Hinduism, Essay Example

Hinduism is not a religion in the conventional meaning of the word.  It is in fact more a set of traditions and beliefs.  These being formed over a period of time and are split or divided into a number of different sects.  The fundamental belief is based upon ‘brahman’  [the eternal soul] and its identification with that of ‘Aahman’ [the individual soul].  All creatures have to go through reincarnation death and rebirth.  The status and appearance of the person being determined by that of Karma and self-realization.  The ultimate God  is called the ‘brahman’, but this has been personified and associated with other deities which include that of Shiva, Vishnu and Shakthi

Hindus recognize one another by a degree of symbology; for example, decorative dots on the forehead called ‘bindi’.  Oddly enough, one of the symbols that stands for purity of the soul is  the swastika. (YGO Hinduism, 2005).There are six orthodox schools of the hindu belief and these are:

• Nyaya
• Vaishseshika
• Samkhya
• Yoga
• Purva Mimamsa
• Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta)

One of the greatest strengths and attributes of the Hindu religion in India is that it has been able to unite people of diverse beliefs and castes.  The concept of Hinduism is to unite people and create uniformity.  This is why the Indian government has historically been so opposed to other religions like Christianity and Islam, which it sees as divisive and containing a doctrine that would ultimately destroy Indian culture.  This contrast can be seen between India and Pakistan, Muslims are allowed in peace in India, whereas Hindus are not tolerated in Pakistan.  The strength of Hinduism is in this diverse city and the ability to incorporate other belief systems.

The Hindu religion has spread to many other parts of the world.  The desire for liberation from the earthly existence is borne from the caste system and that ultimate reward is based upon dutifully carrying out your role in life.  The desire from liberation from your earthly existence.

” The idea of attaining Moksha i.e. release from the cycle of re-birth has in varying degrees been based on the premise that if a person faithfully carries out the duties decreed to him by birth (in a particular caste) he is rewarded by a more nobler life by being torn in a higher caste and vice-versa. After reaching the highest caste if he continues to perform the duties decreed upon him he can obtain Moksha and his soul (Atman) does not have to be re-born.”  (Birodkar, 2010)

Hinduism is based on the belief of the cyclical reincarnation of the soul.  Death is considered, but one aspect of natural life, and there are many possible destinations for the soul after earthly existence.  Hindu believes that their  rebirth will be based upon their past thoughts and activities and that the ultimate goal is to break the cycle of  transcendently returning  to life on earth.  The concept of cremation is designed to release the soul from its earthly existence.  They believe “the astral body will linger as long as the physical body remains visible.” (MailerIndia, 2010)

Works Cited

Birodkar, S. (2010). Moksha, Upavasa, and Muhurta . Retrieved 4 29, 2010, from Hindu Books Universe: http://www.hindubooks.org/sudheer_birodkar/hindu_history/beliefs.html

MailerIndia. (2010). Hindu death rituals and beliefs. Retrieved 4 29, 2010, from MailerIndia: http://www.mailerindia.com/hindu/veda/index.php?death

YGO Hinduism. (2005). What makes up hindu religion. Retrieved 4 28, 2010, from YGO Hinduism: http://hinduism.ygoy.com/hinduism/religion.php