Hinduism

Hinduism

Hinduism

Hinduism is a large collection of beliefs that are bundled together as if they are one distinct religion. This term is given by foreigners to many of the people living in the Indus River region. An alternative name given to Hindus that is more popular today is Sanatana Dharma, meaning eternal religion.

In the Sanatana Dharma, there are extreme variations of beliefs. With about 330 million deities in India, the divine has a myriad of faces. These extreme variations are results of the ancient Hinduism religion. The religion is so varied that there is no common practice that can be called Hinduism.

Hinduism has a long history. Approximately 8000 BCE the religion was carried and translated orally. This lasted for nearly five-thousand years until it was written down around 3000 BCE. After this, many other forms were established.

The last of the developments were the Upanishads, which came about around 600 to 400 BCE. This was not taught to everyone, but rather was for advanced seekers of spiritual truth. This form of the religion is focused more on inner realization and immortality rather than outward ritual acts which was practiced in the earlier Vedic religion.

Hinduism is a varied system of thoughts with beliefs in polytheism, pantheism, monotheism, monism, and atheism. It is sometimes called henotheistic.

Most Hindus believe that the spirit of the soul is eternal and ever-lasting. According to the monistic and pantheistic theologies of Hinduism, this Atman is indistinguishable from Brahman, the top spirit. The goal of life, according to the Advaita School, is to realize that one's atman or soul is identical to Brahman, the supreme soul. The Upanishads affirm that whoever becomes fully aware of the atman as the innermost core of one's own self realizes their identity with Brahman, and thereby reaches "Moksha," or the liberation of freedom.

The Hindu scriptures refer to celestial entities, called Devas, "the shining ones," which translate into English as heavenly beings. The devas are an important part of Hindu culture and are depicted in art, architecture, and through icons. The legendary stories about them are related in the scriptures, particularly in the Itihasa and Puranas. They are however, often distinguished from Ishvara, a top personal God, with many Hindus worshipping Ishvara is a particular form as the chosen supreme; the choice being based upon their personal preference, and family traditions.

Karma translates into work, action, or deed, and can be described as the "ethical law of cause and effect." According to the Upanishads, the jiva-atma develops sanskaras or impressions from actions, whether bodily or psychological. The linga sharira, a more delicate body than the physical one, but slightly less subtle than the spirit, retains impressions, carrying them over into another life, establishing a distinctive path for the person. Thus, the concept of a universal and never failing karma essentially relates to reincarnation as well as one's personality, individuality, and family. Karma unites together the ideas of free will and destiny. This cycle of action, response, birth, death, and reincarnation is a continuum called samsara. The notion of reincarnation and karma is a strong principle in Hindu reflection.

In whatever way a Hindu defines the goal of life, there are a number of methods that sages have taught for reaching that objective. The practitioners of yoga are called yogis. Writings dedicated to yoga incorporate the Bhagavad Gita, the Yoga Sutras,