Due September 25th

In a number of places in his well-known book The World’s Religions, Huston Smith alludes to a 'cardinal tenet' of Hinduism, namely that people are different and that religion needs to be adapted to different people's needs. Based on both the material in your textbook and the material we discussed in class, what different ways does Hinduism conceive itself as adapting to different people's needs? How do the four types of yoga fit into this adaptation? Which path(s) might best fit you and your personality? Why? Reflect on these questions and then answer them for one of your blog posts this week.



Hinduism is the most ancient religion practiced in the world we live in. It is also one of the most complex religions to understand. It is the mainstream religion of India. There is great feeling demonstrated in the Hindu Religion. People already have what they want; they just don’t realize that they have it. The belief is that every one wants get something out of life. First, it could be pleasure, but this is not satisfied with that individual. Eventually, the interest shifts to wealth, fame, or a high reputation. That would give an individual great pride and respect. This desire will shift again, and you will seek to help the community around you. The Focus will be to give and serve others in the environment you live in. We are all one with nature. Hinduism wants you to always build towards a Goal! First, it wishes to make the riches of Hinduism available to the Hindu and to any genuine seeker of truth and knowledge. But it does not limit Hindus to their tradition. Instead, it encourages them to explore all avenues that would lead to a realization of the divine, and it provides a system with many paths for such realization. Hinduism is always experimenting with new ideas. They want the people to feel religion as they go through life. Yes, yoga does adapt to different peoples needs. There are four different types of Yoga, Jnana, Bhakti, Karma, and Raja. People can follow those paths according to their own personal experience, and needs. Jnana would be characterized by common sense, experience, reflection, analysis, and intellectual focus, which is wisdom in someone’s life. Bhakti is the second type of Yoga that is used for love and emotions, visualization and direct feelings that would be very important to women, because women are very sensitive and family oriented. If you express your feelings instead of keeping them inside, you will reduce your stress, depression and mental disorders. Karma demonstrates service and working for the love and devotion of God to help others. It would be helpful for people who are very hard working, and are career oriented. It also helps people who do volunteer work. Raja is a good comprehensive yoga system, which deals with the refinement of human behavior and personality, which would suit all people who worship this religious ritual. The type of yoga that would best fit me is Jnana, which is the understanding of things, common sense, intellectual focus, and wisdom. Mediation is a single-minded focus. I feel strongly that I can train my mind, and learn to think while practicing this type of yoga with discipline.

Chris Thoma
Relg109DFB
Wed 6:15 to 9:05 PM