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Hinduism: Peoples
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Most people regard Hinduism as polytheistic - an idea which is both true and false. It is true that Hinduism has polytheitic elements, but it ... as monotheistic and atheistic elements as well. It is diffiicult to describe, but polytheism is simply one way for a person to look at Hinduism. The variety of deities provides people with a variety of ways to fulfill their spiritual needs. Some go further and regard all of the deities as merely aspects of a few, or perhaps of just one deity. Some fo further yet and regard it all as manifestations of a single, impersonal ground of being - not theistic at all.
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Pundits: a Brahmin learned in Hinduism. He gives advice and performs different rituals and ceremonies. Not all Brahmins are pundits. Some Pundits are among the wealthiest of Hindus. They make their money off the poor who want them to say pujas and blessings on them. They'll say good luck pujas for hundreds of people to win the same lottery.
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This doctrine is the key to understanding the caste system in Hinduism. For the Hindus believe that a person belongs to a high caste as a reward for virtue in a previous existence. Similarly demerits, or the Hindu equivalent of the consequences of sin, explain why some people belong to a low caste, like the Musahars (Mouse Eaters) or to the lowest group of Pariahs (Untouchables) who belong to no caste at all. They are at the opposite end of the Hindu caste system, ranging from the highest, the Brahmins (Priestly caste) through lower but still elevated classes like the Rakputs (King Sons) or Kshatriyas (Rulers).
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