Err, Information Recommendations? ^^;;

[Deoridhe]

TeaDidikai

Deoridhe

Yes, the appropriation of Buddha into Hinduism WOULD be a case of cultural appropriation which is inconsistent on both ends.

Is it appropriation or Vedic commentary on Shramana tradition in the same way that the verses within the Qu'ran are Islamic commentary on Christian tradition?

I think a lot would depend on whether you were Buddhist or Hindu, and within those how ...the word coming to mind is "strict" but perhaps "precise" is more accurate you are as a religious person.

Buddha specifically refused to comment on the existence or lack thereof of Gods as the Buddha. He also contradicted and critiqued the Caste system which many Hindus still operate under, in particular by offering up one Dharma which even an Untouchable could hold to and which would allow for single-lifetime enlightenment/samsara/release from mana/etc....

As an outsider to both traditions, I viewed the move to claim Buddha as a face of Vishnu - much as I adore Vishnu and I do - as a way of undercutting and undermining the deeply radical critique Buddhism's structure made on thousands of years of Hinduism.

i am sure there are many within Hinduism who hold this belief without meaning to undermine the Buddha's teachings, just as I am sure there are many Buddhists who don't mind or consider the distinctions a nitpick which is brought about by attachment to mana instead of the release of attachment, and thus below/beyond their attention, but viewing both traditions as I do with curiosity, interest, and non-attachment to them, that is how the move appears to me.  

[TeaDidikai]

One of the other criticisms offered that seems to have waned in controversy is the commentary on Animal Sacrifice.

There's a chance that my perception is colored by American expressions of both religions wherein even devout followers of Hinduism may not maintain Vedic Animal Sacrifices, and as a result, some of the tension isn't present.  

[Deoridhe]

TeaDidikai

One of the other criticisms offered that seems to have waned in controversy is the commentary on Animal Sacrifice.

There's a chance that my perception is colored by American expressions of both religions wherein even devout followers of Hinduism may not maintain Vedic Animal Sacrifices, and as a result, some of the tension isn't present.

Could very well have; my stance comes form learning about both traditions independently then boggling when someone told me that Vishnu had Buddha as an Avatar. Took me a while to work out why my initial response was "boggle". In other words, I didn't actually study what any actual Hindus or Buddhists had to say, I just did a comparison of their statements and went "bwah?".  

[TeaDidikai]

Deoridhe

Could very well have; my stance comes form learning about both traditions independently then boggling when someone told me that Vishnu had Buddha as an Avatar. Took me a while to work out why my initial response was "boggle". In other words, I didn't actually study what any actual Hindus or Buddhists had to say, I just did a comparison of their statements and went "bwah?".

Hmmmm...
My personal reactions have always been something along the lines of "Huh... well, I can see why you could view Buddha's heresy as being a test of faith." But then, I tend to do the same thing to Christendom in relation to the other Abrahamic Faiths. Again, I blame Paul.  

[starpocalypse]

-head meets desk-

I got lost in this chat. I also went to Border's, and apparently Gardner's books aren't in the store. =_= It can't even be thru inter-library loan.... ._.

I have to get it offline. -sigh-

 

[TeaDidikai]

City Dreamer

I got lost in this chat. I also went to Border's, and apparently Gardner's books aren't in the store. =_= It can't even be thru inter-library loan.... ._.

I have to get it offline. -sigh-

Borders can order it for you from the store and have it delivered to your home.