Gary S. Dusek
Axia College University of Phoenix
Abstract
This paper will discover and or discuss the answers I have found to the following questions. Considering that Hinduism lacks a uniting belief system, what makes up the Hindu religion? What are the cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which it organized? I will also explain the desire for liberation from earthly existence.
Hinduism Hinduism has become the world’s third largest religion following Christianity and then Islam. It claims about 837 million followers- 13% of the world’s population. Hinduism is one of the oldest and most complex religions. From what I have read, I believe what makes up the Hindu religion …show more content…
The reason being India is one of the last places that still practice such a wide variety of religious traditions. One of "Hinduism's" greatest strengths is its ability to unite the diverse beliefs and practices of its people in ways that are absolutely necessary for India to continue as it historically has. The government of India is opposed to Christian and Muslim missionaries. Religions like Christianity or Islam demand that everyone believe in the traditions and worship the same Gods as they do. Hinduism's greatest attribute is its diversity and its ability to include all beliefs. According to Hindus, certain spiritual principles hold true, surpass man-made thoughts, representing a pure science of consciousness. This awareness is not simply that of the body or mind and intellect, but of a soul-state that exists within and beyond our existence, the untarnished Self of all. Religion to the Hindu is the native search for the divine within the Self, the search to find the “one truth.” Another major influence Hinduism has had on societal and cultures is the practice of Yoga. Even today Yoga is a popular form of exercise and meditation. Yoga Gurus offer different courses of physical and mental disciplines for attaining liberation from the material world. The word yoga has come into popularity of late. Many other styles of exercise, ranging from aerobics to calisthenics to …show more content…
Hindus believe that letting go of all one’s earthly possessions and desires is the only way to find true peace and serenity. The Hindus were often very poor and lived a sort of hell on earth. They believe that karma would bring them a better life in reincarnation. Hindus do not believe that death is the end of life, but a new beginning to a new being. This person may be reincarnated in the form of a God, an animal, or even a single blade of grass. Hindus believe that life is an ever changing circle and good deeds will return good as bad deeds will return bad in the afterlife. The main difference between the eastern and western religions is that in Islam and Christianity you commit sin against the law of God, where as in Hinduism and related religions, you commit sin against yourself by your own