Brahmanism as an Early Stage of Hinduism Research Paper

Brahmanism as an Early Stage of Hinduism - Research Paper Example Brahmanism, which is also known as â€Å"Vedic Hinduism† dates back 4000 years and developed many of the beliefs and foundations for Hinduism. Although Hinduism did is clearly an extension of Brahmanism, many of the Hindu beliefs and practices were not established in Brahmanism tradition. The beliefs of Brahmanism were based on the sacred texts of the Vedas, hence the name â€Å"Vedic Hinduism.† Hinduism considers the Vedas a primary text of their religion but they do not limit themselves to the Vedas. In this way, Hinduism has taken its roots from Brahmanism and evolved into the third largest religion in the world. Brahmanism is responsible for developing a stable and enduring foundation for the Hindu religion. One system deeply rooted Brahmanism that has been carried over into Hinduism is the existence of a caste system. There were four different casts in this system including Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras. Of these cases, the Brahmins were the highest as p riests and scholars (Brahmanism, 1). Hinduism recognizes and maintains these four hereditary caste systems but over the millenniums, has added many additional castes (Hinduism-Brahmanism, 1). Both Brahmanism and Hinduism also have established a belief in four stages of life. The four stages of life are Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa. The functions and objectives of these four stages of life have remained virtually identical in present-day Hinduism (Hinduism, 1). In Hinduism, within these four stages in life are four objectives of life (Kama, Artha, Dharma and Moksha) (Hinduism, 1).