Michael: Do you not understand the phrase "elements of both"? Try to engage here with what people are telling you. Otherwise you sound like the most rigid fundamentalist True Believer. This issue isn't cut-and-dried, yes/no, black/white; it's complicated. And it isn't only a TM issue by any means, as Bhairitu just pointed out.
"True Believers tend to believe in Absolutist terms (either l00% true or 100% false) and they can't tolerate situations in which: a. the truth is unknown; b. the truth is midway between extremes; c. the truth is simply unknowable; or d. variants such as true some of the time, but at other times not true, or true for some people but not others." This sure seems like it describes you. go talk to the actual devout practicing Hindus about it and see what they say. I am not talking about people like Ravi who said he had in essence left the religion behind, I am talking about people like his mother and grandmother who insist he go to temple because they really believe he needs the blessings of the gods. It is the height of arrogance to tell others what their religion is. It's a floor wax! No, it's a dessert topping! Michael, "Hinduism" is far, far too complex and elaborate to insist that it's either one or the other, a religion or a philosophy. It has elements of both. Rather than just screeching at people like a fundamentalist preacher, why don't you ask them why they say it's a philosophy? Who knows, you might learn something. Obviously Michael has NOT been to India. FYI Michael, Indians love to discuss such issues. Plus if you went there and proclaimed that Hinduism is not a religion but a philosophy they would just look at you with "what else is new" grin. Alright I tell you what, you go to India with noozguru and get you a soapbox too and loudly proclaim Hinduism is not a religion and see what the adherents of Santana Dharma do to you - you'll be wishin' you had said it to Carlos Santana instead of the followers of the Hindu RELIGION as they are sending off into your next incarnation.
