Zora

I read on the internet, Hindunet.org I think, that the Hindu scriptures mention cloning, space travel, nucleur war, etc. I have tried reading the Mahabharata and Vedas on the internet, but they are about as interesting as the Bible, and more confusing if a person isn't familiar with the religion. Is there a good book that deals with the subject? (the religion in general, and placing these interpretations in their correct context) My funds are limited, and I can't afford to buy a book then figure out it was written by the Raelians or some such. You folks are so well educated on the subject, I thought I'd see what you recommend.

If there isn't a book, what do you think of the interpretations that seem to refer to cloning, etc.?

Seraphim

Try reading Bhavagad Gita first. Mahabratha is not an easy story to understand.

At least in Gita, it is reduced to a simple question and answer session. Howere, it may not be an easy one for some people. I took three attempts to read it before I could finally understood it.

Amit Misra

Zora,
I shall soon be sat upon by a couple of friends who frequent this forum, but let me get in a word. Don't waste your time looking for
one book (or even a reasonable number of books) on the amalgam of philosophies, beliefs, practices that have been labeled "Hinduism" over the past 100-150 years. There ain't no such animal.
If you are keen on philosophy, there is a whole slew of material from an organization called the Indian Council of Philosophical Research. Try this link for starters:
[URL=http://www.icpr.nic.in/carvakal_lokayata.htm]
You also wrote:
I think that all this nonsense is the special preserve of a bunch of dangerous loonies who call themselves by Hindus.
The popular cloning story is based on the legend that the 100 Kauravas of Mahabharata fame were supposed to have been born out of earthen pots in which the corresponding fetuses were incubated after a single conception. Voila: embryo cloning and in vitro gestation.
Space or air travel, likewise, is based on legends such as those of flying carpets in the Arab fairy tales or seven-league boots in Western fairy tales.
Nuclear war is derived from Rama's Ultimate Weapon.
Dangerous nonsense, but the RSS-VHP-Bajrang Dal hindus thrive on it. More the pity.
(Hinduwoman/Hinduthvaite; I'm on vacation for the weekend)
Amit

Zora

Thanks, Seraphim. I was able to find the Bhavagad Gita on the internet, and have printed it off to read later.

Amit Misra, thank you also. I wondered if that was the case, but since I don't know much about the Hindu religion and had no input from anywhere I couldn't be sure.

I guess it is like the Bible, in that it is easy to go back and apply what we speculate today to some vague references and presto..we have alien visitors in the old testament. (Not that alien visitors with a bizarre sense of humor wouldn't explain a lot of stuff!)

Thanks for the link. I will go and see what they have to offer. I am just beginning to investigate world religions, but barring a personal visit from a deity or two, I think myself in no danger of conversion.