Q&A about Hinduism

The Rig-Veda is considered to be the most important of the Vedas. It contains over 1,000 hymns to the Aryan gods which reveal the basic mythology of the Aryan religion.

The Upanishads are the philosophical materials of the Vedas. They are the result of discussions of the philosophical meaning of the other parts of the Vedas.

The Law of Manu is an outline of ethics. It defines the caste system, stations of life, and the idea of divine time.

These three works make up the basics of Hinduism: the Rig-Veda introducing the various Gods; the Upanishads describing the philosophies of the religion; and the Law of Manu effecting the implications of Hinduism on society as a whole.

     Arjuna must learn that he is a Kshatriya. He needs to find contentment as a warrior and fulfill his duties willingly. He can only continue on the path to enlightenment if he embraces his station of life.

     The three major gods of Hinduism, all together referred to as the Trimurti, are Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. They serve as the three functions of Brahman.

     Brahma is the creator. He created the world. He is not mentioned in the Vedas; mythology written about him comes from the post-Vedic era.

     Shiva is the destroyer. He is the god of death, destruction, disease, all reproduction (Vegetable, animal, and human), and dance. Also not mentioned in the Vedic literature, he may have been developed from the Aryan god Rudra. Common symbols of Shiva are the trident and male and female sex organs.

     Vishnu is the preserver. The god of love, benevolence, and forgiveness, he delights in play and joining humans in play. He also enjoys tricks and pranks. He is very concerned for humanity and has so far appeared on earth as nine various avatars. He will have a tenth appearance at the apocalypse, when he will end time, punish the wicked, and reward the virtuous.

     All major gods have a goddess counterpart. Devi is the Great Goddess. She is the feminine principle and creative power. She is Sakti, the all-pervasive energy of the Gods, and the slayer of demons. All other goddesses are said to be manifestations of her, the same concept as all deities being manifestations of Brahman.

The caste system of political India is the caste system of Hinduism. When the Aryans began to occupy the country, moving in on the indigenous peoples, it is argued that the castes developed out of necessary separation of populaces with different immunities. The melding of the Aryan and indigenous religions gave the castes a divine origin.

There are now thousands of castes and sub-castes, but the original levels are as follows: seers, administrators, producers, followers, and outcastes.

Seers (Brahmins) are intellectual and spiritual leaders. They understand the values that are important to human life. One might be found employed as an artist, philosopher, teacher, or religious leader.

Administrators (Kshatriyas) orchestrate people and projects to their maximum potential. They might be managers or soldiers.

Producers (Vaishyas) are skilled at creating material things. They could be artisans or farmers.

Followers/Servants (Shudras) are unintelligent and must be content with work as unskilled laborers. They may also work as domestics for the higher castes.

Outcastes occupy the lowest station of life. They have the worst jobs and are seen as unclean. These individuals are often servants.