07-09-2008, 01:21 AM
--All hearsay and general perception points to bharata, the son of Dushyanta, who conquered many kingdoms.
--It is doubtful whether a "hindu" identity can ever be defined. As far as one can see, the situation is somewhat like this :a cultural "iron grid" is provided by the brahmanas, who absorbed local deities in addition to their vedic practices. It is highly likely that locally, the masses worship only their deities, while giving a short shift to the myths linking their gods to brahminical hinduism. The brahmanas also absorbed the regional shamanic practices and probably systematized them into the tantras, also refining and adding to it.
The aim of a dharmic person is the attainment of moksha/dharma/artha/kama. He is not required to believe anything but find out for himself the path to success and travel along it. In this sense it is highly experimental and importantly, a personal and unique journey. As a result of this the beliefs of each person may vary .
To develop a "hindu" identity, if it exists will require vast amounts of data, and the ability to abstract some guiding principle from even divergent opinions. This task need not be completed in our lifetimes. But the survival of the traditions and practices must be ensured.
--It is doubtful whether a "hindu" identity can ever be defined. As far as one can see, the situation is somewhat like this :a cultural "iron grid" is provided by the brahmanas, who absorbed local deities in addition to their vedic practices. It is highly likely that locally, the masses worship only their deities, while giving a short shift to the myths linking their gods to brahminical hinduism. The brahmanas also absorbed the regional shamanic practices and probably systematized them into the tantras, also refining and adding to it.
The aim of a dharmic person is the attainment of moksha/dharma/artha/kama. He is not required to believe anything but find out for himself the path to success and travel along it. In this sense it is highly experimental and importantly, a personal and unique journey. As a result of this the beliefs of each person may vary .
To develop a "hindu" identity, if it exists will require vast amounts of data, and the ability to abstract some guiding principle from even divergent opinions. This task need not be completed in our lifetimes. But the survival of the traditions and practices must be ensured.