01-04-2007, 06:32 AM
Hinduism and Caste System
Hinduism and Caste System: Does Hinduism support Caste system?
Hinduism does not support caste system. The focus of Hinduism is on the individual and his salvation not on his caste or its privileges. Scholars tend to quote the Purushasukta as the basis for the emergence of caste system. There are also references to caste system in the Bhagavad gita. But for a serious student of History, it becomes obvious that these references appear to be deliberate manipulations and later day interjection intended to justify a system that was otherwise fully unjustified. The Manusmriti, in the form that is available today did more damage to Hinduism and the self esteem of many Hindus than Islam and Christianity.
http://www.experiencefestival.com/hinduism_archives
The essence of hinduism
Hindus believe in an uncreated, eternal, infinite, transcendent and all embracing principal, which is the sole reality. It is the ultimate cause and foundation; the source and goal of all existence. This is 'Par Brahman.' This causes the Universe and all beings to emanate from it, transform into the Universe or assume its appearance. ' Brahman ' is the self or 'Atman' of all living beings. The Atman seeks to unite with the Par Brahman in a desire for salvation. This religious search for the ultimate truth has been the focus of India's spiritual life.
Another characteristic of the religion is the principle of 'Ahimsa' or non-violence and is regarded as the keystone of a Hindu's ethics. Hindus believe in rebirth and transmigration
of the soul or 'Atman' and that the soul never dies, it merely takes on a new body.
It is an individual's deeds or ' karma ' that decide his fate in this as well as the next life. Karma or previous actions of a being are the factors that determine the condition into which a person, after his death and subsequent stay in heaven or hell, is reborn in one form or another. This cycle of birth-death-birth is the 'Samsara.' For a Hindu, mundane day-to-day life is not true existence.
All human endeavors should be directed towards liberation or 'Moksha' from this endless cycle of birth and rebirth. Final salvation or emancipation is the one permanent and eternal truth. It is with the attainment of Moksha that the Atman meets and joins the Brahman who symbolizes the One Truth that is the Whole Truth.
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Hindui...ddhism/id/54137
Hinduism and Caste System: Does Hinduism support Caste system?
Hinduism does not support caste system. The focus of Hinduism is on the individual and his salvation not on his caste or its privileges. Scholars tend to quote the Purushasukta as the basis for the emergence of caste system. There are also references to caste system in the Bhagavad gita. But for a serious student of History, it becomes obvious that these references appear to be deliberate manipulations and later day interjection intended to justify a system that was otherwise fully unjustified. The Manusmriti, in the form that is available today did more damage to Hinduism and the self esteem of many Hindus than Islam and Christianity.
http://www.experiencefestival.com/hinduism_archives
The essence of hinduism
Hindus believe in an uncreated, eternal, infinite, transcendent and all embracing principal, which is the sole reality. It is the ultimate cause and foundation; the source and goal of all existence. This is 'Par Brahman.' This causes the Universe and all beings to emanate from it, transform into the Universe or assume its appearance. ' Brahman ' is the self or 'Atman' of all living beings. The Atman seeks to unite with the Par Brahman in a desire for salvation. This religious search for the ultimate truth has been the focus of India's spiritual life.
Another characteristic of the religion is the principle of 'Ahimsa' or non-violence and is regarded as the keystone of a Hindu's ethics. Hindus believe in rebirth and transmigration
of the soul or 'Atman' and that the soul never dies, it merely takes on a new body.
It is an individual's deeds or ' karma ' that decide his fate in this as well as the next life. Karma or previous actions of a being are the factors that determine the condition into which a person, after his death and subsequent stay in heaven or hell, is reborn in one form or another. This cycle of birth-death-birth is the 'Samsara.' For a Hindu, mundane day-to-day life is not true existence.
All human endeavors should be directed towards liberation or 'Moksha' from this endless cycle of birth and rebirth. Final salvation or emancipation is the one permanent and eternal truth. It is with the attainment of Moksha that the Atman meets and joins the Brahman who symbolizes the One Truth that is the Whole Truth.
http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Hindui...ddhism/id/54137