Hindu

:This article is about the followers of Hinduism; for other meanings of the word, see Hindu (disambiguation).

Who is a Hindu?

Prior to the arrival of Muslims from Arabia and European colonists, there was no distinct definition of religion in India. Reform movements like the Samanas were not far from the Jain and Buddhist orders, and such groups provided the wheels of philosophical evolution and cultural change. While strict social ordering existed in the Brahmanical system, it was never necessary for anyone to worship a particular form of God, perform a particular set of rituals, speak a particular language, or read only one book. Without doing any of these, a person was a common native, citizen of the land, a Hindu. Vegetarianism arose as a reform movement, and was never imposed on all people, which would have divided them.

Related Topics:
Samana - Jain - Buddhist - Brahmanical - Vegetarianism

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The colonial British government introduced the census as is today, and for legal purposes set worded definitions and distinctions between populations living interwoven for thousands of years. This practice, once established, was exploited for political power by various communities, with distinct religions getting special privileges and recognitions as opposed to members of a sect, reform movement or of the larger mass of people. These bookish definitions fail to alter, however, centuries-old practices and relationships between communities, which though not free of divisive conflicts, are certainly not victims of any schisms.

Related Topics:
Colonial - British - Government - Census

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Many Hindus identify the Supreme Being as the Lord Vishnu and are known as Vaishnavas; many others believe the Supreme Being is the Lord Siva and are known as Saivites; while some believe in the female Principle Shakti as supreme, and are called Shaktists while in other branches of Vaishnavism and Shaivism, Shakti is God's Power personified. The fourth major group, the Smarta, call the Supreme One Brahman, which manifests into personal forms of God, such as Vishnu or Siva. However, no barrier or distinction or rivalry of any nature exists between any of these. Each naturally respects all gods, only choosing to see the Supreme in one particular form.

Related Topics:
Vishnu - Vaishnava - Siva - Saivites - Shakti - Shaktists - Vaishnavism - Shaivism - Smarta - Brahman

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For more information upon the religion, society, traditions and philosophies of Hindus, visit the article Hinduism.

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