Review: Hinduism
Category: Religion
Author: Anonymous. Attributed variously to Brahman, Early Hindus, and Space Aliens.
Rating: 88%
Hinduism is one of the oldest surviving religions, and is a cultural tradition derived from a very diverse set of sources. Perhaps most important of these are the Vedas, which may have been written as early as 1500 BCE. Hinduism centres, as a religious practice, on the worship of the trimurti, or holy trinity: Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. These three are the primary aspects of the divine, responsible for the creation, destruction and maintenance of the world respectively. So saying, other devas, or deities, are also worshipped- prominently Lord Ganesh- and, in fact, the worship of Brahma is far less popular than the worship of lesser devas or even avatars, human forms of the devas. This also means that Hinduism has a great number of denominations, although strife between these dominations is virtually unheard of. Hindus believe in the reincarnation of the human Atman, or soul, the final goal of which is to achieve union with Brahman, the divine spirit.
Religion is often pretty constrictive. Pray here, sing this, praise him, anoint that- a person’s worship is never done. Hindusim is really a breath of fresh air. Don’t feel like worshipping Brahman? Fine, pick one of his three main forms. Don’t like Shiva, Brahma or Vishnu? Fine, worship one of the other Devas. Still can’t find one you like? Pick one of the Avatars then. You really can’t complain; there’s something for everyone. You can even change your mind down the road, because guess what? You’ll still be worshipping Brahman.
And we’re not talking your run-of-the-mill lesser gods here, we’re talking some of the most interesting deities I’ve ever come across. Elephant-headed Ganesh is the most obvious example, but from the four arms of blue-skinned Vishnu to the laser-shooting third eye of Shiva, Hinduism is chock-full of eye-candy. This is a lifelong religion that will keep you guessing all the way: you never know what might turn up.
In terms of religious rituals we’re not looking at anything too demanding, either. Worship is conducted via veneration of a murti, or icon, and is just as effective at home as at a temple, since Brahman is immanent. Japa, ritualistic chanting, is also popular and can be practiced on-the-go, using one of any number of Mantras- Om, for example, is a particular favourite.
Pilgrimage is also an option, although it isn’t- of course it isn’t- mandatory. In fact, killing two birds with one stone is the best idea here, since most pilgrimage destinations also hold religious festivals, which are another great way to spiritualise your day. There’s a lot of choice if you’re a Hindu- but no pressure.
A couple of concerns that I would raise are, firstly, the caste system- whereby society is stratified into four endogamous layers plus untouchables, who are excluded- and secondly the Hindu-Muslim violence under partition. Now, Hindus endorse pacifism, which is a good idea, however some very bad things did happen after partition; since it seems like this was a one-off, I’ll let it slide, but it does give pause for thought. The caste system is also not a great idea; although it does have its upsides, it’s not for everyone.
You’ll also want to have a pretty good memory as a Hindu; you don’t need to just remember all the devas and avatars, but also who goes in which caste, and who you shouldn’t be marrying- or touching, for that matter. This is the flipside of that great choice that’s on offer, although I think it’s worth it in the end; make Ganesh your role model, he never forgets.
But these concerns pale into insignificance in the face of the benefits of Hinduism. Overall, a great little religion with an amazing history and a lot of wiggle-room. If you’re in the market for a new religion, Hinduism could well be the best Veda go.
