Learn About the Hinduism Religion

Hinduism is a set of traditions and beliefs evolved over a long period of time. It was originated in India around what many believe was 2500 BCE and there are close to a billion followers (Dasa, 2007). It is characterized by a multitude of belief systems, practices, and scriptures. The main concept of Hinduism is the belief in the ultimate reality, Brahman (universal soul), and its identification with the Aatman (individual soul). They believe in reincarnation which is the rebirth of the soul in another body or reappearance in another form. Determining the rebirth is done by the principle of Karma (the consequences to your actions). Bad deeds can cause someone to be born as a lower level or animal.

Hinduism has influenced the cultural and societal aspect in and around India in many different ways. The strength of Hinduism has allowed free thinking and acceptance of change. It has created a unifying influence and philosophy that established peace and cooperation. The caste system implements a way of controlling the population in India and addressing the people by a system of classes. The reason this is done is to uplift people from the worldly concerns and encourage them to behave according to higher laws.

In a Hindu temple, there are no shoes allowed. They believe that feet hold a powerful symbolism with the Hindu culture. They say that feet are considered low and one of the biggest insults you can do is throw a shoe at someone. Since feet touch the ground and the ground is low, you have to leave your lowest part at the door to the temple.

Yoga is a form of discipline in the Hindu religion aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility. It is the only way for one to reach enlightenment which we will discuss later on in the text. Yoga allows them to get in touch with themselves and the universe. They also believe that yoga helps your chakras (subtle energy centers along the spine) by awakening your spirit as life and consciousness travel up the spine.

Now we will look at two types of sacred texts among the Hinduism religion which are the Sruti (heard) and Smirti (remembered) types of literature. Each text are said to be written by inspired followers. The texts work together to help the followers understand them. Hindus memorize and recite these texts. Sruti literatures have two parts which are the Vedas and the Upanishads. The Vedas has four parts which are the Rig Veda (royal knowledge), the Sama Veda (knowledge of Christ), the Yajur Veda (knowledge of sacrificial rituals), and the Atharva Veda (knowledge of incarnations). The three most important parts of Smirti literature are the Bhagavad Gita, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana.

The Hindu religion believes that the goal of human life is to be free or liberated from samsara which is the repeated births and deaths. This liberation is also known as moksha or mukti. One first needs to realize that earthly existence is a circle of never ending desires. When one has not learned to lessons needed, they must return in another life. Hindus believe that with continued practice of meditation (yoga), one can break the bonds of desire and reach enlightenment (Dasa, 2007). They also believe in that they have what they refer to as a guru which is a personal spiritual leader that guides them in spiritual and philosophical matters.

Hinduism is a very open religion that offers many options as to what to believe in. However, in the end they all share the same values and belief systems to make up this religion. It is one of the oldest religions in the world and is still very popular today. Surprisingly, the original followers were able to keep the beliefs and rituals alive considering they are still the same today and they used to be. Each follower is hoping to gain enlightenment by following their religious beliefs and practices.

Sources:

Dasa, S. (2007). A Hindu primer. Retrieved June 8, 2008, from http://www.sanskrit.org/www/Hindu%20Primer/moksha.html

Dominguez, J. (2006). All about Hinduism. Retrieved June 8, 2008, from http://www.religion-cults.com/Eastern/Hinduism/hindu.htm