Info from:
www.patheos.com/blogs/whitehindu/2013/01/the-branches-of-hinduism/
There are four main branches of Hinduism. You really don't have to fall under any of these, and can just label as 'Hindu'.
Shaivites - worship Shiva as the supreme god
Vaishnavas - worship Vishnu as the supreme god
Smartha - based on teachings of Adi Shankara
Shaktism - worship feminine form as supreme goddess (ex. Durga, Kali)
Those branches have different views on Brahman, the truth, reality, ultimate god. These next branches, are a category that one who believes Brahman is the ultimate god can also fall into.
Advaita - all is god
Dvaita - dualist
Bhedābheda - in between
What it means is, advaita's believe god is in everyone and all is god. Pantheist. Dvaita' believe their souls are seperate from god. Bhedābheda's believe they are part and whole from god. It's the same as how you can't separate heat from fire, but the heat is still part of the fire.
In this book, I will be focusing on Hinduism that does not fall into the first four categories. However, maybe advaita because that's what I am.
YOU ARE READING
Hinduism For Beginners
SpiritualAre you thinking about converting to Hinduism? Feel like reading about your religion? Want to learn about a new religion? I'm a Hindu convert from Christianity here to educate about my religion.
