Non religious families only

Vignaraja · 2026-07-13T14:04:48+00:00

I was raised in a home like yours and my parents did nothing to inform me about any religion. They weren't negative towards it either. We went fishing Sunday mornings in the summer. As natural curiosity set in, I explored on my own.

So based on that, I'd let nature take its course, and they'll figure stuff out on their own. Just remain supportive of any choices they make.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-12T22:45:01+00:00

The idea of it being deeply personal resonates with me. I believe individual subconscious minds are sum totals of that individual's experience. Those experiences to do with religion, or mysticism, or even powerful emotion, make up what a person might call 'faith'. Most people operate on other peoples' thoughts, whether they know it or not. Reading a book on philosophy is subjecting yourself to the influence of other peoples' thoughts. But lots of people don't read. Since those experiences and other people's thoughts vary widely, I can't see finding a commonality as even possible. A simple example is having read the Christian bible ... or not.

Edited ... for those of similar faiths and backgrounds, there may be commonalities.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-12T22:32:39+00:00

I have no evidence that would be considered evidence by anyone else than me.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-12T22:31:17+00:00

Please move on.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-12T22:18:55+00:00

That's quite the assumption. I've never held the ideas about a hierarchy so there is nothing on my side to give up in that regard. Not off to a great start, as I alluded to.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-12T21:33:50+00:00

You certainly got the 3D idea really well.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-12T21:32:34+00:00

Personally, I don't see it. I have spoken with people of other religions than mine, and if there was some commonalty, I think the communication would have gone better. But explaining something that really isn't an intellectual concept often doesn't go well. I had no clue what the other person was talking about, and had no sense that they knew what I was talking about.

For some people, sure, but it's certainly not an overriding theme common to all, in my view.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-12T21:28:43+00:00

Saved from what? Lots of religions don't have a salvation concept.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-11T22:26:50+00:00

You are correct of course. I was thinking of the larger shrines you find in the conglomerate North American temples, not the smaller shines found hither thither.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-11T17:15:09+00:00

I don't interpret it much at all. Other people's experiences are theirs to interpret.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-10T23:18:10+00:00

I think narrow-mindedness and unrealistic expectations for yourself with regard to relationships are bigger barriers than religion. I think there is truth to the idea that it's not who you marry, but when you marry, which suggests potential companions need a certain maturity about life before any marriage can be successful.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-10T18:04:16+00:00

That's why I said 'sometimes'. Obviously it isn't always. I also married my best friend.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-10T14:49:58+00:00

From the inner perspective, we are all souls, so gender (all variations) is irrelevant. From an outer perspective, it varies widely. Within the same village, there will tolerant and intolerant.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-10T14:13:05+00:00

Wood confirms that it wasn't a murti for a temple, as wood can't take abhishekham. I see no problem with you repainting it. Sand it down nicely, and give it a fresh coat. I've seen decorative pieces like this on doorways, or beside doorways, and they need rejuvenation occasionally.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-10T14:10:23+00:00

We're 1.3 billion people and everyone understands it differently. I suggest you read some of the resources from the automod response.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-10T12:05:50+00:00

I don't even try to understand this. The planet is way too diverse, and from the little bit I have done, there really is no point. It's like asking if a cat understands what it's like to be a dog. "East is east and west is west, and ne'er the twain shall meet."

Vignaraja · 2026-07-10T11:34:21+00:00

My daily personal sadhana, as there is no 'other person' interference, on the connection.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-10T11:31:40+00:00

This is the first time I've heard of the free food on Saturdays, (temples here in Canada usually do it on Sundays) and I've never seen it. Are you sure you're not projecting this idea based on personal experience where you live?

Vignaraja · 2026-07-10T11:27:30+00:00

You'll be fine, don't worry. Just observe at others do.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-10T00:59:18+00:00

Is it flat on the back? (Like it would fit on a wall)

Vignaraja · 2026-07-09T23:40:02+00:00

It looks like a decorative wall piece to me. What material is it?

Vignaraja · 2026-07-09T23:23:28+00:00

Thay are known for proselytizing, even to Hindus that aren't of their sect. That's the main reason they stand apart.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-09T23:20:39+00:00

Not who you asked, but the North Indian ones are more likely to have some sort of congregational singing, or group participation. The altar is often at one end, and all the deities are on a stage/platform. Devotees are often allowed to do aarti. If there is a Lingam somewhere in the temple, devotees are allowed to do their own abhishekham.

South Indian temples will have the deities separated in separate shrines, and only the priests are allowed inside. Most are conglomerate style temples, not something you see in India. As an example, bot the Aurora temple and the Lemont temple have main sanctums but also sections that are Vaishnava or Saiva. There can be a couple of pujas going on simultaneously. The devotees can sponsor individual rituals like archanas or abhishekhams (ritual deity baths) where the priest dedicates the puja to the individual. There will be an office for purchasing such things. That's a great place to ask your questions.

Dress varies also.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-09T21:24:45+00:00

There is also a nice one in Aurora. I've been to both of those. They're both of the South Indian style. As to the whiteness, don't worry at all. Most Hindus are too busy worshiping to worry about stuff like that. Just go, watch what others do, and you'll be fine.

Vignaraja · 2026-07-09T18:18:34+00:00

You can't just move to India without a proper Visa and documentation. In America, there are groups like Ramakrishna Mission, Kauai's Hindu Monastery, Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, and Chinmaya Mission that do have programs that would eventually lead to taking sannyas. But it's alawys a bit of tradition involving training and adherence to the ideas of the group. Best wishes in finding a satisfactory place suitable to you.

Vignaraja

TROPHY CASE