Anti-materialism in Hinduism

What Hinduism says is that materialistic pursuits or running behind sensual pleasures is not going to fetch you everlasting happiness. It only says that behind any unbridled searching for enjoyment, there is always a pain lurking behind. Hinduism advises one to practice moderation, to be watchful, and not to get carried away. Hinduism does place liberation - ‘Moksha' as the ultimate goal of life and for the majority, the path of progress towards the goal (Moksha) includes Artha (materialism), Dharm (righteousness) and Kama (sensual enjoyments).

Salvation is not same as Moksha

“Salvation” is an ambiguous word that can refer to a lot of phenomena. It is not just a question of how one might get saved, but also what one is saved from and to. In Hinduism, "salvation" is most frequently referred to as “moksha,” which means most literally “release.” One is saved, not from sin, but from one's own existence. The point of moksha is to be released from the cycle of reincarnation.

Has Hinduism propagated a discriminatory caste system historically

In actuality, Caste discrimination is rooted not in religion but culture. Caste was an ancient system of occupational class delineated in Hindu texts that over the years developed into a rigid social hierarchy. The lowest castes, or untouchables, were marginalized and faced persecution. But many modern Hindus have argued that caste-based discrimination is not intrinsic to Hinduism and should not be thought of as religiously sanctioned.

Hindus are mere idol worshippers

In reality, Hindus worship a reminder of God. No Hindu will say he or she is worshiping an idol. Instead Hindus believe a physical representation of God – in the form of an idol - helps them focus on an aspect of prayer or meditation.

Hindu texts are not only about Spirituality

Writings we now categorize as Hindu scriptures include not just books relating to spirituality but also secular pursuits like science, medicine and engineering. This is another reason why it defies classification as a religion. Further, it cannot be claimed to be essentially a school of metaphysics. Nor can it be described as 'other worldly'. In fact, one can almost identify Hinduism with a civilization that is flourishing even now.

Is a Hindu particularly a member of the Sanatan Dharm

As named by the Persians, a Hindu is one who lives around and beyond Indus river region. Sanatan Dharm is followed only if one believes in all the different Gods and Goddesses - these are not even the conventional Gods and Goddesses that the religions of the world talk about. These are Devtas, which represent natural elements, human emotions, desires, actions, among other things.

A common misconception most people have is that they think “Sanatan” and “Hindu” are the same identity. These are two different identities.  The word “Hinduism” does not even exist in proper sense, and was just a name coined for political and administrative convenience. In the ancient era, when the nomenclatures and the practice of placing a name to each and every aspect of life was prevalent, the concept of religion was absent, as the whole world was considered to be using the same culture and tradition. On the other hand, Sanatan Dharma (where "dharma" does not correspond to "religion" but "a code of proper conduct conforming to one’s duty and nature") is a Sanskrit term that can be translated variously as "eternal law”, “unshakeable, venerable order”, or “ancient and continuing guideline”.

Do you think Hinduism is an intolerant belief

Hinduism is fairly relaxed and tolerant, but that does not mean it is a free for all thoroughfare. The Vedas are called shruti(s) - which means that no kind of alteration is permitted. When we are initiated into the religious practice during Upanayan, we have to exactly recite the mantras as is. Can I improve Bhagvad Gita by inserting/deleting 30 new verses? On the contrary, if you change even one syllable in a Rig Vedic verse, you risk invalidating it.