Brahmoism is a monotheistic reformist movement of Hinduism that emphasizes the worship of one Supreme Being and rejects idol worship, polytheism, and the authority of scriptures and traditional religious intermediaries.
Core Beliefs of Brahmoism
Brahmoism, rooted in the teachings of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, represents a distinct spiritual and social reform movement. Its beliefs are characterized by a strong emphasis on reason, ethical conduct, and universalism.
Monotheism and Divine Worship
At the heart of Brahmoism is the unwavering belief in one Supreme Being – an infinite, eternal, unchangeable, and perfect God, who is the Creator and Preserver of the universe. Brahmos worship this formless, universal God and reject the practice of idol worship, polytheism, and pantheism.
Rejection of External Authority
A fundamental tenet of Brahmoism is its rejection of external religious authority, fostering a path based on reason, intuition, and individual conscience. This includes:
- Rejection of Scriptural Authority: Brahmos do not accept any specific scripture (like the Vedas, Bible, or Quran) as an infallible, divine revelation or ultimate authority.
- Rejection of Intermediaries: They do not recognize revelations, prophets, gurus, messiahs, or avatars as authoritative intermediaries between God and humanity. The individual's direct connection with the divine is paramount.
Ethical and Social Principles
Brahmoism is not merely a theological system but also a comprehensive ethical and social philosophy. It champions human dignity and social justice:
- Equality and Inclusivity: Brahmos strongly reject bigotry and irrational distinctions that divide humanity, such as those based on caste, creed, color, race, or religion. They advocate for universal brotherhood and sisterhood.
- Rejection of Totalitarianism: All forms of totalitarianism, which suppress individual freedom and human rights, are fundamentally rejected.
- Moral Living: Emphasis is placed on ethical living, purity of heart, and the development of virtues such as truth, love, compassion, and justice. Actions are considered more important than rituals or ceremonies.
- Social Reform: The movement has historically been at the forefront of social reforms, including the abolition of Sati, promotion of women's education, widow remarriage, and challenging the caste system.
Principles in Practice
To summarize the core principles, consider the following table:
| Principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Absolute Monotheism | Belief in one, formless, unchangeable Supreme Being. |
| Rejection of Idolatry | No worship of idols, images, or specific incarnations. |
| Rationalism & Intuition | Emphasis on reason, individual conscience, and spiritual intuition over dogma. |
| Universal Brotherhood | Promotion of equality and rejection of distinctions based on caste, creed, race, or religion. |
| Ethical Conduct | Focus on moral living, good deeds, and virtues as the path to spiritual progress. |
| Rejection of Totalitarianism | Opposition to any system that suppresses individual liberty or human rights. |
| No Infallible Scriptures | Scriptures are considered guides, not infallible divine revelations. |
| No Infallible Intermediaries | Prophets, gurus, messiahs, or avatars are not considered ultimate authorities or divine incarnations. |
Brahmoism encourages personal spiritual quest and understanding, advocating for a religion of love and duty that benefits both the individual and society. For more details, you can refer to the Brahmoism Wikipedia page.
