Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Smartism, and Shaktism questions

[Riothamus12]

I've been trying to discern the differences between these five subdivisions of Hinduism and to be frank very few stand out in terms of doctrine and practice from what little I have been able to find. All I know is that Shaivism believes Shiva is the supreme Deity and use ashes in ritual. Vaishnavism is focused on Vishnu as the supreme Deity and seems messianic in some of its doctrines. Smartism seems to revolve around five primary Deities as the most important who are part of one. Shaktism seems to revolve around Shakti. Can anyone tell me the difference? How these four schools of Hinduism differ? What are their key teachings, practices, and other such elements?

[Ignorantfool]

Hi Rio,

I think the summary your provided is over simplified. For an example you say that in Shaivism they worship Shiva as the supreme Deity and use ashes in ritual. Actually many hindus use ashes in ritual. Shaivism itself is filled with different paths. There is nondual shaivism and there is also dualistic shaivism.

My favorite and chosen path right now is Kashmir Shaivism. In this path Shiva is worshiped, but so is his Shakti (the great Goddess). The whole purpose is more than worshiping a Deity form outside of oneself, but instead is to realize the unity that already exists between Shiva (Consciousness) and the ordinary individual.

To have a better understanding of the different sects you mentioned above please visit this link: http://www.himalayanacademy.com/read...cing-with-siva

Go to the section on "What are Hinduism Principle Sects"

I think you will be happy with the summary of each sect.

- - - Updated - - -

http://youtu.be/xVi2ueJrYPk Kashmir Shaivism 1

http://youtu.be/jhDOKZW2Vsg Kashmir Shaivism 2

http://youtu.be/sKfb5iY1Or4 Kashmir Shaivism 3

[Riothamus12]

Hi Rio,

I think the summary your provided is over simplified. For an example you say that in Shaivism they worship Shiva as the supreme Deity and use ashes in ritual. Actually many hindus use ashes in ritual. Shaivism itself is filled with different paths. There is nondual shaivism and there is also dualistic shaivism.

My favorite and chosen path right now is Kashmir Shaivism. In this path Shiva is worshiped, but so is his Shakti (the great Goddess). The whole purpose is more than worshiping a Deity form outside of oneself, but instead is to realize the unity that already exists between Shiva (Consciousness) and the ordinary individual.

To have a better understanding of the different sects you mentioned above please visit this link: http://www.himalayanacademy.com/read...cing-with-siva

Go to the section on "What are Hinduism Principle Sects"

I think you will be happy with the summary of each sect.

- - - Updated - - -

http://youtu.be/xVi2ueJrYPk Kashmir Shaivism 1

http://youtu.be/jhDOKZW2Vsg Kashmir Shaivism 2

http://youtu.be/sKfb5iY1Or4 Kashmir Shaivism 3

It's only over simplified because I couldn't find anything other those tid bits that actually seemed to set them apart.

[Ignorantfool]

Hi Rio,

I didn't mean anything negative by using the term over simplified. I was only trying to give a wider picture thats all.

Please let me know if you have any other questions. I may not be the best source, but I have been studying Hindu philosophy for a while now.

[Praven]

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