Hinduism Research Paper Essay Example for Free

Hinduism Research Paper Es advanceFor me, the process of show uping this section and sorting the confusion of thoughts thereafter enough to spell about, involved several attempts to reading, writing and letting it go. As I read through this section with much anticipation, I found myself struggling to capture the stub of the writings of Kant, Weber, Marx, Hegel and others. After numerous readings, I realised that I was reading about modernity through the place of western philosophical writers and tender thinkers. My easterly heritage and western education had roundhow missed adequate info on both Hinduism and a balanced approach to modernity. As I read the writings of Smith, shortly after the first page, the expectation of deepening my understanding of Hinduism was pushed to the back burner and I received an education on western philosophical and social thought. That was disappointing because I had hoped to learn more about Hinduism and its place in the modern day. My expect ation was that somehow the author would reconcile so cal bear rational theorisations (that I too am actu in ally attached to) and the in-explainable Hindu concepts that I was familiar with.Unfortunately, other than seeing shadows of faith based thinking in Hegel, the section on Hinduism and modernity abruptly ends with little or no understanding on Hinduism and the assortment of modern day theorists do not bridge the in rateectual dissociate between the two concepts. A couple of days after reading this section and failing to write any thoughts, I suddenly realised some other obstacle in my thinking. When I lived in India, amidst the Indian culture, I had come to accept Hinduism as the modern religion as opposed to Christianity or Islam.The tail of this label was that Hinduism lacked a book or structured definitions and paid no attention to conversion of others to Hinduism. As an organised religion, it was wonderfully ambiguous, largely spiritual and liberal to individual expre ssion. It was okay to discard rituals or practices that did not my approval. That essence of Hinduism that I carried from my stay in India was a sharp contrast to the authors perspective of Hinduism organism the example of a traditional religion, and perhaps a far cry from modernity.My personal thought is that Hinduism, like philosophical or social possibility has over the last 2000 plus years been defined by male dominated patriarchal societies. Like the cream on homemade Indian yogurt, that point needs to be peeled away to landing field the essence of Hinduism or modernity and understand the closeness they sh ar. European Discovery of Hinduism from Hinduism and Modernity The European denudation of Hinduism spans a period from the 15th century when the ports of Goa opened up for the Portuguese traders to the eighteenth century when the British begin to live in India and acculturate themselves with some of the Indian traditions.In these three hundred years, India seemed to change from an isolated country hidden from the world, to a country that could no pertinaciouser hide its spices, its riches and its culture. lamentably though, the discovery of Hinduism for non Indians did not have a clear theoretical base, and was dependant on a largely oral and abstractly written sparse Hindu religious/cultural history, during a time when the Indian society was not open to sharing with the outside world.As a result, the accounts of Hinduism written by visitors render the Hindu religion as grotesque or insipid, by European writers who travelled to India and experienced the culture from their biblical eyes. The practice of sati, the deification of kings, the extreme going of Brahmans and the overly sexualised art altogether presented a confusing picture that could not be corrected, because the language of India was not unsounded by the Europeans. To their sensibilities, the ways of the Indians were horrifying to say the least.The Europeans in India, who could have h ad the opportunity to experience the Hindu culture first hand, in any case were kept at the fringes by the Indians, as per the writings of Bentinck in 1807. It seemed as though their (European) needs and business were taken care for them, without them disturbing the hierarchy and the dictates of the local culture. At this point, it seems as though the hierarchical society in India was interchangeably used to represent the Hindu religion. There seemed to be very little understanding of the Hindu religion apart from the social structure, with the teachings of he religion being a closely guarded secret, by the priests and the wealthy. The fact that that Indians were not open to foreigners examining their religion is evident from Berniers writings. Berniers base of atomism of Gassendi could have led to a productive exchange between the European and Indian culture, however, it seemed as if he gave up because he could not visualise a coherent Hindu cosmological theory and the pundit who was his only if source of information, did not have enough skills to dialogue.There were sporadic writings through this time, for example by Abraham Roger, 1649, themed on Paganism that attempted to describe the Hindu culture of India, but at some point they tended to disintegrate into a judgemental dismissal of the body of knowledge that was very different to say the least. There always seemed to be enough examples to create caricatures and convince the western world, that India was not worthy of serious enquiry.All in all, from a modern day perspective, it seems that the Indians had created multiple layers to protect themselves from invaders, missionaries, scholars, traders all of them having an agenda to rip open the cultural centre and expose the vulnerability to the world. So it seems that visitors were kept at bay, break away spices, gold, and sent on their way. The resistance also came from an established social structure and was maintained by those in power, for whom, it made sense to keep up the confusing and diffused aura, so they may profit as the privileged few who understood both sides.Marx and Webers writings in the nineteenth century are also historical sources of information on this time, although Marx did not write anything that helped the world understand Hinduism. Weberss writings did contain some get a line concepts which were central to the Hindus, such as Samskaras or Karma but also contained some extreme views which were more true of Webers own personal struggles and growth. It was not until the late 18th century, under the colonial rule by the British, that Indians met westerners as friends, who wanted to understand or join the Indian culture, without an agenda.Around that time, Indians within India had also begun to look beyond their borders and the environment seemed ready for cultural exchange. The exchanges thereafter where both the Indian and the British culture absorb elements from each other created an environment where a ge nuine entertain could sustain and studies could be d iodine. Dayananda Saraswati from A Source-Book of Modern Hinduism Dear Sikander Bhaiya, I came across something interesting and wanted to share it with you. Im taking a kind in Hinduism, about 10,000 miles away from home, and learning about Dayananda Saraswati, who as it turns out, is the founder of our Arya Samaj sect.You may recognize the Arja Samaj nurseries near our house, well here is some information tail the teachings at these schools. As my professor says, Swami Dayananda was born into a Brahmin family in 19th century India. But one point you should know is that his real stimulate is Mool Shankar and he was born in Gujrat. He found the Arya Samaj, meaning cultural organization, after an impacting event during the night of Shivratri. When mice ran all over Shiva and ate the offerings give to him, he could not understand why the idol could not defend himself from a mouse.Then, after the death of his sister from cholera, he no longer conceived and fast(a) idol worship. That is when he created the Arya Samaj movement for pot who do not believe in idol worship. Nevertheless, Swami Dayananda did not form the Arya Samaj based on this one principle, facial expression at Hinduism as a whole he rejected all the falsehood and created an body who believed in all the good in Hinduism. Swami Dayananda studied believed in the Vedic scriptures. One such notion he believed in was Moksha. Moksha is the escape from the reincarnation cycle and to finally become one with God.But, I personally believe that reincarnation is not bad and have no desire to escape this cycle. Why would one not appreciate the life God has given us and instead escape life to be absorbed into the soul of the Divine Spirit? As Swami Dayananda proclaims Moksha is not emancipation but death or dissolution. Death and annihilation are not words that come with a good meaning. Not everyone should be influenced to reach Moksha but instead be sa tisfying for and enjoy what God has given us. Education is the sector in which Swami Dayananda made the most progress. For one, he wanted the Veda Bhashya to be translated into English in order to pread the information contained in these scriptures to the Europeans. He also believed in equal education for all. At his point of time in history women were not given the same rights as men and were often left to take upon simple maiden tasks. But he stated that this would cause warfare in the house. Women will also be wanted as teachers in all girls school and knowledgeable enough to be involved in administrative affairs. In addition, Swami Dayananda urged teachers and their scholars not to give into corrupt acts that could prevent teaching or learning.I think he wanted to ensure that people and their actions were not what kept them from acquiring knowledge. I greatly support Swami Dayanandas belief that marriage should be Swayamvara. He believes that a man and a women should suit each o ther before marriage so they will be happier. In addition, he condemns child marriage, which usually results in women becoming widowed at a young age. This is such a permeative phenomenon that completely stopping child marriage has still not occurred in India. Instead he added another custom that women can remarry as long as they were not consummated in their first marriage.This allows women to live a normal married life later on. I hope this letter has given you some light on Dayananda Saraswati and his Arya Samaj principles. Read on about this great Indian leader, his principles are inspiring. Tanya Ramakrishna Paramahansa, from A Source Book of Modern Hinduism Ramakrishna Paramahansa was a far-famed follower of Bhakti traditions of 19th century India. He was born into a poor Brahmin Vaishnava family in a Bengal village where he devoted his life to heavy spiritual discipline (Richards,63) to reach union with the Divine, whom for Ramakrishna was Kali.He became a priest of the Da kshineswar Kali Temple near Kolkata, the city where his portrait hangs on every corner. Ramakrishna understood that Hinduism is like a shoreless ocean but still has two main facets Bhakti and Jnana, methods to become union with the Divine. He had chosen the Bhakti path to reach full thought with his Divine Mother, Kali. But he does not narrow his view of religion and God to only Kali. I agree with Ramakrishna when he says that God comes in several(a) forms and as one becomes more devoted to God they begin to understand the wholeness of Gods existence in this universe.When one sees Kali, the idol, with a in the altogether eye they see black. But her color can be compared to the blue sky, as one approaches the sky they realize it has no color. Yet, the sky is nowhere and everywhere, skilful like Kali. So, as one comes closer to Kali you will see her without color. Indians believed that there once existed Asuras , demons, who were tall, dark skinned and out to harm. Kali is a godde ss who absorbed the negative physical attributes of the Asuras, hence her dark colored skin, but on the inside is a goddess who embodies Shakti, empowerment and strength.In India, Kali is considered the most powerful women who kills all evil and absorbs their poison so others are void of it. She is a powerful female warrior, which goes against the stereotype that men are the ones who hold the strength and power to fight. Hinduism as a religion gives great power to women, unlike the society which strips women of their influence. I well-knitly support Ramakrishnas perspective that each religion is only a path leading to God (Richard, 65). I admire the many rivers into one ocean analogy used to describe his idea of different religions but only one God.He was accepting of all other religions and believed it is not good to feel that ones religion alone is true and all others are false (Richard, 65). One can see that equality was important to Ramakrishna whether it was through religion, the caste system or gender rules. He illustrated that by finding hunch for God, ones mind, body and soul no longer belong as a part of the cast system. In addition, during Ramakrishnas time in history women were not given the same rights as men and were often demeaned.But his belief that women should be worshiped as embodiments of the Divine Mother (Richard, 73) severed this separation. I greatly admire Ramakrishna as he demonstrates his idea of duties undertaken by people for name and fame, resulting in an individuals ego. Duties that are made and carried out by ones self is not as selfless as those completed as they are presented. Success from carrying out duties is what creates a persons ego. The ego makes people individuals and separates them into you and I. But God sees everyone as one and wishes others would see the same.The only means by which all individuals can become one is by going away from the world into solitude (Richard, 69). This moves the individual away from the d istractions of the Maya and allows one to concentrate on the inner self to develop the live of God. With the love of God and as part of one, they are no longer an individual ego. Mahatma Gandhi from Gandhis Key Writings In Search of Unity Let me tell you about a man named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is cognize as Mahatma, meaning great soul, Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was born in 1869 to a Vaishnava family.His mother and father were greatly religious people and influenced his perception of the world. However, growing up, he realized he was not a man of religion but of ethics. His interest in ethics drove him to study Law in London, England. With a background in Law, Mahatma Gandhi set out to create equality and morality amongst the people. His first attempt was in south-central Africa where he went to attain civil rights for the 62,000 Indians living there as laborers. At that time, Indians were not allowed to vote and were deprived of many other human rights.The civil rights mov ement lead by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa is where he found Satyagraha. Satyagraha as a theoretical principle was first introduced in Mahatma Gandhis book Hind Swaraj and he shows how he used this philosophical principle in South Africa through his book Satyagraha In South Africa. Satyagraha is a theory that recognizes the universal possibility of worthiness and virtue (Suhrud,78). The original Gujurati title of Mahatma Gandhis book is Dakshin Africa Na Satyagraha No Itihas (Suhrud, 77) when translated into English it would read A History of Satyagraha in South Africa.However, Mahatma Gandhi had a strong stance between the words Itihas and History, even though they can be considered direct translations of each other. He believed that Itihas in English means its so happened as opposed to history because for him history is associated with a past filled with wars and hatred. This is a glimpse of how Mahatma Gandhi coined the term Satyagraha as a soul repulse that is completely voi d of violence. (Suhrud, 77) Satyagrahas meaning has many faces and the theory itself comes along with many values, but the real meaning of Satyagraha is holding on to truth. jibe to Mahatma Gandhi this meaning should insinuate love and firmness, bringing about non-violence. This is a separate term from passive resistance, because the latter is still considered a weapon using violence. In fact, one of the principles of Satyagraha is Ahimsa meaning non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi started the Satyagraha struggle in South Africa with a series of non-violent protests. One such act was the burning of registration certificates at a connection bonfire. This bonfire was an act of defiance against the Asiatic Registration Act of 1907.The means by which Gandhi took a stance against the act broke the law, hence he took the same punishment i. e. multiple blows to the head. As a Satyagrahi, Gandhi did not respond to the violent punishment but instead attempted to get back on his feet and pass on burning the registration certificates. Due to Gandhis persistence, he was thrown in jail for not succumbing to the police. This is one brutal example of how Mahatma Gandhi implemented Satyagraha in South Africa.Mahatma Gandhi believed that morals and ethics were essential in order to create unity amongst societies and the people within them. From moral and ethics he derived a dogma known as Satyagraha whose core values are truth and ahimsa. Mahatma Gandhi adopted this attitude and applied it in any of his rebellious acts in South Africa. This was an astute schema he created, so regardless of his actions that stood against the power, he was still ethically correct, making it more difficult for the authorities to bring him down. In this manner, Mahatma Gandhi attained civil rights for the Indians in South Africa.