Hinduism

The Hinduism Core
Hinduism is recorded to be the third largest and oldest organized religion in the world. It has about 837 million followers and approximately 1.1 million live in the United States. Hinduism is based on a set of complex beliefs, customs, traditions, and values. The religion originates from nature and civilization while not founded by a specific prophet, whereas Christianity and Islam are. The Hindu religious follower's worship one or many gods, believe in reincarnation, practice yoga, and hold high standards in personal moral values. The creator Brahma, destroyer Shiva, and preserver Vishnu are three prime examples of Hindu gods worshiped.

Members strongly believe in life after death through reincarnation. A soul leaves the dead body and enters another living organism, whether it's mammal or human. The study and practice of yoga is categorized under karma, raja, bhakti, and jnana yoga. The purpose of yoga is to clear and balance one's mind, purify one's soul, further personal wisdom, and find peacefulness within. The sacred texts of Hinduism, known as the "Vegas" are the oldest in existence today. Inside the texts are incantations, hymns, and rituals from ancient India.

The followers of Hinduism formulate their lives around certain activities. They are called the "four aims of Hinduism." The first one is "dharma" which is righteousness in their religious life, the second is "artha" which is to have economic success in life, the third is "kama" which is experiencing the pleasure of the senses, and the fourth is "moksa" which is finding spiritual liberation. (2006, Hinduism) Of the four preceding goals, the first one known as "dharma" is believed to be the most important and "moksa" is considered to be the goal that every Hindu should strive for.

Cultural and Societal Influences
The concept of salvation in Hinduism is based on connecting an individual with their innermost soul, pure deeds, and performing rituals appropriately. Yoga and meditation are examples of practices a Hindu studies in order to connect with their soul. Hinduism strongly believes in Karma, which Merriam-Webster defines as, "...the force generated by a person's actions held in Hinduism and Buddhism to perpetuate transmigration and in its ethical consequences to determine the nature of the person's next existence." (2006, Merriam-Webster).

Hinduism thrives in areas with poverty-stricken residents. Their culture is very poor and focuses on nirvana in order to escape their troubles. In today's society Hindu parents are finding it difficult to raise their children to continue the family traditions of Hinduism. They are finding their children would prefer to choose another more popular religion. Dr. Frank Morales says, "Not every religion shares the same goal, the same conception of the Absolute, or the same means to their respective goals." (2006, Bringing Up Hindu Kids). However, each religion believes in a higher power, and that guides them through their every day life. He believes that parents need to emphasize the importance of carrying on the beliefs of Hinduism to future generations so that it will continue on. He also feels that there should be more teachings of the Hindu religion to the youth so that they truly understand the origins of their faith. The young followers need to have a grasp of their religion, so that they will not be easily swayed to adopt a more popular religion.

Liberation
Followers of Hinduism believe that the most important goal in their religion is to attain spiritual liberation and leave the earth they have lived in. The following is an excerpt from a Hindu scripture which describes the heaven they wish to go to. "The heaven is well provided with excellent paths...Neither hunger nor thirst, nor heat nor cold, neither grief nor fatigue...are found in heaven. These worlds are obtained by meritorious acts and not by birth nor by the merits of fathers and mothers.... The dwellers are free from envy, grief, ignorance and malice. They live very happily..." (2006, Highway to Heaven). The Hindus believe very strongly in reaching this goal of leaving their earthly existence and replacing it with a heavenly one. Heaven is a perfect place, unlike the world in which they live in which is usually filled with poverty. Hindus believe that if they live their lives according to the main goals discussed earlier, they will ultimately achieve the final goal of spiritual liberation. They feel that reaching the heaven that has been described to them will indeed be perfect in every way and fulfill their wish of leaving the earth and replacing it with a spiritual existence unlike any other.

References
Hinduism. (2006). Hinduism. Religious Tolerance. http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism
Hinduism. (2006). Bringing Up Hindu Kids. http://www.hinduism.about.com
Hinduism. (2006). Highway to Heaven. http://www.hinduism.com
Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online. (2006). Karma. Definitions. http://www.webster.com/dictionary/Karma