Comment Re: Hinduism starts with a question, not a dogma (Score 1) 147
https://www.perplexity.ai/sear...
explain in detail, Hinduism as the oldest living Dharmic tradition, with parallels to the "open source" software movement. The target auidence being a typical westener familiar only with organized proselytizing invasive Abrahamic religions such as Islam & Christianity spread by the sword. Deep Research and include detailed citations in report
explain in detail, Hinduism as the oldest living Dharmic tradition, with parallels to the "open source" software movement. The target auidence being a typical westener familiar only with organized proselytizing invasive Abrahamic religions such as Islam & Christianity spread by the sword. Deep Research and include detailed citations in report
**Hinduism is frequently recognized as the oldest living Dharmic tradition and stands apart from Abrahamic religions by emphasizing pluralism, flexibility, and decentralized spiritual practiceâ"an ethos strikingly similar to the âoeopen sourceâ software movement**[1][2][3][4][5].
## Hinduism: Oldest Living Dharmic Tradition
Hinduismâ(TM)s roots precede recorded history, tracing back over 4,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization and Vedic texts[1][2][5]. Unlike Abrahamic religionsâ"Judaism, Christianity, and Islamâ"which were founded by specific prophets, Hinduism lacks a single founder or central authority[6][3]. It is known by its adherents as *SanÄtana Dharma* (âoeeternal lawâ)â"a continuous philosophical tradition that integrates many beliefs, texts, and rituals across cultures[1][4]. Hindu teachings, preserved in a vast array of texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, encapsulate concepts of karma, reincarnation, dharma, and moksha[1][6][4].
## Parallel to âoeOpen Sourceâ Movement
Hinduismâ(TM)s evolution mirrors open source principles. Just as open source software welcomes collaborative modification and adaptation, Hinduism encourages personal spiritual exploration and reinterpretation[7][8][9][10]. There is no âoeone-size-fits-allâ doctrinal pathâ"diverse practices (bhakti, karma, jnana, meditation, ritual) are all accepted as valid[7][8]. Communities throughout India and beyond follow different customs, and philosophies develop organically through dialogue and debate, much like open source code forks and merges[7][8][10]. Throughout its history, Hinduism has absorbed influences from other traditions (Buddhism, Jainism, even elements of Islam and Christianity) without losing its inherent pluralism[11][7][8].
## Contrasts with Abrahamic Religions
Abrahamic religions are characterized by exclusive monotheism, defined canon, and strong institutional authorityâ"often coupled historically with organized proselytization, conversion efforts, and sometimes force (âoespread by the swordâ)[12][13][6]. Salvation hinges on faith in a specific god, following strict commandments, and aligning with fixed creeds. In contrast, **Hinduism is non-proselytizing and inclusive**, accepting atheists, polytheists, and diverse sectsâ"viewing all sincere seekersâ(TM) paths as valid[12][14][4][8]. Its complex pantheon and philosophical schools allow vibrant cross-pollination, defending spiritual freedom and individual choice above blind obedience and exclusivity[8][7][12].
## Key Insights for a Western Audience
- Hinduism thrives as **âoeopen-source spirituality,â** encouraging personal customization and growthâ"unlike religions defined by exclusive, institutional creeds[7][8][9][10].
- Its system honors **plural ways to the divine, philosophical freedom, and ongoing evolutionâ"akin to collaborative development in open source software**[7][8].
- Abrahamic faiths historically spread through evangelism and sometimes force, but Hinduism remains organic and integrative, rarely aiming to convert or replace other traditions[12][13][14].
- For seekers from structured Western backgrounds, Hinduism offers a paradigm where spiritual truth emerges from dialogue, experimentation, and respectful coexistenceâ"just as open-source software relies on community participation rather than imposition[7][8][10].
Citations:
[1] Hinduism - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
[2] Hinduism | Origin, History, Beliefs, Gods, & Facts - Britannica https://www.britannica.com/top...
[3] Religions - Hinduism: At a Glance - BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion...
[4] 5 things Dharmic faiths have in common - Hindu American Foundation https://www.hinduamerican.org/...
[5] [PDF] Origins of Hinduism https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/...
[6] Hinduism: What Do You Know About the World's Oldest Religion? https://www.smp.org/resourcece...
[7] The World's First Open-Source LLM: Hinduism - The àà¾àà¾àà of URVA https://www.urva.site/p/world-...
[8] Open-source Hinduism - Irénées - Irenees.net https://www.irenees.net/bdf_fi...
[9] The God Project: Hinduism as Open-Source Faith | HuffPost Religion https://www.huffpost.com/entry...
[10] The God Project: Hinduism as Open-Source Faithâ"by Josh Schrei https://savitri.in/blogs/light...
[11] History of Hinduism - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
[12] Hinduism vs. Abrahamic Religions: Why Are They So Different? https://timeslife.com/life-hac...
[13] Why do Abrahamic Religion dislike Hinduism? - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/hindu...
[14] "Abrahamizing" Hinduism (NOT about Conversion) https://www.ihsanishan.com/ihs...
[15] Hinduism is akin to Open Source, while Abrahamic faiths are closed
[16] 12.4 Hinduism and Abrahamic religions: Interactions and dialogues https://library.fiveable.me/in...
[17] Is Hinduism actually the oldest religion in the world? - Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/relig...
[18] FOSS is Necessary but Not Sufficient: Lessons from the History and
[19] Neo-Vedanta - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...
[20] Hindutva - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...