Portrait of a Hindu

Before I came to India, I could never grasp the difference between Muslims and Hindus. I had read about their beliefs and knew they were different religions, but without any personal friends in either group, it was all a jumble to me.

Now, I have met many Hindus, including two work colleagues, who though different in certain aspects of their faith, have given me great insight into this enlightened belief system. Let me introduce you first to Sridhar. Sridhar is a VP at Photon and a very bright fellow. He's responsible for overseeing an ambitious project on a tight deadline. It's a huge challenge and potential stress fest. But Sridhar is calm. He is always focused in the moment. When I found out he was a Hindu, I was intrigued and immediately began inundating the poor guy with all the pent-up questions of a lifetime. He explained to me that the Hindu religion is the most flexible religion, which allows you to hold whatever beliefs you want and still be a Hindu. It favors diversity and tolerance and other traits that I value in life.

When I traveled north to Delhi, I met another colleague, Rajesh Sharma, whom I learned was also a Hindu. Sridhar introduced me to Hinduism and Rajesh schooled me in its principles by taking me to the Iskcon Temple in Delhi. For a flower child like me who came of age in the 1960's, this was a flashback to my hippie youth and the days of the Hare Krishna's.

Krishna is one of the most influential Hindu gods (there are many) and has his own sect devoted to him. At Iskcon, I learned about the Hindu belief in reincarnation, and the teaching that the way one lives her life in this world will determine whether she advances or retreats in the next. The ultimate reward is to transcend physical existence and to reside with Krishna in a heavenly Nirvana. What appeals to me most about these teachings--albeit my understanding remains at a pretty superficial level--is their underlying faith in the goodness of humankind, and their message that the highest goal of life is love.

I left the lecture thinking not of the differences between Hindus and Christians, but of their similarities. Both belief in the eternal soul. Both proclaim a message of brotherly love. And both promise a heavenly reward for the faithful. It was Palm Sunday when we visited Iskcon, a day that I normally spend at St. Luke's Episcopal church. There was no trace of Christ in the temple that day, but I felt the same spirit of peace that permeates all holy places. And if, as Sridhar says, I can be a Hindu and hold any belief I want, then perhaps I will be an Episcopalian--and a Hindu, too.