Non-Hindu deities

[Maya3]

It doesn't matter. If you use an image to get closer to God then it could be anything.

I like the example of a blub of clay, god without form. But whatever gets you there is what is important.

I have Harriet Tubman on my altar. She was a devout Christian, but I have never come a cross a human being living up to Selfless Service as well as her.
So for me she represents what Krishna speaks about in the Gita.

Maya

[Jainarayan]

I understand that when people find a cylindrical stone, they will make a small shrine to it as a Shivalingam.

[Vinayaka]

Originally Posted by Jainarayan

I understand that when people find a cylindrical stone, they will make a small shrine to it as a Shivalingam.

I think you might mean Hindus, not 'people. Just a wild guess.

[Jainarayan]

Of course, Hindus 'by default'.

[Satyamavejayanti]

Originally Posted by Chisti

There are many people who view non-Hindu deities, such as Jesus, as aspects of Brahman. Is this valid? In a broad sense, everything is an aspect of Brahman, but still ...

I think its only Valid if the aspects of the non Hindu deity is in line with the aspect of the Saguna Brahman.

If there are any doubts then i dont think its valid to hold any non Hindu figure as a aspect of the Brahman.

[shivadas]

The deity is just a form to hold this great unified spirit, like a body that doesn't move...
Personally, on my alter sits a white Krishna statue that represents the Shiva/purusha aspect of Brahman, and a Mother Mary statue to represent Shakti/praktiki.

Really it couldn't matter less...
The only time a deity should be worried about is in a temple setting where one should make sure the deity connects with everyone.