I thought that's what I was doing.
Can you give me some examples of the differences that you see between Catholicism and Hinduism, in the meanings of praying on beads and keeping images?
My experience with Hinduism is mostly influenced by the Hare Krishnas. Hinduism is a very multi-faceted religion. I think nobody can speak for all Hindus.
Catholics are to strive for "holiness", which in practice mostly means to get one's sins absolved by confession. The Bhagavad Gita teaches to go beyond that. Loving God (Krishna) for the sake of Himself and not for some "benefit" (like going to heaven). This love of God is called bhakti. Bhakti means "devotion", but devotion to God with the intent of "getting something/anything out of it" is not bhakti. Bhakti can be directed to the invisible God (which I think is mostly done by Sikhs and Sufis), but for the sake of making the process easier, it is often directed to a "chosen God" (Ishta-deva) who has distinct qualities (the can also be directed towards a Goddess). A primitive analogy might be the infatuation for a celebrity. Worshipping the ishta-deva does not preclude the concept that God is impersonal at the same time. In Hinduism, all "gods" are forms of the same God. Details may vary according to the sects of Hinduism.
As God can have distinct qualities, it is also not forbidden to worshipping God through an image. Instead, it is seen as helpful. People keep pictures of their loved ones, knowing that those images are not the persons themselves. I think at least formally consecrated statues in temples are seen as direct representations of God. For images on personal altars, it is not so strict, but they too should be treated with respect. Catholics do not believe that images are direct representations of God, with the exception of the Eucharist, which is, so obviously they worship it and treat it with respect.
In context with bhakti, rasa is also important. Rasa is the "taste" you get out of bhakti, the "role" you play in context with God. I think many Catholics are in the "rasa" of loving God "the Father" and "Mother Mary". Christians believe that humans are the "children of God". I think in practice many Catholics may venerate Mary because God is seen as too distant or too strict. At least, this was my impression. In the rosary, you pray ten Hail Marys for each Our Father. I found this a little pelicular, so I was happy for the ability of worshipping God "directly" by chanting his names on a "mala". A mala is similar to a rosary, but it has 108 beads. For me, God means Krishna. Bahais believe that Krishna is a messenger of God, but in the Bhagavad Gita and in the Bhagavata Purana it is said that Krishna is God Himself, so there's a difference between Hinduism and the Bahai faith.
The "rasas" you can have in Hinduism are more varied than in Christianity. You can be God's servant, like in Christianity, but you also can have a "peaceful" (neutral) relationship with God, you can be God's friend, parent or lover. I found this more attractive than "being a child of God", as children might have negative feelings towards their parents, while one mostly doesn't fear a friend or a lover.
This is a summary of my religious views. I hope it matches the information you were looking for. Take care.
