ARI Working Paper Series
WPS 110 Conceptualising Hinduism
Author | : | Heinz SCHEIFINGER |
Publication Date | : | Mar / 2009 |
Publisher | : | Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore |
Keywords | : | Hinduism, Polythetic-prototype Approach, Darshan, Jean Baudrillard, Simulacra |
Download |
The term ‘Hinduism’ is used in both popular and academic works. However, because Hinduism defies definition, exactly what authors are referring to is often left unclear. Despite this, I argue that the adoption of an approach which, crucially, does not seek to define Hinduism demonstrates that the term has utility and should be retained. Following this, I briefly consider Jean Baudrillard’s interesting views concerning religious images in the light of Hinduism – a worthwhile undertaking since the image is of paramount importance within Hinduism. I argue that applying Baudrillard’s ideas to Hindu religious images is highly problematic and then provide a further example which demonstrates that important characteristics of Hinduism may not necessarily fit comfortably with Baudrillardian ideas. Finally, I reflect upon the nature of online images of Hindu deities because certain characteristics of the medium of the Internet invite us to consider Baudrillard’s ideas further.