To be concerned with Hinduism means to immerse oneself in a world which seems to be so different from our Western world. The question is why one has this feeling? Is it just because we combine Hinduism with the Indian subcontinent and hence a spot on earth which is so far away from us? Is the great distance the reason why Hinduism feels so exotic? Or is it rather the way Hinduism appears in comparison with other world religions? Is the religious praxis the reason for perceiving Hinduism as far out? Or is it simply the Hindu way of life which seems to be so unfamiliar? Is it the Hindu society which is so different from other ones? All these questions can be answered in several different ways. They are dependent from the perspective one looks at them and which of the themes mentioned above is going to examined more intensively.
The specific aim of this paper is to depict important aspects of Hindu religiousness and society in the same breath. There is no focus of either religion or society. These two aspects should rather be combined. This means that the paper wants to depict specific facets of Hindu belief and simultaneously raise the question what this means for the concrete life of Hindu people. If the effects of religious convictions on human life and society are examined, it will become possible to draw comparisons to our Western way of thinking. Under no circumstances will be made comparison between Christianity and Hinduism or even a two-sided social criticism. It is rather important to illustrate the different ways of thinking to show why Hinduism is so fascinating for Western Europeans and why certain convictions would not work in our society...
At a glance
- Grade: 1.3 (1.0 is the best grade)
- Discusses Brahmo Samaj and Araya Samaj reform movements
- Examines caste in relation to eating, marriage and profession
Contents
1. Introduction
2. The belief of India’s Hindu population
2.1. A term study
2.1.1. Etymological development of the term 'Hinduism'
2.1.2. Definition of the term 'Hinduism'
2.2. General features of Hinduism
2.2.1.Cyclical thinking and its consequences for a Hindu
2.2.2. Finding salvation
2.2.2.1. Yoga
2.2.2.2. Bhakti
2.2.3. All good things come in fours: Four castes, four stages of life, four aims in life
3. Neo-Hinduism
4. Conclusion
Aim and Themes
The work examines selected aspects of Hindu religious belief alongside their implications for social life. It asks how these beliefs and practices shape Hindu life and why Hinduism may appear fascinating to Western observers, while acknowledging the personal perspective behind its selection and interpretation.
- The origins and definition of the term 'Hinduism'
- Samsara, karma and moksha
- Yoga and bhakti as approaches to salvation
- Caste, social relationships and stages of life
- Neo-Hinduism and religious and social reform
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.2. Finding salvation
In the explanation given above we have learnt so far that for every Hindu the highest goal to attain is moksha. The process of hitting that universal target is among others one of the aspect which illustrates the diversity and plurality of Hinduism. Reaching moksha is only possible if one is ransomed. In turn, that will only become possible by choosing one of the four existing ways of salvation which a Hindu has to follow all life long but which can differ from region to region and even from Hindu to Hindu. They are all considered as being of the same value though.
First, a Hindu can find salvation by being as well altruistic and generous as by feeling up for immolation. Second, there is the way of gnosticism, mediation or getting to know the right knowledge by studying old literature. Third, it is possible to reach moksha by a very strong love to god and mystical attitudes or actions, respectively. Last but not least there is the way to work wonders and heroic achievements (cf. Michaels 2008, 1764).
In the following the paper will have a closer look at how Hindus approach the second and third ways of salvation. This choice is justified by the fact that especially the customs, rites and traditions of these ways are the things which mostly arouse interest in our cultural area. They seem to be more spiritual practice than religion (cf. Becke 2000, 13). The fact that Hinduism offers the possibility to do such spiritual exercises that are of the same worth as heroic actions could appear fascinating because for an outsider such practices seem to be somehow more worldly. Not every one can be heroic and thus it feels so human that Hinduism offers all Hindus the chance to achieve moksha. Everybody can find his or her personal way of living, or to put it in another way, in Hinduism everybody can find self-realisation.
Compared to that, the first and the fourth ways of salvation resemble in a higher amount the tasks a believer also has in other religions, especially Christianity and Islam. On the one hand, to behave altruistic is one of the highest bid a believer has to fulfil. On the other hand, stories of wonderful things such as people who could heal other people with the help of God are not unknown in our culture, too. That could be one of the reasons why these ways do not attract our attention in the same degree as the two mentioned above. At first glance, they are very strongly connected to God and to the secular world itself and probably to the things which we combine with exercising religion and thus they are not surrounded by such a spiritual atmosphere as the second and the third way of salvation.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: The author sets out an approach that considers Hindu religiousness and society together and introduces the question of Hinduism’s appeal to Western observers.
2. The belief of India’s Hindu population: This chapter examines the term 'Hinduism', cyclical thinking, salvation, yoga and bhakti. It also discusses caste, stages of life and their relationship to religious belief.
3. Neo-Hinduism: The chapter considers religious and social reform movements in the context of British colonial rule and changing Hindu identity.
4. Conclusion: The author reflects on Hinduism’s diversity, the relationship between religious belief and social life, and the implications of Neo-Hindu reform.
Keywords
Hinduism, Hindu religiousness, Hindu society, samsara, karma, moksha, yoga, bhakti, caste, dharma, stages of life, Neo-Hinduism, religious reform
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this work about?
It explores selected Hindu beliefs and social practices, considering how religious ideas relate to everyday life and how they may appear to Western observers.
What are its central themes?
Its themes include the meaning of Hinduism, rebirth and salvation, yoga and bhakti, caste, and Neo-Hindu reform.
What is the primary aim of the work?
The author aims to connect Hindu religious beliefs with their implications for individual and social life and to consider why Hinduism may fascinate Western observers.
What method does the author use?
The work uses a literature-based discussion of selected sources, combining explanations of Hindu beliefs and practices with the author’s reflections and comparisons.
What does the main discussion cover?
It moves from the history and definition of the term 'Hinduism' to cyclical thinking, paths to salvation, caste and stages of life, before discussing Neo-Hinduism.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Hinduism, samsara, karma, moksha, yoga, bhakti, caste, dharma and Neo-Hinduism.
How are yoga and bhakti discussed?
They are presented as different approaches associated with salvation: the work discusses yoga’s meditative practices and bhakti’s devotion to a deity.
Which aspects of social life are considered in the discussion of caste?
The author discusses eating, marriage and occupation, as well as the relationship between caste, karma and dharma.
What does the work say about Neo-Hindu reform movements?
It considers religious and social reforms associated with Neo-Hinduism, including ideas advanced by Brahmo Samaj, Araya Samaj and the Ramakrishna-Mission.
- Quote paper
- Katharina Hüfner (Author), 2009, Hinduism from within and without, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/159292