Orthodoxy in Hinduism

Introduction

It is difficult to assign a dogmatic orthodoxy to Hinduism. Many variations have developed from Hinduism over the years, and many non-Hindu cults and religious movements gained their inspiration from Hinduism. Even in India today, the most orthodox divisions of Hinduism have changed significantly over the last three thousand years.

Analysis

Hinduism is one if the oldest and widespread faiths in the world. It is also one of the most difficult to explain. Hinduism, as are most religions, is not considered to be a religion but a way of life because religion is deeply interwoven into the life of a Hindu (Hay,pp 111-178). Hinduism has given to the world the concept of karma, according to which all actions produce positive or negative reactions and affect our lives. Actions are the basis of ending samsara. Hinduism offers the best way to live a life devoid of anxieties and worries. It says, "Live your life offering all your actions and possessions mentally to Brahma in the spirit of sacrifice." And in the essence of no unnecessary pressure, Hinduism does not believe in converting people from one religion to another nor does it condemn those of another faith. If an individual desires to change his religion that is their inner choice. But a true Hindu should never force (or tempt) one to change (Vedalankar, Nardev and Manohar Somera, pp 156-201).

One of the oldest aspects of Hinduism is as much social as religious, and that is the caste system. It is important to understand the caste system before delving into Hindu religious beliefs. According to Hindu teaching, there are four basic castes, or social classes. Each caste has its own rules and obligation for living. The elite caste is the Brahman, or priest caste. Second are the Kshatriyas, or warriors and rulers. Third are the Vaisyas, or merchants and farmers. Finally, the fourth caste is the Shudras, or laborers. Outside the caste system are the untouchables. The untouchables are the outcasts of Hindu society. Though outlawed in India in the 1940s, the untouchables are still a very real part of Indian society. One does not get decide his or her caste that matter is decided when one is born into a particular caste (Hay, pp 111-178).

Hindu tradition has always privileged diversity, and at first blush, discovering any form of orthodoxy in Hinduism may seem to be impossible. Indeed, there is no institutional ...