Hinduism
Religions of the World
Instructor: Angela Camaille
March 4, 2007
Hinduism
The study of Hinduism is one of the most venerable religious traditions. To understand the Hindu religion we need to look at the history of the religion. How the impacts of cultural and societal influences that influence religion. The history of the Hindu Religion dates back centuries with several interpretations of how it all began, each of which assumes greater or lesser importance at different times in history and in different perspectives. The history of India civilization dates back to 2800 to 2000 BCE. Narayanan states that’s there is no specific year or century for the beginning of Hindu traditions. (Narayanan, Vasudha, 2004)” There are four major sects on the Hindu religion Saivism, Vaisnavism, and Saktism. Each sect of the Hindu religion believes in one God and in all sects there sub sects of the groups.
Saivism
“Saivism is a very deep, devotional, and mystical denomination of Hinduism. It is considered the oldest of the Hindu denominations, with a long lineage of sages and saints who have outlaid practices and paths aimed at self-realization and the ultimate goal of moksha, liberation (Religion Facts, 2007)”.
Vaisnavism
“Vaishnavites, like Saivites, believe that there is only one Supreme God, who simultaneously permeates all creation and exists beyond it, being both immanent and transcendent liberation (Religion Facts, 2007)”. Vaishnavites also identify six qualities of God knowledge, all power, supreme majesty, supreme strength, unlimited energy, and total self-sufficiency. Vaishnavism also acknowledges the ex ...