Brahmanism, based on caste and gender hierarchy, lorded over other traditions, all of which could be collectively called Shramanism. These traditions, such as Nath, Tantra, Siddha, Shaiva, Siddhanta and Bhakti, had values that were more inclusive. Buddhism and Jainism also don’t have a caste hierarchy.

Brahmanism ‘s main ideas are aligned with metaphysics and challenge the actual reality, the truth of time, the conscious consciousness, the root and base of all life. Brahman is the major acknowledgement of Brahmanism as what “moves or does not move” is unpervading, all-pervading and the primary root of.

Here are some of the key beliefs shared among Hindus:

• Truth is eternal.
• Brahman is Truth and Reality.
• The Vedas are the ultimate authority.
• Everyone should strive to achieve dharma.
• Individual souls are immortal.
• The goal of the individual soul is moksha.

Shramana traditions in ancient India were brought about by the ascetics who renounced worldly life to search for the truth about life and the universe. They included many groups, sects and varieties of opinions.

Brahmanism, ancient Indian religious tradition that emerged from the earlier Vedic religion.

one God

Syncretism involves the merging or assimilation of several originally discrete traditions, especially in the theology and mythology of religion, thus asserting an underlying unity and allowing for an inclusive approach to other faiths.

When God is formless, He is referred to by the term Brahman. When God has form, He is referred to by the term Paramatma. This is almighty God, whose three main forms are Brahma; the creator, Vishnu, the sustainer and Shiva, the destroyer.

The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation.

Patna: A Bihar minister has claimed that Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev (the greatest among gods), belonged to the socially and educationally backward Bind caste.

Vishnu is a blue-skinned god since he is a product of cross breeding between Kshatriyas and Brahmins. Ilaiah theorises that Brahmins perhaps gave ‘godly’ status to this hybrid product in order to contain Kshatriyas from revolting against Brahminical hegemony.

Lakshmi