Baháʼí Faith and Hinduism

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Hinduism
and other religions
Indian religions
Abrahamic religions
Hinduism and...
Baháʼí Faith
and the
unity of religion
The nine-pointed Baháʼí star
Religions

Hinduism is recognized in the Baháʼí Faith as one of nine known religions.[1] Krishna is included in the succession of Manifestations of God.

References in the Baháʼí writings

Baháʼu'lláh was familiar with Hinduism, which is clear from a tablet to Mírzá Abu'l-Faḍl, the English translation of which is included in the volume Tabernacle of Unity. In this tablet Baháʼu'lláh answered questions about Hinduism and Zoroastrianism by Maneckji Limji Hataria. The subjects include comparative religion, and constitute, while much remains implicit, a dialogue of Baháʼu'lláh with Hinduism and the other religions discussed, giving an understanding of what Baha'u'llah meant with the unity of the world religions.[2]

In another tablet (published in

dating Creation, Baháʼu'lláh promotes the theory of a long chronology over a short one.[2]

In a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, published in the Dawn of a New Day, p. 198, it is stated that:

"As regards your study of the Hindu religion. The origins of this and many other religions that abound in India are not quite known to us, and even the Orientalists and the students of religions are not in complete accord about the results of their investigations in that field. The Bahá'í writings also do not refer specifically to any of these forms of religion current in India. So, the Guardian feels it impossible to give you any definite and detailed information on that subject. He would urge you, however, to carry on your studies in that field, although its immensity is well-nigh bewildering, with the view of bringing the Message to the Hindus...."

Teachings

God

See also: God in the Baháʼí Faith and God in Hinduism

In Hinduism,

Bhagwan or Ishvara (Lord).[4] According to the Baháʼí teachings, these differing views are all valid and represent different points of view looking at the Absolute Reality.[5]

Avatars and Manifestations of God

Both Hinduism and the Baháʼí Faith teach that God manifests himself at different times and places. These messengers are termed Avatars in Hinduism and Manifestations of God in the Baháʼí teachings.[6] However the difference is that Hinduism teaches that Avatars are God himself in human form and are thus divine while Baháʼí teachings stress that the Manifestations of God are not God but his representatives.[citation needed]

Deities and images

In Hinduism many deities, depicted in images and murti (statues), are worshipped. Many Hindus believe that all these deities represent different aspects of the one God, Brahman. The Baháʼí teachings state that in this day, when mankind is reaching the state of maturity, images are not needed anymore to form an idea of God.[7]

Ethical and moral teachings

There are many similarities in the ethical and moral teachings of Hinduism and the Baháʼí Faith. These include subject as contemplation, detachment, faith, love, non-violence, purity, respect for parents, righteousness, self-control, right speech, not stealing, truth, virtue, work as worship.[8]

Adaptation of Baháʼí teachings to Hindu context

Baháʼí House of Worship, New Delhi, India.

The speedy growth of the

Hindu context familiar to the people of the countryside - using principles and language familiar to them:[9][10]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Buck, Christopher (1986). A Unique Eschatological Interface: Baha'u'llah and Cross-Cultural Messianism, published in: In Iran: Studies in Babi and Baha'i History vol. 3, ed. Peter Smith, pp. 157-179. Kalimat Press, Los Angeles.
  2. ^ a b c Cole, Juan R. I. Baha'u'llah on Hinduism and Zoroastrianism: The Tablet to Mirza Abu'l-Faḍl Concerning the Questions of Manakji Limji Hataria.
  3. Keddie, Nikki (ed.). (2002). Iran and the Surrounding World: Interactions in Culture and Cultural Politics
    . pp. 22-23
  4. ^ Momen 1990, pp. ix
  5. ^ Momen 1990, pp. 1–5
  6. ^ Momen 1990, pp. 5–9
  7. ^ Momen 1990, pp. 11–12
  8. ^ Momen 1990, pp. 13–21
  9. ISBN 1-85168-184-1
    .
  10. ^ Garlington, William. The Baha'i Faith in India: A Developmental Stage Approach, Occasional Papers in Shaykhi, Babi and Baha'i Studies, No. 2 (June, 1997).
  11. ^ Garlington, William. The Baha'i Bhajans: An example of the Baha'i Use of Hindu Symbols, Occasional Papers in Shaykhi, Babi and Baha'i Studies, Vol. 2, No. 1 (January, 1998).

References

Further reading

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Baháʼí_Faith_and_Hinduism&oldid=1176591272"