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Hinduism
Smith gives a description of the answer given by most Hindus in defense of the many gods in their religion. They state that all the deities have a relation with one single deity who is known as Brahman. Brahman is a universal Spirit in which, the phenomenal universe originates and is supported. This deity exists in three main manifestations, which are further divided into further manifestations. The three are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Unlike other religions, Hinduism is perceived more as a tradition where people acquire their desires.
Hinduism is a way of life where advancements and growth takes place in time. Most religions have doctrines and principles, which they follow on a daily basis or when they are required to. In most cases, the religions do not grow. They only follow the doctrines that were laid down during the foundation of the particular religion. However, Hinduism seems to adapt to new doctrines and practices with change of time just like way traditions change with time.
During the Classical era, some concepts in the Hindu religion followed today were developed. The Karma, Samsara and Moksha concepts were developed in this period. These are the cosmological processes of merit and demerit, life-death-rebirth and the release from Karma respectively. Smith has stated four main types of Yoga in which one can attain Moksha. These are the Jnana, Bhakti, Karma and the Raja types. The Karma and the Raja types of Yoga are more physical and psychological. The Karma Yoga requires the understanding the worker and so one uses work to attain moksha. The Raja Yoga involves the movement of the breadth and the body. This type is very familiar globally as a way of exercising.
As is evident, Hinduism is, not just physical but it is also highly physical. This is common with most traditions. Similarly, it requires learning and practicing at on a daily basis, which is common in most east asian traditions. Although other people do not know much about Hinduism, Yoga classes and practices are particularly common globally. They are used as a form of both spiritual and physical exercise. In other words, the religion can be studied, adapted and be practiced just as the way one can go to a particular country, learn the traditions of the people and practice them.
In the Brahmanical period, the Brahmans (priests) came up with system known as the caste system. This was a form of organizing the Hindus in accordance to their civilization. There are the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas, the Vaishyas and the Shudras. These are the priests, the warriors/rulers/kings, merchants and the servants respectively. The people known as the servants are known as the “untouchables” and so they are discriminated by the society. Such a practice is not common in most religions where the society is divided into groups, subjecting other groups into discrimination while others enjoy the good things of life. This is a form of human practice which may be categorized as traditions rather than religion common in other religions.
It is significant to understand that traditions incorporate practices, which change and may be advanced in time. Instead of incorporating doctrines and other concepts that must be memorized, Hinduism incorporates practices, which become a day-to-day activity. The practices advance and they also change just as in the case of traditions. The physical and spiritual aspects of an individual are taken care of in this religion. However, the caste groups bring in societal classes, which may act as a source of disunity or inequality in the society. The religion is practical than it is theoretical. Just like traditions, it traces back to thousands of years from today but continues to evolve and advance with time.
Works cited
Neusner, Jacob. World Religions in America. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010. Print.
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