HINDUISM AND CHRISTIANITY
HOLY PATHS TO GOD
CHRISTIANS AND HINDUS BELOVED BY MARY
Christians regularly make pilgrimages to the sacred sites of Hinduism, and Hindus make pilgrimages to the holy shrines of Christianity.
It is well known that the Blessed Virgin Mary specially favored Hindus with appearances at Vailankanni in India: known to this day as the Lourdes of the East. [1]
Christians honored this favor of Our Lady to Hindus with a Roman Catholic Latin rite Basilica devoted to Our Lady of Good Health at this holy site. [2]
As uncounted Christians visit this holy shrine, so uncounted Hindus make pilgrimage to the Lourdes of the West, where Our Lady appeared to Bernadette, a little shepherd girl. [3 & 4]
HINDUS WORSHIPPED AT THE TOMB OF MARY
Since ancient times, Hindus worshipped at the resting place where Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was laid to rest.
Muslims paid homage on Thursdays by lighting earthen lamps filled with oil.
Many appearance by Mary to those who honored her and protected her tomb have been reported.
Unexplained lights have been seen in the vicinity of the grave at night, [5] and a ball of light surrounding apparitions of Our Lady have been experienced.
HINDUS AND CHRISTIANS WORSHIP THE TRINITY
The Triune God is known in Hinduism as Trimurti, and in Christianity as Trinity.
The Hindu Trinity (Trimurti) is represented as Brahma the Creator and cosmic Mind, Vishnu the Protector, and Shiva the destroyer and cosmic Lord.
The Christian Trinity is known as God the Creator, Jesus the Son and Lord, and the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit.
The Trimurti [Trinity] represents the Divine in the divinic threefold nature and function.
Puja [worship] in Hindu shrines and holy hours of prayer often begins with prayer in song to the Triune God.
Yoga classes often begin with prayerful song in honor of the Blessed Trinity.
Yoga classes often begin with prayerful song in honor of the Blessed Trinity.
Prayer in Christian prayer rites begins with the prayerful sign to the Triune God, and the invocation "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Hindus and Christians understand God as Transcendence, Being, Thatness, Holy Spirit, Immanence, the Word, Holy Spirit. [6]
Brahma the Creator has made all that is. "Know you that action comes from BRAHMAJI [the Creator] and Brahmaji comes from the Imperishable." [Bhagavad Gita, Krishna, Chapter 3, vv 14-15, Swami Chinmayananda commentary] [7]
God the Creator has made all that is. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." [Old Testament, Genesis Chapter 1, verse 1] [8]
The medieval Indian scholar Medhātithi suggested that the holy Name Vishnu has etymological roots in viś, meaning to pervade, thereby connotating that Vishnu is "One Who is everything and inside everything." [9]
Jesus Christ tells us that He will ask the Father [the Creator God] to give another advocate to help us and be with us forever - the Spirit of Truth.
"But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you." [The Bible, New Testament, the Gospel of St John, Chapter 14, vv 16-17]. [10]
In Hinduism, Holy Vishnu is known as the Protector. [7]
In Christianity, the Holy Spirit of God is known as Protector, "The Lord will protect you from all evil," [Psalm 121:7] [11]
Jesus Christ explained that the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Advocate, would be sent: "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you all things." [The Bible, New Testament, Gospel of John, Chapter 14, verse 26] [12]
Synonyms for advocate are guardian, protector, counselor, defender.
In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is the destroyer, the cosmic Lord.
Jesus Christ is the destroyer of the power of satan, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." [The Bible, New Testament, Colossians Chapter 2, verse 15] [13]
Jesus is the destroyer of dominions, authority, power and death. "Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His Feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death." [The Bible, New Testament, 1 Corinthians Chapter 15, vv 24-26] [14]
Jesus is the cosmic Lord, "For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord." [The Bible, New Testament, Luke Chapter 2, verse 11] [15]
DUTIES
Hinduism prescribes the eternal duties such as honesty, refraining from injuring living beings, patience, forbearance, self-restraint and compassion. [16]
Christianity and Judaism prescribe the same duties in the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God in Exodus 20. [17]
Jesus Christ also prescribes the same eternal duties throughout His Life, and within His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. [18]
PRACTICES
Hindu practices include puja [worship] and recitations, japa [meditative repetition of a mantra or divine name], meditation, family-oriented rites of passage [sacred or sanctifying ceremonies], annual festivals, and pilgrimages.
[19]
Christian practices include worship, recitations of prayers, meditative repetition of a mantra such as the 'Hail Mary', 'Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner' or repetition of divine name such as 'God,' or 'Jesus.
Meditation is important to Christianity. Family-oriented rites of passage [sacraments] are included in the practices, as are annual festivals called feasts, such as the Feast of the Annunciation, the Feast of the Nativity [or Christmas]. Pilgrimages are an essential part of Christian practice.
ROSARY
Hindus pray using prayer beads called japamala or mala.
Japamala is usually made of 108 beads, and is used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or names of God. [20]
Many Christians, especially Catholics, pray using prayer beads called the rosary. [21]
The Dominican rosary is made of 60 beads, and is also used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra such as the 'Hail Mary' and meditating on events in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. [22]
PRAYER HOURS
Hinduism understands the vital importance of prayer. [23]
Gurus lead prayer hours and prayer times in temples, shrines and where the sick and sorrowful are gathered.
Christianity emphasise the necessity of prayer.
Jesus Christ taught His disciples how to pray the 'Our Father'. [24]
Priests lead prayer hours called holy hours and benediction services in honor of the Blessed Trinity.
These prayer services are conducted in shrines, chapels, churches and basilicas.
These prayer services are conducted in shrines, chapels, churches and basilicas.
TEMPLES, CHURCHES AND SHRINES
Hindu worshippers regularly attend temple services, pray, and request spiritual guidance from a holy guru.
Christian worshippers regularly attend church or chapel for worship services, pray, and request spiritual guidance from a holy priest.
Shrines are attended for pilgrimages by both Hindu and Christian.
BELLS
At entrance to prayer in the holy Hindu Temple or Shrine, the worshipper rings a bell before the Holy Presence of God.
Christians ring bells to call worshippers to service.
Bells are rung during the sacred mass to direct the attention of all present to the consecration of Jesus on the altar. [25]
WATER
Christians are purified by baptism with water, as Jesus was baptised as model to lead us to repentance of sin in the River Jordan. [26]
Hindus are purified of sin by dip in the holy water of the sacred river Godavari.
Trimbakeshwar, located at the source of the Godavari River, is an ancient Hindu Temple in the town of Trimbak, Maharashtra. Trimbakeshwar is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the Twelve Jyotirlinga.
A Jyotirlinga is a devotional representation of the Supreme God Shiva.
The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga Trimbakeshwar is that it has three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh [Shiva]. [27]
Thus the Temple honors the Triune God.
HEAVEN
Hindu worshippers believe the cycle of birth and death is broken only by self-realization by the Jivatma. This self-realization is Moksha.
Moksha stands for liberation from the cycle of birth and death and final communion with Brahman.
With Moksha, a liberated soul attains the stature and oneness with Brahman or Paramatma.
In the Vaishnava traditions the highest heaven is Vaikuntha.
This is where eternally liberated souls who have attained Moksha reside in eternal sublime beauty with Lakshmi and Narayana [a manifestation of Vishnu]. [28]
Lakshmi is the holy wife of Vishnu. [29]
Christian worshippers believe the cycle of birth and death is broken by purification of soul which leads to final communication with God.
With salvation from sin won by Jesus Christ, the liberated soul may pass into heaven to live with God the King of all the earth, [30] Jesus Christ the Savior and Our Lady [Mary of Nazareth and Queen of Heaven] forever. [31]
PURGATORY
Hindu worshippers believe the cycle of birth and death is renewed until the soul achieves the self-realization of Moksha.
Christian worshippers of the Catholic tradition believe the soul who has not yet achieved full self-realization of purification of sin, acceptance of salvation and attainment of full personal holiness does not immediately go to heaven but to a holding place of purification named purgatory.
The soul undergoes further purification under the benevolence of God, until full soul purification and personal holiness is reached.
Thereafter full sanctification has been attained, and the soul attains eternal heaven with the Triune God, all the angels and saints.
HELL
Hindu worshippers believe in the existence of hell, which is named Naraka, where sinners suffer after death. [32]
Christian worshippers believe in the existence of hell, also called Hades, where sinners who do not repent and make choice for God go.
Jesus Christ affirms there is a hell. "And anyone who says, 'You fool', will be in danger of the fire of hell.' [33]
EVIL
In Hindu mythology, malevolent Asuras are a class of power-seeking beings related to the more benevolent Devas [also known as Suras].
Asuras battle constantly with the Devas, and are considered 'enemy of the gods' .
The sky world becomes that of the Devas, the underworld becomes that of the Asuras.
Indra is the protaganist of the good and the Devas, while dragon Vrtra who is also one of the Asuras is the protagonist of evil.
During this battle between good and evil, creation and destruction, some powerful Asuras side with the good and are called Devas, other powerful Asuras side with the evil and thereafter called Asuras.
Asuras battle constantly with the Devas, and are considered 'enemy of the gods' .
The sky world becomes that of the Devas, the underworld becomes that of the Asuras.
Indra is the protaganist of the good and the Devas, while dragon Vrtra who is also one of the Asuras is the protagonist of evil.
During this battle between good and evil, creation and destruction, some powerful Asuras side with the good and are called Devas, other powerful Asuras side with the evil and thereafter called Asuras.
Alain Daniléou states that Asuras were initially good, virtuous and powerful in Indian mythology.
However, their nature gradually changed and they came to represent evil, vice and abuse of power.
In Shiva Purana, they evolved into anti-gods and had to be destroyed because they threatened the gods.
In later verses of the Samhita layer of Vedic texts, Monier Williams states the Asuras are "evil spirits, demons and opponents of the gods". [34]
Christianity explains that the devil, known by many names such as satan, lucifer, baphomet, leviathan or beelzebub, belonged to the angelic hosts.
Satan and the demonic hosts were once angels in heaven, virtuous and good in character.
Over time, their nature changed and they became evil with all the vices associated with malice and anti-God traits.
Christianity explains that the devil, known by many names such as satan, lucifer, baphomet, leviathan or beelzebub, belonged to the angelic hosts.
Satan and the demonic hosts were once angels in heaven, virtuous and good in character.
Over time, their nature changed and they became evil with all the vices associated with malice and anti-God traits.
Satan [or lucifer] is known as the dragon in Christianity. This being rebelled against God. A third of all the heavenly angels joined lucifer in rebellion, and war broke out in heaven.
"Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven." [35]
Satan and his angels were evicted from heaven.
"Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven." [35]
Satan and his angels were evicted from heaven.
Jesus the Son of God saw this happening, and attested to it: "I saw satan fall like lightning from heaven." [36]
Satan fights against the Power of God on earth, but will eventually be imprisoned for all eternity. [37]
The rebellious angels became known as devils or demons, and constantly battle the virtuous and good angels.
Heaven or the sky world has become known as the area of the angels, while the underworld or hell has become the haunt of the demonic forces.
Saint Michael the Archangel is the protagonist and leader of the heavenly angels, and he is in constant battle with the demonic satan, who is the protagonist of evil. [38 & 39]
There is constant battle between good and evil, which will conclude in the triumph of God's forces over evil, and the banishment of satan and the demons to eternal jail of hell.
The rebellious angels became known as devils or demons, and constantly battle the virtuous and good angels.
Heaven or the sky world has become known as the area of the angels, while the underworld or hell has become the haunt of the demonic forces.
Saint Michael the Archangel is the protagonist and leader of the heavenly angels, and he is in constant battle with the demonic satan, who is the protagonist of evil. [38 & 39]
There is constant battle between good and evil, which will conclude in the triumph of God's forces over evil, and the banishment of satan and the demons to eternal jail of hell.
FIRE
Fire [or Agni in Sanskrit] connotes God in Hinduism, and is the medium which conveys offerings to the Divinity in a homa [votive rituall]. [40]
Fire in Christianity connotes the Holy Spirit of God in Christianity: holy tongues of divine Fire came upon Mary of Nazareth and the disciples at Pentecost. [41]
Jesus declares Himself 'the Light of the World' [42].
God is a consuming Fire. [43]
FLOWERS
Flowers are important in Hinduism: the main prayer rites are called 'puja' which means 'the flower act'.
One of the most important flowers for Hindus is the lotus.
Lotus is revered as an example of divine beauty and purity: holy Vishnu is often described as the 'Lotus-eyed One'.
The lotus is of deep significance, a symbol of divinity, purity, eternity and beauty associated with Lord Brahma.
Lotus is rooted in mud but stays afloat upon the water without the bloom becoming muddy.
In Hinduism this denotes how one should live in the world without becoming attached to negative surroundings.
Rose, jasmine, hibiscus and red genda [marigold] are also sacred in Hinduism.
Flowers are important in Christianity. The lotus is emergent on the water, while the water-lily floats on the water.
Lilies, roses, almond-blossoms, crocus are associated with the Lord God and Jesus Christ. [44]
There are 97 verses in the Bible about the water lily. [45]
The prophet Hosea speaks God's inspired Word: "I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon..." [Hosea 14:5]
Jesus Christ speaks of the lilies, "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these." [Luke 12:27]
The madonna lily symbolizes purity, and is associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The St Joseph lily denotes purity, virtue, innocence, hope and life, and is associated with St Joseph the foster-father of Jesus Christ.
The rose flower is used in Italy throughout the month of May, and has been emblematic of Mary since early times.
When St Dominic instituted the devotion of the rosary, he recognized the symbolism of the rose flower and indicated the separate prayers as tiny roses. [46]
The petals of the white rose flower symbolize Christ's purity, and that of the red rose refers to His sacrificial Blood shed during His crucifixion as He died to save humanity from sin.
SACRED BUILDINGS
Hinduism has sacred buildings for the worship of God.
A Hindu temple is known as Mandir. Temples are communal places of worship dedicated to the Divine.
Christianity has sacred buildings for the worship of God.
The Christian churches are known as shrines, chapels, churches or basilicas: depending on the size of the congregation.
They are communal places of worship and are dedicated to God.
HOME SHRINES
The majority of Hindu homes have a shrine where offerings are made and prayer takes place.
A shrine can be a room, a small altar or pictures or statue of the Deity.
Many Christian homes have a shrine where prayer takes place.
A shrine can be a room, a small altar, pictures, a crucifix or statue of Jesus, Our Lady, angels or saints.
WAYSIDE SHRINES
Hindu shrines in the country, along roads, in cities and towns and outside shops offer opportunity for the devotee to worship during the working day.
Wayside Christian shrines in the country, along roads, in cities and towns and in shopping areas offer opportunity for worship during the working day.
SACRED TEXTS
Hinduism has holy sacred texts for the devotee who wishes to attain holiness.
The Vedas, or 'Books of Knowledge' are the foremost sacred texts in Hinduism.
These books, written from around 1200 BCE to 100 CE begin with the four vedas, or mantras: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharwa Veda.
Over time these came to include Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads.
The Bhagavad Gita "The Song of God" is a 700-verse Hindu Scripture in Sanskrit.
Christianity has the sacred texts of the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The sacred Torah of Judaism forms the Old Testament of the Christian Bible.
The books of the Old Testament begin with the Book of Genesis, and end with the Book of the Prophet Malachi. [47]
The books of the New Testament begin with the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
These describe the birth, life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and His Mission as the Son of God called to become Savior of the world.
The book of Acts describes Pentecst and the coming of the Holy Spirit of God to the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus.
Thereafter follow the letters of St Paul, St Peter, St James, St Jude, St John and the Book of Revelation. [48]
TREES
Trees are considered sacred in Hindu culture.
The Banyan tree symbolized Trimurti [Trinity] - Lord Vishnu the bark, Lord Brahma the roots and Lord Shiva the branches.
The Banyan tree is mentioned in many scriptures as the tree of immortality. [49]
The tree is pivotal in Christianity.
The Bible begins with a tree, and ends with a tree.
The history of Christianity is intimately linked to the existence of a tree.
The tree of life stood in the midst of the Garden of Eden, with the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. [50]
Man and woman ate without permission from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and were banished from the Garden before they could eat from the tree of life which would ensure immortality. [51]
They had fallen into a state of sin. This sin could only be remedied by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Who died crucified on a tree to reverse the effects of the original fall from grace of humanity. [52]
At the end of the New Testament Jesus Christ calls humanity to come forward and at last take from the tree of life, which will ensure immortality. [53]
SAME ULTIMATE REALITY
Gods and goddesses in Hinduism are often viewed as aspects of the same Ultimate Reality called Brahman.
Thus Brahma or Brahman - the Creator and thus Trimurti or Trinity - has many aspects.
Deities in Hinduism are referred to as Deva [masculine] and Devi [feminine].
The root of these terms means 'heavenly, divine, anything of excellence'.
According to Douglas Harper, the etymological roots of Deva means 'a shining one' from Div- "to shine," and it is a cognate with Greek dios 'divine' and Latin deus [Old Latin 'deivos']. [54]
Lord Brahma the Creator, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are referred to as male.
The word 'lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, meaning 'aim' or 'goal'.
In the Hindu faith the goddess Lakshmi refers to the goddess of wealth and prosperity of all forms, both spiritual as well as material.
In Christianity various aspects of God are denoted in masculine and feminine terms.
God is named Father in the Bible. [55]
He is compared in feminine aspect to a mother bear defending her cubs [56] and a mother eagle spreading her wings over her young. [57]
WIND
In Hinduism, wind symbolizes soul, divinity, breath, strength, storms and tempests, messenger, swiftness, auspiciousness, perfume, speed, cleansing and transformative power.
God of wind carries good tidings and divine blessing to worshippers.
As the God of purity and strength, He carries away all the impurities and evil presences and keeps the world and beings free from them.
The Upanishad declares that since He is impervious to evil, He destroyed demons. [58]
In Christianity, Holy Spirit of God came from heaven like a violent rushing wind to bring divine blessing and gifts to worshippers - Mary and the disciples. [59]
God's Breath has the power from the four winds to bring the dead to life again. [60]
Jesus Christ explains that the Wind of God blows where it wishes and we hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from, or where it is going.
So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. [61]
JESUS CHRIST AND KRISHNA
Holy Lord Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism.
Lord Krishna is worshipped as the eighth avatar of the God Vishnu [within the Hindu Trinity] and also by some as Supreme God in His own right. Lord Krishna is the God of love, tenderness and compassion. [62]
An avatar means 'descent' and refers to the material appearance or incarnation of a deity on earth. [63]
Holy Lord Jesus Christ is worshipped as the avatar [Incarnation] of the second Person of God [within the Christian Trinity] and also by some as Supreme God in His own Trinitarian right. [64]
SANCTITY OF ANIMALS
Lord Krishna treasured cows. [65]
Lord Jesus was born in a stable where the first witnesses to His Birth were reputed to be the ox and donkey.
STATUES
Some Hindus leave their social world and material possessions, then engage in lifelong Sannyasa [monastic practices] to achieve Moksha. A male individual is known as a Sannyasi. [68 & 69]
Some Christians leave their social world and material possessions, then engage in lifelong monastic practices as monks in order to achieve holiness. [70]
NUNS
In Hinduism, a female individual who engages in lifelong Sannyasa [monastic practices] in order to achieve Moksha is known as a Sannyasini.
Sannyasini are Hindu nuns. [71]
Sannyasa is a form of asceticism, marked by a renunciation of material desires and prejudices, represented by a state of disinterest and detachment from material life, and has the purpose of spending one's life in peaceful, love-inspired spiritual life.
Sannyasa has historically been a stage of renunciation, ahimsa [non-violence], peaceful and simple life and spiritual pursuit.
In Christianity, a female individual who engages in lifelong religious practices in order to attain holiness is known as a nun or religious sister.
Nuns and sisters live a life of renunciation by the three paths of voluntary simplicity known as poverty, renunciation of marriage known as chastity, and listening for the inspiration of God in their life known as obedience.
Their life is marked by striving to live according to the teachings and gospels of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
They attempt to recreate the pattern of the life model of the Savior Jesus within their own personal lives.
They live in renunciation of material desires and prejudices, strive for detachment from earthly possessions and passions, and spend their life in prayerful, peaceful, love-inspired spiritual life.
Nuns and sisters espouse a state of renunciation, non-violence, peaceful and simple life and spiritual pursuit.
HINDUISM AND CHRISTIANITY
Fire [or Agni in Sanskrit] connotes God in Hinduism, and is the medium which conveys offerings to the Divinity in a homa [votive rituall]. [40]
Fire in Christianity connotes the Holy Spirit of God in Christianity: holy tongues of divine Fire came upon Mary of Nazareth and the disciples at Pentecost. [41]
Jesus declares Himself 'the Light of the World' [42].
God is a consuming Fire. [43]
FLOWERS
Flowers are important in Hinduism: the main prayer rites are called 'puja' which means 'the flower act'.
One of the most important flowers for Hindus is the lotus.
Lotus is revered as an example of divine beauty and purity: holy Vishnu is often described as the 'Lotus-eyed One'.
The lotus is of deep significance, a symbol of divinity, purity, eternity and beauty associated with Lord Brahma.
Lotus is rooted in mud but stays afloat upon the water without the bloom becoming muddy.
In Hinduism this denotes how one should live in the world without becoming attached to negative surroundings.
Rose, jasmine, hibiscus and red genda [marigold] are also sacred in Hinduism.
Flowers are important in Christianity. The lotus is emergent on the water, while the water-lily floats on the water.
Lilies, roses, almond-blossoms, crocus are associated with the Lord God and Jesus Christ. [44]
There are 97 verses in the Bible about the water lily. [45]
The prophet Hosea speaks God's inspired Word: "I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon..." [Hosea 14:5]
Jesus Christ speaks of the lilies, "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these." [Luke 12:27]
The madonna lily symbolizes purity, and is associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The St Joseph lily denotes purity, virtue, innocence, hope and life, and is associated with St Joseph the foster-father of Jesus Christ.
The rose flower is used in Italy throughout the month of May, and has been emblematic of Mary since early times.
When St Dominic instituted the devotion of the rosary, he recognized the symbolism of the rose flower and indicated the separate prayers as tiny roses. [46]
The petals of the white rose flower symbolize Christ's purity, and that of the red rose refers to His sacrificial Blood shed during His crucifixion as He died to save humanity from sin.
SACRED BUILDINGS
Hinduism has sacred buildings for the worship of God.
A Hindu temple is known as Mandir. Temples are communal places of worship dedicated to the Divine.
Christianity has sacred buildings for the worship of God.
The Christian churches are known as shrines, chapels, churches or basilicas: depending on the size of the congregation.
They are communal places of worship and are dedicated to God.
HOME SHRINES
The majority of Hindu homes have a shrine where offerings are made and prayer takes place.
A shrine can be a room, a small altar or pictures or statue of the Deity.
Many Christian homes have a shrine where prayer takes place.
A shrine can be a room, a small altar, pictures, a crucifix or statue of Jesus, Our Lady, angels or saints.
WAYSIDE SHRINES
Hindu shrines in the country, along roads, in cities and towns and outside shops offer opportunity for the devotee to worship during the working day.
Wayside Christian shrines in the country, along roads, in cities and towns and in shopping areas offer opportunity for worship during the working day.
SACRED TEXTS
Hinduism has holy sacred texts for the devotee who wishes to attain holiness.
The Vedas, or 'Books of Knowledge' are the foremost sacred texts in Hinduism.
These books, written from around 1200 BCE to 100 CE begin with the four vedas, or mantras: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharwa Veda.
Over time these came to include Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upanishads.
The Bhagavad Gita "The Song of God" is a 700-verse Hindu Scripture in Sanskrit.
Christianity has the sacred texts of the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The sacred Torah of Judaism forms the Old Testament of the Christian Bible.
The books of the Old Testament begin with the Book of Genesis, and end with the Book of the Prophet Malachi. [47]
The books of the New Testament begin with the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
These describe the birth, life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and His Mission as the Son of God called to become Savior of the world.
The book of Acts describes Pentecst and the coming of the Holy Spirit of God to the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus.
Thereafter follow the letters of St Paul, St Peter, St James, St Jude, St John and the Book of Revelation. [48]
TREES
Trees are considered sacred in Hindu culture.
The Banyan tree symbolized Trimurti [Trinity] - Lord Vishnu the bark, Lord Brahma the roots and Lord Shiva the branches.
The Banyan tree is mentioned in many scriptures as the tree of immortality. [49]
The tree is pivotal in Christianity.
The Bible begins with a tree, and ends with a tree.
The history of Christianity is intimately linked to the existence of a tree.
The tree of life stood in the midst of the Garden of Eden, with the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. [50]
Man and woman ate without permission from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and were banished from the Garden before they could eat from the tree of life which would ensure immortality. [51]
They had fallen into a state of sin. This sin could only be remedied by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Who died crucified on a tree to reverse the effects of the original fall from grace of humanity. [52]
At the end of the New Testament Jesus Christ calls humanity to come forward and at last take from the tree of life, which will ensure immortality. [53]
SAME ULTIMATE REALITY
Gods and goddesses in Hinduism are often viewed as aspects of the same Ultimate Reality called Brahman.
Thus Brahma or Brahman - the Creator and thus Trimurti or Trinity - has many aspects.
Deities in Hinduism are referred to as Deva [masculine] and Devi [feminine].
The root of these terms means 'heavenly, divine, anything of excellence'.
According to Douglas Harper, the etymological roots of Deva means 'a shining one' from Div- "to shine," and it is a cognate with Greek dios 'divine' and Latin deus [Old Latin 'deivos']. [54]
Lord Brahma the Creator, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are referred to as male.
The word 'lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, meaning 'aim' or 'goal'.
In the Hindu faith the goddess Lakshmi refers to the goddess of wealth and prosperity of all forms, both spiritual as well as material.
In Christianity various aspects of God are denoted in masculine and feminine terms.
God is named Father in the Bible. [55]
He is compared in feminine aspect to a mother bear defending her cubs [56] and a mother eagle spreading her wings over her young. [57]
WIND
In Hinduism, wind symbolizes soul, divinity, breath, strength, storms and tempests, messenger, swiftness, auspiciousness, perfume, speed, cleansing and transformative power.
God of wind carries good tidings and divine blessing to worshippers.
As the God of purity and strength, He carries away all the impurities and evil presences and keeps the world and beings free from them.
The Upanishad declares that since He is impervious to evil, He destroyed demons. [58]
In Christianity, Holy Spirit of God came from heaven like a violent rushing wind to bring divine blessing and gifts to worshippers - Mary and the disciples. [59]
God's Breath has the power from the four winds to bring the dead to life again. [60]
Jesus Christ explains that the Wind of God blows where it wishes and we hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from, or where it is going.
So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. [61]
JESUS CHRIST AND KRISHNA
Holy Lord Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism.
Lord Krishna is worshipped as the eighth avatar of the God Vishnu [within the Hindu Trinity] and also by some as Supreme God in His own right. Lord Krishna is the God of love, tenderness and compassion. [62]
An avatar means 'descent' and refers to the material appearance or incarnation of a deity on earth. [63]
Holy Lord Jesus Christ is worshipped as the avatar [Incarnation] of the second Person of God [within the Christian Trinity] and also by some as Supreme God in His own Trinitarian right. [64]
SANCTITY OF ANIMALS
Lord Krishna treasured cows. [65]
Lord Jesus was born in a stable where the first witnesses to His Birth were reputed to be the ox and donkey.
SAINTS
A saint is a person acknowledged as a very holy and virtuous person.
Holy saints are honored by Hinduism.
Holy saints are honoured by Christianity.
STATUES
Statues and religious art in Hinduism are imbued with spiritual meaning and pictorially depict divine truths.
Statues and religious art in Christianity pictorially depict divine truths.
The statues are images which assist the devout worshipper to turn mind, heart and soul towards God.
The statues thus are symbolic of the truth they represent: not the substance of the truth itself.
QUOTATIONS
"Then, O King! The God, so saying,
Stood, to Pritha's Son displaying,
All the splendour, wonder, dread,
Of His vast Almighty-head.
Out of countless eyes beholding,
Out of countless mouths commanding,
Countless mystic forms enfolding,
In one Form: supremely standing,
Countless radiant glories wearing,
Countless heavenly weapons bearing,
Crowned with garlands of star-clusters,
Robed in garb of woven lustres,
Breathing from His perfect Presence
Breaths of every subtle essence
Of all heavenly odours: shedding
Blinding brilliance: overspreading -
Boundless, beautiful - all spaces
With His all-regarding faces;
So He showed! If there should rise
Suddenly within the skies
Sunburst of a thousand suns
Flooding earth with beams undeemed-of,
Then might be that Holy-One's
Majesty and radiance dreamed of!"
The Bhagavad Gita [66]
Revelations 4:1-11
1 After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.
3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God,
6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. 8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” - The Holy Bible, The New Testament, Book of Revelation, Chapter 4 verses 1 to 11 [67]
MONKSSome Hindus leave their social world and material possessions, then engage in lifelong Sannyasa [monastic practices] to achieve Moksha. A male individual is known as a Sannyasi. [68 & 69]
Some Christians leave their social world and material possessions, then engage in lifelong monastic practices as monks in order to achieve holiness. [70]
NUNS
In Hinduism, a female individual who engages in lifelong Sannyasa [monastic practices] in order to achieve Moksha is known as a Sannyasini.
Sannyasini are Hindu nuns. [71]
Sannyasa is a form of asceticism, marked by a renunciation of material desires and prejudices, represented by a state of disinterest and detachment from material life, and has the purpose of spending one's life in peaceful, love-inspired spiritual life.
Sannyasa has historically been a stage of renunciation, ahimsa [non-violence], peaceful and simple life and spiritual pursuit.
In Christianity, a female individual who engages in lifelong religious practices in order to attain holiness is known as a nun or religious sister.
Nuns and sisters live a life of renunciation by the three paths of voluntary simplicity known as poverty, renunciation of marriage known as chastity, and listening for the inspiration of God in their life known as obedience.
Their life is marked by striving to live according to the teachings and gospels of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
They attempt to recreate the pattern of the life model of the Savior Jesus within their own personal lives.
They live in renunciation of material desires and prejudices, strive for detachment from earthly possessions and passions, and spend their life in prayerful, peaceful, love-inspired spiritual life.
Nuns and sisters espouse a state of renunciation, non-violence, peaceful and simple life and spiritual pursuit.
HINDUISM AND CHRISTIANITY
Holy Paths to GOD
REFERENCES
[1] Our Lady of Vailankanni
[1] Our Lady of Vailankanni
[2] Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health
[3] Our Lady of Lourdes
[4] Is Hindu worship of Marian shrines a sign of growing religious tolerance?
[5] Murree Shrine of 'Mary's Grave'
[6] The Hindu Trinity
[7] Bhagavad Gita Wikiquote
[8] The Bible, Old Testament Genesis, Chapter 1, verse 1
[9] Vishnu
[10] The Bible, New Testament, John 14:16-17
[11] The Bible, Old Testament, Psalm 127 verse 1
[12] The Bible, New Testament, Gospel of John Chapter 14, verse 26
[13] The Bible, New Testament, St Paul's letter to the Colossians, Chapter 2, verse 15
[14] The Bible, New Testament, St Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 15, verses 24-26
[15] The Bible, New Testament, Luke Chapter 2, verse 11
[16] Hinduism
[17] The Ten Commandments
[18] Sermon on the Mount
[19] Hinduism - Wikipedia
[20] Japamala - Wikipedia
[21] How to pray the rosary
[22] Hail Mary
[23] Do Hindus have set times for prayer?
[24] The Our Father: The Bible, New Testament, Matthew chapter 6, verses 9-17
[25] Consecration - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consecration
[26] Baptism of Jesus: The Bible, New Testament, Matthew Chapter 3 verses 13 to 17
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consecration
[26] Baptism of Jesus: The Bible, New Testament, Matthew Chapter 3 verses 13 to 17
[27] About Truambakeshwar
[28] Heaven
[29] Lakshmi
[30] The Bible, Old Testament, Psalm 47:6-8
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+47%3A6-8&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+47%3A6-8&version=NIV
[31] The Bible, New Testament, The Book of Revelation, Chapter 12 verses 1 to 17
[32] Naraka [Hinduism]
[33] The Bible, New Testament, Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 5, verse 22
[34] Asura
[35] The Bible, New Testament, Book of Revelation, Chapter 12, verses 7 to 10
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+12%3A7-10&version=KJV
[36] The Bible, New Testament, Luke Chapter 10 verse 18
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+12%3A7-10&version=KJV
[36] The Bible, New Testament, Luke Chapter 10 verse 18
[37] The Bible, New Testament, The Book of Revelation Chapter 20 verses 7 to 10
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20%3A7-10&version=NIV
[38] Michael - Archangel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_(archangel)
[39] Archangel Michael - Patron of Healing
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.com/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_8.html
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20%3A7-10&version=NIV
[38] Michael - Archangel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_(archangel)
[39] Archangel Michael - Patron of Healing
http://lumierecharity.blogspot.com/2016/04/good-shepherd-church-seminary-doctor-of_8.html
[40] Agni
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agni
[41] The Bible, New Testament, The Book of Acts Chapter 2 verses 1 to 3
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2&version=NIV
[42] The Bible, New Testament, Gospel of John Chapter 8 verse 12
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A12&version=ESV
[43] The Bible, New Testament, Hebrews Chapter 12 verse 29
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12&version=NIV
[44] 25 Bible verses about flowers
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Flowers
[45] 97 Bible verses about the Water lily
https://www.openbible.info/topics/water_lily
[46] Flowers and religion
https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/miscellaneous/flowers-and-religion
[47] Books of the Bible
https://www.biblestudytools.com/books-of-the-bible/
[48] Books of the Bible New Testament
https://www.biblestudytools.com/books-of-the-bible/
[49] What is the importance of trees in Hinduism culture?
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-importance-of-trees-in-Hinduism-culture
[50] The Bible, Book of Genesis Chapter 2 verse 9
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NIV
[51] The Bible, Book of Genesis Chapter 3 verses 22 to 24
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3&version=NIV
[52] The Bible, New Testament John Chapter 19 verse 18
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A18-22&version=NLT
[53] The Bible, New Testament Book of Revelation Chapter 22 verse 14
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22&version=KJV
[54] Hindu deities
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_deities
[55] God, Fatherhood of
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Fatherhood-Of
[56] The Bible, Old Testament, Prophet Hosea Chapter 13 verse 8
https://biblehub.com/hosea/13-8.htm
[57] The Bible, Old Testament, Deuteronomy Chapter 32 verse 11
https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/32-11.htm
[58] Symbolism of Wind in Hinduism
https://www.hinduwebsite.com/symbolism/symbols/wind.asp
[59] The Bible, New Testament, Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, verse 2
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2:2-4
[60] The Bible, Old Testament, The Prophet Ezekiel, Chapter 37, verses 9 to 14
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+37%3A9-14&version=NIV
[61] The Bible, New Testament, Gospel of John, Chapter 3 verse 8
https://biblehub.com/john/3-8.htm
[62] Krishna
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna
[63] Avatar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar
[64] The Bible, New Testament, Chapters 1 and 2
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201-2
[65] Cows and Krishna
http://www.krishna.com/info/cows-and-krishna
[66] The Bhagavad Gita Quotes
https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1492580-bhagavad-g-t
[67] Revelation 4: A Throne set in heaven
https://shofardurbanville.wordpress.com/2016/10/24/revelation-4-a-throne-set-in-heaven/
[68] Hinduism - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism
[69] Sannyasa - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sannyasa
[70] Monk - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monk
[71] Hindu nuns - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Hindu_nuns
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agni
[41] The Bible, New Testament, The Book of Acts Chapter 2 verses 1 to 3
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2&version=NIV
[42] The Bible, New Testament, Gospel of John Chapter 8 verse 12
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A12&version=ESV
[43] The Bible, New Testament, Hebrews Chapter 12 verse 29
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12&version=NIV
[44] 25 Bible verses about flowers
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Flowers
[45] 97 Bible verses about the Water lily
https://www.openbible.info/topics/water_lily
[46] Flowers and religion
https://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/miscellaneous/flowers-and-religion
[47] Books of the Bible
https://www.biblestudytools.com/books-of-the-bible/
[48] Books of the Bible New Testament
https://www.biblestudytools.com/books-of-the-bible/
[49] What is the importance of trees in Hinduism culture?
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-importance-of-trees-in-Hinduism-culture
[50] The Bible, Book of Genesis Chapter 2 verse 9
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+2&version=NIV
[51] The Bible, Book of Genesis Chapter 3 verses 22 to 24
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+3&version=NIV
[52] The Bible, New Testament John Chapter 19 verse 18
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19%3A18-22&version=NLT
[53] The Bible, New Testament Book of Revelation Chapter 22 verse 14
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22&version=KJV
[54] Hindu deities
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_deities
[55] God, Fatherhood of
https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Fatherhood-Of
[56] The Bible, Old Testament, Prophet Hosea Chapter 13 verse 8
https://biblehub.com/hosea/13-8.htm
[57] The Bible, Old Testament, Deuteronomy Chapter 32 verse 11
https://biblehub.com/deuteronomy/32-11.htm
[58] Symbolism of Wind in Hinduism
https://www.hinduwebsite.com/symbolism/symbols/wind.asp
[59] The Bible, New Testament, Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2, verse 2
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+2:2-4
[60] The Bible, Old Testament, The Prophet Ezekiel, Chapter 37, verses 9 to 14
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+37%3A9-14&version=NIV
[61] The Bible, New Testament, Gospel of John, Chapter 3 verse 8
https://biblehub.com/john/3-8.htm
[62] Krishna
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna
[63] Avatar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar
[64] The Bible, New Testament, Chapters 1 and 2
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%201-2
[65] Cows and Krishna
http://www.krishna.com/info/cows-and-krishna
[66] The Bhagavad Gita Quotes
https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/1492580-bhagavad-g-t
[67] Revelation 4: A Throne set in heaven
https://shofardurbanville.wordpress.com/2016/10/24/revelation-4-a-throne-set-in-heaven/
[68] Hinduism - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism
[69] Sannyasa - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sannyasa
[70] Monk - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monk
[71] Hindu nuns - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Hindu_nuns
With thanks to wikipedia.org, catholicnewsagency.com, religiousliteracyinstitute.org, udayton.edu, sabbathcovenant.com, wikiquote.org, biblegateway.com, biblestudytools.com, bible.knowing-jesus.com, biblescripture.net, rosarycenter.org, quora.com, adyajyotirlingatryambakeshwar, biblehub.com, openbible.info, theflowerexpert.com, hinduwebsite.com, Krishna.com, goodreads.com and shofardurbanville.wordpress
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