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Hinduism is one of the most
ancient
religions
of the world and the only surviving ancient religion. Hinduism as we
know it today was not a religion per se but a way of life. According to
Swami Vivekananda, one of the great thinkers of modern age, centuries of
invasion by monotheist religions made people who live in the land of the
Sindhu (River Indus) Hindus and the British later started calling it
Hinduism.
The Hindus, i.e., the followers of Hinduism, account for
over 80% of India's total population. Hinduism teaches the existence of
one Supreme Universal Spirit, but allows its adherents to worship the
Almighty (Ishwar, Paramatma, or Parabrahma) in any form they like. Thus
the various Gods are all different manifestations of one God.
Hinduism also divided the
population into Varna or classifications loosely translated as castes.
Unlike the modern interpretation and means of classification, castes
were based on the nature of individuals and not by birth. The four
Varnas were Brahmana (or Brahmin who is teacher, priest, philosopher),
Kshatriya (a King, warrior, administrator), Vaisya (trader, farmer,
artisan), and Sudra (one who does not possess great qualities).
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Therefore, those who could
control their mind and senses, were considered austere, pure, and
upright, displayed forbearance and knowledge, had reached a state of
realization of the ultimate truth, and believed in the cycle of life
and death were called Brahmanas. Those with strength, boldness,
fortitude, dexterity, bravery, generosity, and sovereignty were called
Kshatriyas. Those who engage in agriculture, cattle-rearing, and trade
were called Vaisyas. Those who indulge in performing services for
profit for other people were called Sudras.
Over time, this Varna system was
confused with the employment system called Jati and the classification
of humans was corrupted to a brutal point where some people were
considered low and others high. However, social reformers over the
centuries have reduced caste distinctions to be more inclusive. The
Constitution of democratic India forbids discrimination in any form
and allows demographic representation. The current debate over the
caste system and reservation is purely
political manipulation of some for their own benefit.
Hinduism has a very large body
of profound philosophy. The timeless Vedas and Upanishads form the
backbone of Hindu philosophy. The Ramayana and Mahabharata are
considered the major Puranas but there are many more such as the
Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Skanda Puranas that give a deep view into ancient
land, people, and philosophy. Hindu philosophy does not force one
thought process on peopleit allows people to choose their own way to
reach God.
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