The Caste System

During the early period of Hinduism, Indian society was dominated by Brahminsor a class of the elite priestshood. Three other classes, the warrior class, the class of tradespeople and farmers and the class of laborers eventually evolved alongside the Brahmin priesthood giving rise to a strictly observed sociaal hierachy. Although modern legislations have attempted to do away with the caste system, Indian society still retains the social divisions which separate the highest Brahmins from those in the lower caste hierarchy. The untouchables, for instance, are hereditary outcasts and their marginal status in India today represents one of the less egalitarian aspects in contemporary world societies. Historically, members of the harijan or untouchable castes have been associated with work which is considered unclean or defiling such as the disposal of human waste and the removal and cremation of the dead.

The Concept of Atman

For the most part Hindus have accepted the these social divisions in the earthly existence asinconsequential. The acceptance is due to one of the central tenets of Hindusim: namely, the belief in atman or the eternal soul. No matter what a person's present status, according to Hinduism, the eternal soul will continue over time and be reborn millions upon millions of times. Into what form the eternal soul is born each time depends upon karma.

The Concept ofKarma

According to one definition "karma literally means 'deed or act,' but more broadly describes the principle of cause and effect. Simply stated, karma is the law of action and reaction which governs consciousness." Metaphysically speaking, "karma is the law that states that every mental, emotional and physical act, no matter how insignificant, is projected out into the psychic mind substance and eventually returns to the individual with equal impact." Karma is not punishment for wrongdoing or reward for good deeds. Karma is perceived to be an impersonal law where the reciprocity between action and consequences are as certain as the laws of gravity.

The Concept of Moksha

The term Moskshameans release or liberation from the eternal cycles of birth, death and rebirth. Moksha is one of the four desirable goals of Hindu life. The four goals including the aspiration of Mokshaare:

the pursuit of appropriate behavior (dharma) to ensure rebirth on a higher plane;

the pursuit of legitimate worldly success; (artha)

the pursuit of appropriate pleasures; and

moksha

Hindus recognize three ways in which devotees may achieve moksha. They are:

the way of knowledge; (jnana)

the way of action; (karma) and

the way of devotion; (bhakti)

Achieving Mokshais extremely difficult and is possible only when an individual becomes capable of detaching her/himself from everything that links her/him to the world. In addition to the renunciation of what others may regard as worthwhile, including fame, wealth or wordly successes, the person who achieves Moksha is also sufficiently detached so as not to be bothered by what others may seems as negatives including dirt, repulsiveness, evil smells etc. Those who manage to achieve complete detachment are known as jivan mukta or freed souls.

The Concept of Maya

The pathways to liberation, however, cannot be pursued without an awareness of maya,or illusion. When humans are led astray by false assumptions or place their hopes on appearances, they fall prey to avidya or ignorance. Similarly, inappropriate conduct is also an obstacle to liberation. Hinduism thus places a great deal of emphasis on dharma or appropriate conduct as a key element to one's progress toward moksha.

The Gods of Hinduism

Hinduism teaches that atmanthe eternal soul is infused with the god-like presence of Brahman the all pervasive presence. Differences, classificaitons and apaprent diversity are regarded as illusionary, and in reality, all things in the universe are one just as there is a universal presence known as God. Moksha the liberation from attachment to the illusory nature of distinctions is thought to be the union with the oneness of God. In addition to the belief in Brahman, Hindus also venerate one or several other gods and goddeses in the Hindu pantheon.


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