Hinduism is a religion that encompasses many different aspects. Under current Indian laws, the term “Hindu” is merely a term to specify those who do not subscribe to a handful of the modern most popular religions (Oxtoby, 273). The religion originated somewhere around 1750-1500 and is centered on the idea that the universe breathes in and destroys a number of worlds, and then breathes out and creates new worlds (Class Notes). The idea is that humans do not want to get stuck in the cycle of creation and destruction; they want to get out of the rotation and achieve moksha, or liberation. The practice of Hinduism includes the acceptance and worship of numerous deities, including the god Shiva. Shiva is recognized as part of the trimturi - the
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He is the master of lively dances symbolizing violence and destruction, and a dancer of calmer pieces that symbolize his ability to heal and transform (Oxtoby, 310). Symbols of “the dancing Shiva” are readily seen in Hindu culture. Aside from figurines of Shiva, he is also symbolized by a linga. A linga is a cylindrical piece of stone that is placed inside a yoni (which translates to womb in English). The unification of the linga and the yoni is meant to resemble the necessity of both males and females in the cycle of worlds (Oxtoby, 310). Modern Hinduism is very much in line with classic Hinduism. Hindus build on the old foundation of the vedas with the puranas and epics, but the foundation stays intact. Hinduism is about celebrating the history of the religion, maintaining the facts up to modern day. The followers are respectful of all traditions and for the most part keep the same rituals and holy days as have always been celebrated. The most important differentiation is that also the religion is acknowledged, it isn’t always honored in politics. For example, abortion is strictly not allowed according to the Hindu religion, but the Indian government permits it. People recognize that the law does not match up with the religion, but it is accepted as law and not disputed despite the discrepancy with the main religion of
He is the master of lively dances symbolizing violence and destruction, and a dancer of calmer pieces that symbolize his ability to heal and transform (Oxtoby, 310). Symbols of “the dancing Shiva” are readily seen in Hindu culture. Aside from figurines of Shiva, he is also symbolized by a linga. A linga is a cylindrical piece of stone that is placed inside a yoni (which translates to womb in English). The unification of the linga and the yoni is meant to resemble the necessity of both males and females in the cycle of worlds (Oxtoby, 310). Modern Hinduism is very much in line with classic Hinduism. Hindus build on the old foundation of the vedas with the puranas and epics, but the foundation stays intact. Hinduism is about celebrating the history of the religion, maintaining the facts up to modern day. The followers are respectful of all traditions and for the most part keep the same rituals and holy days as have always been celebrated. The most important differentiation is that also the religion is acknowledged, it isn’t always honored in politics. For example, abortion is strictly not allowed according to the Hindu religion, but the Indian government permits it. People recognize that the law does not match up with the religion, but it is accepted as law and not disputed despite the discrepancy with the main religion of