1

What is your concept of God?

My worship involves a personalized form of God (ishta devatha) like Shiva, Vishnu and his avatars, or Devi.

I regard God as the impersonal Absolute or Brahman of the Upanishads.

Ancient scriptures describe God in a variety of ways that allow for Hindus to appreciate the complexity of the divine.

Like Nehru, I don't consider theism and puja important for being a Hindu in a modern way.

I believe that mythologies were created for the exposition of truth, truth being indescribable.

2

Are the Vedas the final scriptural authority for Hindus?

The Vedas need to be supplemented with the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas, which better express devotional sentiment.

Yes, with their branches, which include the Upanishads. They are mystical in nature and cannot be understood without guidance.

The Vedas are eternal and as such are the absolute authority for our tradition.

The Vedas should be interpreted in light of modern, scientific standards of rationality.

The Vedas have much to tell us about the cosmos and reality, but aren't more 'true' than other sacred scriptures.

3

Is the social order described in the Laws of Manu relevant for the modern world?

The Laws of Manu leave out the important place of God in the Hindu life. Devotion to God transcends their mundane rules.

The Laws of Manu are concerned with mundane matters; what is really important to Hinduism are its philosophical subtleties.

The Laws of Manu depict timeless truths about how human beings should live. They describe a well-ordered and just society.

The Laws of Manu describe a different time and are incompatible with modern values, such as democracy and social equality.

The Laws of Manu, insofar as they depict injustice to women and lower orders of society, should be discarded.

4

How do you approach myths about Hindu gods and goddesses?

Myths tell us profound truths about the nature of the cosmos and the divine presences within it.

Myths are enjoyable stories, but the essence of Hinduism lies in its philosophical truths.

These stories are true. Since they describe events that occurred in the distant past, they should be passed on to children.

Myths are told for people who are not well-educated; they have their place, but are not essential to what it means to be Hindu.

Myths can tell us great psychological truths and should be appreciated along with other cultures' mythological traditions.

5

What text do you consider the most important for someone who wishes to be Hindu?

The Bhagavad Gita

The Upanishads

The Vedas

The Puranas, especially the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, in view of their cultural importance to India

No single text captures the essence of Hinduism.

6

Do you go to a Hindu temple frequently?

I go to the temple regularly to be in the presence of God and to worship.

Temple worship is not as important as correct understanding; therefore, I rarely go.

Yes, the rituals of puja and the Vedic homa are essential practices.

I go to the temple because it is through temple activities that my family can participate in Indian culture.

Temples have community functions that people need and enjoy, but I am also interested in other, non-Hindu, religious practices.

7

How important are the caste rules of purity and pollution as described in traditional shastras?

Rules of purity and pollution are irrelevant as long as one loves God. God is above all such human restrictions.

Caste rules are not as important as the path of knowledge.

Shastras are based on traditional understandings of hygiene and appropriate human relationships that still have relevance today.

They are incompatible with modern values and should be abolished.

Caste rules limit human potential and possibilities.

8

Does your home include a puja room or shrine?

Yes. We regularly worship in the home.

No. Such rituals are secondary to memorizing religious texts and studying the tradition.

Yes. The various deities of our tradition should be present in every Hindu home.

No, I don't have a shrine, but we have a few figures to stay in touch with Indian culture.

No.

9

Do you regularly participate in Hindu festivals and holidays?

Yes, they provide special opportunities to celebrate the gods' birthdays and victories.

I don't mind participating, but usually prefer to think of Hinduism in more abstract and philosophical terms.

The Hindu calendar has astronomical significance. Hindus should observe the ritual calendar and its prescribed festivities.

We participate because we want to celebrate Indian culture or pass along our traditions to our children.

Some of the holidays can be fun

10

What is your position on astrology?

Astrology can be useful for understanding our lives and helping us make decisions.

Astrology is a minor science in India, not as important as the other great philosophical traditions.

Astrology is the study of essential truths of the cosmos and how human beings are connected to it.

Astrology may be interesting as entertainment, but I don't believe it has any spiritual or scientific merit.

I enjoy comparing Hindu, Chinese, and Western astrological systems, but don't take astrology very seriously.

11

Would you marry, or allow your children to marry, a non-Hindu?

I don't think I would have enough in common spiritually with a non-Hindu to base a marriage on.

I think more important than religious affiliation is a common set of interests and values; so yes, possibly.

It's unlikely the marriage would work out, since the basic values of Hinduism provide the foundation for marital harmony.

Yes, I would marry a non-Hindu, but I'd be sad if my children lost touch with Hindu culture.

Yes, I would marry a person from any background. I consider other factors more important than religion in deciding on a spouse.

12

What do you consider most essential to being a Hindu?

Devotion and love of God--everything else follows from this.

Understanding ancient philosophical texts, which contain the essence of Hinduism.

The Vedas and the traditional knowledge that expands them.

Cultural practice: keeping ties to Indian culture.

No one thing. Hinduism means many different things to different people.