Hindu Scriptures, Deities, Society & Kipling's Imperial Narratives

Foundations of Hinduism: Texts, Deities, Society

The Vedas: Ancient Sacred Scriptures

The Vedas are a large body of religious texts originating in ancient India, considered sacred scriptures in Hinduism. There are four primary Vedas: the Rigveda, the Samaveda, the Yajurveda, and the Atharvaveda.

Vedic Influence on Indian Religions

The Vedas have had a vast influence on later Indian philosophies and religions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. They also touch upon concepts related to the coordination and order of the universe.

Indian Epics: Heroic Tales and Moral Lessons

Indian epics are long narrative poems, typically recounting heroic deeds, adventurous quests, and often featuring fantastic creatures and divine interventions.

Mahabharata: A Tale of Cosmic Conflict

The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It narrates the struggle for sovereignty between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The text mentions Vimanas, described as flying machines capable of creating strong winds, allowing their occupants to travel swiftly. It also speaks of powerful weaponry, such as the "Danava" weapon, and an instance where Shukra, aboard a Vimana, allegedly launched a projectile with "all the force of the Universe." Some interpretations suggest this could be a narrative of a war involving humans and an unknown species from the sky, possibly celestial beings, gods, or even extraterrestrial entities.

Ramayana: The Journey of Prince Rama

The Ramayana narrates the life of Rama, a divine prince and an avatar of Vishnu. It details his quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. The epic covers Rama's travels across India, the abduction of Sita, his exile from his father's kingdom, and his controversial decision to later exile Sita.

Key Hindu Deities: The Divine Trinity and Beyond

Brahman Ishvara: The Ultimate Reality

Brahman Ishvara represents the ultimate reality in Hinduism. It is conceived as formless, genderless, the supreme soul, omniscient, and omnipresent. Brahman is considered the source from which the Hindu trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) emerged to manage the affairs of the universe.

Lord Brahma: The Creator God

Lord Brahma is revered as the creator of the universe within the Hindu trinity. However, he is not as widely worshipped as Vishnu or Shiva, purportedly due to a curse resulting from misbehavior.

Lord Vishnu: The Preserver of Order

Lord Vishnu is a principal deity, known as the preserver and protector of life. He embodies the principles of order (dharma), righteousness, and truth, and descends to Earth in various avatars to restore cosmic balance.

Lord Shiva: The Destroyer and Transformer

Lord Shiva is another primary deity, often referred to as the destroyer or transformer within the trinity. He represents the destructive forces necessary for regeneration and is also associated with asceticism, meditation, and profound power. While sometimes depicted in anger, his destructive aspect is crucial for cosmic renewal.

Social Hierarchy: Varnas and Castes in India

Traditional Hindu society was structured around a system of social stratification known as varnas (classes) and jatis (castes), often linked to occupation. The main varnas are:

• Brahmins: Traditionally priests, scholars, and intellectuals.
• Kshatriyas: Warriors, rulers, and administrators.
• Vaishyas: Merchants, traders, and landowners.
• Shudras: Laborers and service providers.

Outside this four-fold system were groups historically considered "Untouchables" (Panchama or Dalit), who performed tasks deemed impure.

The Sacred Cow in Hindu Tradition

In Hinduism, many animals are considered sacred, with the cow holding a particularly revered status. Known as Gau Mata (Mother Cow), she is a symbol of life, nourishment, and non-violence. Historically, cows have been used as a medium of exchange instead of money. Giving cows to Brahmins was also considered an act that could help ensure salvation. Deities like Lord Vishnu (in his Krishna avatar) are closely associated with cows, having grown up among them.

Rudyard Kipling: Chronicler of the British Empire

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was an English journalist, short-story writer, poet, and novelist. His notable works include The Jungle Book and the poem "If—". Much of his writing was inspired by his experiences in India and reflects themes of the British Empire.

Kipling's Notable Literary Contributions

Kim: Espionage in the Great Game

Kim is a novel by Rudyard Kipling that tells the story of an orphaned boy, Kimball O'Hara (Kim), navigating British India. He becomes entangled in the "Great Game," the strategic rivalry and political conflict between the British Empire and the Russian Empire in Central Asia during the 19th century.

Captains Courageous: A Coming-of-Age at Sea

Captains Courageous is a novel by Rudyard Kipling that recounts the adventures of Harvey Cheyne Jr., the spoiled fifteen-year-old son of a wealthy railroad tycoon. After falling overboard from an ocean liner, he is rescued by a Portuguese fisherman and becomes part of the crew of a fishing schooner on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. The experience transforms him as they journey to their home port of Gloucester, Massachusetts.

The Jungle Book and the Poem "If—"

Rudyard Kipling is also famously known for The Jungle Book, a collection of stories set in the Indian jungle, and his inspirational poem "If—".

Insights from "If—": A Guide to Virtue

Kipling's poem "If—" offers advice on achieving ideal manhood and virtuous living. Key themes include:

• Maintaining self-trust and composure.
• Patience ("not be tired by waiting").
• Avoiding hatred.
• Balancing dreams and thoughts with action ("dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim").
• Dealing with truth and deception.
• Resilience in the face of failure ("start again at your beginnings").
• Perseverance and willpower ("hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’").