If I met you and asked about your religion would you say you were a Vedic Hindu,or just that you were a Hindu? Are the Vedic Hindus as large as the other group? Are you a "cradle" Vedic Hindu?
Is there one guru or acharya that speaks for all such as the Pope or the Patriarchs?
I can only say that I wish that I could weave my Catholicism into my comments in such a way as to make people see the beauty of my faith through my words and thoughts the way that you do yours. Thanks again.
Thank you for your kind words, and your questions.
You asked:
If I met you and asked about your religion would you say you were a Vedic Hindu,or just that you were a Hindu?
I probably would say that I am a follower of the Vedas, or a Vaishnava, and would explain what the word "Hindu" means. It would all depend on the situation - I never want to give people more information than they want!
Are the Vedic Hindus as large as the other group? Are you a "cradle" Vedic Hindu?
All Hindus are Vedic Hindus; there's a lot of apostasy, misunderstanding, and just people who are in the lower reaches. The Vedas have all different types of paths, in the sense that if someone wants to enjoy the world in a pious way, there are rituals and methods to do this. If someone wants to know and serve God and give up all connection to the world, this is a different path. If someone wants to worship demigods, this is explained as well, but not recommended (condemned actually). Worship of demigods is like bribing government officials; it's not good practice.
Is there one guru or acharya that speaks for all such as the Pope or the Patriarchs?
This is one main difference - Hinduism is not centrally located. There is no big hierarchy or organization, although teachers (gurus) often start their own. Or don't, as the case may be.
Instead, there Parampara - disciplic succession of holy teachers. There are four Vaishnava lines of succession, and one Shaivite line. Each teacher in that line, then teaches disciples, who, if they become enlightened, then have their disciples, who in turn teach others. Disciples who fall, or do not become qualified holy teachers, do not continue the disciplic line. So it branches out.
The necessary qualifications of a real guru are another topic.
I converted about 36 years ago.