Hinduism
Hinduism, the very ancient
religion of the world, has its origin in a progressive way unlike other
religions. The religion imbibed its basics far before million centuries,
from the then Harappa and Indus valley civilizations. Hinduism provides a
vast body of scriptures. It is impossible to define the principles and
theories of Hinduism as it consists of both thesis and anti-thesis, both
having the same importance. While the Dvaita (dualist theory) points
out the existence of both God and human soul, the theories like Advaita
(non-dualist theory) say both are same. The early Sanyasis and Gurus
handled both spiritual and science theorems simultaneously. These
scriptures expose a vast range of theology, philosophy, and myth providing
spiritual insights along with guidance on the practice of dharma
(religious living).
Among such texts,
Hindus reckon the Vedas along with the Upanishads as being among the
foremost in authority and antiquity. Other important scriptures include
the Tantras, Puranas and the epics: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
The Bhagavad-Gita, a deeply profound conversation excerpted from
the Mahabharata, is widely seen as summarizing the spiritual teachings of
the Vedas.
Brahman and Atman
According to the Advaita
theologies of Hinduism, Brahman (the greater Self or God) is in the
highest sense and non differentiated from the world and its beings.
Brahman is also sometimes seen as synonymous with the concept of
Paramatma (Supreme Spirit), whereas, Atman is deemed as one’s
true ‘inner self’. Advaita philosophy declares that ultimately
Brahman is beyond mere intellectual description and can be understood only
through direct spiritual experience, where the 'knower' and the 'known'
are subsumed into the act of 'knowing'. The goal is to "wake up" and
realize that one's atman, or soul, is really identical to Brahman, the
upper soul.
On the other hand,
Dvaita Vedanta and related devotional schools, understand Brahman as a
Supreme Being who possesses personality. In these conceptions, Brahman is
associated with Vishnu, Shiva or Shakti depending on the sect. Brahman is
seen as fundamentally separate from its reliant souls so, in achieving
liberation, individual beings experience God as an independent being.
According to the Advaita
school of philosophy, the individual self and greater Self are not
fundamentally distinct. They argue that the "Self" of every individual
person is identical with the greater Spirit. The Upanishads say, whoever
gains insight into the depths of his own nature and becomes fully aware of
the atman as the innermost core of his own Self will realize his identity
with Brahman and will thereby reach Moksha. According to the Dvaita
school, the atman is not identical with Brahman, which is seen as being
God with personality and the atman is dependent on God. Moksha depends
on the cultivation of love for God and on God's grace.
Karma,
Samsara and Moksha
Karma translates
literally as action, work or deed and is often described as the "moral
law of cause and effect". According to the Upanishads, an individual,
known as the jiva-atma, develops samskaras (impressions) from actions,
whether physical or mental. This cycle of action, reaction, birth,
death, and rebirth is a continuum called samsara. The notion of
reincarnation and karma is a strong premise in much of Hindu thought.
The Bhagavad Gita states that “As a person puts on new clothes,
discarding old and torn clothes, similarly an embodied soul enters new
material bodies, leaving the old bodies”. Samsara provides ephemeral
pleasures, which lead people to desire rebirth to enjoy the pleasures of a
perishable body. It is thought that after several reincarnations, an atman
eventually seeks unity with the cosmic spirit –Brahman.
The ultimate goal of life, referred to as moksha, nirvana or samadhi,
is described as the realization of one's union with God; realization of
one's eternal relationship with God; realization of the unity of all
existence; perfect unselfishness and knowledge of the Self; liberation
from ignorance; attainment of perfect mental peace; or detachment from
worldly desires. Such a realization liberates one from samsara and ends
the cycle of rebirth.
Vedic Literature
While they have not been
dated with much certainty, even the most conservative estimates date their
origin to 1200 BC or earlier. Hindus revere the Vedas as eternal
truths. There are four Vedas (called Rig, Sama- Yajus and Atharva).
The Rigveda is the
first and the most important Veda. Each Veda is divided into four parts:
the primary one, Samhita, contains sacred mantras in verse. The other
three parts form commentaries, usually in prose, which are historically
believed to be slightly later in age than the Samhita. These are:
Brahmanyas, Aranyakas, and the Upanishads. The Upanishads focus on
spiritual insight and philosophy whereas the Vedas focus on rituals. The
Upanishads discuss Brahman and reincarnation.
The Naradeya Purana
describes the mechanics of the cosmos. Ithihas include Mahabharatha and
Ramayana. Bhagavad-Gita is an integral part of the epic Mahabharata and
one of the most popular sacred texts of Hinduism and it is described as
the essence of the Vedas.
Also widely known are the
Puranas, which illustrate Vedic ideas through vivid narratives dealing
with deities, and their interactions with humans. A more controversial
text, the Manusmriti or "Code of Manu", is a prescriptive lawbook
which instructs the society codes and defines caste-system.
Varnas
and the Caste System
Hindus and scholars debate
whether the caste system is an integral part of Hinduism sanctioned by the
scriptures or an outdated social custom. Although the scriptures contain
passages that can be interpreted to sanction the Varna system, they
contain indications that the caste system is not an essential part of the
religion, and both sides in the debate can find scriptural support for
their views. The oldest scriptures, the Vedas, place little emphasis on
the caste system, mentioning it rarely and in a cursory manner.
Hindu society has
traditionally been categorized into four classes, called Varnas. It is
argued that in ancient times, the Varnas were merely labels based upon
occupation. The Varnas were Brahmins: teachers and priests; Kshatriyas:
warriors and kings; Vaishyas: farmers, merchants, and businessmen; and
Shudras: servants and labourers.
In the Vedic Era, there
was no prohibition against the Shudras (which later on became the
low-castes) listening to the Vedas or participating in any religious rite
the case. But later caste-system become a prominent allegation from the
cultural reformers, when it turned to be considering Shudras as lowest
class and they denied of social justice.
Dharmic Religions Contd : Buddhism,
Jainism
and
Sikhism
&
Hinduism
|
