Issues with Hindu Pantheon

[unartfuldodger]

Here’s the thing: I’m interested in the Hindu Pantheon. I’m drawn to several of the deities, and could see myself working with them quite easily. However, there’s an issue I’d like everyone’s opinion on.

Hinduism is alive and well. It’s a widely practiced polytheistic religion with a rich history. It has it’s own rituals, holidays and traditions.

My problem is not with mixing multiple pantheons, it’s with using the pantheon of a living religion outside of that religion.

I sort of feel as though it would be disrespectful to pinch a deity out of their religion’s traditions and plop then down into a Wiccan setting, circumventing the traditional Hindu practices.

I’m still on the fence though, and I’m curious as to what you all think. How do you feel about using Hindu gods in Wicca? How would you suggest I approach this issue?

Thanks in advance, and happy Monday. :bigredgri

NB: I couldn’t quite decide if this fit better in Paths or Gods/Goddesses. Here’s hoping I made the right choice, and I apologize if I didn’t.

[wolf]

My problem is not with mixing multiple pantheons, it’s with using the pantheon of a living religion outside of that religion.

I sort of feel as though it would be disrespectful to pinch a deity out of their religion’s traditions and plop then down into a Wiccan setting, circumventing the traditional Hindu practices.

I have similar concerns. I've also had this discussion with some vodoussaints. If you're calling on Gods/Goddesses from an established faith structure, you should be working within that community.

This issue for me does extend to the not uncommon Wiccan practice of mixing and matching pantheons.

[Agaliha]

I’m still on the fence though, and I’m curious as to what you all think. How do you feel about using Hindu gods in Wicca? How would you suggest I approach this issue?



When I was more of a theist I honored Saraswati, Ganesha, Ushas, Surya and Ratri. For awhile Saraswati was my parton and I still look to her for inspiration. I am not Hindu or Wiccan though I personally do not see a problem with honoring Hindu/Vedic God/desses in a Pagan/Wiccan structure as long as you are respectful and knowledgable. When Saraswati called me [as well as the others] I spent weeks just researching and reading about them, their history, pujas, mantras, festival, scriptures, everything.
When I honored them I did so in a way that was my own mixed with Hindu elements.
There is a sub-forum in "Paths" where I as well as others have discussed this.
Here is one:
Hindu Wicca (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=97169)
Hinduism (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=74470)


There are many people on here that honor Hindu and Vedic Dieties -- Kali, Ganesha, Saraswati, Lakshmi-- that are not Hindu.
If you search this forum [G&G] you will find many threads about Hindu Dieties.

So how do I feel about Hindu dieties in Wicca? I'm fine with it. I don't think the Gods have boundaries, they call who they call. Just honor them in a way that is respectful, take the time to learn and read about them and truely understand. I've learned that Hinduism is one of the most symbolic, detailed and in a way complicated religions [in a good way]...everything means something-- the number of arms Saraswati has for example, what is in them and on what side, colors, mounts-- all meaningful.
There are many threads, posts and links to things about Hinduism in a Pagan setting on MW...and there are many out there that honor them that aren't Hindu.
I would follow your heart and not let what other people think decided your path. In the end, it is your choice and only yours. Why let others chose for you? Do what you feel is best and right for you and only you.
If you need any help finding the links and things I can help you out...I posted many of them ;)

[unartfuldodger]

Thanks for the links, That should provide some very interesting reading!

[dragoncrone]

I would not regard it as a problem - assuming that you have taken the time to learn enough of the religion - and the deity - to invoke and work with him/her properly. That shows respect and sincerity on your part.
I call Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses on a regular basis and have never been the recipient of any bad karma.

[AdNoctum]

Well, Ganesha is worshipped in Japan under the name Shoden, and it's more than likely they don't honor him in the exact same way that the Hindus do.

I wouldn't worry so much about it. If a god doesn't like what you're doing, they're more than capable of letting you know.

[Toby Stimpson]

Namaste!

Well, I can only say to you that if you don't feel compfortable then thats a good sign. I have been working and practicing a Hindu Pagan blend for about 3 years now I'd say...about that. In that time I have seen everything from Kali to Shiva...and one thing that I have always seen is that despite your tradition the Gods of Hinduism are not just of that tradition but of all traditions. The gods found within are the reflectiosn of the most ancient archetypes...the sun god, the messiah, the Goddess...and so on. These archetypes are found in most other traditions...and to be fair, it is just names and personalities. Perhaps we can help you better if you were to give us questions that we can asnwer and we can create a mini Upanisad here, as there are several others on this baord who are in the position to help :).

Tobias

P.S. in egards to worshipping within the Faith community...now it is true that the worshippers have a strange connection with a God but evolution has shown that no matter what happens a group cannot remain so secluded. You do not have to conform or worship through the Hindu coimmunity, as a majority of the customs are social customs. It is a little difficult hopwever to gain acceptance by soem Hindu communities...one thing I am trying to tackle here where I live.

[Toby Stimpson]

That completly reminds me...ahs it been a year all ready??? HAPPY DEeWALI EVERYONE!!!!!!

[Paracelsus]

Yeah, Happy Deepawali!
I think that anyone familiar with the flexible nature of Hinduism will appreciate that most Hindus don't mind if someone else "worships their Gods". I've just come back from leading a Religious Studies field trip for teenagers to India, and we bathed in the Ganges at Dawn, sang Kirtana in temples, and participated in Pujas, welcomed by everyone in every temple we went to...
(If you want to see some pictures, click the link below).
For those of you interested in Hinduism:
Namaste

[Toby Stimpson]

Hey Peracelsus...I rememebr you saying you were going...how was Varanasi? Lucky dog, I wish I was one of your students...I just looked through the images, and yet I don't see any Bollywood cinemas....tsk tsk. thanks for sharing those, it only makes me more excited for when I go in a few years. Did you make it at all to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's temple in Rishikesh, if memory serves he has a small one there.

Namaste

Tobias

[Toki Wartooth]

I don't generally have a problem with mixing or matching pantheons, but why would one still call it a Wiccan setting if it's involving Hindu deities as opposed to the common Lady and Lord? Wasn't Wiccan set up to have such a polarity? By inviting Hindu deities, wouldn't you be rather eclectic with both Wiccan and Hindu influence?

That's just what I thought of. Of course, it all matters on what you believe as opposed to as what I do. If, after considering various responses and thoughts and feelings, you believe it's all right, then do as you will.

[Toby Stimpson]

Well Aaranae, a couple of us discussed this matter...as to whether or not Hindu-Wicca is an adequate term, or if it is disrespectful to both Wicca and Hinduism. However when you look at Wicca, it is traditionally a religion of Polarity however if you look at the majority of traditions now unde rthe Wiccan banner they can be anything from monotheistic, polythiesitic, dualistic to monastic. We discussed that in hindu Wicca if your interested...but again it does really come down to the answer you find for yourself really.

Namaste

Tobias

[amakaliani]

Well, Hello All! I just thought I would jump right in.

I personally think that including the Hindu aspects into my particular path of Wicca/Paganism has been most helpful. Kali called me about 5 yrs ago, and things have been rough but, (when isn't it?) But, I have seen Her personally and continue to learn many great ways to expand my faith by using the Hindu thoughts and ritual.

Thanks all

[Isischild]

Here’s the thing: I’m interested in the Hindu Pantheon. I’m drawn to several of the deities, and could see myself working with them quite easily. However, there’s an issue I’d like everyone’s opinion on.

Hinduism is alive and well. It’s a widely practiced polytheistic religion with a rich history. It has it’s own rituals, holidays and traditions.

My problem is not with mixing multiple pantheons, it’s with using the pantheon of a living religion outside of that religion.

I sort of feel as though it would be disrespectful to pinch a deity out of their religion’s traditions and plop then down into a Wiccan setting, circumventing the traditional Hindu practices.

I’m still on the fence though, and I’m curious as to what you all think. How do you feel about using Hindu gods in Wicca? How would you suggest I approach this issue?

Thanks in advance, and happy Monday. :bigredgri

NB: I couldn’t quite decide if this fit better in Paths or Gods/Goddesses. Here’s hoping I made the right choice, and I apologize if I didn’t.

While you are correct in your feelings of concern there is a way to work with them while not pissing them or anyone else off.
I had only one not so good experience with Kali ma, but that's because I was forced into working with her at the time without being allowed to research her first. (If the leadership of your coven or circle ever does anything like that I suggest you run for the door with your diginity intact).

You might start with research. Learn as much as you want or can about the deities you are intrested in. Learn how they are worshipped today by their followers. (If you ever run across someone from that region who is Hindu then what an opportunity you would have to ask them respectfully!)
Next or in conjunction with the above, simply see if you can call on the deities of you choice. Simply show respect and love to them and I think you will get somewhere. Ask them your questions and ask their permission. They are deity and if you truely want to communicate with them and work with them for a bit they will know it. Eventually as you meditate or think on then you will recieve answers. I was pretty successful with Krishna (had contact with him for a short time) and was quite surprised as well at the peace and love I felt from him. (I would have never thought I could or would feel that from male deity).
However, I did my homework first. In fact, I stumbled onto an Indian wedding reception party by accident once. I was in a huge building looking for the correct room I was supposed to be in for a computer show when that happened. I peeked in and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Totally authentic. They had a huge statue of Krishna at each door entrance including the one I was standing in. Fortunately due to my homework I knew how to rever him. As I did so one of the ushers (I assume) saw me and came over. I thought "uh oh". Turns out he came over to thank me for properly revering Krishna and had instant respect for me. (It shocked the stuffing out of him that shay whitie here would know anything about it). He even invited me in to look around and meet some people, but I declined out of respect. He shook my hand and we bowed and that was it.
Just thought I would share that story.

Don't worry too much if you do what has been suggested by the folks here, you should have no problem.

Isischild

[ObsessedFae86]

I too am interested in eclectic wicca with hindu influences..so this thread is helpful lol :)

[Mithrea]

While you are correct in your feelings of concern there is a way to work with them while not pissing them or anyone else off.

Who is anyone else? If you mean Hindus or Wiccans, then I'm going to beat my drum once again. Your path is your own. It is not for others to judge. If you feel you are on *your* path, then you follow it no matter what others say.

As to the original question, I have had no problem honoring Hindu gods and goddesses in my path. To me they are all alive even if it just in memory so I see no difference in honoring Kali from honoring Aphrodite, for example.

[Pythia]

Is it really any different with all pantheons, Greek, Egyptian, Celtic and so on. Wiccan structure would be foreign to any of these Gods. The very nature of Wicca is to involve Deities from earlier cultures. Seems to me that this would be an issue for pretty much every Wiccan, not just Hinduistic ones.

[DebLipp]

Hinduism is alive and well. It’s a widely practiced polytheistic religion with a rich history. It has it’s own rituals, holidays and traditions.

My problem is not with mixing multiple pantheons, it’s with using the pantheon of a living religion outside of that religion.

I sort of feel as though it would be disrespectful to pinch a deity out of their religion’s traditions and plop then down into a Wiccan setting, circumventing the traditional Hindu practices.

My experience is that, in general, this is fine. I have spoken to a number of Hindus about this (I am fortunate in that I work in the computer industry, in New Jersey, so there are many Indians here, most of whom are Hindu) and none of them have a problem with it. Hinduism as a religion embraces individual expression; people choose their own deities, and work out for themselves how they will worship that deity. They will follow the rules, performing puja in a traditional way, but they will make many personal decisions so that each is following his or her own Hinduism. For example, individual Hindus might fast on certain days as an offering to their God(s), or might be vegetarian, or might have certain prayer days set aside, and so on.

This open attitude lends itself to bringing other, more innovative (and more Western) practices into the worship of Hindu deities.

Because these Gods are so alive and so individual, they don't necessarily fit into a fill-in-the-blank-with-God-name Wiccan ceremony, but if treated with respect, a Wiccan context is fine. For myself, I also do some modified puja and private prayer.

[Ben Gruagach]

I agree with Deb (as usual.)

The things I've read about Hinduism suggest that it is a pretty diverse thing -- sort of like Wicca (although we Wiccans are a tiny minority, and very new to the scene, compared to Hinduism!) There doesn't seem to be a dogma that all Hindus are expected to follow apart from respecting the Divine however it manifests. Specific Hindu sects or denominations do have their own rules, dogma, philosphies, etc. but they don't seem to expect all Hindus to follow or even believe the same.

With diversity like that there tends to be innovation and constant growth too. I'm positive there are plenty of things that are present within modern Hinduism that were borrowed from other non-Hindu sources. And also plenty of innovations that were invented by modern Hindus that were not a part of Hinduism in the past.

Wicca itself is very much a religion of borrowing... are there really any myths, practices, or ideas that are uniquely Wiccan? It seems that everything we Wiccans do was borrowed from somewhere else. Modified maybe, put into unique combinations, but the basic components of Wicca are all borrowed from other places.

[Rain Rosewillow]

I also work with many Indians, both Hindus and Sikhs. The guys came up with 2 names for me. When I am angry they call me Durga, and when I am sweet they call me Lakshmi. One guy would always give me his expenses late and messy and he'd say "don't invoke Durga, just be nice to me".

I have always been fascinated with Indian culture and religions. Even before I realised I was Pagan at heart, and before I declared my Wiccan faith, even as a Catholic child I would pray to Shiva and Lakshmi.

As I am meeting more Wiccans and Pagans I have stumbled upon 2 groups. One - choose a pantheon and stick to it, never cross polinate your gods. the other - do what feels right. All goddesses and all gods are really one deity, so it does not matter what names you call them.

[Temptation]

My husband's father is Hindu and my mother in law converted to Hinduism from Catholicism about 30 years ago. They always tell me that Hindus are tolerant and accepting of all paths and all religions because to them it's all one and the same. To them we are all Hindus, no matter what name we decide to call our spiritual path.
Consequently, they don't mind one little bit if anyone uses their Deities. In their eyes they're everyone's Deities anyway. :)

[DebLipp]

As I am meeting more Wiccans and Pagans I have stumbled upon 2 groups. One - choose a pantheon and stick to it, never cross polinate your gods. the other - do what feels right. All goddesses and all gods are really one deity, so it does not matter what names you call them.
I must say I am not in either group. I don't believe that "all gods are really one deity," but I do believe we can worship many of them, cross-culturally. I don't believe that Kali minds that I also worship Aradia or Persephone or Lugh, nor have I had any negative experience in my (many) years of ritual to lead me to think so.

[Rain Rosewillow]

I must say I am not in either group. I don't believe that "all gods are really one deity," but I do believe we can worship many of them, cross-culturally. I don't believe that Kali minds that I also worship Aradia or Persephone or Lugh, nor have I had any negative experience in my (many) years of ritual to lead me to think so.

I'm not in either group myself. Those are just 2 generalized groups I have come across.

I have Buddha and Ganesh sitting with my painting of the Green Man on my altar. I have what is supposed to be the Virgin and infant Jesus (it's a mother and child statue that I thought was supposed to be my mom and me) with my Gaia painting on my altar.

[Suzette]

Who is anyone else? If you mean Hindus or Wiccans, then I'm going to beat my drum once again. Your path is your own. It is not for others to judge. If you feel you are on *your* path, then you follow it no matter what others say.

As to the original question, I have had no problem honoring Hindu gods and goddesses in my path. To me they are all alive even if it just in memory so I see no difference in honoring Kali from honoring Aphrodite, for example.

I couldn't agree more. Your path is just that, and it's what you make it that determines what you derive from it. Respect, as you would with any other aspect about your life is key - and no matter what pantheon you call upon, if you live by example, the energies will recognize your calling.

I often call upon Shiva, Kwan Yin, as much as the Greek or Celtic pantheons. Earlier this year, I had a medical/legal issue which pretty much meant war against a person who's defeat was completely deserved and seriously necessary. I called upon Jupiter, Sekhmet, Mars and Fortuna - and I had planned a six-month ritual, but the spell worked after only one... To say it was powerful would be an understatement.

As long as you are respectful, know what you're doing, why you are calling upon them and are truly deserving to be doing so - it's all apart of your path and how you will gain wisdom by growing.

I also agree with DLipp in that I disagree all gods are really one deity and that we can truly worship cross-culturally... I could never be tied down to one mindset.

[amakaliani]

all very sound advice,if I might say so myself. I am pleased to hear about otherrs who meld their paths with other "non-Wiccan" paths. I think that many of the other Eastern religions have many things to offer that "plain" wicca does not. I began with Diana, and slowly realized that the only Goddess that really worked for me was Kali. She made that quite clear before I got my tattoo. (I have a four armed Kali on my left shoulder) I also realized upon searching the histories of Kali and Shiva, that they mirror my relationship with my God figure, my husband. He regularly throws himself beneath my feet to prevent the destructive forces of my Kali like temper. Within my life, I have found many similiarities that are in line with Kali. I also see that now is the perfect time (in my opinion) to invoke her in the destruction of the Great Demon, that I see in GWB.

[Isischild]

Who is anyone else? If you mean Hindus or Wiccans, then I'm going to beat my drum once again. Your path is your own. It is not for others to judge. If you feel you are on *your* path, then you follow it no matter what others say.

No, that is not what I meant. Perhaps I wasn't complete in my thought. I meant that just in case one runs into any Hindus in a given situation such as I did in my computer show story just be sure to know how to show respect to what ever deity they have called on. (I admit it will be rare that most folks would stumble upon that situation). Also I was just driving home the point of asking the deity what they like. Once one has done these two things one can't go wrong. It has nothing to do with one's path.

As to the original question, I have had no problem honoring Hindu gods and goddesses in my path. To me they are all alive even if it just in memory so I see no difference in honoring Kali from honoring Aphrodite, for example.

That's all I was trying to say. (I probably shouldn't engage in writing when I'm feeling under the weather, it clouds my mind and I forget things).

Isischild