Riverwolf
26 May 2010, 04:56 PM
I'm a young, unorthodox Hindu who adapted the religion a little over a year ago after reading Eknath Easwaren's translation of the Upanishads. (Which I subsequently learned weren't all that accurate.) Since then, I've been a wanderer around the Vedas, not having chosen an Ishtadeva yet (though currently starting to lean towards Lord Rama of all persons; I'm currently reading and loving Ramesh Menon's rendition of the Ramayana), and I've been praying to Lord Siva and His family for guidance, having been reading the literature of Sri Subramuniyaswami, and praying at a local Siva-Murugan temple (which is a converted Christian church) nearby whenever I have the time.
I'm not much of a literal believer in mythology and legends, so I don't believe the stories of the Ithihasas and Puranas literally happened. But I am a firm believer that stories are meant, at heart, to teach, so the Puranas and Ithihasas do have a lot of value to me, moreso than actual history. (To me, whether or not something actually happened when it comes to such a distant past isn't important.)
I look forward to having discussions with you all, and I hope I don't make you guys too uncomfortable with my unorthodox views. :D
AUM Shanti Shanti Shanti! (That one can be used as a salutation, right?)
I'm not much of a literal believer in mythology and legends, so I don't believe the stories of the Ithihasas and Puranas literally happened. But I am a firm believer that stories are meant, at heart, to teach, so the Puranas and Ithihasas do have a lot of value to me, moreso than actual history. (To me, whether or not something actually happened when it comes to such a distant past isn't important.)
I look forward to having discussions with you all, and I hope I don't make you guys too uncomfortable with my unorthodox views. :D
AUM Shanti Shanti Shanti! (That one can be used as a salutation, right?)