Hinduism Paper

Hinduism Paper
Maria Rucker
HUM/130

      Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions. No one really knows when Hinduism began or who founded it. Sanatana Dharma, meaning “Eternal or Universal Righteousness” is the original name of what is now called Hinduism. Sanatana Dharma comprises of spiritual laws which govern the human existence. Hinduism is made up of many different things. First of all, Hindu’s believe in supreme being who in both creator and inmanifest reality. Hindus also believe that the universe undergoes an endless cycle of creation conservation and dissolution. Karma is huge in Hinduism. Karma means what goes around comes around. It is the law of cause and effect by which each person creates his or her own destiny by their words, thoughts and actions. Hindus also are strong believers in reincarnation. They believe that the soul reincarnates after death. They believe that the soul goes through many births until all karmas have been resolved and liberation is attained.   Hindus believe that an enlightened master, or guru, is essential to know the Transcendent Absolute, as are personal regulation, good conduct, cleansing, pilgrimage, self-inquiry, meditation and surrender in God. Furthermore, Hindus believe that all life should be loved and respected. They feel as though all life is sacred. Lastly, Hindus believe that no religion teaches the only way to deliverance above all others, but that all pure paths are facets of God's Light, deserving understanding and tolerance.
Cultural and societal influences made Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated by numerous customs and social systems that were adhered by the people of India or fellow followers of Hinduism. Culturally, Hinduism consists of many myths that implied the innumerable faces of the devine to interact in various forms with people. In cultural traditions the divine or deities would bless, penalize and look after the people depending on how well they were respected.... [continues]

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