Amala

Can you be both Buddhist and Hindu?

Namaste,

I think you will find varying opinions on this one. My sense of it is that Hinduism encompasses every religion, but every religion does not encompass Hinduism. So many Hindus might well tell you, Yes, you can most certainly be both. However, Buddhists might disagree. I can't answer from a Buddhist standpoint, though. Anyone else?

Namaste,

I was using BarahaPad, but there is a very short window for its use, then there is a several minute waiting period. I don't like to compose text in that way. Does anyone have suggestions for other ways to type in Sanskrit?

Thank you.

Namaste,

I was told this temple is one that is truly open to all, as you say, who would give thier hearts to Kr.s.n.a. Does that mean they don't have rules like that women cannot go inside during their time of menses? Sorry if that is indelicate, but I don't know how else to ask.

I just found it. #39 and #40 are supposed to read भो: rather than भी:

धन्यवाद: । This will really help speed up my retention. With your kind permission, I will share this with others online.

The day I dream of the most is the day that The International School of Vedic Studies opens its doors to everyone - all races, all genders and all ages.

Namaste,

I would like to hear people's views on this subject. How did it begin? Why is it still practiced? Are there certain branches of Hinduism that do not do this? Are there movements to abolosh it? How do people here respond to seeing a sign stating that women who are menstruating are not allowed inside?

I have only just realized this is still practiced. A friend of mine refused to go when we had arranged to meet at a local temple (Bharatiya Temple in Troy, Michigan). I have written to the temple to find out if this is expected or if they do not follow this tradition. I spoke to the ISKCON Temple here in Detroit, Michigan, and wrote to their website and was told they do not practice this tradition, that everyone is welcome.

As far as my thoughts on this, while I respect traditions, this one seems to be based on out-dated information. As a woman, I would not go inside a temple that continues this, but not out of respect for the tradition. Rather, I would not go inside as a matter of principle - ever. I have heard of a man who has taken the same stance - even after travelling a long way to see a sacred site. I hope there are others so bold.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Amala

I cannot answer specifically regarding Hindi, but as a student of linguistics and Sanskrit, I can tell you that usually any translation, regardless of how closely related the languages, loses something.