HINDUISM

Mahabharata - Dharma of Kshatriya Caste



Mahabharata - Dharma of Kshatriya Caste

Introduction

Hinduism is the oldest of all living religions. It is also known by the names Sanatana-Dharma and Vaidika-Dharma. The meaning of Sanatana-Dharma is eternal religion. Vaidika-Dharma means the religion of the Vedas. The Vedas are the fundamental scriptures of Hinduism. There are various branches and sects. Each group has beliefs and practices in common with others who differ, however, for the mantra used to worship the gods, the gurus for reference. In addition, every guru creates its own separate sangha, for which differentiation is increasing. To complicate matters further, there are other religions stemming from the same strain Hindus, but who reject the authority of the Vedas

Discussion

Hindu Rituals, Practices and Beliefs

In Hinduism, the purpose of rites and rituals is to overcome weaknesses and develop strength. Hindus practice a variety of rituals and practices. Each ritual and practice has its own importance and influence. Some of the rituals and spiritual practices include meditation, japa i.e. repetition of the Lord's name, Sandhyopasana, and paaraayana i.e. reading of the scriptures (Bhalla, 2006).

Another common ritual in Hinduism is to prostrate before elders including parents and teachers. In Hinduism, it is also a ritual to offer food to the Lord. After this, Hindus partake of it as prasaada i.e. a holy gift from the Lord (Bhalla, 2006).

Hindu religious and moral teaching is quite simple. There is a very strict moral code (the main one is of Manu). The fundamental moral ideals are inner purity, self-discipline, detachment from the things (asceticism), truth, nonviolence, love and compassion for mankind (Knot, 2000). Man must break free of any desire and any action to avoid having to re-incarnate. The three purpose of existence, dharma (law), artha (interest) and kama (pleasure), are the foundation of Hindu texts that deal with ethics or morality, and the recognition that the duties and rules of morality differ according to the seasons of life (asramas) and social conditions (ibid). If the ascetic has to be primarily a detachment from the things of this world, the ordinary man is invited to, harmoniously reconcile their religious duties, profession and material pleasures.

The moral attitude of Hinduism attaches great importance to the hospitality, charity, honesty, but attributes such great importance to piety and perhaps different form religious events: the obligation to feed the Brahmins and the sacred cows (Narayanan, 2003). Compliance with the taboos on contact with untouchables or consumption of forbidden foods (not just meat, but also any food touched by lower caste person, or from food scraps) are not clearly distinguishable from the normal rules of the honesty or self-control, provided; however, the most brilliant teachers knew the inner willingness worth more than the outward practice. Many texts recommend the true kindness and tolerance in human relations. The doctrine of non-violence has not ceased in any real influence on the lifestyle of Indians, going far beyond the prohibition to touch the lives of animals. All Hindu texts advocate moral piety, forgiveness and friendship, but, except in ...