...Hinduism APRIL RODGERS HUM/130 November 04,2011 MARC RHOADES Hinduism Hinduism is the predominant religion of the Indian subcontinent that is the third largest religion in the world. Hinduism lacks the uniting belief system because of variety religious paths with no founder, teacher, or prophet. There are cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the religion in which it originated from such as practices and beliefs that has started over a thousand years age. The desire for liberation and earthly existence is an important part of the Hinduism religion. According to Mary Pat Fisher, "Some of these are relatively unified religious systems, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism" and because of the wide variety in the Hindu religion it is often referred to as Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana means "eternal" or "ageless" and Dharma means "religion." Hinduism is said to be more than 3000 years old and its fundamentals of faith are even older. Sanatana Dharma is the traditional religion for most of India and is also practiced around the world. Hinduism religion comes in many different religion beliefs that have built-up over thousands of years (Fisher, 2005). Many of the threads of Sanatana Dharma may have existed in the religions practiced by the aboriginal Dravidian peoples of India (Fisher, 2005). The spiritual expressions of Sanatana Dharma range from extreme asceticism to extreme sensuality, from the heights of personal devotion to a deity to...
Words: 762 - Pages: 4
...Hinduism - A Way of Life Humanities 130 Hinduism is a not just a religion; Hinduism is a complex way of life. Hinduism is a religion which is followed and lived on a daily basis. This religion is non-violent and does not trail after power and pride. Human worth is deemed of great value and importance. They believe that each person is of value. This religion is based on personal enlightenment. There are not a set of strict rule which are followed. Although, all Hindu's do share a common belief in the Supreme Being. This religion is based upon traditions and beliefs. Hinduism evolved over an immense era of time. There are a number of scriptures which have been written over many years. These scriptures are equivalent in philosophy, theology. They also play a vital role in myth giving spiritual guidance and insight which go hand-in-hand with practicing dharma. The religion is derived from the ancient Vedic traditions and other indigenous beliefs. No central church controls the movements or progress of Hinduism as a religion. The religion continues to grow despite attacks from other religions who seek to destroy it. One reason Hinduism continues to grow and thrive is because Hinduism is a way of life. Hinduism is a commitment to better oneself through enlightenment. Karma is an element in Hinduism. The belief is held that there is cause and effect for all things. Everything...
Words: 886 - Pages: 4
...Hinduism Paper 1 Hinduism Paper William Anderson Hum 130/Philip Engelman Hinduism Paper 2 Hinduism is not a religion but a set of beliefs and traditions. Hinduism is the third oldest existing religion today. Originated in India, Hindu religions have more then a billion followers with the majority living in India. Hinduism derives from the ancient Vedic tradition as well as other beliefs created over a period of 4,000 years. The practice of Dharma, which is the Hindu religions ethics and duties, offers equality in theology, spiritual insights and myths. Samsara, Karma and Moksha are other beliefs. Samsara means the continuing cycle of life, death and rebirth, Karma meaning an action with a cause and effect, and Moksha meaning liberation from the cycle of Samsara. Buddhism and Sikhism religions focus on self-improvement which helps attain a personal spiritual experience. Buddhism and Sikhism originated in India and share similarities but are very different religions. (Morales, (n.d). Hinduism is lacking in a uniting belief system. However, Hinduism is still practiced today and could stay intact for many years. Fighting off attacks from other religions that have tried to destroy Hinduism. Hinduism followers believe their souls are the true self of every person called the Ataman. The two lifelong goals of the Dharmas are the Grihastha Dharma...
Words: 802 - Pages: 4
...Hinduism Elyse Adams Axia College of University of Phoenix Hinduism is the term that was applied by foreigners to the people that live in the region of the Indus River in the nineteenth century. Now it is known as a major religion practiced in the Indian subcontinent and contains in it a diverse family of devotional and ascetic cults and philosophical schools, all sharing a belief in reincarnation and involving the worship of one or more of a large pantheon gods and goddesses. The preferred label for Hinduism today is Santana Dharma. “Santana, “eternal” or “ageless,” reflects the belief that these ways have always existed. Dharma, often translated as “religion,” encompasses duty, natural law, social welfare, ethics, health, and transcendental realization.” (Fisher, 2005, p. 69) There are so many different variations of Santana Dharma and they all lack a uniting belief system. So what makes up the Hindu religion, since there is no uniting factor to this belief system? “Hinduism is not a religion in the normal sense, but it is a set of traditions and beliefs evolved over a long period of time. There are different sects of Hinduism, but they all admire the ancient scriptures called Vedas.” (Hinduism.ygoy.com. ¶1) Reincarnation is also a doctrine that is central to all forms of Santana Dharma. This is the belief that the soul leaves the body upon death and enters a new one. Birth happens again and again until the soul advances toward its ultimate goal of liberation from rebirth...
Words: 742 - Pages: 3
...included, and Afghanistan and Myanmar often added. Hinduism Atman Atman means 'eternal self'. The atman refers to the real self beyond ego or false self. It is often referred to as 'spirit' or 'soul' and indicates our true self or essence which underlies our existence. There are many interesting perspectives on the self in Hinduism ranging from the self as eternal servant of God to the self as being identified with God. The understanding of the self as eternal supports the idea of reincarnation in that the same eternal being can inhabit temporary bodies. The idea of atman entails the idea of the self as a spiritual rather than material being and thus there is a strong dimension of Hinduism which emphasises detachment from the material world and promotes practices such as asceticism. Thus it could be said that in this world, a spiritual being, the atman, has a human experience rather than a human being having a spiritual experience. Reincarnation the Hindu knows that the belief in a single life on earth, followed by eternal joy or pain is utterly wrong and causes great anxiety, confusion and fear. Hindus know that all souls reincarnate, take one body and then another, evolving through experience over long periods of time. Like the caterpillar's metamorphosis into the butterfly, death doesn't end our existence but frees us to pursue an even greater development. Dharma Dharma is an important term in Indian religions. In Hinduism it means 'duty', 'virtue', 'morality', even 'religion'...
Words: 677 - Pages: 3
...“Thank goodness for eastern religion, I’m going to yoga class now and I redid my room to improve like my Zen, it really works…” for many in the western world, this is the most that is understood about eastern religions, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism. Although many would be interested to know that yoga is not just an exercise class; there are many more important details about Buddhism and Hinduism we are misinformed about, Especially, the differences of these two religions. Since Buddhism evolved from Hinduism, they are very similar, but they are two different faiths, with different sets of beliefs and interpretations on life and enlightenment (the ultimate objective of both). It might be in our best interest to begin this discussion at the end, with enlightenment. This is the goal of both Hinduism and Buddhism. To be exact, enlightenment in its simplest definition, is the ultimate release from the cycle of samsara, or the cycle of birth, death and rebirth (Wagnu, 2001). In both faiths, every living spirit will eventually achieve this goal, even if it takes numerous reincarnations. In Hinduism, this goal is also called moksha , existence in the realm of the gods (Wagnu, 2001). However, in Buddhism enlightenment is called nirvana, and is a release from the cycle completely, not a deployment to the realm of gods. The sort of middle way between these two extremes is a belief held by Mahayana Buddhists, whom identify the Buddha in three bodies, one of which, the Ultimate Buddha...
Words: 926 - Pages: 4
...Perspective about Hinduism The History and traditions of Hinduism are both Ancient and Timeless. Hinduism is like a big Ocean and I am really not sure whether anybody apart from the Supreme itself knows it in its completeness. Even though these are my introductory words, people who dived into this ocean will really acknowledge the fact of it very much. Hinduism is not a Book of texts. It is the book of Knowledge and Experience. These two are endless and hence is the Hinduism. One may spend whole life in exploring the Hinduism but at the end one may have not seen the other bank of it. “Hinduism can also be described as Vaidika Dharma (Religion rooted in Vedas), Arya Dharma (Dharma of Aryans) and Manava Dharma (Religion of Humanity)” (Robinson, 23). Hinduism is a Grand mosaic of various Sampradayas, philosophies, mandirs, shastras, sadhus, devotees, holy places, ritual and festivals. It is often referred to by some scholars as a Family of Religions. The most attractive thought of Hinduism to me is Habits of Giving from Taittiriya Upanishad. These habits help me to feel real happiness of Giving. “Taittiriya Upanishad says: “Give. Give with the faith. Give with sensitivity. Give with the feeling of abundance. Give with right understanding” (Robinson, 25). Hinduism is not only a Religion but it also a guideline to make one’s life meaning full. For all the Hindus there are four goals of their life. (Hinduism in our Life) 1) Dharma (Pray to...
Words: 410 - Pages: 2
...Hinduism is one of the oldest known religions of the world; having no founder and no known starting year. Hinduism is the third largest practicing religion in the world, following Christianity and Islam. There are approximately 905 million practicing Hindus live in India and Nepal. The earliest origins of Hinduism can be traced to the Vedic civilization. The thing that makes up the Hindu religion is Sanarana Dharma. Sanarana Dharma is the proper name for Hinduism. Hinduism is the traditional religion of India with a whopping 80% of Indians still practicing Hinduism today (Pearson Education, Inc, 2007). Sanatan Dharma is one of the oldest religions known to mankind (Basham, 2013). One of the biggest spiritual expressions of Sanatana Dharma is personal devotion to a specific God or deity. Like, for instance the female goddess Shakti, who was the other half of Lord Shiva, has several of her own temples built in her honor (Subhamoy, 2013). Hinduism is still one of the major religions in the world, Hinduism it is more than a way of life, Hinduism is indeed a restrictive and organized religion. The Hindu religion has many different beliefs that have greatly evolved over time. The Hindu religion includes Dharma meaning religion, which encompasses duty, natural law, social welfare and many other things. Many of the religious paths of Dharma still continue to coexist in present day India. Other well-known beliefs in Hinduism include karma which...
Words: 780 - Pages: 4
...Comparison of Buddhism & Hinduism For many in the western world zen, yoga and feng shui concepts are the most that is understood about eastern religions, particularly Buddhism and Hinduism. Although many would be interested to know that yoga is not just an exercise class that makes you zen; there are many more important details about Buddhism and Hinduism we are misinformed about; especially, the differences of these two religions. Since Buddhism evolved from Hinduism, they are very similar, but they are two different faiths, with different sets of beliefs and interpretations on life and enlightenment (the ultimate objective of both). It might be in our best interest to begin this discussion at the end, with enlightenment. This is the goal of both Hinduism and Buddhism. To be exact, enlightenment in its simplest definition, is the ultimate release from the cycle of samsara, or the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. In both faiths, every living spirit will eventually achieve this goal, even if it takes numerous reincarnations. In Hinduism, this goal is also called moksha, liberation of the soul from suffering. However, in Buddhism enlightenment is called nirvana, and is a release from the cycle completely into a state of bliss. The sort of middle way between these two extremes is a belief held by Mahayana Buddhists, whom identify the Buddha in three bodies, one of which, the Ultimate Buddha underlies the entire universe and is identified as nirvana itself. On this...
Words: 819 - Pages: 4
...Week 3 Assignment: Hinduism Paper Week 3 Assignment: Hinduism Paper Hinduism is a religion that lacks a uniting belief system like many other religions possess. Cultural and societal influences have made Hinduism vital to India, the region in which it originated. India is one of the last places holding onto its ancient cultures. Hinduism is able to bring together different beliefs, customs, and traditions, which helps each maintain their historical traditions. The dharmic traditions that are found in India are all a mixture to some degree of each other. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism have all shared characteristics between one another. Hinduism is at its core monotheistic, although the Supreme God or Brahman may be worshipped in many different forms. Hindus believe in one Supreme Being who created the earth. India has a long history and many varieties of religion have developed over time. There are some unified religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The various other religions have been grouped together and labeled as “Hinduism” like they are a single religious practice. This grouping and categorization of Indian religions was began by the Colonial British during their rule in the nineteenth century (Fisher, 2014). There is much debate surrounding the classification and labeling of Indian religions by non-Indian people. The argument is made that these outside people use their own religious concepts and ideas as means to judge, understand...
Words: 883 - Pages: 4
...least is an offshoot of Hinduism." -S.Rahdhakrishnan Hinduism and Buddhism are two of the world’s largest and most influential religions. Both religions originated in the Asian country of India, and thus stem from a similar culture as well as philosophy. While contrasting greatly with the monotheistic religions of the West, Hinduism and Buddhism also contrast greatly with each other. Although similar in respect to general philosophy, the two faiths differ markedly on matters of social structure. The two religions also contrast in that Hinduism omits and Buddhism emphasizes individual freedom to progress spiritually and socially in the current life. By comparing the two traditions, one can unambiguously see why it is that Hinduism has proved the more unwavering and Buddhism the more humanitarian philosophy. Hinduism and Buddhism are more philosophical than doctrinal. Both exhort and encourage an all-encompassing way of life and define existence itself. For instance, the essential Hindu concept defining the individual and humanity’s responsibilities is called dharma. An intricate term, dharma is conceptually one’s sense of obligation. One must fulfill his role in society and the world. Such responsibilities include procreation and caste duties, but extend into the philosophical realm of peaceful and humble acceptance of one’s position. Dharma defines correct living...
Words: 1278 - Pages: 6
...Hinduism Paper Greg L. Fowler Hum/130 Religions of the World March 6, 2011 Michael Harris Hinduism Paper In this paper the subject is the religion of Hinduism. In this paper the subjects to explain are the makeup of the Hindu religion, what the cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated are and finally will explain the desire for liberation from earthly existence. The Hindu Religion “Hinduism is the oldest religion on the planet. Hinduism is actually known as the Sanatana Dharma or Eternal Truth. The uniting belief systems of Hinduism, and there are many, include the conviction that Truth is knowable and can be directly experienced” (Rood, 1995-2011). The Hindu religion has two core values. The first core value is the “doctrine of karma. Karma states that every thought and action results in certain consequences born by the actor or thinker. If a person lies or steals, he will be wronged in some way in the future. Most Hindus believe that though his/her present is determined by his/her past, nonetheless we can influence our future by conducting ourselves in a proper manner in the present” (Rood, 1995-2011, p.1). The modern day member of the Christianity faith may see some similarity between the karma and the verse in Galatians 6:7 which whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Hinduism has a strong sense of morality. The Hindu religion teaches non-violence. Another belief of...
Words: 894 - Pages: 4
...Hinduism is a religion filled with many philosophical thoughts about the soul, following your duties, achieving liberation and understanding the consequences of karma. Many of the beliefs in Hinduism makes a person think of life and their own actions they do everyday since it can affect your next life. Hinduism sometimes also makes one wonder if all of these various beliefs and philosophical thoughts are true or not and if you don’t follow your duties (dharma), if consequences really do occur or not in the present life and the next life. Atman, which is the soul, is constantly craving for things and always wants something even after we obtain our desires; it is a non-stop process (Embree 33). The Self (atman) is taken over by pleasure and pain, which is true in life because there are always desires that give us pleasure and make us happy (Embree 36). But one also needs to remember that life has its ups and downs meaning, there always will be a time of pain in life. No one is ever satisfied in life, we are always wanting more and more each day. According to the Upanishadic thinker the material world is not very important, only you, your soul, and the actions you do are important (Embree 36). Nothing else is more important in the world than your personality, which is the self (atman). I don’t completely agree with the Upanishadic thinker that the material world does not matter. It does matter because our actions and the way our soul feels at certain situations, it all comes from...
Words: 1194 - Pages: 5
...Primal Religions are religious expressions that didn't have written text and still don't to this day, but they don't lack music, dancing and art. Primal simply means first, “Primal religions, therefore, are the religions and the religious thought which was first – in other words, the earliest religious expressions “(Primal Religions lecture, Paragraph 1). This type of religion is often found in small social groups like, clans and tribes. Hinduism is a Brahman tradition that has been on the rise for almost 3,500 years. An important factor of Hinduism is Dharma, “Contemporary Hindus often refer to their religion as Dharma or Sanatana Dharma, and many of them find in Hinduism their total way of life” (Hinduism Lecture, Paragraph 1). Hinduism...
Words: 308 - Pages: 2
...Hinduism and its Role in Religion Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) is ordinarily regarded as the oldest organized religion in the world. It is noted that it has about 950 million followers or 14% of the world’s population (Religious Tolerance, 2011). It is the leading religion among the people in Nepal, India, and in the Tamils in Sri Lanka (Religious Tolerance, 2011). Hinduism is based on a holistic and spiritual approach and uses many scriptures (Verdas) about theology, mythology, and philosophy. These Verdas are the foundations of Sanatana Dharma. Hinduism is considered to be one of the most complex religions in the world and is sometimes referred to as hetheism, which means one has devotion to one “God”, but does not deny the existence of others. Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma is the eternal faith and is the practice of Dharma. It is the belief in one Supreme Being, represented by many gods. The Hinduism religion is based off the scriptures of Vedas which were written over a 2,000 year period and reflect about the belief, rituals, and practices of those who follow it, but it has changed significantly over the last 3,000 years. The Vedas include hymns, texts, and prayers that explain the Hindu belief. There are four parts in the collection and include the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. The Vedas are the texts of Hinduism (Fisher, 2005). They believe that there are 33 devas (divines) that each have a significant function that supports humans living in the...
Words: 750 - Pages: 3
