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Hinduism

Hinduism:

Examined and Evaluated

[YOUR NAME HERE]

[CLASS SUBJECT HERE]

[PROFESSOR’S NAME HERE]

May 18, 2008

Hinduism is the third largest religion within the world. Consequently, it originates in the country of India, tracing its roots roughly 4000 to 2200 BCE. Although Hinduism seems to lack a uniting belief system, there exists an underlying unity to the Hindu belief system despite differences in certain religious practices. A diverse body of philosophical and cultural practices characterizes Hinduism. Hinduism is a combination of varied beliefs and traditions.

Hinduism differs from Christianity and other Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or religious organization. The central beliefs revolve around a faith that is quite diverse, though most Hindus share a common belief that an individual's soul is eternal. They follow generally universal goals within their lifestyles, four in particular being: Kãma, Artha, Dharma, and Moksha. A concept in God lies within the idea of one supreme God, followed by "Devas", which are known as ‘heavenly beings' in which each particular Hindu can personalize to his or her liking.

Scriptures and texts following many religious texts, some most notably: Sanskrit, Vedas, and Smritis. Practices within Hinduism generally follow a common sacred element meaning in which their practices were developed to allow oneself to become closer to the idea of divinity. As a result, they follow rituals to practice this idea, such as those of religious significance - the division of purity and pollution; a belief in sacrifice; even those that follow certain specific events, such as death, birth, and marriage. Hinduism follows a strict and ethic morality code of Dharma, which circles around the idea of both ethics and duties of an individual.

There were significant events, alongside figures within these movements of reform - the spread of its ideas through the land of India, especially during the Muslim conquest within India; reform of its ideas through the teachers of Ramanuja, Madha, and Chaitanya; the 19th century was a time of Hinduism establishing itself within the European continent. Hinduism can be traced to the Indus Valley Civilization that took place in India in 4000 BC to 2200 BC. India was a land of diverse cultures, religions, races and ethnicities. Hinduism was the unifying umbrella that brought peace to the land. The belief in Ahimsa or non-violence reduced warfare. The Hindus brought up in Hindu families are so steeped in the various Hindu traditions from infancy that they are totally imbibed into the Hindu religious system. The sages and seers over the ages held a prominent place in the religious beliefs of the region and their teachings of non-violence, unity, prayers and a life of righteousness have greatly influenced Hinduism.

It can be said that the desire for liberation from earthly existence stemmed from the Hinduism conditions within the demographic and geographic locations where Hinduism originated and thrived. It focuses heavily on the idea that individuals of today realize the burden of the human condition known as suffering, as well as how to handle and defeat this “sin”, so to speak. Suffering can be seen in numerous ways of human life – birth, aging, or even just life itself suffers. This stems from the craving and wanting of the human nature. However, an individual can defy this by ceasing one’s own cravings and wanting, allowing them to cease the suffering. Within its historical history, it can be said that Hinduism teaches the idea of acceptance, which is the true way to beat the human struggle. This can be considered as the ultimate salvation for liberation. If in this present life, a person succeeds in adhering to the code of life as laid down in the Hindu scriptures and follows the path of true righteousness, then his soul gains salvation and unites with the Supreme Power, thus liberating him from the bondage of birth and re-birth. This is a powerful motivation for a Hindu to lead a life of righteousness that ensures escape from worldly sufferings and the attainment of spiritual blessings in the form of Moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth) and unification with one’s Supreme God. Thus salvation and liberation from earthly existence ensures a better afterlife, free from earthly sufferings.

In any society, the body of beliefs and values learnt through the socialization process forms the basis of the culture of that society. The cultural identity and social ethos of the region has shaped Hinduism into what it is today.

References

Das, Subhamoy. Hindusim for Beginners. Retrieved on May 18, 2008, from

Geocities.com . Introduction to Hinduism. Retrieved on May 18, 2008, from

Madras, Giridhar. Introduction to Hinduism. Retrieved on May 18, 2008, from