Quest For Enlightenment

Quest for Enlightenment

Jason McMullen

HUM 130

Gloria Bobbie, PhD (ABD)

October 22, 2007

Abstract

Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world. With four major sects and a set of fundamental beliefs it has incorporated many religious values and practices from different cultures for thousands of years. The promise of a better life through reincarnation and the union with the Supreme Being is what has driven many of India's people to practice and follow Hinduism and have the desire for liberation from this earthly existence.

Hinduism is one of the most diverse religions in the world. With 837 million followers it makes up 13% of the world's population and has become the third largest religion in the world surpassed only by Christianity and Islam (Religious Tolerence.org, 2006). This religion is a collection of religious beliefs and philosophies form cultures all across India from thousands of years. Each of these different beliefs seeks to enlighten the person and allow them to embrace a greater spirituality through meditation and self realization of one's unity with their Supreme Being. While lacking the presence of a uniting religious system, this socially inclusive practice has four major sects which are Saivism, Vaisnavism, Saktism and Smartism (Religion Facts, 2007).

Њaivas or Њaivites are the people who practice Saivism and worship the God Siva as Supreme Being. This very profound, dedicated and spiritual form's objective is realizing a person's relationship with their God. This bond or unity with Siva is called nirvikalpa samadhi or Self Realization and is the first goal of Saivism. To achieve this is to achieve moksha or a permanent escape from the birth and death cycles of reincarnation (Rabbin, 2005).

Another purpose of Saivism is the fulfillment of Satchidananda. This is characterized by the union of a person's self in a keenly aware state of absolute truth; accurate knowledge and complete happiness. Once these two goals are reached then it is believed that a total unification in the God Siva can be achieved (Rabbin, 2007). This is called vishvagrasa and can be reached through the practice of kundalini yoga.

The second major denomination of Hinduism is called Vaisnavism. The followers of this practice are known as Vaishavites. According to Robert Rabbin's article on Xploring Our Heart Links website the Vaishavites worships the God Vishnu (Rabbin, 2005). Vishnu is the second God in the Hindu trinity or triumvirate. His responsibility is to keep the balance of good and evil in the universe (BBC, 2002-2007).

The Vaishavites strive for videha mukti or release from their earthly body and understanding of their connection with the God Vishnu as their ultimate goal. This can only be achieved after death. The Vaishavites secondary purpose in their religion is to feel the grace of Vishnu while still here on earth. These worshippers take refuge in Vishnu's bondless love and through meditation believe that they will be touched by their god's grace (Rabbin, 2005).

The third major sect in Hinduism is called Saktism. The people who practice this religion are known as Saktas. The Saktas live their life performing good works with out the thought of personal gain in order to secure a good birth on earth and in heaven (Rabbin, 2005). They worship the god called Shakti or Devi and in her many forms she can be both fierce and gentle. The Saktas use magic, trances, fire walking and animal sacrifices to promote fertility, prophecy and healing (Himalayan Academy, 2003).

The fourth of these major religious practices in Hinduism is called Smartism. The disciples of religious practice are known as Smartas. These followers believe that moksha can be reached through scriptural study, reflection of personal self and a constant state of meditation. This Hindu path is considered to be monistic, nonsectarian, meditative and philosophical. They believe that all gods are a part of the one true god Ishvara and that all these deities may take an earthly form (Himalayan Academy, 2003).

Along with these four major sects Hinduism has a set of deep-seated beliefs that are common to all the different practices. Hindus believe in the Vedas much the same as Christians believe in the Holy Bible. This is a collection of ancient poems, hymns and ceremonial formulas that represent God's word and is believed to be the foundation of Hinduism (Hooker, 1996). They also believe that the universe is in an unending rotation of beginning, continuation and ending and that a person can be reincarnated back to life time and time again in different forms (Beliefnet.com, 2006).

The use of a guru is essential in learning the wishes of God. The practice of self-discipline, good conduct, cleansing, religious journeys, self-inquiry and meditation are ways to achieve moksha and become one with God. They believe that life is precious and should