We explore the complex and multifaceted world of Hinduism through the lived experience of Ritesh who lives in Bangalore. Sam and Claire discuss the three main sects within Hinduism, emphasizing the diversity of beliefs and practices then touch on Iskon, a Vaishnava movement, revealing how different groups approach sharing their faith and their focus on respectful engagement. The conversation further delves into the concept of karma and its role in Hinduism, as well as the challenges posed by literacy levels in India. They explore how Hinduism adapts to these challenges through translations, simplified versions of scriptures, and oral storytelling traditions. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the personal nature of faith and the importance of finding one’s path within Hinduism, highlighting its dynamism and inclusivity.
TRANSCRIPT
Sam
Hey, we’re back. Sam and Claire from Brida Podcasts.
Claire
How are you doing today? Good.
Sam
We’re exploring the world of Hinduism. But not in the way you might expect. We’re going to be hearing about it from someone who lives it every day. Ritesh.
Claire
So, it’s going to be really fascinating to hear about Hinduism as a lived experience rather than just sort of like a theoretical or historical concept.
Sam
And Ritesh has already given us some glimpses into how his family practices Hinduism, um like the daily puja that his mother performs and the small temple his father built. It really shows how diverse and personal Hinduism can be.
Claire
That’s such an important point, you know. When we think about major religions, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture. You know, the doctrines, the history, but ultimately religion is experienced and interpreted on an individual level.
Sam
Absolutely. And I think Ritesh’s perspective will help us understand that nuance. He mentioned that he doesn’t necessarily follow every single ritual or doctrine but he finds meaning and connection in his own way.
Claire
Yeah, I’m really curious to hear more about that. It speaks to the idea that there isn’t one right way to practice Hinduism. There’s room for personal expression and individual paths.
Sam
And speaking of different paths, Ritesh also highlighted the incredible diversity within Hinduism. He told us about the three main sects, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. Each one focuses on different deities and has its own set of practices and beliefs.
Claire
It’s interesting to consider how these different sects coexist within the broader framework of Hinduism. Like they highlight the fact that it’s not a monolithic religion, but rather a collection of diverse beliefs and practices that have evolved over centuries.
Sam
It’s like a vibrant tapestry woven from different threads of belief and experience. And Ritesh’s own family embodies this diversity. His mother with her daily puja represents a more traditional approach, While his involvement with ISKCON, a Vaishnava movement, shows another facet of Hindu practice.
ClaIre
And speaking of ISKCON, Ritesh’s experience with them brings up another fascinating aspect. The way different groups approach the sharing of their beliefs. He mentioned that ISKCON freely distributes copies of the Bhagavad Gita, a key Hindu scripture, but they don’t pressure anyone to convert,
Sam
Right? Their philosophy is about sharing the teachings and letting people connect with them on their own terms.
Claire
It’s a very respectful approach.It reminds us that spreading beliefs shouldn’t be about forceful conversion, But about creating a space for genuine understanding and connection.
Sam
And that idea of respect seems to be central to ISKCON’s philosophy even when they face rejection. Ritesh mentioned that they emphasize approaching people with respect and understanding regardless of whether they choose to embrace their teachings or not.
Claire
It’s a valuable lesson for all of us. Regardless of our religious beliefs. Engaging in dialogue with respect and empathy is crucial, right? Especially in a world where religious differences can often lead to conflict.
Sam
Now, on a slightly different note, Ritesh also highlighted a very real challenge within India, literacy. He pointed out that a significant portion of the population is semi-iterate. Which means they can read basic text.
But struggle with complex scriptures.
Claire
That’s a crucial point. It makes us think about the accessibility of religious teachings. Particularly in a tradition with such a rich and complex body of scriptures like Hinduism.
Sam
Exactly. If people can’t easily access and understand the core texts, how does that shape their understanding and practice of the religion? It’s a question that faces many religions not just Hinduism.
Claire
Absolutely. And it’s interesting to consider how Hinduism is adapting to this challenge. Um RItesh mentioned that there are efforts being made to make religious teachings more accessible, perhaps through translations, simplified versions or oral storytelling traditions
Sam
and we see similar adaptations in other religions as well. For example, in India, Christianity has gained a strong foothold, partly because they offer services in local languages, making it easier for people to connect with the teachings.
Claire
It highlights the importance of meeting people where they are. If you want religious teachings to resonate, you have to make them accessible and relatable to the lived experiences of the people.
Sam
Now, shifting gears a bit, let’s talk about Karma. It’s a concept that’s often associated with Hinduism. But I think it’s often misunderstood. Ritesh helped clarify this for us.
Claire
So how did he explain it?
Sam
Well, he explained that Karma is essentially the idea that every action has a consequence both in this life and in future lives. It’s not just about being punished or rewarded, But about understanding the interconnectedness of our actions and their ripple effects.
Claire
Yeah. It’s a fascinating concept because it puts a lot of emphasis on personal responsibility.
Sam
Every choice we make Every action we take contributes to the kind of karma we accumulate which then shapes our future experiences.
Claire
And this belief in karma is deeply intertwined with the cycle of reincarnation in Hinduism.
Sam
The ultimate goal is to break free from this cycle by accumulating enough consequence, to achieve liberation.
Claire
And Ritesh mentioned these fascinating figures called Nāgas who take the idea of Karma to an extreme.
Sam
They are aesthetics who renounce all worldly possessions and desires to avoid generating any Karma at all.
Claire
It’s a really striking example of how deeply the concept of Karma is ingrained in some Hindu practices. These aesthetics believe that by detaching themselves from the material world, they can escape the cycle of reincarnation altogether.
Sam
And they often go to extreme lengths to achieve this detachment. Ritesh told us that they often retreat to secluded places like the Himalayas to focus on their spiritual practices.
Claire
Wow. And there’s a remarkable festival in India called the Kumbh Mela where millions of people gather to witness these aesthetics.
Sam
It’s believed that simply seeing them and their renunciation brings good Karma to the observers.
Claire
It’s hard to imagine the level of devotion and discipline required to live that kind of life.
Sam
Ritesh shared a powerful image with us. Some Nāgas hold up one arm for years as a form of devotion and a way of demonstrating their complete renunciation of worldly desires.
Claire
That’s powerful imagery.
Sam
It’s such a powerful image that highlights the dedication and extremes some people go to in their pursuit of spiritual liberation.
Claire
And this focus on minimizing harm and accumulating good karma isn’t limited to aesthetics. Ritesh also told us about Jainism. A religion that emerged from within Hinduism which takes non-violence to an extraordinary level.
Sam
It’s incredible. Ritesh described how some Jaines cover their mouths.
Claire
What?
Sam
To avoid inhaling and potentially harming even microscopic organisms. And they often walk barefoot to avoid stepping on insects.
Claire
It shows how deeply they believe in the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of minimizing harm to any living being.
Sam
Right? It’s a truly remarkable expression of the principle of ahimsa or non-violence.
Claire
But as with any religion, there are different interpretations and approaches.
Sam
Yes, of course.
Claire
Ritesh pointed out that modern thinkers like the guru Osho have questioned some of the more traditional practices.
Sam
Yes, he’s specifically questioned the practice of monks avoiding shoes to prevent harming insects. He argued that it might be a sign of unreflective adherence to tradition rather than a truly meaningful practice.
Claire
It’s a provocative point, isn’t it? It encourages us to examine our own beliefs and practices and to consider whether they are truly aligned with our values and understanding.
Sam
And this tension between tradition and modern interpretation is something we see in many religions. Just as Christianity saw the emergence of Protestantism, Hinduism has also seen new sects and movements arise that challenge traditional interpretations and practices.
Claire
It speaks to the dynamic nature of religion. It’s not static. It evolves and adapts over time, responding to new ideas and challenges.
Sam
And it’s within this dynamic landscape that Ritesh finds his own path navigating the complexities of tradition, personal belief, and modern interpretations.
Claire
His story highlights the fact that there isn’t just one way to be a Hindu. There are countless paths and interpretations. And each individual finds their own way to connect with the richness and depth of this ancient tradition.
Sam
Ritesh’s insights have given us so much to think about.
Claire
I know, right?
Sam
From the diversity of sects and the concept of karma to the challenges of literacy and the critiques of ritualism, we’ve covered a lot of ground, but it’s clear that there’s still so much more to explore.
Claire
Absolutely. Ritesh’s experience offers a glimpse into a vast and complex world. And I’m eager to delve even deeper.
Sam
Ritesh, we have some questions.
Claire
What initially drew you to volunteer with ISKCON?
Sam
Have you ever witnessed an act of devotion at the Kum Mela that particularly moved you?
Claire
How do you reconcile the concept of karma with the social inequalities that still exist in India?
Sam
What are your thoughts on the critiques of ritualism by thinkers like Osho?
Claire
And finally, how do you personally navigate the tension between traditional beliefs and the evolving intellectual landscape of Hinduism?
Sam
Those are all fantastic questions for you.
Claire
I know, right?
Sam
We’re definitely going to want to hear more about your personal experiences and perspectives on those topics. Building on that ret also highlighted the importance of accessibility. When it comes to religious teachings. He mentioned that most Hindus don’t actually read the Vedas directly because they’re incredibly complex and ancient texts.
Claire
Makes sense.
Sam
It’s like trying to read Shakespeare in its original form. It’s beautiful and rich, but it can be challenging to understand without some guidance. So instead of the Vedas, Ritesh pointed out that many Hindus turn to more accessible texts. Like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita.
Claire
Ah, the Gita. I’ve heard of that one. Isn’t that one of the most important texts in Hinduism?
Ramayana
It is. And what’s fascinating is that it’s available in so many different languages. Making it much more accessible to people across different social backgrounds.
Claire
That’s a crucial point. It reminds us that religious teachings shouldn’t be locked away in ancient languages that only scholars can understand. They need to be shared in a way that resonates with people’s lives.
Sam
Absolutely. And Gita isn’t just a historical text. It’s filled with stories, moral teachings, and philosophical insights that are still relevant today.
Claire
And speaking of accessibility, Ritesh’s work with ISKON provides a great example of how some groups are actively trying to spread these teachings,
Sam
He mentioned that they freely distribute copies of the Gita in many languages.
Claire
Yeah, it’s interesting how they combine this accessibility with a very respectful approach. They don’t try to force their beliefs on anyone. They simply share the teachings and allow people to connect with them in their own way.
Sam
It’s like planting a seed and letting it grow naturally. You provide the nourishment but ultimately it’s up to the individual to decide if it takes root.
Claire
Now shifting gears a bit. Ritesh also gave us some insights into the intellectual side of Hinduism. He mentioned that lectures and interpretations by gurus are a common way for people to engage with the scriptures and the deeper meaning of the teachings.
Sam
That sounds fascinating. It’s like having a guided tour through complex ideas and concepts.
Claire
Exactly. And these gatherings are open to people from all walks of life. Although Ritesh did point out that social divisions, particularly in less educated areas, can still persist.
Sam
It’s a reminder that while religion can be a powerful force for unity, it can also reflect existing social structures and hierarchies. That said, Ritesh observed that there’s a growing trend of people, especially those who are more educated or financially secure, who are choosing to disregard these traditional social barriers when it comes to religious gatherings.
Claire
So, that’s encouraging.
Sam
Yeah. It suggests that there’s a growing awareness of the need to transcend social divisions at least within the realm of religious practice.
Claire
And this openness to different perspectives also extends to the intellectual landscape of Hinduism, while traditional interpretations still hold sway, RItesh mentioned that there’s a growing space for critical analysis and new ways of understanding the ancient texts.
Sam
So, it’s not a static religion frozen in time. It’s evolving and adapting to the challenges and questions of the modern world.
Claire
Precisely. And RItesh’s own journey seems to reflect this dynamic interplay between tradition and modern thought. He respects the traditional practices, but is also open to exploring different interpretations and finding his own personal meaning.
Sam
It’s a reminder that religion is a living breathing thing. It’s not just about doctrines and rituals, but about the way individuals connect with the deeper meaning and purpose of their faith.
Claire
And Speaking of finding meaning, RItesh mentioned a key difference between Hinduism and Christianity. Unlike Christianity, Hinduism doesn’t have a central savior figure.
Sam
So, it’s not about seeking redemption through an external force.
Claire
Exactly. Instead, Hinduism emphasizes personal responsibility and the impact of our actions through the concept of karma. As we discussed earlier,
Sam
it’s about finding balance within ourselves and striving to live in a way that generates positive Karma and leads us towards liberation.
Claire
And Ritesh made a beautiful analogy. to illustrate this idea of balance. He compared it to playing a musical instrument. Just like a musician needs to find the right balance of notes and rhythms to create harmony. We need to find that balance in our lives.
Sam
I love that analogy. It really captures the essence of finding harmony within ourselves and with the world around us.
Claire
And this brings us to an interesting figure, a Buddha or Siddhārtha Gautama. Although Buddhism is a distinct religion, Buddha’s teachings actually originated within Hindu society. He pursued a path of enlightenment by renouncing desires which echoes certain aspects of Hindu philosophy.
Sam
That’s a fascinating connection. It shows how these ancient traditions while distinct are also interconnected in many ways.
Claire
And while Buddhism doesn’t recognize Hindu gods, Buddha is still revered as an enlightened being within Hinduism.
Sam
It speaks to the openness and inclusivity that seem to be woven into the fabric of Hinduism. There’s a recognition that there are multiple paths to truth and enlightenment.
Claire
and that ultimately the goal is to find that inner peace and liberation regardless of the specific path we choose to follow.
Sam
Ritesh’s insights have been incredibly enlightening. I feel like I’m starting to see Hinduism not just as a set of beliefs and rituals but as a vibrant tapestry of ideas, practices and individual journeys.
Claire
I agree. It’s been fascinating to hear about Hinduism through the lens of his personal experience. He’s helped us understand that it’s not a monolithic entity but rather a complex and ever evolving tradition that embraces diversity and personal interpretation.
Sam
It’s been a real privilege to get this glimpse into his world and I’m eager to hear more about his personal journey, and the ways he navigates the complexities of faith and tradition in his own life.
Claire
It’s been incredibly enlightening to hear about your perspective on Hinduism. Ritesh, we really appreciate your time and your willingness to share your insights with us.
Sam
Ritesh’s story has really opened up our understanding of Hinduism. It’s clear that it’s much more than just a set of doctrines and rituals. it’s a living, breathing tradition that’s constantly evolving and adapting to the changing world.
Claire
And what struck me most was the emphasis on personal experience and interpretation. There’s no one right way to be a Hindu. It’s about finding your own path and connecting with the deeper meaning of the teachings in a way that resonates with you.
Sam
And I think that’s a valuable lesson for all of us, regardless of our own religious beliefs. Religion should be about seeking truth, finding meaning, and living a life that’s aligned with our values.
Claire
So, as we wrap up this conversation, we want to leave you with a few thoughts to ponder.
Sam
What aspects of RItesh’s story resonated most with you?
Claire
What surprised you?
Sam
What questions are still lingering in your mind?
Claire
We encourage you to continue exploring the world of Hinduism. There’s so much to discover from the ancient scriptures to the modern interpretations, from the grand philosophical concepts to the everyday practices of faith.
Sam
Remember, understanding religion is an ongoing journey. It’s about engaging with diverse perspectives, asking questions, and keeping an open mind.
Claire
This has been a fascinating topic, and we look forward to developing it further. Bye-bye.