, however, was by then already in Kashmir where Church of the East started
as The Way. The two movements do not have much in common. Church of the East holds
as sacred Scripture also the Tao Teh Ching and Bhagavad Gita.
Namaste
+y
ya...@yesunet.org
shiva...@my-dejanews.com
Ramakrishna had a vision of universality of religions. For a time he
practiced Islam also. I certainly was disappointed when I heard that. (I am
sure all the Mullahs in the world felt uneasy too when they heard what
Ramakrishna was trying to do). I have definite problems with Islam (because
of what is written in Koran and Hadiths). Christianity, as I have noted
before, is a great religion. If only Christians could become more tolerant...
In article <21145-36...@newsd-223.iap.bryant.webtv.net>,
-----------== Posted via Deja News, The Discussion Network ==----------
Racer-X
independent Christian Church founded by St. Thomas in India around 51 C.E.?
They started primarily in Kerala, and are now found scattered all over
India. The main converts to his Christianity were Brahmans, and St. Thomas
followed Jesus's instructions to follow Sanatana Dharma.
There is a tiny order of practicing Christian monks, following the way of
St. Thomas, in the United States. You can write them for more information
at the following address:
Isha Jyoti Sangha
1482 Rango Way
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Learn about them!
Jai Ma!
Allan Carpenter
Thanks for your honest comments on Sri Ramakrishna. I, too have problems
with certain tenets of Islam...that's why I am a devotee of RK and not a
muslim. But maybe that's what seperates RK from sincere but striving
folks like us. He apparently saw things from a level where the ultimate
aims of all religions could be celebrated, even tho things look pretty
different to us here on the ground.
BTW, I've always been amazed at how RK managed to have any sympathy for
Christianity, considering how the British oppressed India in his time!
ac
\
Raghu Seshadri
> BTW, I've always been amazed at how RK managed to have any sympathy for
> Christianity, considering how the British oppressed India in his time!
That's what separates the great ones from the
rest of us ...
Among other beauties that the british did in
India - i read recently in a diary of an
englishwoman who lived in India in the 1820s,
that the British levied heavy taxes on pilgrims
to hindu pilgrimage sites. For instance, when
the average monthly wage was 5 rupees, pilgrims were
required to pay 1 rupee just for visiting the
Sangam (confluence point of the rivers Ganga and
Yamuna, holy to the hindus) at prayag.
RS
shiva...@my-dejanews.com
the Muslim invaders ever did. Sure they brought Christianity with them, with
that many conversions. Most of these conversions were, however, peaceful (if
dishonest because of offers of money etc). But many British scholars tried
hard to compile our literature, Vedas, Upanishads, arts and other cultural
aspects; worked hard to understand them deeply; and in most cases, provided
honest opinions. This is something Muslims have NEVER ever done. I would be
surprised if Ramakrishna Paramahamsa did not recognize the good work of the
British.
By the way, this is not my own brilliant observation. This is what my father,
an extremely orthodox Brahmin (High School English and Math teacher by
profession) kept drilling into me during our innumerable, passionate
discussions on Indian History. Many years after his death, I have to confess
that he was right.
About your other comment on Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's universalist view
versus ours, I totally agree with you. He probably saw a lot more than what I
have been seeing with my myopic eyes. That, incidentally, is what Vedas teach
as true Knowledge. Ramana Maharshi was another true seeker of Knowledge.
Obviously I cannot qualify for Moksha in this life.
I am not complaining, as long as I am born with Shivabhathi in the next life
also!
In article <6146-36...@newsd-224.iap.bryant.webtv.net>,
ALL...@webtv.net (Allan Carpenter) wrote:
> Namaste Shivadaasa.
>
> Thanks for your honest comments on Sri Ramakrishna. I, too have problems
> with certain tenets of Islam...that's why I am a devotee of RK and not a
> muslim. But maybe that's what seperates RK from sincere but striving
> folks like us. He apparently saw things from a level where the ultimate
> aims of all religions could be celebrated, even tho things look pretty
> different to us here on the ground.
>
> BTW, I've always been amazed at how RK managed to have any sympathy for
> Christianity, considering how the British oppressed India in his time!
>
> ac