________________
Essence of World Religions
leading the truth within, finally reaching the pinnacle of consciousness where man and God are one. Hindu Deities Hindus believe that the universe is populated by a multitude of gods. To some extent, these gods share the features of Godhood but are seen as behaving much as humans do and as being related to each other as humans are. This view is similar to that of the ancient Greeks. The sets of gods recognized by the different sects are not mutually exclusive. The supreme Gods Brahmä, Vishnu, and Shiva, and Vishnu's incarnations such as Räma and Krishna are often viewed as activated through their relationships with female deities. These female consorts of the deities are called Shakti. Some other well known gods are said to be related to other gods, such as Ganesha, the elephant headed god, is a son of Lord Shiva and Pärvati. Hanumän, the monkey-faced god, is a faithful disciple of Lord Rama. Käli or Durga is Lord Shiva's consort.
Stages of Life The classical works also outline four ideal stages (Äshrams) of life, each with its own duties:
Student (Brahmacharya): From initiation (childhood) until marriage Householders (Gruhastha): Raise family, provide support, and help in the uplift of the society Retirement (Vänaprasthya): Transfer household duties to grown children and retire and dedicate your life to social and charity work Renunciation (Sanyasa): Give up attachment to all worldly things, renounce the world, and seek spiritual liberation
Caste System The ancient texts suggest four great classes, or castes to stabilize and strengthen the society. The origin of the caste was not birth but ability to efficiently perform certain specific duties.
Brähmins or priests: To establish and preserve national ideas and philosophy
15
