Difference between revisions of "Hindu leadership" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Hinduism small}}
 
{{Hinduism small}}
 
[[Hinduism]] is an umbrella term for various [[religion|religious]] traditions that originated in [[India]], and now are practiced all around the world, though more than 90 percent of Hindus are found in India. The third largest organized religion in the world, after [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]], Hinduism is based on the teachings of the [[Vedas]], ancient scriptures, many of which were brought to India around 1500 B.C.E. by the [[Aryans]]. The social stratification of the Aryan society also influenced India, and along with Hinduism, a number of social classes, called castes, simultaneously developed after the Aryans' arrival.
 
[[Hinduism]] is an umbrella term for various [[religion|religious]] traditions that originated in [[India]], and now are practiced all around the world, though more than 90 percent of Hindus are found in India. The third largest organized religion in the world, after [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]], Hinduism is based on the teachings of the [[Vedas]], ancient scriptures, many of which were brought to India around 1500 B.C.E. by the [[Aryans]]. The social stratification of the Aryan society also influenced India, and along with Hinduism, a number of social classes, called castes, simultaneously developed after the Aryans' arrival.
 
   
 
   
 
Just as Hinduism includes a variety of religious traditions, it also has a variety of different types of religious leaders. According to the strict interpretation of the [[caste system]], all [[priest]]s must come from the highest, or Brahman caste. Throughout his life, a person remains in the same caste into which he was born throughout his life, with the possibility to be born into a higher caste at his next [[reincarnation]], which means in many cases, the priesthood is hereditary. Besides the Priests, Hinduism also has ascetic monastic orders, referred to as ''Sannyasa,'' members of which are also primarily from the Brahman caste. A third category of religious leaders in Hinduism are ''asacharya'' or ''gurus,'' teachers of divine personality who have come to the earth to teach by example, and to help ordinary adherents to understand the scriptures.
 
Just as Hinduism includes a variety of religious traditions, it also has a variety of different types of religious leaders. According to the strict interpretation of the [[caste system]], all [[priest]]s must come from the highest, or Brahman caste. Throughout his life, a person remains in the same caste into which he was born throughout his life, with the possibility to be born into a higher caste at his next [[reincarnation]], which means in many cases, the priesthood is hereditary. Besides the Priests, Hinduism also has ascetic monastic orders, referred to as ''Sannyasa,'' members of which are also primarily from the Brahman caste. A third category of religious leaders in Hinduism are ''asacharya'' or ''gurus,'' teachers of divine personality who have come to the earth to teach by example, and to help ordinary adherents to understand the scriptures.
 
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{{toc}}
Since Hinduism includes a variety of [[gods]], religious practices, and religious leaders, each person's faith is an individual matter, and each will choose a form of devotion and a spiritual leader that suits the goals and nature of his faith. All of these religious leaders have a responsibility to guide those who follow them and look to them as examples, to live and teach an upright and holy life.
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Since Hinduism includes a variety of [[god]]s, religious practices, and religious leaders, each person's faith is an individual matter, and each will choose a form of devotion and a spiritual leader that suits the goals and nature of his faith. All of these religious leaders have a responsibility to guide those who follow them and look to them as examples, to live and teach an upright and holy life.
  
 
==The Brahman, or priestly, caste in Hinduism==
 
==The Brahman, or priestly, caste in Hinduism==
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The Rigveda describes four varna:   
 
The Rigveda describes four varna:   
*'''[[Brahman]]s,''' the priests and religious officals, teachers of the sacred knowledge of the veda.
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*'''[[Brahman]]s,''' the priests and religious officials, teachers of the sacred knowledge of the veda.
 
*'''Rajanyas,''' composed of rulers and warriors.
 
*'''Rajanyas,''' composed of rulers and warriors.
 
*'''Vaishyas,''' who were [[farmer]]s, [[merchant]]s, [[trader]]s, and [[craftmen]]
 
*'''Vaishyas,''' who were [[farmer]]s, [[merchant]]s, [[trader]]s, and [[craftmen]]
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*'''Shudras,''' the lowest caste, were not permitted to study the vedas, and had their own religion and priests.
 
*'''Shudras,''' the lowest caste, were not permitted to study the vedas, and had their own religion and priests.
 
Later another caste was added:
 
Later another caste was added:
*'''Untouchables,''' who performed tasks too dirty for others.
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*'''Untouchables,''' who performed tasks too dirty for others, including hunters and butchers.
  
 
The name for the priestly or ''Brahman'' caste, appears to have originally denoted the prayers of the priests, but was eventually adopted to designate the priests themselves. ''Brahman'' is often spelled ''Brahmin'' to distinguish it from another meaning of ''Brahman,'' a term referring to the Hindu concept of ultimate reality, or universal soul.
 
The name for the priestly or ''Brahman'' caste, appears to have originally denoted the prayers of the priests, but was eventually adopted to designate the priests themselves. ''Brahman'' is often spelled ''Brahmin'' to distinguish it from another meaning of ''Brahman,'' a term referring to the Hindu concept of ultimate reality, or universal soul.
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The Brahman caste has been instructed by the Hindu [[scripture]]s to devote themselves to studying the scriptures, pure conduct and spiritual growth. Although the Brahman caste is ranked the highest in the varna system, they are not the richest class. Very often members of the Rajanya caste of rulers and warriors have are wealthier. Originally the Brahman caste was instructed to subsist mainly on alms from the rest of society. In addition to studying the scriptures, Brahmans serve the Hindu society as priests, fulfilling a variety of social and religious functions.
 
The Brahman caste has been instructed by the Hindu [[scripture]]s to devote themselves to studying the scriptures, pure conduct and spiritual growth. Although the Brahman caste is ranked the highest in the varna system, they are not the richest class. Very often members of the Rajanya caste of rulers and warriors have are wealthier. Originally the Brahman caste was instructed to subsist mainly on alms from the rest of society. In addition to studying the scriptures, Brahmans serve the Hindu society as priests, fulfilling a variety of social and religious functions.
  
In the Hindu concept of rebirth, the final steps toward ''Moksha'' or [[salvation]], can only be made by members of the Brahman class. Some male members of the Brahman class join [[spiritual]] orders called ''Sannyasa'' and pursue an ascetic life of spiritual pursuit.
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In the Hindu concept of rebirth, the final steps toward ''Moksha'' or [[salvation]], can only be made by members of the Brahman class. Some male members of the Brahman class join [[holy order|spiritual orders]] called ''Sannyasa'' and pursue an ascetic life of spiritual pursuit.
  
 
Still other members of the Brahman caste find spiritually calling as [[Guru]]s, or teachers. Successful Gurus may gather large followings, and sometimes form new branches of Hinduism.
 
Still other members of the Brahman caste find spiritually calling as [[Guru]]s, or teachers. Successful Gurus may gather large followings, and sometimes form new branches of Hinduism.
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''{{IAST|Saṃnyāsa}}'' in  [[Sanskrit]] means "renunciation," "abandonment." It is a tripartite compound; [[copulative a|{{IAST|saṃ-}}]], means "collective," ''ni-'' means "down" and ''{{IAST|āsa}}'' is from the root ''{{IAST|as}}'', meaning "to throw" or "to put," so a literal translation would be "laying it all down." In dravidian languages, "sanyasi" is pronounced as "sannasi."
 
''{{IAST|Saṃnyāsa}}'' in  [[Sanskrit]] means "renunciation," "abandonment." It is a tripartite compound; [[copulative a|{{IAST|saṃ-}}]], means "collective," ''ni-'' means "down" and ''{{IAST|āsa}}'' is from the root ''{{IAST|as}}'', meaning "to throw" or "to put," so a literal translation would be "laying it all down." In dravidian languages, "sanyasi" is pronounced as "sannasi."
 
<br/>'''The Danda, or holy staff'''<br/>
 
<br/>'''The Danda, or holy staff'''<br/>
[[Sannyasa|Sannyasin]] sometimes carry a '[[danda]]', a holy staff. In the [[Varna in Hinduism|Varnashrama System or Dharma]] of [[Sanatana Dharma]], the 'danda' (Sanskrit; [[Devanagari]]: दंड, lit. ''stick'') is a spiritual attribute and symbol of certain deities such as [[Bṛhaspati]], and holy people carry the danda a marker of their station.
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[[Sannyasa|Sannyasin]] sometimes carry a '[[danda]]', a holy staff. In the [[Varna in Hinduism|Varnashrama System or Dharma]] of [[Sanatana Dharma]], the 'danda' (Sanskrit; [[Devanagari]]: दंड, lit. ''stick'') is a spiritual attribute and symbol of certain deities such as [[Bṛhaspati]], and holy people carry the danda as a marker of their station.
 
<br/>'''Categories of sannyasi'''<br/>
 
<br/>'''Categories of sannyasi'''<br/>
 
[[Image:Anantadasbabaji.jpg|Sri Ananta Das Babaji Maharaja, a leading Hindu religious figure in the contemporary Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.|200px|thumb|right]]
 
[[Image:Anantadasbabaji.jpg|Sri Ananta Das Babaji Maharaja, a leading Hindu religious figure in the contemporary Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.|200px|thumb|right]]
 
There are a number of types of sannyasi. Traditionally there were four types, each with a different degree of religious dedication. More recently, sannyasi are more likely to be divided into just two distinct orders: "ekadanda" (literally ''single stick'') and "tridanda' (''triple rod'' or stick) monks. Ekadanda monks are part of the [[Sankaracarya]] tradition, and tridanda monks are part of the sannyasa discipline followed by various [[vaishnava]] traditions, which has been introduced to the west by followers of the reformer [[Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura|Siddhanta Sarasvati]]. Each of these two orders have their own traditions of austerities, attributes, and expectations.
 
There are a number of types of sannyasi. Traditionally there were four types, each with a different degree of religious dedication. More recently, sannyasi are more likely to be divided into just two distinct orders: "ekadanda" (literally ''single stick'') and "tridanda' (''triple rod'' or stick) monks. Ekadanda monks are part of the [[Sankaracarya]] tradition, and tridanda monks are part of the sannyasa discipline followed by various [[vaishnava]] traditions, which has been introduced to the west by followers of the reformer [[Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura|Siddhanta Sarasvati]]. Each of these two orders have their own traditions of austerities, attributes, and expectations.
 
<br/>'''Lifestyle and goals'''<br/>
 
<br/>'''Lifestyle and goals'''<br/>
The sannyasi lives a [[celibate]] life without possessions, practises [[yoga]] meditation &mdash; or in other traditions, [[bhakti]], or devotional meditation, with prayers to their chosen [[deity]] or [[God]]. The goal of the Hindu Sannsyasin is [[moksha]] (liberation), the conception of which also varies. For the devotion oriented traditions, liberation consists of union with the Divine, while for Yoga oriented traditions, liberation is the experience of the highest [[samadhi]] (enlightenment). For the [[Advaita]] tradition, liberation is the removal of all ignorance and realising oneself as one with the Supreme [[Brahman]]. Among the 108 [[Upanishad]]s of the [[Muktika]], 23 of them are considered Sannyasa Upanishads.
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The sannyasi lives a [[celibacy|celibate]] life without possessions, practises [[yoga]] [[meditation]] &mdash; or in other traditions, [[bhakti]], or devotional meditation, with [[prayer]]s to their chosen [[deity]] or [[God]]. The goal of the Hindu Sannsyasin is [[moksha]] (liberation), the conception of which also varies. For the devotion oriented traditions, liberation consists of union with the Divine, while for Yoga oriented traditions, liberation is the experience of the highest [[samadhi]] ([[enlightenment]]). For the [[Advaita]] tradition, liberation is the removal of all ignorance and realizing oneself as one with the Supreme [[Brahman]]. Among the 108 [[Upanishad]]s of the [[Muktika]], 23 of them are considered Sannyasa Upanishads.
  
 
Within the [[Bhagavad Gita]], sannyasa is described by [[Krishna]] as follows:
 
Within the [[Bhagavad Gita]], sannyasa is described by [[Krishna]] as follows:
 
<blockquote>
 
<blockquote>
"The giving up of activities that are based on material desire is what great learned men call the renounced order of life [sannyasa]. And giving up the results of all activities is what the wise call renunciation [tyaga]." (18.2)<ref> [http://bhagavadgitaasitis.com/18/2/en1 Bhagavad Gita 18.2] </ref> </blockquote>
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"The giving up of activities that are based on material [[desire]] is what great learned men call the renounced order of life [sannyasa]. And giving up the results of all activities is what the wise call renunciation [tyaga]." (18.2)<ref> Bhagavad Gita 18.2 </ref> </blockquote>
  
The term is generally used to denote a particular phase of life. In this phase of life, the person develops ''vairāgya,'' or a state of determination and detachment from material life. He renounces all worldly thoughts and desires, and spends the rest of his life in spiritual contemplation. It is the last in the four phases of a man, which are referred to as [[brahmacharya]], [[grihastha]], [[vanaprastha]], and finally sannyasa, as prescribed by [[Manusmriti]] for the [[Dwija]] castes, in the Hindu system of life. These four stages are not necessarily sequential. One can skip one, two or three ashrams, but can never revert back to an earlier ashrama or phase. Various Hindu traditions allow for a man to renounce the material world from any of the first three stages of life.
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The term is generally used to denote a particular phase of life. In this phase of life, the person develops ''vairāgya,'' or a state of determination and detachment from material life. He renounces all worldly thoughts and desires, and spends the rest of his life in spiritual contemplation. It is the last in the four phases of a man, which are referred to as [[brahmacharya]], [[grihastha]], [[vanaprastha]], and finally ''sannyasa,'' as prescribed by [[Manusmriti]] for the [[Dwija]] castes, in the Hindu system of life. These four stages are not necessarily sequential. One can skip one, two or three ashrams, but can never revert back to an earlier ashrama or phase. Various Hindu traditions allow for a man to renounce the material world from any of the first three stages of life.
 
<br/>'''Monasticism'''<br/>
 
<br/>'''Monasticism'''<br/>
 
Unlike monks in the Western world, whose lives are regulated by a monastery or an abbey and its rules, most Hindu sannyasin are loners and wanderers (parivrājaka). Hindu monasteries ([[matha]]s) never have a huge number of monks living under one roof. The monasteries exist primarily for educational purposes and have become centers of pilgrimage for the lay population. Ordination into any Hindu monastic order is purely at the discretion of the individual guru, or teacher, who should himself be an ordained sannyasi within that order. Most traditional Hindu orders do not have women sannyasis, but this situation is undergoing changes in recent times.
 
Unlike monks in the Western world, whose lives are regulated by a monastery or an abbey and its rules, most Hindu sannyasin are loners and wanderers (parivrājaka). Hindu monasteries ([[matha]]s) never have a huge number of monks living under one roof. The monasteries exist primarily for educational purposes and have become centers of pilgrimage for the lay population. Ordination into any Hindu monastic order is purely at the discretion of the individual guru, or teacher, who should himself be an ordained sannyasi within that order. Most traditional Hindu orders do not have women sannyasis, but this situation is undergoing changes in recent times.
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==The guru-shishya tradition==
 
==The guru-shishya tradition==
 
[[Image:Ajaib e sirio.jpg|Sant Ajaib Singh (1926-1997), a Master in Sant Mat tradition, a sect of Hinduism opposed to the caste system|200px|thumb|right]]
 
[[Image:Ajaib e sirio.jpg|Sant Ajaib Singh (1926-1997), a Master in Sant Mat tradition, a sect of Hinduism opposed to the caste system|200px|thumb|right]]
[[Image:Swami Vivekananda Jaipur.jpg||Swami Vivekananda Jaipur, an Indian Hindu sage of the 19th century|200px|thumb|right]]
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[[Image:Swami Vivekananda Jaipur.jpg||Swami [[Vivekananda]] (1863-1902) an Indian Hindu sage of the nineteenth century, in Jaipur.|200px|thumb|right]]
 
:''Main article: [[Guru and Disciple]]
 
:''Main article: [[Guru and Disciple]]
Another important leadership aspect in Hinduism is the guru-shishya tradition, a spiritual relationship where knowledge is transmitted from a ''[[guru]]'' (teacher, {{lang | hi | गुरू}}) to a {{unicode|'śiṣya'}} (disciple, {{lang | hi | शिष्य}}) or ''[[chela]]''. The nearest word in English for guru is "great." Related words in Sanskrit are Guruttar and Garishth, which have meanings similar to greater and greatest. Hinduism emphasizes the importance of finding a guru who can impart transcendental knowledge, or ''(vidyā)''. Such knowledge, whether it be [[Historical Vedic religion|vedic]], [[Agama (text)|agamic art]]istic, [[architectural]], [[music]]al or [[spirituality|spiritual]], is imparted through the developing relationship between the guru and the disciple. It is considered that this relationship, based on the genuineness of the guru, and the respect, commitment, devotion and obedience of the student, is the best way for subtle or advanced knowledge to be conveyed. The student eventually masters the knowledge that the guru embodies.
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Another important leadership aspect in Hinduism is the guru-shishya tradition, a spiritual relationship where knowledge is transmitted from a ''[[guru]]'' (teacher, {{lang | hi | गुरू}}) to a {{unicode|'śiṣya'}} (disciple, {{lang | hi | शिष्य}}) or ''[[chela]].'' The nearest word in English for guru is "great." Related words in Sanskrit are ''Guruttar'' and ''Garishth,'' which have meanings similar to greater and greatest. Hinduism emphasizes the importance of finding a guru who can impart [[transcendental knowledge,]] or ''(vidyā).'' Such knowledge, whether it be [[Historical Vedic religion|vedic]], [[Agama (text)|agamic art]]istic, [[architectural]], [[music]]al or [[spirituality|spiritual]], is imparted through the developing relationship between the guru and the disciple. It is considered that this relationship, based on the genuineness of the guru, and the respect, commitment, devotion and obedience of the student, is the best way for subtle or advanced knowledge to be conveyed. The student eventually masters the knowledge that the guru embodies.
  
 
In Indian culture, a person without a guru or a teacher ([[acharya]]) was once looked down on as an orphan or unfortunate one. The word ''anatha'' in Sanskrit means "the one without a teacher." An acharya is the giver of ''gyan'' (knowledge) in the form of ''shiksha'' (instruction). A guru also gives ''[[diksha]]'' ''initiation'' which is the spiritual awakening of the disciple by the grace of the guru. Diksha is also considered to be the procedure of bestowing the divine powers of a guru upon the disciple, through which the disciple progresses continuously along the path to divinity.  
 
In Indian culture, a person without a guru or a teacher ([[acharya]]) was once looked down on as an orphan or unfortunate one. The word ''anatha'' in Sanskrit means "the one without a teacher." An acharya is the giver of ''gyan'' (knowledge) in the form of ''shiksha'' (instruction). A guru also gives ''[[diksha]]'' ''initiation'' which is the spiritual awakening of the disciple by the grace of the guru. Diksha is also considered to be the procedure of bestowing the divine powers of a guru upon the disciple, through which the disciple progresses continuously along the path to divinity.  
  
'''''Parampara''''' is the word traditionally used in ancient [[Hinduism|Indian]] culture for a succession of teachers and disciples. In the ''parampara'' system, knowledge (in any field) is believed to be passed down from teacher to student through successive generations. The [[Sanskrit]] word literally means ''an uninterrupted series or succession''. Sometimes defined as ''"the passing down of Vedic knowledge"'' its believed to be always entrusted to the teachers, or ''{{IAST|ācāryas}}''.<ref name = SDG> dasa Goswami Satsvarupa, ''Readings in Vedit Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself'' (CITY: PUB, 1976, ISBN 0912776889). </ref>
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'''''Parampara''''' is the word traditionally used in ancient [[Hinduism|Indian]] culture for a succession of teachers and disciples. In the ''parampara'' system, knowledge (in any field) is believed to be passed down from teacher to student through successive generations. The [[Sanskrit]] word literally means ''an uninterrupted series or succession.'' Sometimes defined as ''"the passing down of Vedic knowledge"'' it is believed to be always entrusted to the teachers, or ''{{IAST|ācāryas}}.''<ref name = SDG>Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami. ''Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself.'' (Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1985, ISBN 0912776889). </ref>
  
An established [[parampara]] is often called '''''{{IAST|sampradāya}}''''', or ''school of thought''. For example, in [[Vaishnavism]] a number of ''sampradayas'' are developed following a single [[acharya]]. While some argue for freedom of interpretation others maintain that "[al]though an ''{{IAST|ācārya}}'' speaks according to the time and circumstance in which he appears, he upholds the original conclusion, or ''[[siddhanta|{{IAST|siddhānta}}]]'', of the Vedic literature."<ref name = SDG/>
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An established [[parampara]] is often called '''''{{IAST|sampradāya}}''''', or ''school of thought.'' For example, in [[Vaishnavism]] a number of ''sampradayas'' are developed following a single [[acharya]]. While some argue for freedom of interpretation others maintain that "[al]though an ''{{IAST|ācārya}}'' speaks according to the time and circumstance in which he appears, he upholds the original conclusion, or ''[[siddhanta|{{IAST|siddhānta}}]],'' of the Vedic literature."<ref name = SDG/>
  
 
===Historical background===
 
===Historical background===
Beginning in the early oral traditions of the [[Upanishads]] (c. 2000 B.C.E.), the guru-shishya relationship has evolved into a fundamental component of Hinduism. The term Upanishad derives from the Sanskrit words ''upa'' (near), ''ni'' (down) and şad (to sit)—so it means "sitting down near" a spiritual teacher to receive instruction. The relationship between [[Krishna]] and [[Arjuna]] in the [[Bhagavad Gita]] portion of the [[Mahabharata]], and between [[Rama]] and [[Hanuman]] in the [[Ramayana]] are examples. In the Upanishads, gurus and shishya appear in a variety of settings (a husband answering questions about immortality, a teenage boy being taught by [[Yama (Hinduism)|Yama]], the Hindu Religion's Lord of Death, etc.) Sometimes the sages are women, and the instructions may be sought by kings.
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Beginning in the early oral traditions of the [[Upanishads]] (c. 2000 B.C.E.), the guru-shishya relationship has evolved into a fundamental component of Hinduism. The term Upanishad derives from the Sanskrit words ''upa'' (near), ''ni'' (down) and ''şad'' (to sit)—so it means "sitting down near" a spiritual teacher to receive instruction. The relationship between [[Krishna]] and [[Arjuna]] in the [[Bhagavad Gita]] portion of the [[Mahabharata]], and between [[Rama]] and [[Hanuman]] in the [[Ramayana]] are examples. In the Upanishads, gurus and shishya appear in a variety of settings (a husband answering questions about immortality, a teenage boy being taught by [[Yama (Hinduism)|Yama]], the Hindu Religion's Lord of Death, etc.) Sometimes the sages are women, and the instructions may be sought by kings.
  
 
In the [[Vedas]], the ''brahmavidya'' or knowledge of [[Brahman]] is communicated from guru to shishya by [[oral lore]]. Although gurus have traditionally come only from the Brahman class, some gurus from lower castes, including Guru Ravidass, have appeared and have become renowned teachers with many followers. <ref>[http://shrigururavidass.com/saakhi2.html Sri Guru Ravi Das ji website]. Retrieved October 7, 2008.</ref>
 
In the [[Vedas]], the ''brahmavidya'' or knowledge of [[Brahman]] is communicated from guru to shishya by [[oral lore]]. Although gurus have traditionally come only from the Brahman class, some gurus from lower castes, including Guru Ravidass, have appeared and have become renowned teachers with many followers. <ref>[http://shrigururavidass.com/saakhi2.html Sri Guru Ravi Das ji website]. Retrieved October 7, 2008.</ref>
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* A formal recognition of this relationship, generally in a structured initiation ceremony where the guru accepts the initiate as a shishya and also accepts responsibility for the spiritual well-being and progress of the new shishya.
 
* A formal recognition of this relationship, generally in a structured initiation ceremony where the guru accepts the initiate as a shishya and also accepts responsibility for the spiritual well-being and progress of the new shishya.
 
* Sometimes this initiation process will include the conveying of specific [[esoteric]] wisdom and/or [[meditation]] techniques.
 
* Sometimes this initiation process will include the conveying of specific [[esoteric]] wisdom and/or [[meditation]] techniques.
* [[Gurudakshina]], where the ''shishya'' gives a gift to the ''guru'' as a token of gratitude, often the only monetary or otherwise fee that the student ever gives. The traditional gift was a cow, a gift of great value, since cows are sacred to Hindus. The tradition has evolved over time, and each student chooses a gift that he feels is appropriate, which may range from a simple piece of fruit to a sizable financial donation toward the guru's work.  
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* [[Gurudakshina]], where the ''shishya'' gives a gift to the ''guru'' as a token of gratitude, often the only monetary or otherwise fee that the student ever gives. The traditional gift was a [[cow]], a gift of great value, since cows are sacred to Hindus. The tradition has evolved over time, and each student chooses a gift that he feels is appropriate, which may range from a simple piece of [[fruit]] to a sizable financial donation toward the guru's work.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
  
Image:Lahiri Mahasaya.jpg|Lahiri Mahasaya (1828-1895), was an Indian yogi and a disciple of Mahavatar Babaji who revived the yogic science of Kriya Yoga.
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Image:Lahiri Mahasaya.jpg|[[Lahiri Mahasaya]] (1828-1895), was an Indian yogi and a disciple of [[Mahavatar Babaji]] who revived the yogic science of Kriya Yoga.
Image:Sri Anandamoyi Ma.jpg|Sri Anandamoyi Ma (1896-1982), a spiritual teacher (Guru), saint and a mystic from Bengal, one of prominent mystics of the 20th century.
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Image:Sri Anandamoyi Ma.jpg|Sri Anandamoyi Ma (1896-1982), a spiritual teacher (Guru), saint and a [[mysticism|mystic]] from Bengal, one of prominent mystics of the twentieth century.
 
Image:Ravidaskijai.JPG|Guru Ravidas, Indian Hindu religious leader and founder Satguru of the ''Ravidasi'' beliefs, revered by most Hindus as a Sant  
 
Image:Ravidaskijai.JPG|Guru Ravidas, Indian Hindu religious leader and founder Satguru of the ''Ravidasi'' beliefs, revered by most Hindus as a Sant  
 
Image:Narayan Maharaj 3.jpg|Narayan Maharaj (1885-1945) was a Hindu Indian spiritual master considered by his followers to be a sadguru, or true teacher.
 
Image:Narayan Maharaj 3.jpg|Narayan Maharaj (1885-1945) was a Hindu Indian spiritual master considered by his followers to be a sadguru, or true teacher.
Image:Hindu priest madras.jpg|A priest at the Kapaleeshwar Temple, the oldest temple in Chennai, India.
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Image:Hindu priest madras.jpg|A priest at the Kapaleeshwar Temple, the oldest temple in [[Chennai, India]].
Image:3 braham priests.jpg|Three brahman priests participating in daylong yagna ceremony at Kothavala in Ganeshpuri, India
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Image:3 braham priests.jpg|Three brahman priests participating in daylong ''yagna'' ceremony at Kothavala in Ganeshpuri, India
 
Image:Wedding fire.jpg|A Brahman priest tends to the ceremonial fire at a Hindu wedding.
 
Image:Wedding fire.jpg|A Brahman priest tends to the ceremonial fire at a Hindu wedding.
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
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* [[Holy orders]]
 
* [[Holy orders]]
 
* [[Caste system]]
 
* [[Caste system]]
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* [[Indo-Aryan migration]]
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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==References==
 
==References==
*Besant, Annie Wood. ''The path of discipleship.'' Adyar, Madras, India: Theosophical Publishing House, 1989. ISBN 9788170591238
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*Besant, Annie Wood. ''The path of discipleship.'' Adyar, Madras, India: Theosophical Publishing House, (original 1896) 1989. ISBN 9788170591238
*Case, Margaret H. ''Seeing Krishna: the religious world of a Brahman family in Vrindaban''. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 9780195130119
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*Case, Margaret H. ''Seeing Krishna: the religious world of a Brahman family in Vrindaban.'' New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 9780195130119
*Cosgrove, Eugene Milne. ''The high walk of discipleship 1945.'' Gardners Books, 2007. ISBN 9780548054888
+
*Cosgrove, Eugene Milne. ''The High walk of discipleship 1945.'' Gardners Books, 2007. ISBN 9780548054888
*Jagannātha Dīkṣita Cipol̲aṇakara, and H. G. Ranade. ''Brahmatva-mañjarī = Brahmatva-mañjarī : role of the Brahman priest in the Vedic ritual''. Ranade publication series, no. 3. Poona: H.G. Ranade, 1984. OCLC: 15487624
+
*Goswami, Satsvarupa Dasa. ''Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself.'' Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1985, ISBN 0912776889.
*Barnes, Michael, Margaret Hebblethwaite, and Peter Hebblethwaite. ''Traditions of spiritual guidance: the guru in Hinduism''. London: The Way, 1984. OCLC: 128292184
+
*Jagannātha Dīkṣita Cipol̲aṇakara, and H. G. Ranade. ''Brahmatva-mañjarī = Brahmatva-mañjarī : role of the Brahman priest in the Vedic ritual.'' (Ranade publication series, no. 3.) Poona: H.G. Ranade, 1984. OCLC: 15487624
*Pechilis, Karen. ''The graceful guru: Hindu female gurus in India and the United States''. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. ISBN 9780195145380
+
*Barnes, Michael, Margaret Hebblethwaite, and Peter Hebblethwaite. ''Traditions of spiritual guidance: the guru in Hinduism.'' London: The Way, 1984. OCLC: 128292184
*Thekkudan, Anto P. ''Sannyasa And Spiritual Formation in Hinduism''. Alwaye, India: St. Thomas Academy for Research, 1988.  
+
*Pechilis, Karen. ''The graceful guru: Hindu female gurus in India and the United States.'' New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. ISBN 9780195145380
*Abhishiktananda. ''The further shore: Sannyasa and the Upanishads, an introduction : two essays.'' Delhi: I.S.P.C.K., 1975, OCLC: 2929851
+
*Thekkudan, Anto P. ''Sannyasa And Spiritual Formation in Hinduism.'' Alwaye, India: St. Thomas Academy for Research, 1988.  
 +
*Abhishiktananda. ''The further shore: Sannyasa and the Upanishads, an introduction: two essays.'' Delhi: I.S.P.C.K., 1975, OCLC: 2929851
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
All links retrieved October 7, 2008.
+
All links retrieved December 24, 2017.
* [http://www.atmajyoti.org/monastic.asp Articles on aspects of Sannyasa, Vairagya, and Brahmacharya]
+
 
* [http://www.ariseawake.com/poems/TheSongoftheSannyasin.html 'The Song of the Sannyasin', poem by Swami Vivekananda]
+
* [http://www.ariseawake.com/poems/TheSongoftheSannyasin.html 'The Song of the Sannyasin', poem by Swami Vivekananda]''ariseawake.com''.
* [http://www.gosai.com/chaitanya/saranagati/html/vishnu_mjs/meaning_of_sannyasa/sannyasa.html The Internal Meaning of Sannyasa]
+
* [http://www.gosai.com/chaitanya/saranagati/html/vishnu_mjs/meaning_of_sannyasa/sannyasa.html The Internal Meaning of Sannyasa] ''gosai.com''.
* [http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/essays/brahmanaspriest.asp The concept of a Brahman]
+
* [http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/essays/brahmanaspriest.asp Brahman As The Priest of the Creation Sacrifice]
* [http://www.mythfolklore.net/india/encyclopedia/brahman.htm Encyclopedia for Epics of Ancient India: Brahman]
+
* [http://www.mythfolklore.net/india/encyclopedia/brahman.htm Encyclopedia for Epics of Ancient India: Brahman]''mythfolklore.net''.
* [http://www.hindupriest.net/index.html HinduPriest.net-For the journey ahead]
 
 
* [http://www.hindupriest.org.uk/index.html HinduPriest.org]
 
* [http://www.hindupriest.org.uk/index.html HinduPriest.org]
* [http://www.boloji.com/analysis/017.htm Hindu Guru]
+
* [http://www.boloji.com/analysis/017.htm Hindu Guru] ''boloji.com''.
* [http://hinduism.iskcon.com/concepts/110.htm Scriptures and Gurus: Sources of Authority]
 
  
 
[[Category:Philosophy and religion]]
 
[[Category:Philosophy and religion]]

Revision as of 15:49, 25 January 2023

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Murti

Hinduism is an umbrella term for various religious traditions that originated in India, and now are practiced all around the world, though more than 90 percent of Hindus are found in India. The third largest organized religion in the world, after Christianity and Islam, Hinduism is based on the teachings of the Vedas, ancient scriptures, many of which were brought to India around 1500 B.C.E. by the Aryans. The social stratification of the Aryan society also influenced India, and along with Hinduism, a number of social classes, called castes, simultaneously developed after the Aryans' arrival.

Just as Hinduism includes a variety of religious traditions, it also has a variety of different types of religious leaders. According to the strict interpretation of the caste system, all priests must come from the highest, or Brahman caste. Throughout his life, a person remains in the same caste into which he was born throughout his life, with the possibility to be born into a higher caste at his next reincarnation, which means in many cases, the priesthood is hereditary. Besides the Priests, Hinduism also has ascetic monastic orders, referred to as Sannyasa, members of which are also primarily from the Brahman caste. A third category of religious leaders in Hinduism are asacharya or gurus, teachers of divine personality who have come to the earth to teach by example, and to help ordinary adherents to understand the scriptures.

Since Hinduism includes a variety of gods, religious practices, and religious leaders, each person's faith is an individual matter, and each will choose a form of devotion and a spiritual leader that suits the goals and nature of his faith. All of these religious leaders have a responsibility to guide those who follow them and look to them as examples, to live and teach an upright and holy life.

The Brahman, or priestly, caste in Hinduism

A Hindu priest performing Shivapuja, a worship of Shiva

The various religious traditions practiced in India and referred to as Hinduism have their roots in an ancient religion based on the Vedas, that came to India along with the invading Aryans around 1500 B.C.E. One aspect of Hinduism that is based on Aryan society is the caste system, a hierarchy of socioeconomic categories called varnas (colors), made up of priests, warriors and commoners as recorded in the Rigveda.

The Rigveda describes four varna:

  • Brahmans, the priests and religious officials, teachers of the sacred knowledge of the veda.
  • Rajanyas, composed of rulers and warriors.
  • Vaishyas, who were farmers, merchants, traders, and craftmen

People in these three varnas are permitted to study the Vedas and have the possibility to be reborn into a higher caste, eventually reaching enlightenment or Moksha.

  • Shudras, the lowest caste, were not permitted to study the vedas, and had their own religion and priests.

Later another caste was added:

  • Untouchables, who performed tasks too dirty for others, including hunters and butchers.

The name for the priestly or Brahman caste, appears to have originally denoted the prayers of the priests, but was eventually adopted to designate the priests themselves. Brahman is often spelled Brahmin to distinguish it from another meaning of Brahman, a term referring to the Hindu concept of ultimate reality, or universal soul.

The Brahman caste has been instructed by the Hindu scriptures to devote themselves to studying the scriptures, pure conduct and spiritual growth. Although the Brahman caste is ranked the highest in the varna system, they are not the richest class. Very often members of the Rajanya caste of rulers and warriors have are wealthier. Originally the Brahman caste was instructed to subsist mainly on alms from the rest of society. In addition to studying the scriptures, Brahmans serve the Hindu society as priests, fulfilling a variety of social and religious functions.

In the Hindu concept of rebirth, the final steps toward Moksha or salvation, can only be made by members of the Brahman class. Some male members of the Brahman class join spiritual orders called Sannyasa and pursue an ascetic life of spiritual pursuit.

Still other members of the Brahman caste find spiritually calling as Gurus, or teachers. Successful Gurus may gather large followings, and sometimes form new branches of Hinduism.

Hindu priests

Hindu priest placing garlands of fresh flowers on the head of a massive statue of the god Shiva's bull Nandi.

Hindu priests take care of the temples, lead devotions in worship of Hinduism's many deities, prepare offerings, tend to holy fires, and conduct a number of rituals and ceremonies, many of them rooted deeply in the Vedic tradition. These include rituals and ceremonies pertaining to:

  • Birth: Ceremonies the well-being of the mother during pregnancy to provide for the healthy development of her child, as well as ceremonies for a safe birth, and for bestowing the child's name.
  • Birthdays, including special ceremonies for a child's first birthday, and coming of age.
  • Marriage, including rituals that the priest performs at the family home the day before the wedding ceremony.
  • Purification ceremonies for removing negative influences from newly purchased homes or other properties.
  • Death: Last rites ceremonies, and other rituals to help the deceased to pass over peacefully.[1]

Sannyasa, the final stage of the varna system

Sannyasa performing a fire ritual

Hindus who have taken vows to follow spiritual pursuits are referred to as Sannyāsa (Devanagari: संन्यास), and are members of the renounced order of life within Hinduism. This is considered the topmost and final stage of the varna and ashram systems and is traditionally taken by men at or beyond the age of fifty years old or by young monks who wish to dedicate their entire life towards spiritual pursuits. One within the sannyasa order is known as a sannyasi or sannyasin.
Etymology
Saṃnyāsa in Sanskrit means "renunciation," "abandonment." It is a tripartite compound; saṃ-, means "collective," ni- means "down" and āsa is from the root as, meaning "to throw" or "to put," so a literal translation would be "laying it all down." In dravidian languages, "sanyasi" is pronounced as "sannasi."
The Danda, or holy staff
Sannyasin sometimes carry a 'danda', a holy staff. In the Varnashrama System or Dharma of Sanatana Dharma, the 'danda' (Sanskrit; Devanagari: दंड, lit. stick) is a spiritual attribute and symbol of certain deities such as Bṛhaspati, and holy people carry the danda as a marker of their station.
Categories of sannyasi

Sri Ananta Das Babaji Maharaja, a leading Hindu religious figure in the contemporary Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.

There are a number of types of sannyasi. Traditionally there were four types, each with a different degree of religious dedication. More recently, sannyasi are more likely to be divided into just two distinct orders: "ekadanda" (literally single stick) and "tridanda' (triple rod or stick) monks. Ekadanda monks are part of the Sankaracarya tradition, and tridanda monks are part of the sannyasa discipline followed by various vaishnava traditions, which has been introduced to the west by followers of the reformer Siddhanta Sarasvati. Each of these two orders have their own traditions of austerities, attributes, and expectations.
Lifestyle and goals
The sannyasi lives a celibate life without possessions, practises yoga meditation — or in other traditions, bhakti, or devotional meditation, with prayers to their chosen deity or God. The goal of the Hindu Sannsyasin is moksha (liberation), the conception of which also varies. For the devotion oriented traditions, liberation consists of union with the Divine, while for Yoga oriented traditions, liberation is the experience of the highest samadhi (enlightenment). For the Advaita tradition, liberation is the removal of all ignorance and realizing oneself as one with the Supreme Brahman. Among the 108 Upanishads of the Muktika, 23 of them are considered Sannyasa Upanishads.

Within the Bhagavad Gita, sannyasa is described by Krishna as follows:

"The giving up of activities that are based on material desire is what great learned men call the renounced order of life [sannyasa]. And giving up the results of all activities is what the wise call renunciation [tyaga]." (18.2)[2]

The term is generally used to denote a particular phase of life. In this phase of life, the person develops vairāgya, or a state of determination and detachment from material life. He renounces all worldly thoughts and desires, and spends the rest of his life in spiritual contemplation. It is the last in the four phases of a man, which are referred to as brahmacharya, grihastha, vanaprastha, and finally sannyasa, as prescribed by Manusmriti for the Dwija castes, in the Hindu system of life. These four stages are not necessarily sequential. One can skip one, two or three ashrams, but can never revert back to an earlier ashrama or phase. Various Hindu traditions allow for a man to renounce the material world from any of the first three stages of life.
Monasticism
Unlike monks in the Western world, whose lives are regulated by a monastery or an abbey and its rules, most Hindu sannyasin are loners and wanderers (parivrājaka). Hindu monasteries (mathas) never have a huge number of monks living under one roof. The monasteries exist primarily for educational purposes and have become centers of pilgrimage for the lay population. Ordination into any Hindu monastic order is purely at the discretion of the individual guru, or teacher, who should himself be an ordained sannyasi within that order. Most traditional Hindu orders do not have women sannyasis, but this situation is undergoing changes in recent times.

The guru-shishya tradition

Sant Ajaib Singh (1926-1997), a Master in Sant Mat tradition, a sect of Hinduism opposed to the caste system
Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) an Indian Hindu sage of the nineteenth century, in Jaipur.
Main article: Guru and Disciple

Another important leadership aspect in Hinduism is the guru-shishya tradition, a spiritual relationship where knowledge is transmitted from a guru (teacher, गुरू) to a 'śiṣya' (disciple, शिष्य) or chela. The nearest word in English for guru is "great." Related words in Sanskrit are Guruttar and Garishth, which have meanings similar to greater and greatest. Hinduism emphasizes the importance of finding a guru who can impart transcendental knowledge, or (vidyā). Such knowledge, whether it be vedic, agamic artistic, architectural, musical or spiritual, is imparted through the developing relationship between the guru and the disciple. It is considered that this relationship, based on the genuineness of the guru, and the respect, commitment, devotion and obedience of the student, is the best way for subtle or advanced knowledge to be conveyed. The student eventually masters the knowledge that the guru embodies.

In Indian culture, a person without a guru or a teacher (acharya) was once looked down on as an orphan or unfortunate one. The word anatha in Sanskrit means "the one without a teacher." An acharya is the giver of gyan (knowledge) in the form of shiksha (instruction). A guru also gives diksha initiation which is the spiritual awakening of the disciple by the grace of the guru. Diksha is also considered to be the procedure of bestowing the divine powers of a guru upon the disciple, through which the disciple progresses continuously along the path to divinity.

Parampara is the word traditionally used in ancient Indian culture for a succession of teachers and disciples. In the parampara system, knowledge (in any field) is believed to be passed down from teacher to student through successive generations. The Sanskrit word literally means an uninterrupted series or succession. Sometimes defined as "the passing down of Vedic knowledge" it is believed to be always entrusted to the teachers, or ācāryas.[3]

An established parampara is often called sampradāya, or school of thought. For example, in Vaishnavism a number of sampradayas are developed following a single acharya. While some argue for freedom of interpretation others maintain that "[al]though an ācārya speaks according to the time and circumstance in which he appears, he upholds the original conclusion, or siddhānta, of the Vedic literature."[3]

Historical background

Beginning in the early oral traditions of the Upanishads (c. 2000 B.C.E.), the guru-shishya relationship has evolved into a fundamental component of Hinduism. The term Upanishad derives from the Sanskrit words upa (near), ni (down) and şad (to sit)—so it means "sitting down near" a spiritual teacher to receive instruction. The relationship between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita portion of the Mahabharata, and between Rama and Hanuman in the Ramayana are examples. In the Upanishads, gurus and shishya appear in a variety of settings (a husband answering questions about immortality, a teenage boy being taught by Yama, the Hindu Religion's Lord of Death, etc.) Sometimes the sages are women, and the instructions may be sought by kings.

In the Vedas, the brahmavidya or knowledge of Brahman is communicated from guru to shishya by oral lore. Although gurus have traditionally come only from the Brahman class, some gurus from lower castes, including Guru Ravidass, have appeared and have become renowned teachers with many followers. [4]

Common characteristics of the guru-shishya relationship

Within the broad spectrum of the Hindu religion, the guru-shishya relationship can be found in numerous variant forms including Tantra. Some common elements in this relationship include:

  • The establishment of a teacher/student relationship.
  • A formal recognition of this relationship, generally in a structured initiation ceremony where the guru accepts the initiate as a shishya and also accepts responsibility for the spiritual well-being and progress of the new shishya.
  • Sometimes this initiation process will include the conveying of specific esoteric wisdom and/or meditation techniques.
  • Gurudakshina, where the shishya gives a gift to the guru as a token of gratitude, often the only monetary or otherwise fee that the student ever gives. The traditional gift was a cow, a gift of great value, since cows are sacred to Hindus. The tradition has evolved over time, and each student chooses a gift that he feels is appropriate, which may range from a simple piece of fruit to a sizable financial donation toward the guru's work.

Gallery

See also

Notes

  1. Hindu Priest.net - For the journey ahead Retrieved October 7, 2008.
  2. Bhagavad Gita 18.2
  3. 3.0 3.1 Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami. Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself. (Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1985, ISBN 0912776889).
  4. Sri Guru Ravi Das ji website. Retrieved October 7, 2008.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Besant, Annie Wood. The path of discipleship. Adyar, Madras, India: Theosophical Publishing House, (original 1896) 1989. ISBN 9788170591238
  • Case, Margaret H. Seeing Krishna: the religious world of a Brahman family in Vrindaban. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 9780195130119
  • Cosgrove, Eugene Milne. The High walk of discipleship 1945. Gardners Books, 2007. ISBN 9780548054888
  • Goswami, Satsvarupa Dasa. Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself. Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, 1985, ISBN 0912776889.
  • Jagannātha Dīkṣita Cipol̲aṇakara, and H. G. Ranade. Brahmatva-mañjarī = Brahmatva-mañjarī : role of the Brahman priest in the Vedic ritual. (Ranade publication series, no. 3.) Poona: H.G. Ranade, 1984. OCLC: 15487624
  • Barnes, Michael, Margaret Hebblethwaite, and Peter Hebblethwaite. Traditions of spiritual guidance: the guru in Hinduism. London: The Way, 1984. OCLC: 128292184
  • Pechilis, Karen. The graceful guru: Hindu female gurus in India and the United States. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. ISBN 9780195145380
  • Thekkudan, Anto P. Sannyasa And Spiritual Formation in Hinduism. Alwaye, India: St. Thomas Academy for Research, 1988.
  • Abhishiktananda. The further shore: Sannyasa and the Upanishads, an introduction: two essays. Delhi: I.S.P.C.K., 1975, OCLC: 2929851

External links

All links retrieved December 24, 2017.

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