Hinduism may seem confusing to many because "obviously" many Hindus are confused. For example, "God" is a Christian term for The Male (not female) Creator; Supreme Being. In the mis-use of this Christian term, Hindus are insulting both the Christians and their own religion. Of course, there are fundamentalist/sectarian Hindus such as the modern Hare Krishna movement and the Saiva Siddhanta Church [Church?]. These cultic groups (with a background in Christianity) authoritatively promote a Male Creator/Supreme Being (and Monotheism) and are happy to interchangeably use the word "God" with "Vishnu," "Krishna" or "Siva," for example. Christians, however, will never use these Sanskrit terms as they do not represent (in their mind) the One True God. 

Though many Christians realize that Hindus are not praying to the same God, they are happy that "at least" Hindus are using the "proper term." Monotheism is the term that expresses this belief in only One True Male God which does not include "Brahman" or any other Sanskrit term. When it comes to equating Vishnu/Krishna with "The One God," not only would Christians have a huge problem with this but also many non-Vaishnava Hindus. The same principle holds true for the fundamentalist Siva devotees.

This same understanding about the misuse of "God" goes for the Christian word "Lord." It is not without reason that Christians state "Jesus is Lord!" To the Christian, there is no real "Lord" Siva, etc. Again, Hindus have proper Sanskrit words for the misuse of "Lord;" e.g., Isvara, MahaDeva/Devi, etc. Of course, Christians, for example, will never say "Isvara Jesus." Though Hindus recognize the Divine Female (Isvari, Devi, etc.), Christians will never say "Goddess" or use "Lady" to refer to "The Creator." Interestingly, the Rig Veda of the Hindus recognizes Aditi, the Female, who creates all the Male Spirit Beings. A moment of reflection brings into focus the Female role in creativity. Of course, the Male is the other half which is also recognized in Hinduism in the form of Siva/Sakti or Ardhinarisvara. Christians know better than to use the Feminine (and certainly would completely shun the androgynous) for "The Creator" as well as using Sanskrit/Hindu terms. Hindus need also to understand these "Theological facts."

Many halfway Hindus (those who blindly follow Advaita and not also Dvaita and vice versa) blindly state that "God alone is." Again, these Hindus not only misuse the "God" word but also common sense as they vehemently argue with all those against their (limited) perception. Why would "God" argue with "God?" Good/Evil and everything in between is the nature of the duality in which we all live. Unless one can see the bad is ultimately good, saying that "God Alone is" and then saying "God is good," is to perpetuate a delusion. Rather than living in denial and/or a schizophrenic split between "God" and "Devil," mature wisdom sees the learning lessons in both good and bad which is all part of the creative scheme.

It is because many Hindus have become accustomed to using the Christian terms "God" and "Lord" that they are easy prey for Christian conversion. Once converted, these former Hindus are slowly programmed to completely discount Hinduism as worshipping a false God or gods. It should also be noted that the use of small "g" which Christians and even many Hindus use is extremely insulting (we even capitalize our own names and titles) and demonstrates the un-provable "One True God" mindset.

Serious problems arise when many Hindus wrongly equate "God" with Brahman. Brahman is a neuter term and refers to the Absolute no-thing-ness as well as the impersonal Being (v.) of Light/Energy and Bliss/Love; i.e., Sat-Chid-Ananda. This impersonal reality, subsequently, takes on innumerable name and form. To further confuse the issue, many Hindus often misuse the word "God" and refer to "God" as an impersonal Being (v.) and then turn around and call this "God" "He." Again, to Christians, "God" is a Male Being (n.). Of course, whoever identifies "The Creator" as a Being (n.) is only speculating on such a Being. To date, no one can prove that any "God" (or other such label) created everything or anything.

The Sanskrit phrase Ekam Sat Vipra; Bahudha Vadanti means "Unified Being (v.) Sages; many Names/Forms Speak of." This Hindu phrase is often misinterpreted as "Truth is One," or even "God is One." In fact, there is no one of anything. Everything is a composite. Many Hindus seem to have forgotten who invented/uncovered "0." Out of this zero comes the multiplicity that is "duality." Understanding the dynamic life forces, the religious science that is Hinduism depicts this atom zero reality by the Lingam often with a snake spiraling around this primal ellipsoid. The wisdom of the Absolute experience of no-thing is something mystics know but of which no one can speak. Seeking and preaching a "One God" is a vain search at best and a proven theology with the potential to wreak untold havoc.

Though Monotheism has produced much good, it is undeniable that it also was and is responsible for extreme violence against humanity and nature. It is worthy to note that even among the Monotheists (Jewish, Christian and Islam) there is a difference over The One True Yaweh, God/Jesus, Allah. This religious difference is so pronounced that many have been and are willing to kill not only the non-Monotheists but also each other! All this violence to defend what amounts to an imaginary One True God.

Monotheistic history is replete with statements similar to those of Christopher Columbus: I have great hope in Our Lord that Your Highnesses will convert all of them to Christianity and they will all belong to you, for I regard them as yours now. Or the words of the former Methodist Minister Colonel Chivington: Damn any man who sympathizes with Indians! ... I have come to kill Indians, and believe it is right and honorable to use any means under God's heaven to kill Indians. The same fundamentalist belief can be found behind the attitudes and actions of invaders and thieves throughout history. It is because of such violence that many turn completely away from the beneficial aspects of religion.

The Hindu tenet "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art) recognizes that we all the Soul with a body, mind and emotions. There are two aspects to the Soul (Atmana, to the Hindus): one is the experience the Absolute no-thing ness (Tat, to the Hindus) and the other is the Beingness (v.) of Light/Energy and Love/Bliss (Satchidananda, to the Hindus). Om Tat Sat(chidananda). We go through the life lessons to realize the Soul (or Self-Realization/Atma Darsana, to the Hindus). Seeking to "re-link" (religio) to one's Soul is the religious process in general. Hindus also call this process "Yoga" (to-yoke Atmana and Brahman) and "Dharma" (to hold). With this understanding, one can appreciate the various religions of the world and also hold firm to their own chosen religious path. Spirit Beings may be beseeched within these respective religious/spiritual traditions. However to falsely claim to have found Only One or The True One God; Supreme Being (n.), is to bluntly make a false claim. In this regard, Hindus (in this case) should be gently teaching the Monotheists rather than distorting the issue, at best, or, at worse, totally capitulating.

The Hindu wisdom of Ishta Devata is the mature understanding that one can have a chosen/valued Hindu Deity while respecting others (by not claiming it to be the "Only True One"). This common-sense approach to a Spirit Being is like the wisdom of a marriage. Hence, Hinduism is not Monotheistic but rather monistic polymorphism (remember "theos" means "God" and, therefore, there is no "theism" of any type in Hindu Dharma). In other words, Hindus recognize an underlying force of Energy/Light and Love (Satchidananda) which manifests in name and form (nama rupa) both on the spirit and material plane. Mono systems are far inferior to the richness of stereo. Hindu Dharma affords a great maturity for those who seek it. Hindus can be a great force in the world for peace and understanding. Hindus, however, should be the wise parent and not surrender to lesser ideologies.

It is not without cause that Hindu Dharma and Hindus have been attacked throughout the centuries. Though Hinduism has "survived" these incursions, did they have to take place? Sacred Hindu terminology (Yoga, Mantra, Guru and the Swastika, for example) has been pilfered and seriously perverted. For example, many Hindus are under the delusion that non-Hindus who use the various Hindu/Yoga teachings and practices "are recognizing Hindu Dharma," but are they? No. Ask many involved in so-called "yoga" and they will state that not only is "yoga not about religion" but "certainly it is not Hinduism!" This phony "yoga business" is everywhere and even sanctioned by many Hindus. In fact, the various Yogas define the Hindu religion; i.e., Karma Yoga (Ethics) Bhakti Yoga (Devotion), Raja Yoga (Meditation) and Jnana Yoga (Enlightenment). There are many Yogas within these classic Hindu Yogas such as Hatha Yoga or the worship postures of Hinduism. Confused "Universalist Hindus" have been responsible for programming the "new-age yogis" who tout the egotistical slogan "I am spiritual but not religious." 

There is a reason why many Christians and Jews have created "Christian Yoga" and "Jewish Yoga." Some of these Yoga thieves boldly state, "We are taking the evil Hinduism out of it!" These callous individuals even rename the Hindu asanas to fit their religion such as "Son (Jesus) Salutation" for "Surya (Sun/Vishnu) Namaskar (Salutation)." While it is true that some "new-age movements" and even certain very liberal Christian groups will recognize somewhat of a Hindu source for their movements, but the fact remains that they do not become part of the Hindu religion. Throughout history, such unscrupulous individuals and groups steal from Hinduism, Hindus (and even the natural resources of Mother India) and redefine to suit their own agenda.

From one's beliefs (which are often religious) comes one's attitudes and actions. This B.A.A. principle can be seen operating throughout history. To again reinforce that Hindus should not be using the Christian terms "God" and "Lord," one only has to look at the recent elections in America. The first Hindu senator, Satveer Chaudhary from Minnesota, was elected. After the campaign, his rival senator Rae Hart Anderson commented that Mr. Chaudhary needed to convert and be forgiven, "The race of your life is more important than this one--and it is my sincere wish that you'll get to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jesus is the way, the truth and offers His life to you and each human being. Pay attention...this is very important, Satveer. Have you noticed Jesus for yourself...at some moment in time, yet???" Anderson's campaign manager also said, "Chaudhary is not Christian. He needs to find his soul." In the same vein, the infamous Congresswoman Katherine Harris stated, "If you're not electing Christians, then in essence you are going to legislate sin." And, the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, agreed with a Christian pastor who said, "Non-Christians are going straight to hell with a non-stop ticket." It should be clear that when Christians use the words "God" and "Lord," they do not at all mean what Hindus would imply by the (mis)use of these Christian terms. 

Hindus need to be stand up for their Dharma while, of course, respecting other religions (within reason) which is the hallmark of this great Dharma. Though the intentions of many Hindus are good, true "unity in diversity" is not only seeing the wisdom of the religious/spiritual process in general but also truly respecting the diversity by the respecting specific religious practices, terminology and Deities.

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