AllExperts > Hindus 
Search      
Hindus
Volunteer
Answers to thousands of questions
 Home · More Hindus Questions · Question Library  · Free Encyclopedia ·
More Hindus Answers
Question Library

Ask a question about Hindus
Volunteer
Experts of the Month
Expert Login

Awards

About Us
Tell friends
Link to Us
Disclaimer

 
 
 
About William Schindler, a.k.a. Brother William
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can answer questions about Vedanta philosophy, Patanjali Yoga philosophy and practice, Tantra, Bhagavad-Gita, Upanishads, Vivekachudamani (Shankara`s Crest-jewel of Spritual Discrimination), Advaita (non-dualism), the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda tradition, Goddess worship, meditation practice, Hindu monasticism (sannyasa), and Sanskrit.

Experience
I've been studying and practicing Vedanta and Tantra since 1969.

Organizations
I'm the founder and spiritual director of Ashram West, a gay spiritual community based on traditional Hindu Tantra. I have been a member of the Vedanta Society of Southern California since 1969.

Publications
I have three books in print: GAY TANTRA, ESSAYS ON GAY TANTRA, BLOOD OF THE GODDESS.

Education/Credentials
I hold a B.A. in Sanskrit (UC Berkeley 1975) and an M.A. in clinical psychology (Antioch University 1986).

   

You are here:  Experts > Cultures > Indian Culture > Hindus

Questions Answered By Expert  William Schindler, a.k.a. Brother William 
In Category  Hindus

SubjectDate Asked

A tattoo in hindu11/16/2009
  Q: I want to get a tattoo of the mantra " Nam Myoho Renge Kyo". I would like to get it in hindi. I was ...
  A: First of all, the mantra you quote is not in Hindi or Sanskrit. It is a Japanese mantra, perhaps ...
happy days10/28/2009
  Q: what you say about this? who has eyes let him see who has ears let him hear no more there should be ...
  A: Metaphysical mythology is useful to the extent it reveals something about the true nature of Self or ...
Bhaskara II and Fame10/22/2009
  Q: This is great. Are there any resources you could point me to that elaborate on this idea? Thank ...
  A: I came upon the issue of authors using pseudonyms while studying Medieval Hindi and Bengali songs. I ...
Bhaskara II and Fame10/20/2009
  Q: I am writing to you today because I found you in a guide to Hinduism, and it named you an expert in ...
  A: It is common for Hindu writers to de-emphasize their personalities. They frequently used pseudonyms ...
intrusive father10/17/2009
  Q: I am wondering if there is a specific mudra or breathing exercise or meditation you can tell me of ...
  A: Spiritual issues are best handled with spiritual means, such as meditation, mantras, prayer, and ...
Eternal Happiness9/30/2009
  Q: 1. What is not outside of your expertise? What question do you answers?
  A: To answer it I quote from my expert profile: “Expertise I can answer questions about Vedanta ...
Reading Grantha9/30/2009
  Q: Sir, I want meaning of Hindi Spritual word hans, sushma, used in hindu granthas Who's Granth i ...
  A: The word hamsa has several meanings. The literal meaning refers to a Himalayan goose that is said to ...
mantar ?9/29/2009
  Q: Do you know what the mantar does if any thing: Aum Hrim Shrim Krim Cha Munda (name of the person) ...
  A: Mantras, generally speaking, are tools for resting one's attention in God/dess. The mantra you ...
Accpetance of other religions9/19/2009
  Q: How does Hinduism feel about other religions?
  A: Sri Ramakrishna gave what is perhaps the simplest answer to your question when he said, ”As many ...
general question9/18/2009
  Q: Namaste ji I want to aske some general question about hindu kindly reply Q1 When a women have her ...
  A: Devotional practices such as puja, patha, and fasting, if done only to bring one closer to God and ...
Gita - Previous Birth9/17/2009
  Q: You quoted, in a reply to Rajesh, that "It is said in the Bhagavad-Gita that our actions and ...
  A: When we speak of the Vedas in a philosophical context we mean primarily the end portion of the Vedas ...
Gita - Previous Birth9/14/2009
  Q: You quoted, in a reply to Rajesh, that "It is said in the Bhagavad-Gita that our actions and ...
  A: The reference to the mechanism of rebirth occurs in the Bhagavad-Gita in chapter 8, verse 6 to the ...
parents and children9/13/2009
  Q: is there any relation/karma attached between parents and their children? or any purpose
  A: It is said in the Bhagavad-Gita that our actions and thoughts in a previous birth create the ...
about inter doubts9/13/2009
  Q: Sir this is my greatest problem of life kindly clarify this and suggest me. Sir I am devotee of ...
  A: Dreams of divine beings are very auspicious. You can regard them as actual visitations. Their ...
Bhasma dharan by women9/11/2009
  Q: I have some doubts about bhasmadharan vidhi for women. I have asked many people. Always I am getting ...
  A: The wearing of Bhasma or holy ash is a devotional practice meant to reinforce the remembrance of or ...
Temple wedding vs. Civil wedding9/9/2009
  Q: My Indian wife (Hindu) and I, American (Catholic) were married last July 2008 in a civil ceremony ...
  A: As you have discovered marrying a Hindu woman means marrying her family, too. Marriage customs are ...
beleif9/8/2009
  Q: I've read some of the upanashids and the vedas and I have a question. When reading about Vishnu, or ...
  A: Every religion consists of three elements, philosophy, mythology, and ritual, and Hinduism is no ...
Eternal Happiness9/5/2009
  Q: Can you tell me what is Eternal Happiness? Can you give me a diagram of how the process works?
  A: Happiness, as normally understood, is a mental state, and as such it can never be eternal. The mind ...
Heighest Goal9/3/2009
  Q: Sir, 1-Which is the heighst goal ,Self Realisation, Savrga, Moksha ,vakuntha or shivloka etc. What i ...
  A: I will answer them in the order you posed them. 1. The highest goal is Self-realization, also ...
Gay Sex and Vedanta8/27/2009
  Q: I am very drawn to both Vedanta and homosexuality, specifically as a male bottom. I feel a great ...
  A: There is a spiritual advantage to having a well-integrated gay identity regardless of one's ...
Kali7/18/2009
  Q: do you know of any imagery of Kali taking a dagger held clenched between her teeth and plunging it ...
  A: Two Mediterranean goddesses, Astarte and Innana, have star imagery associated with them, but I'm not ...
Kali7/18/2009
  Q: do you know of any imagery of Kali taking a dagger held clenched between her teeth and plunging it ...
  A: Kali and other Goddesses similar to her, e.g. Tara, can assume any form, but I have never seen or ...
Rudraksha7/13/2009
  Q: Sir, Is Sex is prohibited, when we have a Rudraksha on our body.
  A: What is permitted or prohibited in spiritual life depends on one's fitness (adhikari). For those ...
self7/12/2009
  Q: Sir, There is no reaching the self . If the self were to be reached ,It would mean that the self is ...
  A: Sri Ramakrishna used to tell the story of a mongoose that had a brick tied to its tail. Every time ...
self6/27/2009
  Q: Sir My First question is Body has a has a Soul, Or Soul has a Body. Last question is according to ...
  A: The English word “soul” is highly problematic when attempting to understand Hindu metaphysics and ...
smadhi6/14/2009
  Q: sir, What is smadhi, miracles and visions.As i want to know about these as i think i have undergoes ...
  A: The term “samadhi” is used in different philosophical schools somewhat differently. In Patanjali's ...
men6/12/2009
  Q: Why do I like men and women?
  A: Although it does not pertain specifically to Hinduism, it is a topic in which I have some expertise. ...
Thulasi plant6/8/2009
  Q: My mother, husband and I drink thulasi leaf water every morning. My mum would pluck thulasi leaves ...
  A: The tulasi plant is sacred to Vishnu. Anytime you utilize the leaves thinking of God will benefit ...
Plz read this.....6/6/2009
  Q: I'm a guy from New Delhi, India. Currently I'm preparing for the entrance exams of the Indian ...
  A: Both the words “science” and “Veda” derive from verbal roots that mean “know.” Both science and the ...
Gay Ashrams in Europe5/16/2009
  Q: Having just re-read Gay Tantra, I would like to join with others in practicing/applying/living the ...
  A: Although the only physical location of Ashram West is in Los Angeles, I have a number of students ...
Changing Islam to Hindu religion5/13/2009
  Q: If Hinduism allows a Muslim to change her religion to Hindu religion after marriage?
  A: Hinduism allows anyone who wishes to call themselves Hindu and engage to whatever degree desired in ...
Moksha5/1/2009
  Q: OM SANTI OM SANTI OM SANTI Sir, I want to know what we will do ...
  A: The substance of all things ultimately is Cit, Consciousness, and nothing else. Things appear ...
atmha4/30/2009
  Q: sir, there is main issue in gita that is atmha. god tells us many qualities of atmha jalta nahi kata ...
  A: The word "Atma" as it occurs in the Gita is used in different meanings in different contexts. The ...
Pralaya4/25/2009
  Q: In Hinduism specifically Vedanta all souls get absorbed into Brahman in Pralaya and then when new ...
  A: It is not accurate to speak of "souls" in Advaita-Vedanta, at least not in the sense in which this ...
hello4/25/2009
  Q: I am a gay man 35, of south asian origin from the UK. I am a professional artist and have been doing ...
  A: Please forgive the delay in my answering your question. Combining sexuality with spirituality is a ...
Theetu4/23/2009
  Q: Please note I am from a brahmin community. My husbands causin brother is passed away during March ...
  A: The prohibition from visiting temples for a time after a death in the family can best be ...
hinuism4/19/2009
  Q: what are the concept of dualism, non-dualism and pantheista monism in the hinduism
  A: It is easiest to understand these philosophies with an analogy. Imagine a cat and a rat. When they ...
Tantra4/16/2009
  Q: About a year ago,I started going to a person to learn Tantra, but didn't attend a session but 2 ...
  A: First of all, a legitimate teacher of traditional Tantra would never charge for spiritual ...
Questions2/22/2009
  Q: I have read many books on Hinduism. After reading about your experience I feel you can help me with ...
  A: First of all, reincarnation exists as a natural by-product of the law of karma, or cause and effect. ...
Mixed faith2/16/2009
  Q: ..I am a Hindu and my husband is a Christian. I am pregnant and very worried about the religion of ...
  A: The Sanatana Dharma, popularly known as Hinduism, encompasses virtually every type of religious ...
Images of Rama1/29/2009
  Q: As an avatar of Vishnu, Rama is often depicted with a blue body. However, I have seen many images of ...
  A: Rama may be depicted as blue or even green in color. In one text his color is compared to the ...
Brahman1/23/2009
  Q: Lets hypothesise that we remove all animate and inanimate objects from the "universe".ultimately ...
  A: There is no question of ”forcing“ or in any way compelling Brahman to do anything. Brahman is always ...
is it true?1/17/2009
  Q: http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=syBSPQvIqYs&feature=related ...
  A: If your question is, “Is it true that Hinduism originates from the Bible?” The clear answer is NO. ...
katha1/14/2009
  Q: i had read a dialogue between yamaraj nachiketa in the katha upanishad. i cant seem to remember it. ...
  A: The verse to which you refer in the Katha Upanishad is, perhaps, verse five. I quote from Swami ...
hi12/28/2008
  Q: Finally, like other scriptures, the Gita contains a combination of ”sugar and sand,“ can u pls ...
  A: Among scriptures of the world with which I'm familiar, the Bhagavad-Gita is probably the most full ...
Bhagavad-Gita12/25/2008
  Q: When I read the Bhgavad-Gita, what should I try to focus? How do I know if I understand everything ...
  A: Like other great scriptures of the world, the Bhagavad-Gita has to be studied and not merely read to ...
Magic in Hinduism?12/22/2008
  Q: Does anyone here know anything about magical practices and Hinduism, i've read a few things that say ...
  A: On the subject of magic in South Asia we can distinguish between what is commonly called magic in ...
hi!12/19/2008
  Q: is sitas age mentioned in holy valmiki ramayana? what is the age of bhagavad gita(by fact ie when ...
  A: You are correct that I am telling you that the teachings of the Gita, which are also found in older ...
self-realization12/19/2008
  Q: How do I get away from suffering? The ultimate goal of life is to seek-realization? How do I go ...
  A: Pain is one inevitable consequence of embodied existence, but suffering is what we add to pain that ...
hi!12/18/2008
  Q: is sitas age mentioned in holy valmiki ramayana? what is the age of bhagavad gita(by fact ie when ...
  A: We find Sita in the Ramayana at different ages in different parts of the story. I don't recall a ...
Atma12/2/2008
  Q: Is atma universal or based individually?
  A: The word “atma” in Sanskrit is used with different meanings in different contexts. The primary ...
Women in Hinuduism11/20/2008
  Q: I am doing a report on women in hinduism. For my essay I decided to look at if women have the same ...
  A: Hinduism, unlike Roman Catholicism, for example, has no centralized authority like the Pope to ...
inter-caste marriage11/19/2008
  Q: I am a brahmin by birth. Is that anything makes my family/ancestors live a hellish life if I marry a ...
  A: First, please review my response to your first question as to the original meaning and application ...
inter-caste marriage11/18/2008
  Q: I am a brahmin by birth. Is that anything makes my family/ancestors live a hellish life if I marry a ...
  A: Varna, or caste, as it was originally conceived and practice among Aryans, had nothing to do with ...
Mantra ending11/8/2008
  Q: On page 106 of book “Healing Mantras” by “Thomas Ashley Farrand”, it is mentioned “For general ...
  A: Mantras should always be learned from a qualified guru and not from books. Your guru will tell you ...
Mantra: Sri Durga Saptashati10/30/2008
  Q: I have been chanting one mantra from "Sri Durga Saptashati" for quite some time. The mantra as ...
  A: One may recite passages from scriptures such as the Chandi with devotion and derive benefit from ...
eternal happiness10/23/2008
  Q: To God all is equal. Therefore, we are not different in anyway. Hinduism also stress that their ...
  A: To God all is equal, but that does not mean we are not different. From our perspective there are ...
Self-Realization10/23/2008
  Q: Can anyone achieved self-realization or does it only apply to certain people? ANSWER: Dear Henry, ...
  A: Non-injury means not hurting anyone. Truthfulness means telling the truth unless to do so would ...
Self-Realization10/23/2008
  Q: Can anyone achieved self-realization or does it only apply to certain people? ANSWER: Dear Henry, ...
  A: Your first question is, Is Krishna one of the species. As the eternal God, Krishna is not, properly ...
Self-Realization10/23/2008
  Q: Can anyone achieved self-realization or does it only apply to certain people?
  A: Everyone will attain self-realization sooner or later, though relatively few actually do in any one ...
god10/16/2008
  Q: why many people saying everything is god's grace,but all have done by us only so why we are not ...
  A: Swami Vivekananda said that the old idea was a person who didn't believe in God was called an ...
Please guide on Mantra chanting10/15/2008
  Q: I have been chanting this Mantra for 2 years now Patnim Manoramam Dehi Manovritanusarineem, ...
  A: Mantras may be chanted for a specific desired worldly goal, such as finding a wife, or for purely ...
Death10/15/2008
  Q: How do you escape death completely?
  A: The Bhagavad-gita says, “Death is certain for the born; rebirth is certain for the dead. There is ...
git10/8/2008
  Q: my question is, my friend told me that the original bible is kept in ancient rome and she also told ...
  A: Although I am not an expert on the Christian Bible, I can tell you that it was compiled in its ...
Elephant Tattoo10/7/2008
  Q: I read a similar question answered here- I would like to get an elephant tattoo on my foot. ...
  A: What is most important in your question is your own feeling about the image of the elephant. If in ...
Period and attending temple or religious activity10/3/2008
  Q: Why is that Hindu women are not supposed/allowed to worship god or go to a temple or attend any ...
  A: It is customary when visiting temples and performing worship to observe ritual purity. In an ...
Ashvamedha9/23/2008
  Q: I encountered the horse sacrifice, ashvamedha, during my reading online. It seems adharmic to kill a ...
  A: Animal sacrifice was an integral part of Vedic religious practice. In the Vedic age Hindus ...
wanna know abt hinduism!9/14/2008
  Q: I am vani and I am Hindu! But I have never studied abt Hinduism in my lifetime. Now I really want to ...
  A: It is wonderful that you seek to learn about your religion in depth. Our Hindu tradition will take ...
Hitting Women in Upanishads?9/7/2008
  Q: I was reading the Briharadanyaka Upanishad when I came across the following disturbing words: "If a ...
  A: The Upanishads, which comprise the Vedanta, or culmination of the Vedas, are considered shruti. ...
the Darshanas9/7/2008
  Q: I'm a entry level Yoga student trying to complete an essay comparing the yoga philosophy with ...
  A: Yoga philosophy is actually the practical side of Sankhya philosophy, which is dualistic. In Sankhya ...
Hitting Women in Upanishads?9/4/2008
  Q: I was reading the Briharadanyaka Upanishad when I came across the following disturbing words: "If a ...
  A: I found the passage in the BRIDARANYA-UPANISHAD you reference, although in a somewhat different ...
Annapurna in Devanagari8/9/2008
  Q: My daughter is named Annapurna and I want her name written in Devanagari tatooed on my arm. Is this ...
  A: You have most of the name spelled correctly. However, you have left out the retroflex n in purna. It ...
Naarad - a kind of yurodivyj7/30/2008
  Q: Greetings, I'd like to get a crosscultural view on this question if I may. I have recently been ...
  A: Narada is considered an immortal, divine sage and a great devotee of God in the form of Vishnu, who ...
Hindu Dharma7/10/2008
  Q: I know vedas are the oldest text in the world but how old is hindu religion. When did people start ...
  A: You raise some interesting points. Let me see if I can clarify the history for you. The Rg-Veda ...
mahabharata7/9/2008
  Q: can you give me a detailed explanation or links for clarifying the fact whether Krishna, mahabharata ...
  A: Unlike Christianity, Islam, and Judaism whose validity as religions depends on the occurance of ...
EXPERIENCE5/19/2008
  Q: it is better to be an outspoken atheist than a hypocrite. i would like a detailed account of all or ...
  A: Generally diksha should be taken from a living Guru. In some cases people get diksha in a dream, and ...
EXPERIENCE5/18/2008
  Q: it is better to be an outspoken atheist than a hypocrite. i would like a detailed account of all or ...
  A: Belief does not play a big part in Hinduism. When Narendranath (later known as Swami Vivekananda) ...
EXPERIENCE5/17/2008
  Q: it is better to be an outspoken atheist than a hypocrite. i would like a detailed account of all or ...
  A: First of all, if you believe I might be a man of spiritual experience, it would be more appropriate ...
about attma5/12/2008
  Q: If attma is undestroyable and remembers all will my attma will remember all my parents friends etc ...
  A: Atma is indesctructable, but it is also transpersonal, that is, there is only one Atma (Self) behind ...
GENTIAL, I THINK4/29/2008
  Q: I AM INTO BREATH HOLDING PRACTISES. SOMETIMES, NOT ALWAYS, I FEEL AN ODD SENSATION IN MY GENITALS, ...
  A: As an adult you are free to do as you wish, as long as you harm no one in the process and you are ...
GENTIAL, I THINK4/28/2008
  Q: I AM INTO BREATH HOLDING PRACTISES. SOMETIMES, NOT ALWAYS, I FEEL AN ODD SENSATION IN MY GENITALS, ...
  A: What seems to be going on is exactly as you described it. You hold your breath, and you sometimes ...
alcohol4/25/2008
  Q: My parents brought me up to not drink alcohol, smoke cigerettes or take drugs and I have always ...
  A: The relationship of Hinduism to intoxicants dates back to the very roots of the religion, and they ...
ME3/30/2008
  Q: I WANT TO KNOW/FIND OUT IF I AM HEAD ORIENTED OR HEART ORIENTED. I AM WILLING TO PROVIDE ANY ...
  A: This issue is better explored through psychology than through Hinduism specifically. The ...
exercise/ritual to sleep less?3/23/2008
  Q: I believe that to have more prana in our body we can sleep less (and even eat less). In my case, I ...
  A: It is said that those who meditate deeply require both less food and less sleep. Meditation is an ...
Dualism3/19/2008
  Q: As I understand, Patanjali yoga is based on Samkhya philosophy and is essentially dualistic (Purusha ...
  A: You are quite correct that Patanjali Yoga is based on dualistic Sankhya philosophy. The object of ...
god3/16/2008
  Q: hindu scripture say to follow one god so why do hindu have so many gods
  A: The Rg-Veda says, "Truth is One. The wise call It by various names." Just as a person may be a ...
Translation2/11/2008
  Q: I'm wondering what "I AM" would be translated into in Sanskrit for a tattoo please. Thanks! <3 :)
  A: In Sanskrit one can say "I am." in two ways: 1. AHAMASMI or 2. ASMI. In the first case the personal ...
sanskrit tatto translation1/18/2008
  Q: i am trying to get the phrase "ashes to ashes" translated into sanskrit for a tattoo. i found this ...
  A: I believe the Sanskrit phrase BHASMA BHASMESHU will serve as an approximate translation of "ashes to ...
villifying swami vivekananda12/31/2007
  Q: i have come across some one villifying swami vivekananda. could u check out his blog and tell me if ...
  A: I checked the link you provided. It is easy to criticize but difficult to build something positive. ...
SEX12/10/2007
  Q: i dont plan on getting married or on having children. i prefer wandering and living freely with ...
  A: I am not an expert in Chinese religion or Ninja philosophy, so I cannot give you an authoritative ...
SEX12/8/2007
  Q: i dont plan on getting married or on having children. i prefer wandering and living freely with ...
  A: Deciding when and how to have sex the first time is an important decision. For many it happens ...
missing spirit11/14/2007
  Q: For most of my life I have been engaged in some kind of spiritual path. For the last twenty it has ...
  A: It is common to experience dry periods. If there is something you would rather do with your time ...
Q10/12/2007
  Q: Sir, I had a friend who was quite unhappy with the life. He always tried to search the God, Power ...
  A: You are asking a very personal question that we do not generally answer in my tradition. However, ...
Q10/12/2007
  Q: Sir, I had a friend who was quite unhappy with the life. He always tried to search the God, Power ...
  A: There is certainly a God, sometimes called also Atman or Self, and that can be realized in this very ...
Spirituality and Being Gay9/26/2007
  Q: Sex, especially gay sex is seen as a sin and a roadblock in the Spiritual path. What are your ...
  A: The Kali Yuga is an age of spiritual darkness where FEWER not more persons seek spirituality. ...
Spirituality and Being Gay9/25/2007
  Q: Sex, especially gay sex is seen as a sin and a roadblock in the Spiritual path. What are your ...
  A: Who told you that homosexuality is a sin? In the Vedantic traditions homosexuality is no different ...
Hinduism9/24/2007
  Q: Explain the desire for liberation from earthly existence.
  A: All of our personality traits, including the desire for liberation, are the effect of past actions ...
Performing Asanas & Pranayam related to Bath timing and their respective order9/19/2007
  Q: What should be the order of performing Bath, Asanas and Pranayam. I am doing daily as follows First ...
  A: The order in which you perform your devotions is correct. More important than the order is the ...
i have question on hidnu's myth8/26/2007
  Q: i want to know that when we go to temples and other that type of place then the pujari and some one ...
  A: The simple answer to your question is that different temples and sects have different notions of ...
devi mantra8/20/2007
  Q: Do you know where to find mantra for devi's that reside in our bodies, eyes, head, etc.. I have ...
  A: Although there are books that contain mantras for various deities, one should only obtain mantras ...
upanishads7/27/2007
  Q: Where the 'upanishads' writen by world-neglecting forest sages or by the brahmins (who did not leave ...
  A: I don't think we know who actually authored the Upanishads. The mythology tells us that the God ...
caste6/20/2007
  Q: I have a personal dilemma, which I truly hope you can help me with. My family including my parents ...
  A: You are quite right to question the adherence to folk beliefs, such as untouchability, that have no ...
Hindus liberation from earthly existence6/20/2007
  Q: Can you explain the desire in Sanatana Dharma for liberation from earthly existence?
  A: For those who believe that happiness and fulfillment can only come to us in life through sensory ...
hinduism5/23/2007
  Q: I once saw a documentary on i believe national geographic were they showed that there is a part in ...
  A: I believe what you saw was a documentary on the Hizra. They are what are properly called nowadays ...
Advice5/11/2007
  Q: From your extensive knowledge you have read both sides of coin regarding masturbation. What is your ...
  A: To judge if a thing is good or bad you have to consider the standard by which you are judging the ...
Massive revelations4/5/2007
  Q: Schindler, Do Hindus pretend to have had a massive revelation (or apparition) of it's more ...
  A: Although I would never pretend to have an exhaustive knowledge of what has been written in the many ...
Affliation3/30/2007
  Q: Is the group known as Ananda Marga considered Hindu?
  A: Although the Ananda Marga web site does not mention the word "Hindu" anywhere I could find to ...
is woman is like man3/27/2007
  Q: my question is if a robber come in my house can i send my sister to catch them if not how woman is ...
  A: I'm curious why you are asking this particular question. It seems there is a question or statement ...
my life !3/6/2007
  Q: i am a 20 year old girl who loves painting and at present learning computers to earn my daily bread ...
  A: Blessed are you for your dedication to God-realization. There is no higher calling in life. Living a ...
Life and Life after death12/14/2006
  Q: Namaste I am researching how the Hindu view of life after death motivates actions in this life. I ...
  A: The afterlife in Hinduism is a place to reap the effects of actions (karma) performed in life. The ...
soul12/13/2006
  Q: I have recently inquire about the nature of the soul and kundalini.I must apologize for I had ...
  A: I do not keep an archive of past questions and answers. If you did not request that your question be ...
soul12/11/2006
  Q: upon death, as the consciousness gravitate towards its new form,what happen to the soul?or ...
  A: Properly speaking there is no equivalent of the Christian concept of "soul" in Hinduism. There is no ...
Tantra practices12/10/2006
  Q: I understand that in the Hindu religion there is a pracice whereby a 3rd person is brought to the ...
  A: I am not aware of the practice you describe. Tantric sexual ritual traditionally involved eight ...
Guru-Shishya-Relationship: Death11/14/2006
  Q: I'm wondering if you can help me unterstanding one aspect of the Guru-Shisya-Relationship. What if ...
  A: Sat-Chit-Ananda, Existence-Consciousness-Bliss, is the only Guru. Human gurus are but windows upon ...
Time11/12/2006
  Q: How is time defined according to Vedanta? (Please explain the meaning of the statement "Time is the ...
  A: When we talk about Vedanta philosophy, there are three main schools we have to consider, dvaita, ...
what are they called10/23/2006
  Q: what are the holy books of hinduism called?
  A: There are many books considered sacred in Hinduism. The oldest are called VEDA, which means ...
gayatri yantra10/19/2006
  Q: I was wondering if you could possibly explain to me the symbols in the gayatri yantra... this image ...
  A: The Gayatri Yantra, like all yantras, is a visual representation of deity. It is to be meditated ...
Vedic wedding10/7/2006
  Q: I will be getting married next year under Vedic rites. I came across an article on the internet by ...
  A: I am not a pundit to give an authoritative opinion on Vedic ritual. I would guess that even pundits ...
Anandamaya Kosa10/5/2006
  Q: What is the content of causal body? Does it have a beggining/end? If yes when? Thanks for your ...
  A: The terminology "causal body" is somewhat misleading because at the causal level we are not talking ...
Anandamaya Kosa10/4/2006
  Q: Can we say the blissful sheath (Anandamaya Kosa) is the storehouse of all our karmas? If not where ...
  A: Karma is not something separate from our phenomenal being to be stored somewhere; it is our ...
karma10/1/2006
  Q: This concerns the nature of karma; if we have a evil person, in one way does that person's negative ...
  A: The simple answer is, yes, all of our actions must have consequences, and these will carry over into ...
free will and hinduism9/24/2006
  Q: I recently read the book "I am That" (interviews with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj). In the book he ...
  A: There is a word in Sanskrit for will, "iccha," but when we speak of the human will, we understand ...
Hinduism9/9/2006
  Q: I need help on where I can find some good references involing thisWhat are the cultural and societal ...
  A: THE SPIRITUAL HERITAGE OF INDIA, a book by Swami Prabhavananda, may be helpful. You may also wish to ...
Atheism and Hinduism9/4/2006
  Q: I thought I should direct this question to you since you know your Vedanta inside-out. :) I am an ...
  A: Six systems of Indian philosophy claim Veda as their ultimate source, and none agrees on the precise ...
fornication9/3/2006
  Q: According to your knowledge and beliefs what is your stance about fornication today? Do you still ...
  A: There are only two moral principles that are essential to follow to progress in spiritual life ...
Religion, Hinduism9/2/2006
  Q: I'm a 35 yrs old and an Architect by profession. Recently I've started my own Architectural Firm and ...
  A: The ashvattha is also known as the pipal or bodhi tree. It is sacred both in HInduism and Buddhism. ...
the universe8/10/2006
  Q: If the universe is eternally "recreated and redestroyed", will the actual events in each cycle be ...
  A: Your question regards Hindu metaphysical theories that are not entirely consistent and certainly ...
Moksha8/10/2006
  Q: When one experineces Moksha, is one free even from the infinite cycles of the universe (eternal ...
  A: In reality there is no individual self, if you mean by that term an eternal entity that is always ...
hindusm?8/7/2006
  Q: can u prove me the hindu's books (bagwath gita etc) as word of god as quraan has proved "And if ye ...
  A: The proof of the truth of any scripture is direct experience of God. If you have not had that, you ...
Eating Beef ?7/17/2006
  Q: I want to know where it has been written or mentioned or how had it been made into a law that eating ...
  A: Hindu dietary laws are not, properly speaking, a part of religion, and there is nothing in Vedanta ...
Hinduism and Judaism7/17/2006
  Q: can you please tell me the Hindu views of the origination of your religious texts and views of why ...
  A: We Hindus call our religion the Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Religion. We believe that there is one ...
Rape7/14/2006
  Q: Is a rape victim required to forgive a rapist in Hinduism? How much of a crime is rape seen in ...
  A: Forgiveness is never an obligation but a priviledge. Forgiveness benefits the one who forgives, when ...
The worst thing that can happen to me.7/11/2006
  Q: What would happen if I smash up every one of the 400 different statues of Vedas gods, can those gods ...
  A: Your message feels more like an attempt to offend rather than a serious inquiry. However, I choose ...
Vaastu ceremony during Chaturmasa7/7/2006
  Q: I have a question which has been bothering me for a few days w.r.t having a vaastu ceremony at home. ...
  A: It is true that deities are said to sleep during the Dakshinayana, the months in which the days grow ...
Hinduism7/7/2006
  Q: In actual practice (in India) do people actually worship the images created to represent 'god'? That ...
  A: Hindus do not worship images, per se. Rather we worship God whom we believe manifests through the ...
HIINDUISM6/27/2006
  Q: Can you explain the Hindu desire for liberation from earthly existence?
  A: Mukti or liberation means being free from all ignorance and bondage. What prevents our experience of ...
RE:What is6/8/2006
  Q: .! I have heard and read repeatedly that one must always "purify the mind.." ....or "calm down the ...
  A: The mind is not a thing with a physical location like a rock. Rather it is a function of ...
i need an interviewee pleasee....6/7/2006
  Q: Western International University Material Appendix A Final Project Overview and Timeline Final ...
  A: Although I don't as a rule do homework questions, I am willing to answer some questions as a ...
Yoga for Christians -- No Chanting6/1/2006
  Q: Is there a form of Yoga that is not connected to Hinduism. Does all Yoga involve chanting and ...
  A: The branch of yoga that involves stretching is Hatha Yoga. There are many schools of Hatha Yoga, ...
Passage to India--5/31/2006
  Q: I just finished Passage to India. I thought I understood what was going on until the last 3 ...
  A: Although I love the novel, the author was not Hindu, so any fictional accounts of rituals should be ...
Significance of religious places5/7/2006
  Q: Could you please let me know the difference between having a dip in river ganga and in some other ...
  A: The Ganga is a Goddess in the form of a river. Bathing in her waters removes all sins. However, her ...
"Dreaming God"4/13/2006
  Q: I read years ago that the Hindu religion attempts to explain the"If God is omnicient, and knows all ...
  A: The best answer Hinduism has to explain the universe is that God has become all this and plays as ...
Evil necessary for creation?4/6/2006
  Q: William, I would like to know what is the necessity of evil in creation. Thanks and best ...
  A: What one considers evil depends on one's desires. What grants your desires is good and what denies ...
Vishnu and Shiva3/26/2006
  Q: So if the essence of Vishnu and Shiva are indeed eternal, then the what is the meaning of the long ...
  A: When the scriptures speak of the life-span of deities, they refer to saguna-brahman, as discussed in ...
Vishnu and Shiva3/25/2006
  Q: 1.Many scriptures have it that Shiva and Vishnu are eternal beings. But a purana relates the life ...
  A: To properly understand the issues you raised, you must grasp the concept of saguna-brahman versus ...
Belief plzz3/24/2006
  Q: Are you a Christian or a Hindu, how do you study the scriptures of the Hindus. Do you believe the ...
  A: Although I am Hindu, and I study our Hindu scriptures in the original Sanskrit, I don't see how this ...
hinduism3/24/2006
  Q: in aarti & chalisa why do we praise god?
  A: Praising God through stotras and stavas, chants and hymns, is a way to experience the sweetness of ...
Bhagwad Gita3/18/2006
  Q: What is the main purpose of the Bhagvad Gita? What does it teach us?
  A: The Bhagavad-Gita is sometimes called the "Bible of Hinduism" in part because it touches on many ...
Life after death3/16/2006
  Q: How important is your belief in reincarnation and and moksha to you?
  A: Merriman, Thank you for your question. Belief in any doctrine is not terribly important in ...
symbolic depiction of peacock's feather on lord Krishna's crown/forehead.3/14/2006
  Q: i wanted to know, if u can tell me that why is Peacock's feathers only shown on lord krishna's ...
  A: Each Hindu deity or Incarnation of God has his or her own distinctive iconography, usually ...
Distraction3/8/2006
  Q: I hav been adhering spiritualism from my school life or more or less from my childhood, so after ...
  A: The Ramakrishna Order does have rather strict standards for admission. There are other religious ...
Distraction3/7/2006
  Q: I am a spiritual aspirant, my one and only interest and aim is to attain His Lotus Feet. I am now ...
  A: It is a great blessing to realize that attaining God is the goal of human life. If you are sincere, ...
Why is it so?2/24/2006
  Q: When we want to do a wrong thing we do it clearly and easily, it was spontaneously done by us ...
  A: Our character and tendencies are the result of samskaras, past impressions left from previous ...
Divine grace after death?2/15/2006
  Q: William, I would like to know the benefit of Lord's grace to a faithful and a true devotee after ...
  A: The simple fact is no one knows what happens after death. In the Katha Upanishad Nachiketa asked ...
marriage ritual1/23/2006
  Q: . I am doing a report in Language Arts and I am looking to find out why they sprinkled water on ...
  A: Sprinkling of water on the head or other parts of the body is done either to purify or to bless. In ...
Monotheism?1/22/2006
  Q: I have one spiritual friend. He calls me often to a place where they worship a person. Though I ...
  A: Sri Ramakrishna used to advise his disciples to avoid disturbing the faith of any person. He said, ...
War and God1/19/2006
  Q: William, Krishna told in the Gita that he will manifest whenever there exists a need for it; ...
  A: I assume you are referring to the fourth chapter of the Gita where Krishna says he incarnates ...
Basic Hindu Religion1/9/2006
  Q: Can you please explain to me the leadership/clergy of the Hindu religion?
  A: There is no clergy in Hinduism in the sense that such exists in Christianity. Anyone who has a ...
religious leaders1/9/2006
  Q: What would you call the religerous leaders of the following faiths? Hindu - Muslim - Buddhist and ...
  A: I can only answer the part of your question that pertains to Hinduism, as that is my area of ...
Is it possible1/9/2006
  Q: In Sri Ramakrishna's life there are so many incidents that had happened that he had seen ...
  A: Many mystics have seen God/dess in the past and even today. God is more real, more enduring than you ...
HI1/8/2006
  Q: I am studying hinduism, really deeply. I am very interested in the religion and at the same time ...
  A: The word "Hinduism" refers to a vast umbrella covering countless beliefs and practices. It is nearly ...
Why Merciest do so?1/5/2006
  Q: Once when I asked that why God gives troubles to some and give pleasures and joy to someother, you ...
  A: God makes the movie out of his own being, playing every role. He is the victim and the victimier, ...
Spirituality and magic1/2/2006
  Q: William, Magicians seem to entertain others for money and only money. I have read that magical ...
  A: The mental disciplines that can help one realize God can also, if misdirected, lead to the ...
Temple12/31/2005
  Q: ------------------------- Thank you very much for that information. One other thing is, I would ...
  A: It is perfectly all right to speak with the priest(s). You may ask whatever you want. Priests, ...
Temple12/31/2005
  Q: I have contacted the local Hindu Temple and I had a question before I went. Well basically, I don't ...
  A: It is good you wish to learn something of Hindu customs before visiting a temple. Wear clean, ...
Astrology and God12/21/2005
  Q: William, I came to know from a temple that they were conducting special poojas prior to the eclipse ...
  A: You are quite correct that God is not affected by anything in the phenomenal universe. There are ...
lamp illumination12/20/2005
  Q: Can you please tell me the deeper significance of lamp illumination (in temples or homes) and the ...
  A: There is no spiritual reason why one could not use electric lights to represent Consciousness as ...
lamp illumination12/19/2005
  Q: Can you please tell me the deeper significance of lamp illumination (in temples or homes) and the ...
  A: Physical light is best understood spiritually as a symbol of the Light of Consciousness (cit). Like ...
SCANDA's symbol12/19/2005
  Q: Namaste Dear Respected Pandit William Schindler. Greetings to You from dark and cool Lapland. Lord ...
  A: Skanda first appears in artistic representations of the Indus Valley civilization, about 11,000 B.C. ...
Homosexuality and Hinduism12/16/2005
  Q: I struggle to correlate spiritual advancement with gay sex. What reason can there be for justifying ...
  A: In my book GAY TANTRA I explain in great detail how a well-integrated gay identity is not only NOT a ...
Why this happens?12/15/2005
  Q: I believe as well as realised God, but my friend once asked this questions, Why God gives evil ...
  A: The problem of why God allows evil in the world is as old as philosophy itself. The Hindu response ...
meat12/14/2005
  Q: ------------------------- Hi again, I hope i'm not getting annoying with all my questions. You ...
  A: I can't answer this question accurately without surveying Hindus in America. From the ethnic Hindus ...
meat12/14/2005
  Q: You've answered some of my questions before. I was curious as to what meats or foods are forbidden ...
  A: There is no single standard for foods that apply to all Hindus. Different regions in South Asia tend ...
Attaining Lotus Feet!12/12/2005
  Q: Swami Vivekananda says that all the four yogas are equal. But for me I have enjoyed Bhakthi than any ...
  A: Sri Ramakrishna used to say that those born with an element of Vishnu tend to prefer the path of ...
Questions about Hindu12/10/2005
  Q: Can you tell me what the traditional Hindu's stance on witchcraft and homosexuality is? thank you.
  A: First of all Hinduism contains a vast array of practices and beliefs, so I can only answer your ...
peeple puja12/4/2005
  Q: Why the tree PEEPLE is worshiped.
  A: I assume by tree PEEPLE you mean the Pipal tree that in Sanskrit is known as the Ashvattha. The ...
Persuasion11/30/2005
  Q: I have ever seen a good girl like my sister, she is such a compassionate and lovable person1 to all, ...
  A: Spirituality is an intensely personal matter. Everyone comes to the spiritual quest in his or her ...
sanskrit question11/16/2005
  Q: I am assuming that sanskrit was most likely the language that siddhartha guatama used when he was ...
  A: Actually, the Buddha spoke Pali, a dialect that developed out of Sanskrit. In Sanskrit the word ...
believing in hinduism11/3/2005
  Q: since i was a kid i have tried to follow the lessons taught by hinduism. i have tried my best to ...
  A: Ramakrishna used to say that we should never limit God. It is good that you understand that ...
curses/ bad luck11/3/2005
  Q: What prayer or pujas do you recommend to do, and where can I get any books on this. I am not good ...
  A: Patel, Thank you for your follow-up question. Most Hindus learn puja from their families. If that ...
Doubt11/3/2005
  Q: How to build vairagya i.e will power in accomplishing the liberation? Yours brotherly, Sendhil ...
  A: Without exhausting legitimate desires, true vairagya does not grow in the heart. However, by keeping ...
Doubt11/1/2005
  Q: ------------------------- Dear brother, Many thanx for your reply. I have another doubt please ...
  A: There are two major approaches to advaita practice. One is the ascetic way expounded by ...
Doubt10/29/2005
  Q: I am doing M.com first year, I go to college by cycle (abt 4kms) but I have blood pressure so my ...
  A: The primary moral strictures are non-injury and truthfulness or honesty. Adhere to these according ...
influence on hinduism?10/12/2005
  Q: who is lord ram and how did he influence hindus? what things did he do that influenced hindus to ...
  A: Ram or Rama, as he is known in Sanskrit, is considered an Incarnation of God, specifically Vishnu. ...
Doubt10/2/2005
  Q: Why God created Maya as it weakens us from attaining soul or atma? pls describe this. As He is a ...
  A: This is more-or-less the same question I already answered. However, I'll give you a charming ...
Doubt10/1/2005
  Q: Attaining the stage of Atma is a difficult thing amid this world of Maya? Why God created Maya? As ...
  A: There is really no completely satisfying answer to why the world was created. In our Hindu ...
alcoholisms in hinduism9/26/2005
  Q: .! How are you? i want to ask what hindu religion says about drinking(alcoholism)? Do include verses ...
  A: There is no single opinion within Hinduism about drinking alcohol, however excessive drinking or ...
GOD9/21/2005
  Q: Does god exist?
  A: God/Self does, indeed, exist. God exists, God can be known directly in this very life, and to know ...
Hare Krishna9/19/2005
  Q: I was wondering how one converts to Hare Krishna. I converted to Buddhism a few years ago, and a ...
  A: I am not an expert in the specific rituals or traditions of the International Society for Krishna ...
origin of sivalingam9/1/2005
  Q: What is the reason & from where do the symbol of sivalingam arose,which is used to represent Lord ...
  A: The word "linga" in Sanskrit means "sign" or "mark." It also means "phallus" or "penis." The ...
Sexual orientation and self control8/27/2005
  Q: I knew a friend who committed suicide. He was gay, a student from India. He once discussed sexual ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear about your friend's suicide. Cultural prejudices against gay people have caused ...
ghandi8/24/2005
  Q: i have a question about ghandi.. in the movie we watched, he changed clothes several times an my ...
  A: However, your inquiry does not pertain to Hinduism, per se, but more to the realm of film criticism. ...
Shakti8/24/2005
  Q: I hope you are able to answer my question. I am interested in getting 'shakti' as a tatoo in ...
  A: I believe you have already decided what you want to do. I support you in your decision. Be aware ...
Shakti8/23/2005
  Q: I hope you are able to answer my question. I am interested in getting 'shakti' as a tatoo in ...
  A: Your understanding of Shakti is fine. Your concern about offending Hindus shows sensitivity and ...
astro8/11/2005
  Q: can u tell me wether i will get good job or not and is karma rule effective?
  A: Karma is the law of cause and effect. If you prepare yourself well for employment and do what is ...
How?8/4/2005
  Q: 1.Br.William you typed in ur previous mail to me that that Hinduism does not consider the events ...
  A: What I wrote before is that the historicity of events in the Puranas is not important to most ...
The Boar Avatar and the Great Deluge.8/3/2005
  Q: Varaha (Boar avatar), was taken by Vishnu to save the Earth from a Deluge. Is this related to the ...
  A: Hinduism does not consider the actual historicity of events described in the Puranas or other ...
Bhairab7/29/2005
  Q: I have rescently found the name of a mask that I have - Swet Bhairab. I've found references that ...
  A: The name Sveta Bhairava means "The White Bhairava." The spelling you found seems to indicate a ...
Doubt7/21/2005
  Q: I'm a spiritual aspirant. I have been trying to attach myself with atma and detach with body and ...
  A: It is often difficult to adhere to spiritual practices when the body is unwell. Even great yogis ...
Japam7/12/2005
  Q: What is the significance of Kamokarishth, Manyurkarishth Japam? In a book, i read the following ...
  A: It is better to learn mantras and their meanings from your guru than to try to learn them from ...
Seeings6/27/2005
  Q: I often here Christians, mainly Catholic Christians talk about appearences by Jesus to people on ...
  A: God has been seen in many forms by mystic saints of all religions. An excellent example is ...
hinduism6/27/2005
  Q: What are the cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which ...
  A: Your question is more about Indian history than about Hinduism, per se, and so it falls somewhat ...
Hindu philosophy6/26/2005
  Q: I was wondering if you could tell me if Hindus look for good inside themselves or by creating a ...
  A: Hindus seek God within and without. Some are called by their natures to serve society. Others are ...
Hinduism6/23/2005
  Q: Iam doing a paper for college on comparing religions. I have been trying to research Hindu and have ...
  A: To answer your questions in full is beyond the scope of this service. However, I can give you brief ...
Long lives6/22/2005
  Q: Its mentioned in the Mahabharata that some one lived upto 900 years, how were there people who lived ...
  A: Hindu scriptures are not meant to be taken as literal history, and whether or not anything mentioned ...
Doubt6/20/2005
  Q: I have a strong passion on adhering all the yogas such as Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bakthi Yoga and ...
  A: Physical problems require a physical solution. Spiritual problems require a spiritual solution. If ...
Why are we here suffering6/13/2005
  Q: William, Thanks for your reply, but my question is not answered....why are we here? due to my bad ...
  A: You are here because this place reflects your state of consciousness. In fact you are the infinite, ...
Why are we here suffering6/11/2005
  Q: How do I get rid of sufferings, why am I in this miserable place?
  A: As embodied beings we experience pain and pleasure according to our karma or past actions. This is ...
Eager to know about patanjali yoga6/11/2005
  Q: i am himanshu, i want to know about good authers books (if your edition than it is good)related to ...
  A: I assume you are asking for English translations of the texts you mentioned. I like Swami ...
Jesus in India?6/9/2005
  Q: 1. I heard of a theory that Jesus went to India in his 'lost years'(i.e ages 12 to 30 yrs.), what ...
  A: I have heard that Swami Abhedananda, while traveling in Tibet, found evidence that Jesus had visited ...
Vedanta, goddess worship etc etc etc6/7/2005
  Q: I have been on the Vedanta path for almost 3 years now. I have discovered that there is really ...
  A: Your point arises naturally from the reasoning process called vichara or jñana yoga. From the point ...
Doubt6/1/2005
  Q: What are the things we should not do at any cost? What are the things we should do frequently? ...
  A: The two primary moral precepts are truthfulness and non-injury. We should be truthful unless doing ...
Kali5/31/2005
  Q: I''ve been doing a lot of reading on Eastern philosophy lately (it's summertime!) and I just ...
  A: Greeson, Thank you for your question. Alan Watts's understanding of Kali was limited at best. A ...
Why we Hindus have too many Gods to pray?5/18/2005
  Q: Why can't we pray to one specific God? Why different God makes a different role? The example is like ...
  A: The many Gods and Goddesses in the Hindu religion are all aspects of the One Divine Being. Therefore ...
surrender (to law and God)5/5/2005
  Q: Ok Guru, I will reduce my question to couple of lines. Please find it below: 1. Will a good ...
  A: First of all, God has become the Universe and all beings in it, so no person is ever apart from God ...
mistake and surrender (to law and God)5/4/2005
  Q: William, Well, I got the answer for my question and reacted myself by giving the rating. Well in ...
  A: P., I'm sorry, but I asked you to include only one question in each future message, and you have ...
Ten Avatars of Vishnu4/13/2005
  Q: What were the times when the avatars of Vishnu came to earth (ie how many years ago). Like for ...
  A: Hinduism is not a historical religion in the sense that Christianity and the other middle-eastern ...
tolerance4/12/2005
  Q: Is Hinduism a tolerant religion?, Is there any verses or stories from the holy writings that teach ...
  A: Swami Vivekananda once said it is insulting to "tolerate" others. The ideal of Hinduism is ...
Vedanta4/7/2005
  Q: My question is broad and general: Is there a brief synopsis of the vedanta teachings of the ...
  A: Cosgrove, Thank you for your question. I recommend you read HOW TO KNOW GOD: THE YOGA APHORISMS ...
healing4/7/2005
  Q: My body hurts through no fault of mine. Whats the use all these Vedanta, Patanjali etc when my ...
  A: There is no physical body without pain. I assume you are exploring all the ways medical science can ...
state of mind.4/2/2005
  Q: What is the difference between - Jhanana, Enlightenment and Nirvana.
  A: Daer K, Thank you for your question. The terms you ask about sound like Buddhist terms, and I'm ...
DOUBT3/27/2005
  Q: In Sasthras it is mentioned to avoid Tamas and Rajas foods such as chilly, tamarind, salty, mustard ...
  A: Swami Vivekananda once remarked that Hinduism had become a "kitchen religion" due to an excessive ...
Doubt3/27/2005
  Q: I have heart problem, as a spiritual aspirant I should say only my body has heart problem, not often ...
  A: Fear is an emotional response that does not always respond to the voice of reason. Fear of injury, ...
Doubt3/20/2005
  Q: Many thanx for ur prompt and correct reply. Wht are the principles to be adhered to practice the ...
  A: Although a complete answer would far exceed what can be written in a short letter, I will give you a ...
sindhur3/19/2005
  Q: Why indian women wear sindhur over the face&what is its significance.
  A: Your question pertains to Hindu culture and custom more than to philosophy or religion. Customs are ...
Doubt3/19/2005
  Q: Hope you r fine with God's blessings. "If our life is depend upon the previous karmas we done then ...
  A: There are several ways to think about your question. First of all is the way you worded your ...
Indian custom3/17/2005
  Q: This is probably not your typical question but curiosity has got the best of me and I can not find ...
  A: I don't know what the flags you saw mean. If there was a picture, symbol, or writing on them, it ...
ganesha tattoo2/25/2005
  Q: Would it be considered offensive to Hindus to have a tattoo of Ganesh placed on my foot or ankle?
  A: The issue you raise concerns Hindu cultural attitudes rather than philosophy or even spiritual ...
Krishna2/12/2005
  Q: I mean there are a lot of parallels in their lifes. But the philosophies of Jesus (Christianity) and ...
  A: We should expect that Incarnations of God who come at different times and in different cultures ...
Krishna2/12/2005
  Q: Did krishna's mother get a viion of an angel bringing the baby into her womb (like Jesus's mother ...
  A: Angels as messengers of God are more known in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions. When God ...
Miracles of Krishna2/9/2005
  Q: Did Krishna perform any miracles like Jesus did? Is there any mention about Jesus in the Vedas or ...
  A: Krishna performed many miracles starting in infancy. His adoptive mother, Yashoda, once went to ...
Where Can I Find Hindu Communes in CA?2/5/2005
  Q: I'm Nat- I am a Philosophy student who grew up Catholic. However, these past few years - I've been ...
  A: The Hindu religion has many different forms, even more so than Christianity with its Protestant ...
Doubt2/1/2005
  Q: I want to fix my self-conscious state always in soul's state. How can I achieve it? Thank you, ...
  A: Properly speaking there is nothing to fix in the soul, or Atman, which is ever pure, perfect, ...
The nature of Sin1/20/2005
  Q: I am currently working on a personal project about the nature of Sin. I am the artist and co-author ...
  A: Mogil, Thank you for your inquiry. For most Hindus the concept of sin is contained in the doctrine ...
Doubt1/18/2005
  Q: ------------------------- Dear Sir, Your promptness on replying the quesions really shows your ...
  A: When Swamiji mentioned awakening the soul, he was using metaphorical language that should not be ...
Doubt1/12/2005
  Q: ------------------------- Dear Brother, Thank you so much for your reply. Really I made use ...
  A: Kumar, I'm gratified to know you found the answer to your last question useful. What specifically ...
your faith12/31/2004
  Q: iam a muslim and i want to queation you that on what basis do you believe in hinduism still, when ...
  A: Your question is as follows: On what basis do I believe in Hinduism? Belief is not important in my ...
Doubt12/30/2004
  Q: What is the meaning of the Phrase " SACHIDHANANDHA" AND WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORD "VIVEKA" ...
  A: SAT is existence, being; CHIT is Consciousness; ANANDA is bliss. Saccidananda is a name for Brahman ...
Doubt12/30/2004
  Q: What is the meaning of the Phrase " Om thath sath" Urs brotherly, Sendhil
  A: Kumar, Thank you for your question. OM is the Word in the Upanishads that denotes Brahman, the ...
Doubt12/21/2004
  Q: How can we eliminate the bad thoughts from our mind? How can we realise our soul?
  A: I don't know what you mean specifically by "bad thoughts." If you are talking about ordinary ...
personal Guardian Angels or forces and spirit guides12/20/2004
  Q: Are there any guardian Angels and spirit guides in Hinduism.If so,What are they called?
  A: Although there is in Hinduism no exact equivalent of Judeo-Christian-Islamic angels, there are many ...
Will a Muslim go to Hell after his death?12/14/2004
  Q: Good Morning Dearest Brother William Schindler!! I have asked you this question before, but somehow ...
  A: From a Hindu perspective you have nothing to fear if you are sincere, pious, honest, loving, kind, ...
warfare in hinduism12/11/2004
  Q: Please explain why Krishna encourages Arjuna to fight in the upnishads and the bhagvat gita? I am a ...
  A: I'm not aware of any mention of Krishna and Arjuna in the principle Upanishads, however the ...
general11/28/2004
  Q: does hindu religion is scientific? If yea then please explen with lots of examples.
  A: As you may be aware the term "Hindu religion" covers a vast array of practices and beliefs, so it is ...
Advaita11/24/2004
  Q: I was wondering are there different schools of thought when it comes to karma? Do Buddhists believe ...
  A: I am not an expert in Buddhism, so I suggest you direct you questions about Buddhism to an expert in ...
Heaven and Hell11/19/2004
  Q: Do Hindus believe in Heaven (Paradise) and Hell? According to Hinduism, can a Muslim man enter ...
  A: Heaven(s) and hell(s) in Hinduism are temporary states, and no one is spiritually lost forever. ...
Advaita11/10/2004
  Q: What is the Advaita System and what sets it apart? And also what is Kharma?
  A: The word a-dvaita means "non-dual." Although there are different schools of advaita, all share the ...
caste system and meditaion10/29/2004
  Q: My name is Josh and I am a student at John Carroll High School, in world history class we are ...
  A: The caste system was outlawed in India in 1948. Some ethnic Hindus still consider caste when ...
Questions about Hinduisum10/29/2004
  Q: My name is Cailey, and I attend John Carroll High School. In World History we are studying HInduisum ...
  A: There are strict Hindus and less strict Hindus just as there are strict Christians and those more ...
Questions about Hinduism10/29/2004
  Q: Iam a a 9th grade student at John Carroll and we are studying Hinduism in History class.I have two ...
  A: Hindus celebrate many holidays, both national and religious. Perhaps you could be more specific? ...
Questions about Hinduism10/29/2004
  Q: my mane is Lauren. I am currently a freshman at John Carroll, and we are studying Hinduism. I have ...
  A: The caste system was outlawed in India in 1948 when India became an independent country. Although ...
Hinduism question10/29/2004
  Q: my name is Patrick Reynolds and I am a student in 9th grade.I have two questions that if you could I ...
  A: I do not have children. In the Hindu tradition children are generally allowed to adopt their own ...
Two Questions10/29/2004
  Q: I have two questions I would like to ask for my world history class. Thanks for your help. :) 1. ...
  A: Few of my friends are Hindu, and I respect them and all beings as manifestations of the Divine. The ...
bindis10/5/2004
  Q: I am looking for a definitive answer as to the religious significance of the bindi. I know that ...
  A: Although I cannot promise a definitive answer on the bindi mark, I can tell you what I know. As it ...
love and god9/12/2004
  Q: is god all love? what is the esence of god? is there a purpose for the existance of this reality? ...
  A: God is everything, including love. True love reflects the Oneness that is our ultimate nature. The ...
I want to be myself9/8/2004
  Q: My name is Darryl Goudreau and I live in Sudbury ,Ontario,Canada. I would like to know how to find ...
  A: Self-knowledge is, indeed, the ultimate knowledge. Most Western psychologies and philosophies assume ...

All Questions in This Category

Email this page
     
User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy | Help
Copyright  © 2006 About, Inc. AllExperts, AllExperts.com, and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc. All rights reserved.