hindu syncretism

8/14/2019 Hindu Syncretism

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Hinduism: Native Influences and Syncretism


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Movements toward

SyncretismAs was the case in the beginning of Hindusim,

the blending forces of syncretism werepowerful and still instrumental in shaping thereligion.

After the spread of the Vedic form of thereligion, it interacted with numerous other

cultrual and social forces that shaped thereligion into varying strands and traditions.


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SyncretismSome of the

traditions that comefrom a blending oftraditional Hinduismand other culturalelements:

Shaktism

Gnostic Stances

Kashmiri Shaivism

Sikhism


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Hindu ShaktismDevelops a sense of the unity of Universe with creative a

feminine deity.

The Divine Mother, or Central Fertility Goddess is the

central element to which all the remaining elements of theUniverse are somehow connected.

Mother Nature can be seen as an expression of this

Control and/or manipulation of this deity was possiblethrough certain tantra that incorporates magical/spiritual

practices of the local tribal culture with the larger mythosof the religion.


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Hindu Shaktism, contThe Indiana Jones Mythos

Shakra stones and themanipulation of the powerof the diety

While the narrative is notentirely factual, many elementsare. The significant power ofmanipulation of the tribalpeoples and nature aremanifestations of Shaktism and

the power of the tantras.


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Gnosis and Secrecy In addition to the power of

tantras and the pull ofShaktism, there is also a realsynthesis of indigenous

religious knowledge and theheirarchy that is displayed inthe Vedic literature andwritings.

The role of the guru

and the role of thetemple guides are tounlock the secrets ofthe practice of thefaith and its truths.

Unlocking those secretshelps one to better expresstheir bhakti devotion to the

deity and possible to gaingreater favor and attentionfrom the deity.

In most cases, gnosis becamea reaction to Brahmin powerwhich claimed a similarauthority.


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Kashmiri ShaivismKashmir is the extreme

northwestern territory of Indiabordering present dayPakistan. It is a highly disputed

area between the two nationsFrom this area an emphasis on a

threefold (triadic) expression ofthe goddess Shiva: Shakti, Shivaand the Individual.


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Kashmiri ShaivismThis particular triad was

expressed in mostecstatic ways with very

close attention paid todancing, poetry,sexuality and otherhuman experiences

The goddess Shivas

most potent expressionwas often the centralpoint of unity: Kali.


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Kashmiri ShaivismThe Cult of Thugee

Hindu expression ofbhakti to Kali.

Allowed to practice theirfaith from about the 12thcentury until early 19thcentury, when BritishColonial Government

halted the practice.The term is the origin or

our present day use ofthe word thug.


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SikhismBegins with a Guru names Nanak (1469-1539)

who at the age of thirty has a transformingexpereince of the Ultimate.

Upon entering a river to bath he has arevelation of the divine and for the next threedays is hidden from his companions.

Despite his own upbringing as a Hindu in aMuslim social context, he declares, There isno Hindu, there is no Muslim.


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SikhismAt the core of Sikh beliefs is the Mul Mantra

which sees God as the One singular Creator of allthings. This God is timeless and immortal and is

known by the grace of Guru.Sikhism, while being centered in a Hindu

worldview incorporates many elements of theMuslim tradition that make a blending of the

traditions unique.Key elements in the tradition include:

Baptism, recitations of prayers and hymns,centering worship


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Review Preparation

hindu syncretism

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