The irony in the Baha'i faith

[George-ananda]

To me, there was a clear division between some very conservative Baha'is and some very liberal Baha'is. The one tended to be in positions of power and tended to be strict rules and covenant followers. The others broke rules right and left but could get along with just about anybody from the other religions. So, at the higher levels, would any of these liberal Baha'is ever get elected or appointed to positions of power?

Let me make second comment on your post that makes a point I hold that these 'very liberal' Baha'is should not really consider themselves Baha'is in the first place. They may be admirers of some Baha'i teachings and writings but they are not and should never have become Baha'is. Let me quote from a letter from Stephen Birkland (then a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas and now a member of the Universal House of Justice)

the basic requirements for Baha'i membership set out by the Guardian:

"Full recognition of the station of the Forerunner, the Author, and the Ture Exemplar of the Baha'i Cause, as set forth in Abdu'l-Baha's Testament; unreserved acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of our Beloved's sacred Will; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of the present day Baha'i administration throughout the world--these I conceive to be the fundamental and primary considerations that must be fairly, discreetly and thoughtfully ascertained before reaching such a vital decision."

Source Link

 

[Dawnofhope]

If you treat Hinduism as a religion (like Christianity, Islam and Bahaism), you run into all kinds of complications, because it is not.
I don't believe Hinduism can be defined in any way like Christianity or Islam can be.
One could say that any tradition of Indian origin that is not Buddhist or Jain should be called Hindu, others however would also prefer Buddhism and Jainism to be included in the Hindu fold (on good grounds).
By no means however can you compare such a very large network of Indian traditions with a religion.
You can call it that for administrative reasons, but that does not mean much in a substantive assesment (if that is proper english).

I practise Tantra Yoga, which is not a religion because it can be found in Hindu, Bhuddist as well as in Jain contexts and is even said to be at the base of Taoism (and the original teachings of Yeshua).

In my modernized type of Tantra-Yoga there is no connection to the mythologies of the Puranic religion (which is even younger than Islam and Christianity) nor to any other Hindu mythologies such as ideas about a long golden spiritual age in the distant past and a so-called Kali-yuga in the present age nor does it recognize the idea of avatars.

That is the problem (for me personally) with the Bahai viewpoint. Because it uses very simple religious templates only, it has to invent a mythological (Bahai) religious framework for God having worked through religions and their so-called messengers or founders. This may satisfy Bahai followers but realistically it is quite meaningless.

Thanks for the clarification of your belief.

Hinduism certainly isn’t a religion that revolves around a central character like Buddha or Jesus. I agree with Vinayaka that its an umbrella term and requires flexibility with considering who is a Hindu and who isn’t. Personally I’m comfortable with the term and with the diversity under that umbrella. That shouldn’t be surprising as I’m comfortable with the diversity of the world’s religions.

Meditation is an essential aspect of the Baha’i Faith but there’s complete flexibility as to how Baha’is meditate. In that area as with many aspects of life its not prescriptive at all.

Baha’is do believe in an Unknowable Essence called God or Vishnu working through Messengers or Avatars. I’m comfortable we agree to disagree over that one.

All the best with following Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar.

Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar - Wikipedia

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Thanks for the clarification of your belief.

Hinduism certainly isn’t a religion that revolves around a central character like Buddha or Jesus. I agree with Vinayaka that its an umbrella term and requires flexibility with considering who is a Hindu and who isn’t. Personally I’m comfortable with the term and with the diversity under that umbrella. That shouldn’t be surprising as I’m comfortable with the diversity of the world’s religions.

Meditation is an essential aspect of the Baha’i Faith but there’s complete flexibility as to how Baha’is meditate. In that area as with many aspects of life its not prescriptive at all.

Baha’is do believe in an Unknowable Essence called God or Vishnu working through Messengers or Avatars. I’m comfortable we agree to disagree over that one.

All the best with following Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar.

Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar - Wikipedia

This Sounds familiar;

"... Sarkar proposed that the physical, mental, and spiritual realms of humanity all need to be addressed in a vision of the future. A new social order – a "moral society" – is needed for the future, emphasizing cooperation over competition, collective welfare over profit, and transcendent ideals over self-interest. And finally, as a common theme that runs through many works, the idea of the New (or Second) Enlightenment, reflecting an ethical, psychological, and social transformation in humanity, has been proposed as a hopeful and preferable futurist vision for the world."
—Thomas Lombardo on Sarkar's philosophy

Regards Tony

 

[Dawnofhope]

No, they cannot; otherwise they would be ex-communicated by their House of Justice.

Not true. Are you deliberately misrepresenting the Baha’i Faith or do you really believe that?

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Let me make second comment on your post that makes a point I hold that these 'very liberal' Baha'is should not really consider themselves Baha'is in the first place. They may be admirers of some Baha'i teachings and writings but they are not and should never have become Baha'is. Let me quote from a letter from Stephen Birkland (then a member of the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas and now a member of the Universal House of Justice)

the basic requirements for Baha'i membership set out by the Guardian:

"Full recognition of the station of the Forerunner, the Author, and the Ture Exemplar of the Baha'i Cause, as set forth in Abdu'l-Baha's Testament; unreserved acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of our Beloved's sacred Will; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of the present day Baha'i administration throughout the world--these I conceive to be the fundamental and primary considerations that must be fairly, discreetly and thoughtfully ascertained before reaching such a vital decision."

Source Link

I see what He offered is important. This is what it is to build a faith on foundations of rock.

But that is not the way many will start the journey, it may take years to achieve this. I see that is the wisdom why Baha'u'llah gave laws that need to be implemented over time. We have a period of transition where compassion allows for that timely change.

The Basis is to acknowledge who Baha'u'llah is, to be aware of the laws and willing to try to implement them. An understanding of the Covenant is one of the first lessons a Baha'i will need in that journey of change.

Regards Tony

 

[Dawnofhope]

Christians have different concepts of god but they do agree on basic things like the authority of the bible, existence of a creator, and the need for salvation.

I agree.

It would be odd to say Hindus believes about god is so varied and that it is hard to define it yet they all are under on overarching term-Hindus. There wouldn't be a Hindu DIR if no one had a common consensus of the basics.

Hinduism is very diverse in beliefs and there is simply no one size fits all. There can be any number of gods from none to zillions and then the nature of that God can vary between being ephemeral and unknown to being incarnated into a man such as Krishna. The diversity is quite bewildering at first but fine once we get accustomed to different traditions and schools of thought within Hinduism.

But bahai is saying hindus and bahai have the same source.

What is the nature of that source?

God.

Are you aware you have asked me that question three times now?

It's hard to understand it from Hindu perspective because a lot of it is experiences and language based; I don't know what consciousness is, for example. I'm sure all Hindus know.

It would be fair to say you are conscious of what your five senses tell you of the world and your thoughts and feelings. You are not conscious of God nor dimensions beyond this material realm. Part of the goal of Hinduism and indeed any religion is to expand consciousness to encompass a more spiritual as opposed to material realm. At the heart of any faith is mysticism and an experience that transcends the mundane.

I can't learn it from christians because they have varied descriptions of god: incarnation, human, spirit, entity, force, etc

I imagine not having a belief and experience of God is an important barrier. Just sayin.

I don't know muslims at all (entity? force?)
Buddhist don't have a central god figure creator

So, since bahai believe all are from the same source, can you describe it?

That’s a great question really but one I’ll deliberately avoid by quoting Christ.

John 3:12

People may not agree with what you say; but, that shouldn't be an excuse not to say it, right?

I have no issues when another spells out points of disagreement. I do take exception when others distort or misrepresent the faith of another. That can be done simply by not knowing much about a religion then making uninformed assumptions. It can also be done deliberately to mislead and malign.

(Remember, you're talking to an atheist who has no concept of god)

I know you don’t believe in God and have no issues with that.

Of course people have different perspectives under the same belief but they are familiar with the basics. Since bahai says each person has the same basics/source, what are they to which each of the five (I think) religions would (in the future) agree on to build harmony among humanity?

I'm sure each bahai has a different perspective at this, but I'm sure you guys agree on the basics?

Baha’is do have basics we agree on and that is the authority and authenticity of the writings of the Central figures and the interpretations and elucidations of the appointed successors such as Abdul-Baha, Shoghi Effendi and the Universal House of Justice.

You had hoped the misunderstandings between the Hindus and Baha’is could be cleared up. How are we going?

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Hinduism is very diverse in beliefs and there is simply no one size fits all. There can be any number of gods from none to zillions and then the nature of that God can vary between being ephemeral and unknown to being incarnated into a man such as Krishna. The diversity is quite bewildering at first but fine once we get accustomed to different traditions and schools of thought within Hinduism.

God

I'm an atheist, remember?

That word never meant anything to me my whole life. I only know it by cultural means-our laws, religions, etc but not my immediate family and environment.

I know how christians "describe" their god (love/grace/etc). Not sure about Muslims though. I did find a list of core Hindu beliefs that they all have in common (like christians have bible/creator/savior in common) and so forth.

I did ask them how they define their god but didn't get beyond the basics. Since Bahai has the same god, maybe you can describe much easier than a Hindu would?

I did found another thread of Hindus core religious beliefs in their DIR. Most of them don't seem to relate to bahai; but, that's how I took it. They seem to agree on the belief in god, though.

I'll have to come back to the rest. Getting off work in about 30.

 

[Dawnofhope]

I'm an atheist, remember?

That word never meant anything to me my whole life. I only know it by cultural means-our laws, religions, etc but not my immediate family and environment.

I know how christians "describe" their god (love/grace/etc). Not sure about Muslims though. I did find a list of core Hindu beliefs that they all have in common (like christians have bible/creator/savior in common) and so forth.

I did ask them how they define their god but didn't get beyond the basics. Since Bahai has the same god, maybe you can describe much easier than a Hindu would?

I did found another thread of Hindus core religious beliefs in their DIR. Most of them don't seem to relate to bahai; but, that's how I took it. They seem to agree on the belief in god, though.

I'll have to come back to the rest. Getting off work in about 30.

All the best with work. This list about core religious Hindu beliefs was posted on another thread:

Basics of Hinduism

Its probably useful to know also that most Hindus on this forum are Westerners rather than Hindus living in India. I suspect there’s a huge difference to how those born into Hinduism approach their religion compared to those who haven’t been born into it and choose later in life to identify as Hindu.

 

[George-ananda]

I see what He offered is important. This is what it is to build a faith on foundations of rock.

But that is not the way many will start the journey, it may take years to achieve this.

I believe the actual Baha'i position is to consider oneself a 'seeker' until the recognition of those things in that quote are understood and accepted.

the basic requirements for Baha'i membership set out by the Guardian:

"Full recognition of the station of the Forerunner, the Author, and the Ture Exemplar of the Baha'i Cause, as set forth in Abdu'l-Baha's Testament; unreserved acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of our Beloved's sacred Will; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of the present day Baha'i administration throughout the world--these I conceive to be the fundamental and primary considerations that must be fairly, discreetly and thoughtfully ascertained before reaching such a vital decision."

 

[Unveiled Artist]

All the best with work. This list about core religious Hindu beliefs was posted on another thread:

Basics of Hinduism

Its probably useful to know also that most Hindus on this forum are Westerners rather than Hindus living in India. I suspect there’s a huge difference to how those born into Hinduism approach their religion compared to those who haven’t been born into it and choose later in life to identify as Hindu.

Oh. The link is Hindu view. Is Baha'i view the same as these by the same foundation (these aren't perspectives but foundational beliefs)?

 

[Jim]

I'm sure each bahai has a different perspective at this, but I'm sure you guys agree on the basics?

No.

 

[Terry Sampson]

Your post #5

Essentially, Baha'I Faith claims, Religion of God needs to be renewed in every Age.
Thus Bahai Faith is the renewed Christ Faith. It is the renewed Hinduism. It is the renewed Islam. As much as even as Christ and other Messengers have said, the Religion would get distorted by false teachers, thus all Religions promised a Person to appear at the end, to renew Religion and teach the original Faith. Bahais believe, this promise is fulfilled by the person of Bahaullah, and He is the One all previous Founders of Religions had promised to come.

My post #6

So, contrary to other Baha'i, you agree that Jesus of Nazareth was literally crucified, entombed, and resurrected, then ascended into heaven? Because if you don't believe that, but believe instead that Jesus was metaphorically resurrected and ascended into heaven, you are "replacing", not "renewing", the authentic beliefs of the earliest christians.

Your post #152

I am saying,

• Bahais believe that,
  • Original spiritual teachings of Jesus had been faded after thousands of years, and
  • God renewed it through Bahai Faith.
  • Resurrection of Jesus, can be understood physically or metaphorically.
  • The Authors of Bible did not say, they meant a physical resurrection.
  • So, in Bahai view, the Bahai Writings in this case is just teaching what the Authors meant,
    • by claiming that, Bahai Writings are divine revelation.
• When Jesus came, The Authors of Bible interpreted many of the verses of the Old Testament differently than most Jews had understood over centuries
• Did Christian bible replaced old testament or, did it correct the misinterpretations of jews?

IMO, you appear to be as confused about "the Baha'i view" of resurrection as you are about what "the Authors of the Bible" meant in their writings about it.
Here is "one" Baha'i's view of Jesus' resurrection, written by Abdu’l-Bahá, "Some Answered Questions", No. 23:

• 23: THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST
  Question.—What is the meaning of Christ’s resurrection after three days?
  Answer.—The resurrections of the Divine Manifestations are not of the body. All Their states, Their conditions, Their acts, the things They have established, Their teachings, Their expressions, Their parables and Their instructions have a spiritual and divine signification, and have no connection with material things. .... And as it has become evident that Christ came from the spiritual heaven of the Divine Kingdom, therefore, His disappearance under the earth for three days has an inner signification and is not an outward fact. In the same way, His resurrection from the interior of the earth is also symbolical; it is a spiritual and divine fact, and not material; and likewise His ascension to heaven is a spiritual and not material ascension.
  Beside these explanations, it has been established and proved by science that the visible heaven is a limitless area, void and empty, where innumerable stars and planets revolve.
  Therefore, we say that the meaning of Christ’s resurrection is as follows: the disciples were troubled and agitated after the martyrdom of Christ. The Reality of Christ, which signifies His teachings, His bounties, His perfections and His spiritual power, was hidden and concealed for two or three days after His martyrdom, and was not resplendent and manifest. No, rather it was lost, for the believers were few in number and were troubled and agitated. The Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body; and when after three days the disciples became assured and steadfast, and began to serve the Cause of Christ, and resolved to spread the divine teachings, putting His counsels into practice, and arising to serve Him, the Reality of Christ became resplendent and His bounty appeared; His religion found life; His teachings and His admonitions became evident and visible. In other words, the Cause of Christ was like a lifeless body until the life and the bounty of the Holy Spirit surrounded it.
  Such is the meaning of the resurrection of Christ, and this was a true resurrection. But as the clergy have neither understood the meaning of the Gospels nor comprehended the symbols, therefore, it has been said that religion is in contradiction to science, and science in opposition to religion, as, for example, this subject of the ascension of Christ with an elemental body to the visible heaven is contrary to the science of mathematics. But when the truth of this subject becomes clear, and the symbol is explained, science in no way contradicts it; but, on the contrary, science and the intelligence affirm it.

More words from Abdu’l-Bahá, The Promulgation of Universal Peace | Bahá’í Reference Library

• 3 December 1912, Talk to Mr. Kinney’s Bible Class, 780 West End Avenue, New York, Notes by Edna McKinney
  "The divine Words are not to be taken according to their outer sense. They are symbolical and contain realities of spiritual meaning. ...
  "All the texts and teachings of the holy Testaments have intrinsic spiritual meanings. They are not to be taken literally.

IN OTHER WORDS, according to the son of Baha'u'llah, neither the resurrection nor the ascension are to be taken literally. So how is it possible, given those words, for a Baha'i to say, as you did, that the "Resurrection of Jesus, can be understood physically or metaphorically." [By the way, those statements confirm that Baha'i teaching is intended to replace Christian beliefs, not renew Christian beliefs.]

As for your confusion over what the "The Authors of the Bible meant by "the resurrection and ascension of Jesus", to wit: "The Authors of Bible did not say, they meant a physical resurrection."
I would welcome specific citations and/or quotations supporting your claim.

As for your final question, did Christians, in the Bible, replace or correct the Covenant between God and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and between God and Israel at Sinai?
Any human, Christian or otherwise, who believes that God's covenant with Israel can be abrogated or nullified or replaced by anyone but God Himself is in error.

 

[Aupmanyav]

So, if you want to prove that interpretation is not correct and kalki yoga has not come yet, you should put the actual quote and show why those who have said the kalki yoga is passed are wrong. You know what I mean? Also, there are other scriptures in Hinduism that says, Krishna manifests anytime and anywhere the religion declines, so, if you are referring to hindu scriptures, why not considering this one as well? I know you are an atheist hindu, ..
.. but, we can see Bahai Faith is compatible with those Hinduism denominations who believe in avatars.

What need I have to PROVE something to a pitiful number of Bahais and some charlatans of Hinduism. Hinduism is hale and hearty. There is no need for the Lord to take the trouble of appearing at this time.
.. I know, only to declare an ego-inflated Iran-born Muslim that you worship as a manifestation of a non-existent Allah as that avatara. Sell your wares somewhere else.

You’ll have an uphill battle trying to convince everyone the following three individuals were not Hindus. Sure you could label them upstarts and associate them with criminals but it just looks like you are trying to malign their characters because they disagree with you.

Again, I have no need to prove something to anyone. Truth wins and untruth perishes. They and what they say will perish automatically in time. Two are already gone, the third also will go in his time.

Not true. Are you deliberately misrepresenting the Baha’i Faith or do you really believe that?

Think of all the people who have been ex-communicated since Bahaullahs time, including all members of his own family.

 

[Jim]

There is no creed, no statement of beliefs that a person has to endorse to be a member. Offline, the members don’t know or care what the other members in their communities believe or don’t believe about any of the theological and administrative issues that Baha’is and former Baha’is debate about in Internet discussions with each other and with others. There was a time when some of it in some places revolved around information booths, and going up and down the sidewalk starting conversations with people and passing out flyers, like what people call “the Baha’i Faith” in Internet discussions, but that was more than twenty years ago.

Jim, I do not see that is the case, if you visit the National Baha'i Websites, they give a process of how to become a member of the Baha'i Community, this for Australia.

They give the basic statement of belief one is making to become a Baha'i and what that statement will involve.

The Faith is not unbridled Liberalism, it requires submission unto the Covenant and Laws of Baha'u'llah.

Becoming a Baha'i - Australian Baha'i Community

In saying that there is a compassionate flexibility in the way the covenant and laws are applied, as it is known it takes time and effort to practice what Baha'u'llah has offered to the world.

Regards Tony

What I’m saying is about membership in the community whose Universal House of Justice is seated on Mount Carmel.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY

The Bahá’í Community shall consist of all persons recognized by the Universal House of Justice as possessing the qualifications of Bahá’í faith and practice.

1. In order to be eligible to vote and hold elective office, a Bahá’í must have attained the age of twenty-one years.

2. The rights, privileges and duties of individual Bahá’ís are as set forth in the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi and as laid down by the Universal House of Justice.

- The Constitution of the Universal House of Justice

It says “faith and practice,” not “belief and practice,” and there is no list of beliefs. I’m saying that there’s no statement of beliefs that a person has to endorse, to be a member. I’m speaking from experience. I’ve been in the consultation of spiritual assemblies considering applications for membership, and it was never about a person’s beliefs. It was about whether a person was agreeing to follow Bahá’u’lláh; whether they were aware of the stations of the central figures in the community, and whether they were agreeing to obey its institutions.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

No.

Not all bahai believe in a creator and bahaullah's writings?

 

[Dawnofhope]

Oh. The link is Hindu view. Is Baha'i view the same as these by the same foundation (these aren't perspectives but foundational beliefs)?

So keep in mind that even these supposedly ‘foundational’ beliefs are not necessarily held by all Hindus.

Let’s consider them one by one:

1/ Hindus believe in a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality.

This is consistent with a Baha’i understanding of God. It should be noted that some Hindus are atheists, some are polytheistic and others have different views as to the nature of God.

2/Hindus believe in the divinity of the four Vedas, the world's most ancient scripture, and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed. These primordial hymns are God's word and the bedrock of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal religion.

This does not necessarily contradict Baha’i beliefs but instead we can’t be certain of the authenticity of any of the Hindu scriptures. So the statement may well be true but that will be a matter which scholars in the future will investigate

3/Hindus believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution.

That is consistent with science so consistent with a Baha’i worldview.

4/ Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.

Consistent with a Baha’i perspective. However in many schools of Hinduism karma is closely linked to reincarnation that Baha’is view allegorically not literally.

5/ Hindus believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until all karmas have been resolved, and moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, is attained. Not a single soul will be deprived of this destiny.

Baha’is might see this as a useful allegorical narrative but would not belief this literally.

6/ Hindus believe that divine beings exist in unseen worlds and that temple worship, rituals, sacraments and personal devotionals create a communion with these devas and Gods.

In addition to God we can pray to our ancestors and those who have passed to the next world and that prayer and devotion whether in a temple or elsewhere can positively influence our souls. Obligatory prayers have simple rituals associated with their practice. There are no other rituals or sacraments that are a necessary part of our devotions.

7/ Hindus believe that an enlightened master, or satguru, is essential to know the Transcendent Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification, pilgrimage, self-inquiry, meditation and surrender in God.

Meditation, self-inquiry, purification, personal discipline, knowing the Transcendent Absolute and pilgrimage are all part of the spiritual life for Baha’is. A living guru is unnecessary.

8/ Hindus believe that all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore practice ahimsa, noninjury, in thought, word and deed

Consistent with Baha’i beliefs.

9/ Hindus believe that no religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others, but that all genuine paths are facets of God's Light, deserving tolerance and understanding.

Consistent with Baha’i beliefs.

Basics of Hinduism

 

[Dawnofhope]

Again, I have no need to prove something to anyone. Truth wins and untruth perishes. They and what they say will perish automatically in time. Two are already gone, the third also will go in his time.

We’re trying to establish what the facts are. So we agree the verses that refer to the end of the Kali-yuga can not be relied on albeit for different reasons.

Think of all the people who have been ex-communicated since Bahaullahs time, including all members of his own family.

There weren’t a lot and its rare to be declared a covenant breaker. I think its happened once or twice in the 100 + year history since the Baha’i Faith was established in my country.

 

[Vinayaka]

So keep in mind that even these supposedly ‘foundational’ beliefs are not necessarily held by all Hindus.

Let’s consider them one by one:

1/ Hindus believe in a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality.

This is consistent with a Baha’i understanding of God. It should be noted that some Hindus are atheists, some are polytheistic and others have different views as to the nature of God.

2/Hindus believe in the divinity of the four Vedas, the world's most ancient scripture, and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed. These primordial hymns are God's word and the bedrock of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal religion.

This does not necessarily contradict Baha’i beliefs but instead we can’t be certain of the authenticity of any of the Hindu scriptures. So the statement may well be true but that will be a matter which scholars in the future will investigate

3/Hindus believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution.

That is consistent with science so consistent with a Baha’i worldview.

4/ Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.

Consistent with a Baha’i perspective. However in many schools of Hinduism karma is closely linked to reincarnation that Baha’is view allegorically not literally.

5/ Hindus believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until all karmas have been resolved, and moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, is attained. Not a single soul will be deprived of this destiny.

Baha’is might see this as a useful allegorical narrative but would not belief this literally.

6/ Hindus believe that divine beings exist in unseen worlds and that temple worship, rituals, sacraments and personal devotionals create a communion with these devas and Gods.

In addition to God we can pray to our ancestors and those who have passed to the next world and that prayer and devotion whether in a temple or elsewhere can positively influence our souls. Obligatory prayers have simple rituals associated with their practice. There are no other rituals or sacraments that are a necessary part of our devotions.

7/ Hindus believe that an enlightened master, or satguru, is essential to know the Transcendent Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification, pilgrimage, self-inquiry, meditation and surrender in God.

Meditation, self-inquiry, purification, personal discipline, knowing the Transcendent Absolute and pilgrimage are all part of the spiritual life for Baha’is. A living guru is unnecessary.

8/ Hindus believe that all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore practice ahimsa, noninjury, in thought, word and deed

Consistent with Baha’i beliefs.

9/ Hindus believe that no religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others, but that all genuine paths are facets of God's Light, deserving tolerance and understanding.

Consistent with Baha’i beliefs.

Basics of Hinduism

As much as I'd like to respond, at this time I'll have to pass. Hopefully another Hindu will be up to the task.

 

[Aupmanyav]

We’re trying to establish what the facts are. So we agree the verses that refer to the end of the Kali-yuga can not be relied on albeit for different reasons.

What would you consider as fact? A tradition that is older than 3,000 years or the claims of two recent upstarts who go against the Hindu tradition, and one who is not even a member of any recognized Hindu monastic order (Jaggi Vasudev)? That the title of Paramahansa was added to the name of Yogananda by his disciples, and does not make him into anything super-human.

Yukteswar's guru Lahiri Mahashaya claimed that he was instructed by one Mahavatara Babaji who is immortal and actually Lord Shiva, and who keeps on appearing to people at various times. Again no evidence, just statement of these people. Only a fool will believe in these tall stories. No different from Bahaullah claiming the visit of the Maid of Heaven.
Mahavatar Babaji - Wikipedia, Lahiri Mahasaya - Wikipedia, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri - Wikipedia, Paramahansa Yogananda - Wikipedia.

So keep in mind that even these supposedly ‘foundational’ beliefs are not necessarily held by all Hindus.

Then why discuss them? Himalayan Academy has its views, other Hindus will have their own views.
In my case 1, 2, 3, are absolute no, agree with 4 but do not agree with 5, 6 7, agree to 8 with a caveat that ahimsa does not apply in matters of food and may be necessary for societies and countries for safe-guarding their culture and boundaries. I belong to the religion in which Lord Krishna says that when dharma is endangered, it is our duty to fight, and we cannot shirk from that.

 

[Dawnofhope]

Not all bahai believe in a creator and bahaullah's writings?

Just because someone is enrolled a Baha’i doesn’t mean they believe in God anymore than someone attending the Catholic Church believes in God.