Hinduism Paper

Hinduism Paper

The Hindu religion lacks a uniting belief system; the Hindi religion is highly diversified, whereas only a few tenets of faith have been accepted by most Hindu’s, “scholars have found it difficult to identify any doctrines with universal acceptance in all doctrines”. (Wikipedia 2008)

The Hindu religion is made up of prominent themes called Dharma (ethics/duties), Samsara (The continuing cycle of life, birth, death, and rebirth), Karma (action and subsequent reaction), and Moksha (liberation and Samsara), and various other Yoga’s (paths and practices). (Wikipedia 2008)

Hinduism is a belief that the spirit or soul is the true self of every person and is eternal. “Hinduism is a complex system with beliefs spanning monotheism, polytheism, pantheism, panenthiesm, monism, and atheism”. (Wikipedia, 2008)

The Hindu’s that believe that the soul and or spirit are the true self is called “atman”. (Wikipedia 2008) Monistic and pantheistic theologies of Hinduism like the Advaita Vendata School, is indistinguishable from Brahman, which is the supreme spirit. This Brahman is a non-duelist school and described as one without a second. “The goal of life for them is to realize that one’s atman is the same as Brahman”. (Wikipedia 2008)

Hinduism contains a wide variety of scripture. It is in two sections called Sruti (revealed), and Smriti (remembered) and has been developing for thousands of years. These many scriptures are on theology, philosophy, and mythology. These scriptures also elaborate on spiritual insights and practice involving Dharma.

Orthodox Hindu’s like the Veda’s, and Upanishads are in the highest “authority, importance, and antiquity. (Wikipedia 2008) Other well known scriptures are known as the “Tantras, the sectarian Agames, the Parana’s, and the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. The Bhagavad Gita, a treatise excerpted from the Mahabharata, is sometimes called a summary of the spiritual teachings of the Vedas”. (Wikipedia 2008)

Classical Hindu thought accepts two main life long dharmas: Grihastha and Sannyasin dharma. The Grihastha dharma recognizes four goals known as purusharthas. They are: Kama (sensual pleasure and enjoyment), Artha (material prosperity and success), and Dharma (correct action, in accordance with one’s particular duty and scriptural laws, and Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara). (Wikipedia 2008)

According to John of Allfaith this proves that there is indeed an underlying belief system in the Hinduism belief system. The reason for this is that Hinduism is an umbrella term for many different traditions. Each of these traditions employs different means for enlightenment and views things a bit differently. What practically all Hindu’s believe however is that; “Truth is One”, a famous statement from Rg Veda. (John of Allfaith)

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions on the earth. People who grow up in Hindu families are well versed in ancient traditions and beliefs from birth and on. People growing up as Hindu’s are more alike than not and “has a profound influence on cultural Hindu’s as well as the converts.” (John of Allfaith)

Hinduism has affected the culture and society in the Indian subcontinent, where they were racially, culturally, and ethically diverse by the acceptance if Hinduism. Hinduism created an influence, and philosophy that unified them into peace and cooperation.