The Dual Nature of Hinduism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Dual Nature of Hinduism - Research musical theme ExampleThere is probably no more pertinent example of Hinduisms singular personality than its well- bonkn caste system. The four levels of Indian society, which have their origins in ancient Vedic literature, have practically been regarded as a written manifestation of the enforced stratification of Indian society by the Indo-Europeans, the theocratic invaders whose military prowess enabled them to conquer the subcontinent about 1500 B.C. One fourth of the Supreme Being constitutes all beings, tour three fourths of Him are immortal and stand above. With the one-fourth (He) arms were made into the Kshatriya. His thighs became the Vaisya. From his feet the Sudra was born (Rig Veda, 90). Historians primarily concur that the strict social regimentation described in the Vedas was not actually created or introduced by the Aryan invaders but had existed in a somewhat less formal version prior to the conquest. Hinduism as we know it t oday, with its concepts of karma and samsara, grew up against this socio-cultural backdrop, with which it was suffused and which it in turn influenced. Social norms and the means whereby they are passed on are pervasive and get through form to the Hindu caste system. Each caste, or varna, is sub-divided into jatis, which divide each varna into specific occupations. Social interaction among the jatis of a particular caste is regulated through an elaborate ritual system, which governs social bearing (Deshpande, 2010). The Vedic texts offer a rationale for classifications and rituals, rules that are laid down concerning appropriate occupational pursuit, appropriate behavior within and between castes.