In popular understanding, Brahminism refers to the worldview of people who identify as Brahmins, while Hinduism is seen as a religious entity encompassing various sects and castes. In rhetorical terms, Hinduism is often described as a national religion that transcends linguistic, sectarian, and caste distinctions. Liberals also echo this idea, claiming that just as all rivers flow into the ocean, all sects and castes together form Hinduism. From their secular perspective, Hinduism is portrayed as intrinsically diverse and tolerant of the ‘other’—that is, being Hindu is equated with being tolerant.