Hinduism Sects Hinduism is not segregated in any defined sect and the sects that existed have been influenced by the events and saints (For eg: Bhakti Movement, saints like Kabir, Mira, Tulsidas). Thus most sects do not exist the way they existed, there have been numerous different preachers who lead different sects, some have declined and some are on the rise today than in the past. There are two types of sects based on the similarities between the sects: Devotional sects: which are categorized based on their deity of worship, scriptures that are given importance, philosophy followed Philosophical sects: which are categorized based on their beliefs on god, liberation and ways to attain liberation Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma Sutras are three of the most basic scriptures of Hinduism. Hindus can be classified into sects based on the primary scripture they follow, which is mostly one of these three. Deveotional Sects: Each cultural group has some of its own practices and can be considered a sect. Based on certain practices that are common among different groups a few sects have been identified. Based on the deity of worship, style of worship, ways of worship and the philosophy followed Hinduism is differentiated into these sects. There are many sub-sects within each sect also. These sects arent very different from each other, they have common basics of Moksha (enlightenment), Karma, Reincarnation and Guru. Major devotional sects Shaivism (Shaiva): Shaiva tradition is probably the oldest among Hindu sects. In Shaiva sect Lord Shiva is the main deity, he is considered as the form of the supreme being. Ishwara which is another name for Shiva is used in the ancient scriptures to mean the absolute god. The sub-sects within the Shaiva tradition worship different forms of Shiva and attribute different qualities to Shiva. Sub-sects in Shaiva tradition Pashupata Shaivism Shaiva Siddhanta Kashmir Shaivism Siddha Siddhanta Lingayata Shiva Advaita Vaishnavism (Vaishnava): In Vaishnavism Lord Vishnu is considered as the supreme being. The cause, sustainer and destroyer of all worlds. Vishnu is considered both in the form and as the formless infinite one. Vaishnava sect is the largest among hindu sects Sub-sects in Vaishnava tradition: Lakshmi sampradaya Brahma sampradaya Rudra sampradaya Kumara sampradaya Shaktism (Shakteya) In Shaktism, Shakti (mother divine) is considered as the supreme being. and all other (female/male) forms are considered the manifestation of the supreme. Shakti tradition is a major sect in the Bengal, Assam region of India Smartism (Smarta) Smarta tradition revers all the above three traditions and worships absolute god in the form of Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti and other forms as well. Smarta tradition has higher reverence for Vedas and upanishads.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 01:36:58 +0000
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