Hinduism

Objective
Understand the different
subdivisions and selected
issues of Hinduism.
 SUBDIVISIONS
Followers of Hinduism vary in their set of
beliefs and practices, including reverence to a
particular god. Presently, there are four
principal denominations within the Hindu
faith. These are Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishavism,
and Smartism. It is important to note, however,
that while these gods have different names,
Hindus all worship one supreme being.
 Each sect has its own religious leaders,
sacred texts, schools, and temples. While
there is indeed variety and key differences
among sects, adherents of these
denominations share the pervading beliefs
concerning karma, dharma, reincarnation,
and other key Hindu concepts and
philosophy.
Shaivism
Lord Shiva, the
Compassionate One, is God
for the Saivites. Followers of
Shaivism value self-discipline
and philosophy. They
worship in temples and
practice yoga.
Shaktism
The Goddess Shakti is
supreme for Shaktas. She is
the divine mother and
assumes many forms, be it a
gentle one or a fierce deity.
Believers use chants, magic,
and yoga to summon cosmic
forces.
Vaishnavism
Lord Vishnu is God for the
Vaishnavites, especially in his
incarnations Krishna and
Rama. Adherents have
multitudes of saints, temples,
and sacred texts.
Smartism
For the Smartas, devotees are
left to choose their own deity
in one of six manifestations,
namely, Ganesha, Siva, Shakti,
Vishnu, Surya, and Skanda.
Smartas are known as liberals
as they embrace all major
Hindu gods.
 SELECTED ISSUES
Hinduism continues to be the religion of almost
80% of the Indian people. While mostly comprised
of Hindu followers, India is a secular state that
remains neutral in issues involving religious
convictions and practices of its citizenry. All Indians
are allowed to follow and propagate their own set of
beliefs. Being a country with the largest adherents
of Hinduism, India is presently facing numerous
challenges that are religious in character, some of
which are below.
 Hinduism and Women
Even though the Manusmriti or the “Laws
of Manu” states that women should be
honored in Hindu society, women have always
been considered inferior to men in almost all
aspects of life. A woman's life revolves around
the men in her life, to be taken care of by her
father in childhood, by her husband in married
life, and by her sons upon old age.
 Thus, women are relegated to performing
household chores and are expected to become
loyal to their husbands, even after their husbands
die. In traditional society, women are expected to
perform sati or suttee wherein widowed women
are expected to jump on the funeral pyre of their
husbands to prove their loyalty and help save the
soul of their husbands in the afterlife. In spite of
the fact that sati was already demolished by the
British in India, there are still cases of sati being
reported in modern times.
 Caste System
The caste system is one major distinguishing
feature of Indian culture that still affects
modern-day society. A system of social class
composed of the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas,
and Shudras, opportunities are based upon
family origin. One person belongs to a caste by
being born to parents of that particular caste.
Brahmins
The highest ranked of the four varnas, or
traditional social classes of India. Includes
Hindu priests, advisers and intellectual
leaders.
Kshatriyas
The second highest of
the varnas. Includes
rulers, military leaders,
and large landowners.
Vaishyas
The third highest of
the varnas. Includes
merchants, traders
and farmers.
Shudras
The lowest ranked varnas. Traditionally
includes artisans, laborers and servants.
Dalit (formerly
called
“untouchable”)
A fifth category, with
no varna designation.
Includes various low-
status persons and those
outside the caste system.