Thread by @TheEmissaryCo

I get a good deal of the deeper theological aspects of Hinduism from irl Sanskrit scholars who are Hindu practitioners. A number of these have studied at Ivy leagues and/or in Indian Sanskrit academies. I asked them about their view on the below episode regarding Supreme Godhead.

They point out the Bhagavad Gita as a pivotal moment in all of Hindu theology. And I wonder if others agree with their postulation:

The Bhagavad Gita was a moment when Paramatma (Absolute Supreme Godhead) spoke directly to Arjun, thereby classifying it as Shruti vs Smriti.

Some sects believe Krishna is Paramatma himself. Others say it's Vishnu so he was speaking through Krishna always. Others say Paramatma is completely nirgun and even the Trimurti only capture aspects of Paramatma, so avatars couldn't capture his full glory. Other interps too...

My point being, they postulated that all (or at least most) Hindus agree that the Bhagavad Gita was a moment when the Supreme God of Dharma (whether it's Krishna, Vishnu, Shiva, Nirgun Paramatma, etc...) spoke authoritatively as the Vedic hymns heard by the Rishis ages ago.

Tell me your thoughts on the above, but my friends also follow up immediately with something strange

The Anugita in the Ashwamedha Parva of the Mahabharat

Arjun asks Krishna to re-recite the Bhagavad Gita...but Krishna seemingly cannot, struggling, he claims he has forgotten it

There're explanations to this from people who believe Krishna = Sagun (with form or with attributes) Paramatma. But also the obvious counters of "this is evidence that Paramatma entered the body/mind of Krishna."

Beyond my expertise tbh. But now verses open up with this in mind.

The 9th chapter especially but indeed many other verses now expound a total and universal nature to this entity narrating these verses.

Ekam Sat Viprā Bahudhā Vadanti-"Truth is One, the wise know it by many names" of the Rig Veda is now repeated ages later

This has consequences

I think a large or at least sizable chunk of Hindus believe that all paths (religions) lead to the same destination*, just that Hinduism is the fastest path. And some go further saying their sampraday is the most efficient path amongst Hindus.

I personally believe the above.

The * is what Krishna narrates - acting with love and devotion. Obviously, an ISIS terrorist setting off bombs in Mosul or Srinagar =/= love + devotion combo.

But some Muslim Algerian praying for their grandma's health in the hospital probably qualifies.

I think respect for others' religions and seeing commonalities is good; however, not all religions or people think this way. This is obvious as hell.

Individuals of all religions do ofc, but at scale? Just look at the world and history.

theemissary.co/scale-in-satya…

Identitarianism (half made up that word) is real.

Qaum can trump Dharma and we see it easily today.

Caste vs caste, panth vs panth all of whom roughly worship the same God at the end of the day...but do they buy into that? Maybe, maybe not.

I don't really care for an individual's religiosity. Identifying with qaum is very natural. Humans love to belong & have a sense of group identity. Even if one doesn't follow all the "rules" of religion, they still will don the colors, symbols, & causes, no matter how stupid/good

The danger of Qaumists is that the attachment to Qaum can supersede Dharma. Parochialism and victim mentality arise. A simultaneous superiority & inferiority complex rears.

Dharma chides ego, anger, greed, envy, etc...

Qaumism is rooted in ego, ahankār itself. I believe every panth/individual should have asmitā or measured pride in themselves. But exceptionalism is best kept private. Once you preach your greatness to the masses, expect blowback.

In fact, some of the most successful prachār or inter-sect proselytizing I've seen is fundamentally based on syncretism.

"Ok you worship X, add in a few pages/minutes for Y Keep doing both."

An interesting tidbit from an Indian context I've seen. Equality & pluralism.

Now, this is no endorsement of Gandhigiri/0 tribalism. People shouldn't be doormats if real injustices come. One should have "Paksh" (take your tribe's side in public, chide transgressions in private).

Stand up for your Qaum, but know when to bow your head down for your Dharma.