Sunday, July 26, 2020

Social Progress and Indian Belief

A poster wrote:

I have been feeling that Hinduism as a whole fails to address structural issues with our society, and that karma is often used to justify present conditions, like people are poor because they must have done something untoward in a past life. However, I am drawn towards the fact that Vira Shaivism started as a sect that railed against caste system and challenged the authority of the Vedas. Is there a group of Vira Shaivities who could help me learn about their ideas and customs?

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Alexander replied:

I love the Indian philosophy of “life is suffering” but also “there is a way out of suffering.” I feel the Indians have the most mature life perspective on the globe
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At the same time I agree with your critiques. The Indian view slows economic and social development. The caste system and karmic determinism bring very negative sociological effects. For example in the Christian world there is compassion for the poor and the assumption those who suffer are blameless. Approaching the suffering with the western view is for sure better karma.

I would take confidence though (going back to your Q). Hinduism is a profoundly complex, multifaceted religion and there is a sect for every belief. I would say Shiva would be best for a noncaste belief. As he is Shiva Bholenath (the simple god), the Destroyer (the destroyer of artifice and contrivance), the lover, protector, and patron of the wretched and fools, and the God of Yogis (renouncer of the world and its limitations). I am also sure that the transcendent formless absolute has little interest in caste...!