Why is Indian culture often seen as so mystical??

[slackerinabox]

I got into an odd conversation with a friend of mine about how, as an Indian guy, I find it funny that I know dozens of white people who practice yoga and not a single indian person who does. Hinduism is viewed as this insanely mystical/ peaceful religion while war/violence is really an important part of the faith. Also, the only people who actually go to ashrams are annoying, over privileged white kids...

India has an interesting past and a beautiful culture - the nation is blazing new trails when it comes to technology and bio-tech yet, walk into a health food store, and you'll think india's a country full of pot smoking hippies. Where did this misrepresentation come from?

 

[Feldenak]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
I got into an odd conversation with a friend of mine about how, as an Indian guy, I find it funny that I know dozens of white people who practice yoga and not a single indian person who does.

Most people I know who practice yoga do it for the flexibility and other physical benefits. Nobody I knows cares a whit about any sort of "mysticism" of yoga.

 

[Scarpozzi]

They're only doing well in those industries because of cheap labor and a solid education system for those who make it through. In all honesty, much of India is still poverty.

Btw...to put it into prospective. Accountants in India get paid around $10k a year I think....Computer Programmers around $15k a year. Even if those numbers are off some, the average is that a company can employ 3 Indians or one American....not counting benefits.

The country is mystical because Americans, at least, are closed minded and only know what they learn from movies. They picture a substandard society with monkeys running around everywhere...oh wait, they do.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

india isnt blazing much of anything. china is where its at.

 

[blue1friday2]

Originally posted by: Feldenak

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
I got into an odd conversation with a friend of mine about how, as an Indian guy, I find it funny that I know dozens of white people who practice yoga and not a single indian person who does.

Most people I know who practice yoga do it for the flexibility and other physical benefits. Nobody I knows cares a whit about any sort of "mysticism" of yoga.

Agreed. I practice yoga because it's fun and relaxing and because I want to be able to do a forearm stand. I don't see any mysticism in that.

 

[FoBoT]

Ashrams
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashrams

had to look that up

 

[Ktulu]

According to my Indian officemate India has the best programmers, doctors, fruits, women, dancers, food and a bunch of other crap I can't remember right now. Every day he has to mention something positive about India and it's getting pretty annoying.

 

[Descartes]

It's simply not a culture that everyone has the opportunity to which they can expose themselves. My fiance is Indian (from Hyderabad), and there is quite a bit of mysticism in her beliefs as she is a Brahmin. What I find most intriguing is the philosophy, and there's little correlation with any religious ceremony or doctrine in its utility.

I love Indian culture, especially the food (I mainly eat dry curries, but love any dahl). The only thing that I don't quite like is the level of conservatism among some. I find that most Americans are willing to expose themselves to something new, but that I often hit a wall with those that remain in India. Their guru might not agree, their astrologer might not agree, someone not from their caste might be disagreeable, etc. etc. I understand it's part of the culture, but mysticism is one thing; allowing it to divide people is another.

For the record, I'm caucasian.

 

[FoBoT]

I for one welcome our new Indian overlords.

 

[nakedfrog]

I blame the Beatles.

 

[fallenangel99]

Plus, it's kinda funny that India has 1+billion ppl, highest count of ppl with AIDS (I think so, if not , India will overtake Africa), but you will not see nudity (much less KISSING) in Indian movies. Also, I think there was a Indian tennis chick who wore miniskirts for a tennis game (obviously), and she received death threats. Odd since Indian movies, the girls are dressed much worse.


P.S.: I agree the poster above that China is where it's at. The huge mistake(?) China made was that they do not teach English to the students, while India did. I think China has started to introduce English to the schools, which will be a MAJOR advantage for China in the coming years as companies will outsource jobs to China (China's economy is much more developed than India's)

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I don't think people I've talked to see it as mystical at all... it's just a different way of life and they're curious to know more

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
Plus, it's kinda funny that India has 1+billion ppl, highest count of ppl with AIDS (I think so, if not , India will overtake Africa), but you will not see nudity (much less KISSING) in Indian movies. Also, I think there was a Indian tennis chick who wore miniskirts for a tennis game (obviously), and she received death threats. Odd since Indian movies, the girls are dressed much worse.


P.S.: I agree the poster above that China is where it's at. The huge mistake(?) China made was that they do not teach English to the students, while India did. I think China has started to introduce English to the schools, which will be a MAJOR advantage for China in the coming years as companies will outsource jobs to China (China's economy is much more developed than India's)

Just fyi, don't base your thoughts necessarily on extremes like those death threats, there is much more to a country than what you hear on the news or from friends and colleagues.

 

[hypn0tik]

Originally posted by: Descartes
It's simply not a culture that everyone has the opportunity to which they can expose themselves. My fiance is Indian (from Hyderabad), and there is quite a bit of mysticism in her beliefs as she is a Brahmin. What I find most intriguing is the philosophy, and there's little correlation with any religious ceremony or doctrine in its utility.

I love Indian culture, especially the food (I mainly eat dry curries, but love any dahl). The only thing that I don't quite like is the level of conservatism among some. I find that most Americans are willing to expose themselves to something new, but that I often hit a wall with those that remain in India. Their guru might not agree, their astrologer might not agree, someone not from their caste might be disagreeable, etc. etc. I understand it's part of the culture, but mysticism is one thing; allowing it to divide people is another.

For the record, I'm caucasian.

Whoa, awesome. I was born in Hyderabad as well. Does she speak Telugu?

How did her parents take the whole 'My daughter is marrying a white guy' situation (if you don't mind me asking)? I'm currently in a relationship with a Spanish girl and my parents have accepted that fact although they're not thrilled as they would rather have me date an Indian girl.

Edit: BTW, pics? Lol.

 

[Kadarin]

It's because of the sitar.

 

[Abhi]

Urban india apes western culture.... Since the west approves of yoga.... urban india is also getting into yoga ...

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Btw...to put it into prospective. Accountants in India get paid around $10k a year I think....[/L]

Around $3k to $4k a year ...

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: hypn0tik

Originally posted by: Descartes
It's simply not a culture that everyone has the opportunity to which they can expose themselves. My fiance is Indian (from Hyderabad), and there is quite a bit of mysticism in her beliefs as she is a Brahmin. What I find most intriguing is the philosophy, and there's little correlation with any religious ceremony or doctrine in its utility.

I love Indian culture, especially the food (I mainly eat dry curries, but love any dahl). The only thing that I don't quite like is the level of conservatism among some. I find that most Americans are willing to expose themselves to something new, but that I often hit a wall with those that remain in India. Their guru might not agree, their astrologer might not agree, someone not from their caste might be disagreeable, etc. etc. I understand it's part of the culture, but mysticism is one thing; allowing it to divide people is another.

For the record, I'm caucasian.

Whoa, awesome. I was born in Hyderabad as well. I'm Brahmin as well. Does she speak Telugu?

Yes she does. I can speak a fair amount of Telugu and can usually follow conversations as well. She also speaks Hindi, and most of her friends are northerners that also speak Hindi.

How did her parents take the whole 'My daughter is marrying a white guy' situation (if you don't mind me asking)? I'm currently in a relationship with a Spanish girl and my parents have accepted that fact although they're not thrilled as they would rather have me date an Indian girl.

Ahh, long story. Her dad actually likes me and is incredibly happy with the situation. He wants to take me around India to show me his places of worship, etc. Her dad is very much a spiritual person and a great conversationalist. The rest of her family is happy with the situation as well as they firmly believe I'm a person that can "take care of her" (not just in a financial sense--you know what I mean).

Her mom is not at all happy. She's getting better, but we're not getting married until she comes around. Her mom won't even talk to me yet She's very much a, "You should marry an Indian from your own caste" type of person.

Thanks for asking.

[edit]Just saw your request for pics. I'll ask her, but I'm guessing she'll say no Most people say she's very beautiful/pretty, and of course I think so as well . I'll see...[/edit]

 

[Whitecloak]

good ole india bashing at atot and with the resident coconuts too.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Whitecloak
good ole india bashing at atot and with the resident coconuts too.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: IcebergSlim
india isnt blazing much of anything. china is where its at.

They're blazing doobies.

 

[athithi]

Originally posted by: fallenangel99
Plus, it's kinda funny that India has 1+billion ppl, highest count of ppl with AIDS (I think so, if not , India will overtake Africa), but you will not see nudity (much less KISSING) in Indian movies. Also, I think there was a Indian tennis chick who wore miniskirts for a tennis game (obviously), and she received death threats. Odd since Indian movies, the girls are dressed much worse.


P.S.: I agree the poster above that China is where it's at. The huge mistake(?) China made was that they do not teach English to the students, while India did. I think China has started to introduce English to the schools, which will be a MAJOR advantage for China in the coming years as companies will outsource jobs to China (China's economy is much more developed than India's)

The "Tennis chick", Sania Mirza, is a Muslim and received criticism from conservative Muslim leaders in India for her outfits. I don't believe there were serious death threats. She is very popular in India and is considered a Teen Idol. I personally think she is over-hyped but you are just poorly informed.

There was a recent report that indicated that the spread of AIDS was declining in certain states in India. It is definitely a problem that remains, but not sure what that has to do with the OP.

China is far better developed than India and I don't think India will catch up economically within the next couple of centuries. As long as the Chinese government manages to keep the Chinese populace under its thumb, China will have a realistic shot at becoming the pre-eminent superpower in the world (or at least on par with the US). Though that could either be a good thing or a bad thing. Personally, I think the Chinese leadership has the most pragmatic communist governance ever seen and that could potentially mitigate a lot of the other negatives about Chinese communism.

 

[kalster]

Originally posted by: Descartes
It's simply not a culture that everyone has the opportunity to which they can expose themselves. My fiance is Indian (from Hyderabad), and there is quite a bit of mysticism in her beliefs as she is a Brahmin. What I find most intriguing is the philosophy, and there's little correlation with any religious ceremony or doctrine in its utility.

I love Indian culture, especially the food (I mainly eat dry curries, but love any dahl). The only thing that I don't quite like is the level of conservatism among some. I find that most Americans are willing to expose themselves to something new, but that I often hit a wall with those that remain in India. Their guru might not agree, their astrologer might not agree, someone not from their caste might be disagreeable, etc. etc. I understand it's part of the culture, but mysticism is one thing; allowing it to divide people is another.

For the record, I'm caucasian.

Nice, me and my wife are from Hyderabad too, have you tried Hyderabadi Biryani, its pretty tasty

 

[athithi]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
They're only doing well in those industries because of cheap labor and a solid education system for those who make it through. In all honesty, much of India is still poverty.

Btw...to put it into prospective. Accountants in India get paid around $10k a year I think....Computer Programmers around $15k a year. Even if those numbers are off some, the average is that a company can employ 3 Indians or one American....not counting benefits.

The country is mystical because Americans, at least, are closed minded and only know what they learn from movies. They picture a substandard society with monkeys running around everywhere...oh wait, they do.

Right, and Indians are probably as close-minded and picture America as a land of gun-toting maniacs who keep shooting kids in schools...oh wait...naw, too easy

 

[athithi]

Originally posted by: Whitecloak
good ole india bashing at atot and with the resident coconuts too.

Gotta love the coconuts, man :laugh:

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: kalster

Originally posted by: Descartes
It's simply not a culture that everyone has the opportunity to which they can expose themselves. My fiance is Indian (from Hyderabad), and there is quite a bit of mysticism in her beliefs as she is a Brahmin. What I find most intriguing is the philosophy, and there's little correlation with any religious ceremony or doctrine in its utility.

I love Indian culture, especially the food (I mainly eat dry curries, but love any dahl). The only thing that I don't quite like is the level of conservatism among some. I find that most Americans are willing to expose themselves to something new, but that I often hit a wall with those that remain in India. Their guru might not agree, their astrologer might not agree, someone not from their caste might be disagreeable, etc. etc. I understand it's part of the culture, but mysticism is one thing; allowing it to divide people is another.

For the record, I'm caucasian.

Nice, me and my wife are from Hyderabad too, have you tried Hyderabadi Biryani, its pretty tasty

Believe it or not, we're making it tonight. It's delicious. My favorite is still just your average curry though. I prefer gobi curry for some reason. I absolutely love it. Spinach dahl would be next. I could eat those everyday (and often do), but like the occasional rajmah masala, gobi manchuria for snacks, malai kofta, etc.