Questions

I have an interesting question to pose to the resident Hindus on this board.

I am reading all I can (in english) about Hinduism, the Vedas, and general Hindu culture. I am very fascinated by the subject having been raised evangelical christian myself, and having rejected it very quickly once my rational mind started to develop.

I have always found polytheism more beautiful and more expressive of the world around us, and most importantly, of human nature. I was enthralled at an early age by the Greeks and the Romans (before christianity took over) and their culture of worship.

So my question is this... Is it possible to be an Atheist and yet still be part of Hinduism? I have read yes and no on the subject and would like some every-day people responses. I find the concepts of Dharma and Karma both beautiful and useful, and personally I don't see a need for believing in the supernatural for either of these truths to be truths.

As far as the hundreds (possible thousands?) of Godheads and deities in Hinduism, to the mind trained in observation these all seem to just be representatives of human nature and the natural aspects of the world we live in and on.

These eastern concepts to me seem far more sensical and valuable than the western ones I was raised with. I am hoping that I can participate in the culture and not abandon my rational mind.

What do you think? My thanks for your thoughts in advance!

Dreamr

Hey welcome to India forums!

To answer your question; "Is it possible to be an Atheist and yet still be part of Hinduism?"

First can I say I don't mean to offend anyone here by saying anything, I most of the things I will write here are of my belief.

I have always believed to be a Hindu there are no strict guidelines about what to do, what to believe in ect.. I think it is a very free religion. Of course, you can always believe in what you want (like the concepts of Dharma and Karma) without considering yourself part of the religion, or practicing it.

Hindus believe that there is a higher being, but we also believe that gods are around us in every form of nature, as you said. I think many Hindus also believe a lot in science, you don't always have to abandon your rational mind.

I think you should read up on Buddhism, they also believe in Karma and Dharma ( or similar concepts) but also without the need of a God.

Also, I think this would be an interesting question for the Debate Mansion on IF!