I think it it the content not the language that is considered holy. Also since languages and books are a way to learn and gain knowledge, all languages are holy.
Hiryanyakashipu was not the same as Bali. Bali grew up to be more like his grandfather Prahalada than his great great grandfather Hiryanyakashipu. But then maybe it was like you said, he did attack the devaloka and paid the price for that.
:yes:
Guess I was wrong in calling them New Age:). But that is what they are generally called here in India. A google search for "new age" guru India throws up the same names. Maybe us Indians define them in a different way(Or maybe its just me :)).
I agree Casteism exists and there exists discrimination on basis of caste in parts of India. Especially the rural parts. My point is that Jati(caste) system is not based on scriptures. It was/is just misinterpretation of scriptures. People just created a system which was beneficial to themselves...
There is no clear definition as far as I know. They usually tend to pick feel good elements from various Hindu thought processes. Talk a lot about universal brotherhood and peace. Tend to hide their Hindu affiliations as much as possible (Can't blame them, cause if they do they will be called a...
Indian Buddhist,
I agree that the situation on the ground in some parts of India is bad. But there is a lot of change happening. Caste system is now no longer much of an issue in most Urban areas (At least here in the south). Caste violence has almost come down to nil. There are now temples Eg...
I have never been asked that question in my life:). My family is supposed to be Vaishnava. But like most Hindus we are just Hindu. No particular philosophy.
Dictionary dot com defines Religion as
[ri-lij-uhn]
noun 1.a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral...