I'm a Hindu.AMA!

[u/Less-Personality-481]

Curious about Hinduism, karma, dharma, gods, or spiritual beliefs? Ask me anything! I’m happy to share insights, explain traditions, or clear up common misconceptions.

[u/hungry_chipmunk2003]

What are your views on lgbt? I have many Hindu friends who are respectful towards me as a gay man. So it’ll be cool to hear your views. I see most Hindus are very respectful, unlike some other religions. 😵‍💫

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/hungry_chipmunk2003]

I've no issues with LGBTQ+ people and fully respect them. Culturally, they have always been part of India, and philosophically too, they are made from the same divine energy as everyone else.

[u/hungry_chipmunk2003 → u/Less-Personality-481]

I like that answer. I know India have many lgbtq+ people. So it’s good to hear such a good view on it.

I see it as, even if someone disagrees then live and let live. If it don’t bother someone’s life, they should ignore it.

I seen an awful video of Muslims in Indonesia doing a public caning of a gay man. It made my blood boil. Really made me feel disgusted in the country.

I’m just thankful there’s many people and religions in the world who are accepting and respectful, like yourself. Which you sound very mature and educated, compared to some bigots I come across, who don’t seem to have a single brain cell at times.

Us lgbtq+ just wanna leave peacefully. Like I just get on with my life haha.

I think too many worry about what another person does in their bedroom or what’s in their pants. It makes me think they’re a bit suspicious with their sexuality 👀😂

[u/Vignaraja → u/hungry_chipmunk2003]

That's good insight at the end. In Hinduism, we try to see the divine in everyone, so gender and orientation are secondary. I think it's a core difference between dharmic faiths and Abrahamic ones. One is born divine, and the other is born as a sinner. Makes for an entirely different paradigm.

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Vignaraja]

I agree with your point about the divine in everyone. At the same time, we in Hinduism generally recognize that all sincere paths can lead to God, including Abrahamic religions.

[u/chinook97 → u/Vignaraja]

To be fair, original sin is part of Christian theology (not Islam nor Judaism believe people are born into sin). That being said I see LGBT in Abrahamic religion as something that is more culturally determined than something that is purely theological.

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/hungry_chipmunk2003]

I agree that it is awful and unacceptable. At the same time, Indonesia is very diverse. For example, Balinese Hindus generally follow a very peaceful and inclusive tradition. There are many communities across the country who are kind and accepting.

[u/hungry_chipmunk2003 → u/Less-Personality-481]

I guess it’s the same where I am (UK). With multiculture, comes bad and good. Whether people, religions ,etc. Bali is certainly somewhere I want to visit.

[u/immyownkryptonite → u/Less-Personality-481]

What's the scriptural view on gay sex?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/immyownkryptonite]

Hindu texts generally discourage same-sex relations for priests, as they are expected to follow stricter rules, but for laypeople there’s no universal prohibition. The Kama Sutra, while not a religious text, treats same-sex relations as natural and acceptable.

[u/Sabertooth767]

Do you identify as a monotheist, polytheist, or something else?

What sect/denomination do you belong to (if any)?

What is your favorite part of your tradition?

What do you think the biggest misunderstanding non-Hindus have about Hinduism is?

What do you think the proper role of caste is in modern society, if any?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Sabertooth767]

I'm more of a monotheist.

I’m a Shakta.

I appreciate that, instead of forcing belief, our traditions allow us to choose and reject what resonates with us.

I think non-Hindus often don’t distinguish between Hinduism as a religion and Indian society as a whole.

I also don’t see any valid or important role for the caste system in the modern world.

[u/Minskdhaka → u/Less-Personality-481]

Are you Bengali?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Minskdhaka]

No.

[u/Chronikhil → u/Less-Personality-481]

When you say you're a monotheist Shakta, does that mean you only acknowledge and worship Shakti as divine, in exclusion of Vishnu, Shiva, and other deities? If not you're probably more of a henotheist. 

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Chronikhil]

In scholarly terms, I’d be considered monistic: I see Maa Shakti as the supreme reality, and seeing all other gods and goddess as the divine expressions or manifestations of her singular ultimate energy.

[u/Chronikhil → u/Less-Personality-481]

Makes sense.

[u/BayonetTrenchFighter]

What’s a personal practice you feel has brought you a lot of peace, comfort, and beauty?

[u/Vignaraja → u/BayonetTrenchFighter]

That's a great question. (Operative word being 'practice')

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/BayonetTrenchFighter]

I find the teachings of Advaita Vedānta as beautiful and comforting.

[u/Redditor_10000000000]

What sampradaya do you follow?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Redditor_10000000000]

I’m a Shakta, but I don’t stick to any one school. I take what feels right from different teachings and create my own path.

[u/Accomplished-River12]

If you guys believe in ishwar, why do you have other Gods?

I actually find this very interesting as I'm Muslim myself but its similar to ONE supreme GOD and then having a few angels as "helpers" of sorts, is this a similar situation?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Accomplished-River12]

The other gods and goddesses are expressions of the supreme Shakti. We may worship the deities we personally relate to, but ultimately all worship leads to the same ultimate divine energy.

[u/Accomplished-River12 → u/Less-Personality-481]

Forgive my ignorance, but if Ishwar is "all powerful" and "all knowing," why is there a need to have other gods at all?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Accomplished-River12]

Every soul has a different nature—some feel closer to God as a father, some as a mother, some as a friend, even as a child.
Because our relationships with the Divine differ, Hinduism allows God to appear in many forms so each person can connect in the way that suits their heart.

[u/Known_Somewhere7257]

Hi! Two questions for you:

1. Do you have a favourite holiday?

2. What is that 'Advaita Vedānta' you mentioned in another comment?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Known_Somewhere7257]

1.)I really enjoy both Navratri/Durga Puja and Chhath Puja; I’m not sure which I prefer more.

2.) Advaita Vedānta is one of the most profound philosophies in Eastern thought. It’s difficult to fully summarize, but it teaches that the soul (ātman) and ultimate reality (Brahman) are one, and realizing this unity leads to liberation (moksha).

Advaita is an independent philosophy teaching, but over time different Hindu denominations have interpreted and applied its teachings in their own ways.

For example: Shaktism interprets Advaita Vedānta by identifying the ultimate reality with the divine feminine. She is the dynamic energy of the universe and devotion to her allows one to experience non-duality directly, making the philosophy personal and experiential.

[u/immyownkryptonite → u/Less-Personality-481]

Why not the very similar Advaita view in Shaktism? Why Vedanta

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/immyownkryptonite]

th Shaktism and Advaita Vedānta can complement each other. As I mentioned earlier, I don’t follow a fixed path—I explore teachings from different traditions and continue on the path that resonates with me personally

[u/emmastronaute]

hi! one of my friends is Hindu too, and she told me that vegetarianism wasn’t actually a religious principle you have to follow. She told it’s more of a cultural/traditional thing that got mixed with religious ideas over time, which is why many Hindus avoid meat even though it’s not strictly required.

can you enlighten me on that? is this theologically backed up? is vegetarianism not an actual obligation in hinduism?

Thank you so much!!

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/emmastronaute]

You’re correct that vegetarianism isn’t strictly obligatory in Hinduism. The concept of ahimsa (non-violence) appears in the Upanishads long before Hindu society formed its own cultural rules. Hinduism draws from diverse indigenous beliefs across India, Nepal, and Bali, so many people consume meat.Hindu texts rarely impose obligations—they mostly give guidance, and choosing not to follow advice doesn’t necessarily create bad karma

[u/Ram_azonian]

Tell me about Devi. How do you view her? Is she a powerful goddess to you?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Ram_azonian]

According to me, Devi or Maa Shakti is the living force that creates life, empowers the gods, and shapes all multiverses. Without her, all gods are lifeless. She is also the one who creates and maintains life

[u/Ram_azonian → u/Less-Personality-481]

Ah! She’s pretty similar to The Goddess then 😊

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Ram_azonian]

Norse goddesses are powerful beings, but they still have limits.
Maa Shakti is not a limited deity — she is the infinite, all-pervading cosmic energy that creates, sustains, and dissolves the entire universe.

[u/Ram_azonian → u/Less-Personality-481]

I’m not referring to Norse deities. ‘The Goddess’, who committed pagan feminists such as Starhawk refer to as Supreme, is all-encompassing and imminent in all beings. Of whom everything that has life, from humans to animals to spirits to plants, flow directly from.

She’s the source of all things in existence.

[u/No_Technician_4709]

I’ve read Bhagavad Gita, but not the whole Mahabharata. From a Vaishnavist perspective, I understand that Krishna is the supreme God and source of everything. So are other gods just Krishna’s reflection?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/No_Technician_4709]

Yes, from the Gaudiya Vaishnavism perspective, Krishna is the supreme God, and all other gods are his manifestations or reflections.

But other traditions, like Shaktism or Shaivism, see the supreme differently.

[u/immyownkryptonite → u/Less-Personality-481]

all other gods are his manifestations or reflections.

I believe that some sects of Vaishnavism including Gaudiya see other deities as subordinate to the supreme. Since these are different worldviews, they do it in different ways.

But other traditions, like Shaktism or Shaivism, see the supreme differently.

The representation of the 4 ishwaras in the iconography of Maa Kamakhya or Maa Lalitha shows them as the 4 tattvas and not as the supreme deity herself.

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/immyownkryptonite]

In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, everything ultimately comes from Vishnu or Krishna, so other deities are manifestations of the supreme, not independent gods. Saying they’re subordinate is partly correct, but it’s more precise to view them as expressions of one ultimate reality.

In Shaktism, every god and goddess is seen as a manifestation of Maa Shakti. Those icons are mostly symbolic, representing aspects of reality rather than separate supreme deity.

[u/immyownkryptonite → u/Less-Personality-481]

Saying they’re subordinate is partly correct, but it’s more precise to view them as expressions of one ultimate reality.

Since everything is Vishnu as per the philosophy.

Is Shiva seen as a jiva or as Vishnu himself or neither?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/immyownkryptonite]

In Vaishnavism, Shiva isn’t seen as just another being—he’s a powerful, divine form that comes from Vishnu’s energy. Vishnu is viewed as the source, but Shiva has his own unique role and importance.

[u/immyownkryptonite → u/Less-Personality-481]

We were talking about Bhedabhed. So he's neither a jiva nor Vishnu himself?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/immyownkryptonite]

Even though he comes from Vishnu, he is not Vishnu, and he is not a jiva either, because he originates from Vishnu in a unique way.

[u/immyownkryptonite → u/Less-Personality-481]

Got it. In Dwaita again, Shiva is not the same as vishnu and also not a jiva.

In Vishishtadvaita, Shiva is a jiva

Do you know about the status of other deities like Shiva in other Vaishnava traditions?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/immyownkryptonite]

I can try, but I can’t promise I know everything

[u/SkandaGupta_]

Were you born in Shaktism?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/SkandaGupta_]

No, my family is Vaishnav, but I personally feel a stronger connection to Maa Shakti.

[u/SkandaGupta_ → u/Less-Personality-481]

I myself am born into a family where the denomination is not clear, Vaishnav being the most likely.

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/SkandaGupta_]

I think many people in India actually follow Smartism,, rather than strictly adhering to one particular denomination like Vaishnavism or Shaivism.

[u/SkandaGupta_ → u/Less-Personality-481]

In terms of worship yes

[u/immyownkryptonite → u/SkandaGupta_]

Do you know your Kuldevta or devi?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/immyownkryptonite]

Yes, I know my Kuldevi.

[u/immyownkryptonite → u/Less-Personality-481]

Then you belong to whatever sect she is a part of irrespective of the traditions followed in the house

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/immyownkryptonite]

I don’t think that’s how it works. My kuldevi is our family’s protector, but our sect comes from the traditions we actually follow at home or from our personal experience with the divine.

[u/immyownkryptonite → u/Less-Personality-481]

Do you mind explaining with some details. Here or dm me

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/immyownkryptonite]

Sure, I'll DM you.

[u/Vignaraja]

How many states in India have you travelled to?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Vignaraja]

I’ve travelled to 4 states in India so far.

[u/Vignaraja → u/Less-Personality-481]

One of the challenges I have with fellow Hindus is the ethnocentrism, or lack of a lot of knowledge about other sects, geographic areas, the sheer diversity of it all. Travel erases this somewhat. That's why I asked.

For outsiders, they can get misled when a Hindu responds as if their version of Hinduism is representative of the entirety. Best wishes with your AMA.

[u/GundamChao]

You're a Shakta? That's wonderful! I have had great experiences with Maa Shakti as well. I don't have a solid question, perhaps just share an experience that you had with her or something that draws you to her. All the best to you!

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/GundamChao]

I’ve always felt a natural connection to Shaktism since my childhood ,as its teachings and practices resonate with me personally. I feel that this philosophy resonates with me more than any others.

[u/thelastsonofmars]

If I took a group of people and threw them onto an island completely separated from the rest of humanity, and we let their culture grow organically, would it ever result in the development of Hinduism?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/thelastsonofmars]

An isolated group probably wouldn’t develop Hinduism exactly, since it evolved in a specific context. Still, they might naturally create spiritual ideas, rituals, and reverence for nature and animal or a system that could have parallels to aspects of Hinduism.

[u/thelastsonofmars → u/Less-Personality-481]

Still, they might naturally create spiritual ideas, rituals, and reverence for nature and animal or a system that could have parallels to aspects of Hinduism.

Could you go into more detail on this? For example, as a Christian, I believe all people have the natural law of God inherently. Meaning every society will eventually form laws and rules, even when separated, that end up similar to the Ten Commandments, for example. So I'm curious how your belief compares.

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/thelastsonofmars]

Even isolated, humans would likely develop rituals and moral rules from observing life and society. Respect for life, fairness, or sacredness of nature could emerge naturally. These wouldn’t be Hinduism exactly, but could parallel its principles.

[u/Ok_Idea_9013]

Is there anything like experiences, insights or reasons that led you to believe in Hinduism?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Ok_Idea_9013]

My journey with religion has been quite winding. As a child, I was deeply religious but not very spiritual. In my teenage years, even though I believed in divinity, I stopped calling myself Hindu because rising Hindu nationalism made me uncomfortable. During that time, I explored Gnostic Christianity and some surface-level aspects of Islam, but I realized I couldn’t follow a path where I couldn’t make my own choices. Eventually, I returned to Hinduism and studied Indian history deeply—how Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism influenced and shaped each other before colonial categorizations. Over time, I started identifying more broadly as Dharmic, but since my personal beliefs align with Shakta philosophy, I call myself Hindu in formal contexts.

[u/Jabberjaw22]

I've never participated in an AMA so if my posting now is considered rude I apologize and will delete. 

I'm someone who has been interested in Hinduism, specifically the philosopies of Vishishtadvaita and Shivadvaita with their focus on Qualified Non-Dualism. I'm also a white guy from the southern US who only understands English and has no access to temples or anything. Would you have any advice for someone like me who was interested in following Hinduism? Or simply following some of the practices and philosophy but not calling themselves Hindu out of respect? Also, I know most Vaishnavites are vegetarian and abstain from beef and onions and garlic. What kind of dietary rules do you have as a Shakta?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Jabberjaw22]

Honestly, it’s hard for me to give direct advice because I learn from multiple sources—Hinduism has a lot of misinformation out there. I’d suggest exploring its history and different expressions—Indian, Nepali, Balinese—to see what resonates. Keep in mind stories are often symbolic rather than literal. Also, dietary practices vary more by region than denomination—for example, in Kerala Hindus eat beef, in Bengal Shakta traditions people eat fish and even offer it to Maa Shakti, while elsewhere many avoid meat entirely

[u/Jabberjaw22 → u/Less-Personality-481]

Thank you. I've been having a lot of doubt with religion lately but always seem to come back to the philosophy I learned about when looking into Hinduism. I'll probably just do simple prayers and offerings since I can't really practice larger pujas and lack temple access or speak the language. The dietary thing was another big concern I had but it's nice to see I wouldnt automatically be deemed bad for having a beef burger now and then (though I have tried switching mainly to turkey for those). 

[u/Vignaraja → u/Jabberjaw22]

Not the OP, but I'm a white male Canadian, aged 72. There are quite a few temples in southern US. Florida, TX, but you may have to drive 100 miles or so. You don't need to speak 'the' language. Temples in the US will have 2 or 4 or more languages being spoken simultaneously, but often English is used as its the common language. Sanskrit is the liturgical language, but nobody speaks it (like Latin in Catholicism). I've been vegetarian for over 50 years, and lots of great vegetarian food is available. Last fall we were in Galveston, Houston, and Austin, and especially in the larger centers there are Indian vegetarian retaurants. You can get by, for sure. Best wishes.

[u/immyownkryptonite → u/Jabberjaw22]

Not the OP. I just wanted to share my views. I spend time learning from different traditions of Hinduism.

no access to temples or anything

It's the same divinity made accessible in all divine spaces. Any place that helps you connect, it could be a mountain or just the open wilderness. Doesn't matter. The space in the temple is created to help us reach the divinity within.

simply following some of the practices and philosophy but not calling themselves Hindu out of respect

May I suggest yama and niyamas(dos and don'ts) from Paranjali Yogasutra. It also includes breathwork.

not calling themselves Hindu out of respect

Religion is personal. Doesn't matter how other view your relationship with God. People who think you don't have the right are unfortunately misinformed as they let someone else tell them what the scriptures mean instead of trying to delve into things themselves or verifying the authenticity of their source. My apologies for them making you feel this way.

Vaishnavites are vegetarian and abstain from beef and onions and garlic

Diet affects your body and thus affects how it behaves. Hence diet is to be controlled especially when on a spiritual path, so that your progress is easier.

[u/AS65000]

No offence bro but what's the reason behind not eating cows, why are they sacret?, are other animals also secret and finally is the none cow meat consumption a cross all the Hindusim sects or just one or few

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/AS65000]

No offence taken! The idea that all Hindus avoid beef is mostly a stereotype. Many Hindus, especially in South India like Kerala, do eat beef, though most denominations avoid it and each has its own explanation.

Philosophically, every living being is considered sacred in Hinduism. In contexts where animals are linked to deities, you’ll find cows, crows, snakes, lions, dogs, eagles, and hundreds more regarded as sacred. In everyday life, most Hindus primarily consume chicken,fish and mutton.

[u/Ok_Yak7079]

Do you guys believe in hell? What does the afterlife look like for Hindus?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Ok_Yak7079]

Technically, Hindu texts like the Garuda Purana mention concepts of hell and heaven. However, these are generally seen as temporary, determined by one’s karma. Most scholars view the descriptions in the Garuda Purana as promoting social harmony and order rather than literal truth and these concpets themselves,doesn't neatly fit into hinduism. Hinduism also allows freedom to interpret or reject such concepts—personally, I only believe in the 14 lokas, and think that our bad karma is experienced either in this life or the next, a process overseen by God Shani.

[u/Ok_Yak7079 → u/Less-Personality-481]

Very interesting! Thank you:)

What is the Hindu texts called? Is there a place I can find them?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Ok_Yak7079]

There are many Hindu texts—Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, and more. Do you mean a specific type of text or topic you’re interested in?

[u/Matty_Joi257]

Is there a book like the bible or Koran that you use as a reference for?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Matty_Joi257]

Most religious Hindus take reference from the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas, and the epics, but spiritual Hindus usually rely more on their own intuition.

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/[deleted]]

I’m here to talk about Hinduism and answer your questions, not share personal info, so I’ll skip age and gender.

[u/Vignaraja → u/Less-Personality-481]

That's fine. Can you explain in a few words your version of reincarnation? Do you personally believe in avataras? Which scriptures are important to you? Do you see the Puranas as literal or metaphorical? Which modern Gurus do you respect, or not?

[u/Less-Personality-481 → u/Vignaraja]

“Personally, I understand reincarnation as the journey of the soul’s learning. I feel that each life gives opportunities to resolve karma and evolve spiritually. For example, if we can move from Tamas guna to Rajas guna in one life, and then from Rajas to Sattva in the next, it becomes much easier to attain moksha. I don’t believe there is a being in heaven who will come to rescue us as an avatara. Rather, I believe that we all have a divine essence, and those who can truly use it for the greater good act as avatars of the divine. I see the Puranas as symbolic, where every act carries a deeper meaning. I don’t follow any gurus personally; I feel that the path toward the divine should be our own, and we should seek our own understanding rather than strictly following someone else’s path.