Why is Hinduism a complex religion?

Hinduism is one of the most complex, most varied, and diverse religions of the world in that there is no “rigid common set of beliefs” (Georgis, 62). For example, one can believe in only one god, or many gods, or no gods (Georgis, 62).

What does the religion Hinduism believe in?

Hindus believe in the doctrines of samsara (the continuous cycle of life, death, and reincarnation) and karma (the universal law of cause and effect). One of the key thoughts of Hinduism is “atman,” or the belief in soul. This philosophy holds that living creatures have a soul, and they’re all part of the supreme soul.

How does Hinduism reinforce good behavior and social order?

Hinduism reinforced a strict social hierarchy called a caste system that made it nearly impossible for people to move outside of their social station. Emperors during the Gupta empire used Hinduism as a unifying religion and focused on Hinduism as a means for personal salvation.

What is the relationship between good and bad behavior and the Hindu idea of reincarnation?

Hindus believe that souls are reborn into new bodies, called reincarnation. Karma is the good or evil that a person does in their life. By living well, a person can reincarnate into a higher class. Living poorly may do the opposite.

How did Hindu beliefs influence the caste system in India?

During the Maurya and Gupta empires, the Indian culture and way of life were deeply influenced by Hinduism. Hinduism reinforced a strict social hierarchy called a caste system that made it nearly impossible for people to move outside of their social station.

Why do Hindu burn incense in the mandir?

Burning incense sticks fill the room with scent, symbolising the presence of the deity. Flowers are often placed in the shrine to honour the deity. Making a coloured mark on the worshipper’s forehead shows honour to the deity and reminds the worshipper of their devotion throughout the day.

Why are there so many wars in Hindu mythology?

All mythological wars have their underlying justifications in injustice, and often involved a Hindu in the receiving end as well. The Gods of this polythiest religion are flawed and subject to human emotions and behavioural ambiguity, and a lot of the mythology has its basis on these attributes.

Why is Hinduism a ‘sacerdotal’ religion?

Males of the ‘ Brahmin’ caste, closest to God and hence the highest, have superpowers making Hinduism a ‘sacerdotal’ religion. Not even kings are allowed to disobey the great ‘Brahmin’ and anyone who has the audacity will face his infinite wrath (notice the masculine third person here, an implicit reference to the inherent misogyny).

What are the rituals of being a good Hindu?

There are no strictly prescribed rituals that one must practice to be a good Hindu, no need to pray ‘x’ number of times a day, or visit the temple ‘y’ times a week, or learn ‘z’ texts etc.

What does it mean to be a Hindu by default?

Hindus by default: Those who are born into this faith, and involve with it in various degrees (devotedly > enthusiastically > happily > involuntarily > unenthusiatically > indifferently > unhappily > grudgingly) under behavioural / social / psychological influence, but without much conscious thought or deeper study.