Hinduism Paper

HINDUISM PAPER
Christopher Holland
HUM/130 Religions of the World
Axia College, University of Phoenix
Virginia Merlini
August 22, 2010

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this research paper is to explore the religion of the Hindu people called Hinduism. With the exploration of this religious culture I shall examine the belief system that makes up Hindu religion. My method for doing so will be to name as well as define each fundamental Hindu belief. In addition, I will state the cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated. The method I will use to accomplish this is to explore Hindu traditions which will navigate me through the Hindu culture as well as shine light on the structure of their society. Also, I will explain the Hindu's desire for liberation from earthly existence. This will be done by discussing the Hindu's ultimate goal of freedom through death. Upon completion of my paper there will be a greater understanding of the Hindu belief system. As well as detailed exploration into cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated. Last, there will be a greater understanding of how the Hindu culture views death and their seeking of an ultimate goal which will explain the Hindu's desire for liberation from earthly existence.

The Make Up of Hindu Religion

Hinduism embraces a great diversity of beliefs, a fact that can be initially confusing to westerners accustomed to creeds, confessions, and carefully-worded belief statements. There are some beliefs common to nearly all forms of Hinduism that can be identified, and these basic beliefs are generally regarded as boundaries outside of which lies either heresy or non-Hindu religion. The fundamental concept of Hinduism is the belief in the ultimate reality called Brahman universal soul and its identification with the Aatman individual soul (ygoy). All creatures go through a cycle of birth and re-birth.... [continues]

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