What do you think accounts for the appeal of Hinduism to people in the west? What do you find appealing about it?
I think Hinduism appeals to a proportionate amount of westerners who are turned off by Abrahamic religions and their tendency to demand blind faith. Instead, for them, Hinduism offers spiritual enlightenment. Hinduism offers the chance for heightened self-awareness as opposed to waiting for salvation from a deity (Nesbitt, 2005). I also think that the idea that one could, in essence, modify their faith and choose their path also adds to the appeal. This is opposite to what the dominant Abrahamic-based religions which require faith and obedience with threats of damnation upon failure to do so offer. Hence, it appeals to people who hate the idea of an ‘authority’ and want to follow their path.
I find the fact that it barely has any traditions, rituals or creeds to be observed very appealing. It also lacks any overt superstitions and does not demand blind faith hence making it easier to practice alongside upholding the various scientific truths we have discovered or may discover in the future.
Discuss the influences of the caste system on the lives of contemporary Hindus and provide an example.
The effects of the caste system are still being felt in the lives of contemporary Indians. One wouldn’t be mistaken to believe that the life of the average Indian is influenced by the pervasive caste system customs (Deshpande, 2010). For instance, people who are of lower caste origin are often hesitant to reveal their lineage for fear of being insulted and humiliated. Similarly, there is complacency in confronting the thorny issues that persist throughout the society hence making it hard to realize any positive progress (Deshpande, 2010).
Additionally, there is a prevalent obsession and fanaticism regarding class among religious circles (Deshpande, 2010). People of certain lineages perceive themselves to be purer than others resulting in some divisive dynamics in the societies.
An example of the effects of the caste system is evident among Hindus who have immigrated to other countries. For instance, some Hindus from upper castes often end up marrying members from their castes for fear of disapproval from their parent if they were to marry from lower castes.
What are the most common turning points or milestones in the history of Hinduism? Identify at least two.
One of the most important periods of Hinduism is the revival period. This period witnessed the Hindu Renaissance and is widely considered to be the ‘Golden Age’ of Hindu culture. It is during this period; when medieval India was under Gupta rule that the Veda’s old Brahmanical religion was remolded into the Hinduism as it is presently known.
Another important milestone in the history of Hinduism is the practice of the suttee. This is a Hindu custom where a widow chooses to accompany her dead husband by immolating herself or through another means of death (Whitman, Khan, " Pallant, 2007). It is recorded that the practice started from as early as the six century with the earliest recording being from 510 A.D. It gained popularity over the years eventually spreading to other groups until it was banned by the colonialists in 1861 and later the Indian passed the Sati prevention act to criminalize it.
A similarly important historic milestone is the rise of the outlawing of Hindu worship by Emperor Aurangzeb in the late 1660s. After taking over power, he disagreed vehemently with some of the traditions towards which the previous rulers had been liberal. For instance, he ensured that Hindu and Sikh temples were destroyed and refused to allow them to be rebuilt for various religious and political reasons (Nesbitt, 2005). On the other hand, he showed enthusiasm in the spreading of Islam.
References
Deshpande, M. S. (2010). History of the Indian caste system and its impact on India today. New York: California University Press.
Nesbitt, E. (2005). Faith guides for higher education: A guide to Sikhism. Leeds: The Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies, University of Leeds.
Whitman, S. M., Khan, F., " Pallant, J. (2007). Focus Article. The Journal of Pain, 8(8), 607-613.
