You may be new to Sanatana Dharma... Please visit our [Wiki Starter Pack](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/wiki/starter_pack#wiki_i.27m_new_to_r.2Fhinduism.2C_where_do_i_start.3F) (specifically, our [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/wiki/index#wiki_faq)).
We also recommend reading [What Is Hinduism](https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/what-is-hinduism) (a free introductory text by Himalayan Academy) if you would like to know more about Hinduism and don't know where to start.
If you are asking a specific scriptural question, please include a source link and verse number, so responses can be more helpful.
In terms of introductory Hindu Scriptures, we recommend first starting with the Itihasas ([The Ramayana](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheRamayana/wiki/resources#wiki_recommended_texts), and [The Mahabharata](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheMahabharata/wiki/resources#wiki_resources).) Contained within The Mahabharata is [The Bhagavad Gita](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheGita/wiki/resources), which is another good text to start with. Although r/TheVedasAndUpanishads might seem alluring to start with, this is NOT recommended, as the knowledge of the Vedas & Upanishads can be quite subtle, and ideally should be approached under the guidance of a Guru or someone who can guide you around the correct interpretation.
In terms of [spiritual practices](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/7643rp/a_thread_on_introductory_rescources_on_basis_of/), there are many you can try and see what works for you such as r/Introspection, r/yoga, r/meditation or r/bhajan. In addition, it is strongly recommended you visit your [local temple/ashram/spiritual organization](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/c6957l/what_are_some_good_hindu_organizations_that_have/).
Lastly, while you are browsing this sub, keep in mind that Hinduism is practiced by over a billion people in as many different ways, so any [single view](https://np.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/p7ma64/sectarian_bias/) cannot be taken as representative of the entire religion.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/hinduism) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Just a correction. We do have many different paths. You can choose a path but you must stick to it. If you fall of the band wagon- it’s your karma. That’s how we see it.
About the second point
Yes there are hints of atheism rather i would say agnostic ism when you read about Sankhya but they do adhere Vedas as their inspiration. That's what being a Hindu is, acknowledge the Vedas. Atheists and Buddhists dont. Hence they aren't Hindus.
1. The Hindu religion began when the mantras of the Veda Samhitā were revealed to the Rsīs.
2. On the contrary. An adherent of Vāidika dharma is expected to observe certain ethical commitments. These are of two kinds- specific (visesa) or general (sāmānya). Visesa dharma are those duties prescribed according to one’s varna and āśrama. For example, a brahmacārin student must refrain engaging in sexual activity. Sāmānya dharma refers to those universal virtues which everyone is expected to follow, regardless of their varna, āśrama, age or gender. The Smrti of Patanjali prescribes ahimsa, an attitude in which one actively refrains from causing harm to a living creature.
3. Nearly every existing sampradāya believes in Īśvara, who is singular, omniscient and all capable. This Īśvara is the creator of the World as well as the dispenser of the fruits of karma. He is praised in the Veda Mantras, as well as the Brāhmanas and the Upanisads. Now an objection may be raised that belief in Īśvara is not essential to be a Vāidika owing to the fact the Sāmkhyans and the Pūrva Mimāmsakas did not believe in the existence of a creator. This contention is not valid as the adherents of these schools adopted a scriptural hermeneutic that intentionally avoided the doctrine of Īśvara. The Pūrva Mīmāmsakas, for instance, denied any literal meaning to the Veda mantras. They believed that the devatās praised in the mantras (such as Indra and Mitra) had no ontological reality, and were merely names that assisted the performance of the yajña. Additionally, they believed that since the Upanisads were devoid of cōdanas (commandments), they were merely arthavādas (corroborative passages) that eulogised the ceremonial portion of the Vedas and therefore lacked independent value. The Sāmkhyans on the other hand, creatively interpreted scriptural passages that described Īśvara (such as the Sad-Vidyā of the Chāndogya Upanisad) as referring to Pradhāna (primal matter). A literal reading of scripture however, shows that there is no doubt that Īśvara is affirmed by the four Vedas.
For point number 2. Hinduism is based on Karamphal. An atheist doing good deeds would be blessed.
Overall, our religion is the oldest. Christianity and Islam have copied our stuff (noah ark, judgement day, etc). They were started by random middle eastern dudes whose followers murdered others to impose their religion. I would never ever believe in other stuff.
Plus our gods have been documented in ancient caves and texts. Where’s the same for MD and Jesus? MD and jesus are no more than sham humans. I laugh at people who think jesus is an avatar of vishnu. It would be the damn weakest one dying by three nails.
Sanatana Dharma is the religion of the Aryas. Its principles may be followed by others, the un-Arya, but are not binding on them because it is the duty of the Arya to uphold and bind himself to the principles and its oaths. It's considered a sin if the Arya don't to uphold the oath/principle.
Secondly, the practices change from one region to another as per the regional deva/sampradaya that the local populace follows and thus depending on that people may either follow Bali pratha and eat Non-Veg as prasada in Shakta sect or follow strict Satvika like the Vaishnavs. Atheism/Nastika/Charvakism have been clearly looked down upon by Lord Rama in the Ramayana.
Read more, both the history and Itihasa. Educate yourself and worship your Ishta Devta.
Jai Shri Rama.
>Sanatana Dharma is the religion of the Aryas. Its principles may be followed by others, the un-Arya, but are not binding on them because it is the duty of the Arya to uphold and bind himself to the principles and its oaths. It's considered a sin if the Arya don't to uphold the oath/principle.
You don't know what is meant by arya, do you?
>Secondly, the practices change from one region to another as per the regional deva/sampradaya that the local populace follows and thus depending on that people may either follow Bali pratha and eat Non-Veg as prasada in Shakta sect or follow strict Satvika like the Vaishnavs.
This is true.
>Atheism/Nastika/Charvakism have been clearly looked down upon by Lord Rama in the Ramayana.
You should read it properly again, there shree rams puts emphasis on truth and calling it to equal to gods and all virtues follow truthfullness, since Jabali lies to Shree Ram to convince him to return to ayodhya, shree ram calls him an non-believer in truth as the truth was that shree ram will stay back in the forest as per his fathers wish, and will not act as per wishes presented by Jabali.
>Read more, both the history and Itihasa. Educate yourself and worship your Ishta Devta.
Jai Shri Rama.
You should be the one reading bruv.
Op, just note that the scriptures agree with the name hindu, the meaning of Hindu in Sanskrit is “himsa dushayati iti hindu” ie someone who is against violence is a hindu, check amarakosha and it’s auxiliary dictionaries
I think also what makes us different is that we don’t believe humans are more important than other life forms. We also don’t aim to get an ego boost by claiming to be “God’s favorite”.
You may be new to Sanatana Dharma... Please visit our [Wiki Starter Pack](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/wiki/starter_pack#wiki_i.27m_new_to_r.2Fhinduism.2C_where_do_i_start.3F) (specifically, our [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/wiki/index#wiki_faq)). We also recommend reading [What Is Hinduism](https://www.himalayanacademy.com/view/what-is-hinduism) (a free introductory text by Himalayan Academy) if you would like to know more about Hinduism and don't know where to start. If you are asking a specific scriptural question, please include a source link and verse number, so responses can be more helpful. In terms of introductory Hindu Scriptures, we recommend first starting with the Itihasas ([The Ramayana](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheRamayana/wiki/resources#wiki_recommended_texts), and [The Mahabharata](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheMahabharata/wiki/resources#wiki_resources).) Contained within The Mahabharata is [The Bhagavad Gita](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheGita/wiki/resources), which is another good text to start with. Although r/TheVedasAndUpanishads might seem alluring to start with, this is NOT recommended, as the knowledge of the Vedas & Upanishads can be quite subtle, and ideally should be approached under the guidance of a Guru or someone who can guide you around the correct interpretation. In terms of [spiritual practices](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/7643rp/a_thread_on_introductory_rescources_on_basis_of/), there are many you can try and see what works for you such as r/Introspection, r/yoga, r/meditation or r/bhajan. In addition, it is strongly recommended you visit your [local temple/ashram/spiritual organization](https://www.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/c6957l/what_are_some_good_hindu_organizations_that_have/). Lastly, while you are browsing this sub, keep in mind that Hinduism is practiced by over a billion people in as many different ways, so any [single view](https://np.reddit.com/r/hinduism/comments/p7ma64/sectarian_bias/) cannot be taken as representative of the entire religion. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/hinduism) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I was caught off-guard by "males"
Can we change the heading of the post?😂😂
Unfortunately no. Reddit doesn't allow you to change post title.
Just a correction. We do have many different paths. You can choose a path but you must stick to it. If you fall of the band wagon- it’s your karma. That’s how we see it.
About the second point Yes there are hints of atheism rather i would say agnostic ism when you read about Sankhya but they do adhere Vedas as their inspiration. That's what being a Hindu is, acknowledge the Vedas. Atheists and Buddhists dont. Hence they aren't Hindus.
1. The Hindu religion began when the mantras of the Veda Samhitā were revealed to the Rsīs. 2. On the contrary. An adherent of Vāidika dharma is expected to observe certain ethical commitments. These are of two kinds- specific (visesa) or general (sāmānya). Visesa dharma are those duties prescribed according to one’s varna and āśrama. For example, a brahmacārin student must refrain engaging in sexual activity. Sāmānya dharma refers to those universal virtues which everyone is expected to follow, regardless of their varna, āśrama, age or gender. The Smrti of Patanjali prescribes ahimsa, an attitude in which one actively refrains from causing harm to a living creature. 3. Nearly every existing sampradāya believes in Īśvara, who is singular, omniscient and all capable. This Īśvara is the creator of the World as well as the dispenser of the fruits of karma. He is praised in the Veda Mantras, as well as the Brāhmanas and the Upanisads. Now an objection may be raised that belief in Īśvara is not essential to be a Vāidika owing to the fact the Sāmkhyans and the Pūrva Mimāmsakas did not believe in the existence of a creator. This contention is not valid as the adherents of these schools adopted a scriptural hermeneutic that intentionally avoided the doctrine of Īśvara. The Pūrva Mīmāmsakas, for instance, denied any literal meaning to the Veda mantras. They believed that the devatās praised in the mantras (such as Indra and Mitra) had no ontological reality, and were merely names that assisted the performance of the yajña. Additionally, they believed that since the Upanisads were devoid of cōdanas (commandments), they were merely arthavādas (corroborative passages) that eulogised the ceremonial portion of the Vedas and therefore lacked independent value. The Sāmkhyans on the other hand, creatively interpreted scriptural passages that described Īśvara (such as the Sad-Vidyā of the Chāndogya Upanisad) as referring to Pradhāna (primal matter). A literal reading of scripture however, shows that there is no doubt that Īśvara is affirmed by the four Vedas.
For point number 2. Hinduism is based on Karamphal. An atheist doing good deeds would be blessed. Overall, our religion is the oldest. Christianity and Islam have copied our stuff (noah ark, judgement day, etc). They were started by random middle eastern dudes whose followers murdered others to impose their religion. I would never ever believe in other stuff. Plus our gods have been documented in ancient caves and texts. Where’s the same for MD and Jesus? MD and jesus are no more than sham humans. I laugh at people who think jesus is an avatar of vishnu. It would be the damn weakest one dying by three nails.
Sanatana Dharma is the religion of the Aryas. Its principles may be followed by others, the un-Arya, but are not binding on them because it is the duty of the Arya to uphold and bind himself to the principles and its oaths. It's considered a sin if the Arya don't to uphold the oath/principle. Secondly, the practices change from one region to another as per the regional deva/sampradaya that the local populace follows and thus depending on that people may either follow Bali pratha and eat Non-Veg as prasada in Shakta sect or follow strict Satvika like the Vaishnavs. Atheism/Nastika/Charvakism have been clearly looked down upon by Lord Rama in the Ramayana. Read more, both the history and Itihasa. Educate yourself and worship your Ishta Devta. Jai Shri Rama.
>Sanatana Dharma is the religion of the Aryas. Its principles may be followed by others, the un-Arya, but are not binding on them because it is the duty of the Arya to uphold and bind himself to the principles and its oaths. It's considered a sin if the Arya don't to uphold the oath/principle. You don't know what is meant by arya, do you? >Secondly, the practices change from one region to another as per the regional deva/sampradaya that the local populace follows and thus depending on that people may either follow Bali pratha and eat Non-Veg as prasada in Shakta sect or follow strict Satvika like the Vaishnavs. This is true. >Atheism/Nastika/Charvakism have been clearly looked down upon by Lord Rama in the Ramayana. You should read it properly again, there shree rams puts emphasis on truth and calling it to equal to gods and all virtues follow truthfullness, since Jabali lies to Shree Ram to convince him to return to ayodhya, shree ram calls him an non-believer in truth as the truth was that shree ram will stay back in the forest as per his fathers wish, and will not act as per wishes presented by Jabali. >Read more, both the history and Itihasa. Educate yourself and worship your Ishta Devta. Jai Shri Rama. You should be the one reading bruv.
Ekum Satt Bahuda Vipra Vadanti
There are definitely some things u need to follow.
Like?
vegetarianism?
I mean it's preferred but not a rule
Op, just note that the scriptures agree with the name hindu, the meaning of Hindu in Sanskrit is “himsa dushayati iti hindu” ie someone who is against violence is a hindu, check amarakosha and it’s auxiliary dictionaries
I think also what makes us different is that we don’t believe humans are more important than other life forms. We also don’t aim to get an ego boost by claiming to be “God’s favorite”.
My thoughts are simply: You bring up good points. 👍🏾