Saturday 31 October · The launch of HIPL and our first debate, with the Delhi Union · Constitution Club of India, New DelhiRSVP →
HIPL — Hinduism in Public Life
The First 100 Questions · Always open
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Ask the question about Hinduism, culture or society you've always wanted to ask. We collect the first 100 and answer every one, in writing and often on video, from scholars and people who know the subject best.

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001/100AnsweredVideo answer

Can a tradition question itself?

Asked by A reader from [CITY]

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Answered by[SCHOLAR NAME][Title, institution]

Yes, and it has done so for a very long time. Classical Indian philosophy grew through debate. A thinker was expected to set out the strongest version of the opposing view, the pūrvapakṣa, before answering it. Schools within the tradition argued with each other, and with Buddhist and Jain thinkers, for centuries.

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002/100Answered

What does dharma actually mean? Everyone uses it differently.

Asked by Anonymous

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Answered by[SCHOLAR NAME][Title, institution]

You're right that everyone uses it differently, and they're not wrong to. The word comes from the Sanskrit root dhṛ, to hold or support. At its simplest, dharma is what holds things together.

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003/100Being answeredVideo answer

Is Hinduism a religion, a philosophy or a way of life?

Asked by A student from [CITY]

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Being answered by[SCHOLAR NAME][Title, institution]
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004/100Being answeredVideo answer

Can Hindu society confront caste honestly?

Asked by Anonymous

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005/100Being answered

Why does Krishna tell Arjuna to fight?

Asked by A reader from [CITY]

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Being answered by[SCHOLAR NAME][Title, institution]
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006/100Waiting for an answer

Do I need to believe in God to call myself Hindu?

Asked by Anonymous

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007/100Waiting for an answer

Is there one "correct" Ramayana?

Asked by A reader from [CITY]

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008/100Waiting for an answer

Is dharma relevant at work?

Asked by A professional from [CITY]

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009/100Waiting for an answer

Why are women's voices so rare in debates about tradition?

Asked by Anonymous

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010/100Waiting for an answer

What is the point of a ritual if I don't understand the Sanskrit?

Asked by A reader from [CITY]

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011/100Waiting for an answer

Do ancient texts really contain modern science?

Asked by Anonymous

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012/100Waiting for an answer

Can I love Hindi without fighting over it?

Asked by A student from [CITY]

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  2. We reviewEvery question is read before it is shown. Abuse and spam are removed. Hard and uncomfortable questions stay.
  3. We find the right personA scholar, practitioner or guest who knows the subject best.
  4. They answer, in publicIn writing, and often on video, with their name on it.
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