Hinduism PDF

Hinduism Hinduism, the most common religion of the Indian subcontinent, is a South Asian religion based on traditions that emerged around 1500 BCE and whose followers are called Hindus. In India, Hinduism is called Sanatana Dharma, which means "eternal religion" or Vaidika Dharma, which means "relig...

Hinduism Hinduism, the most common religion of the Indian subcontinent, is a South Asian religion based on traditions that emerged around 1500 BCE and whose followers are called Hindus. In India, Hinduism is called Sanatana Dharma, which means "eternal religion" or Vaidika Dharma, which means "religion of the Vedas," a set of Hindu scriptures (holy writings). Hinduism differs from many of the world's major religions because it does not have a standard theology (discussion about the nature of God or gods), a specific founder or prophet, a systematic moral code, or an organizational structure. Hinduism can be thought of as a loose association of religions, each differing from the others but all sharing a common set of core beliefs. Hinduism is also commonly regarded as a way of life or a philosophy (a search for a general under standing of values and reality) rather than a formalized religion. (World Religions Reference Library, edited by Julie L. Carnagie, et al., vol. 2: Almanac, UXL, 2007, pp. 239) How to Become a Hindu? Membership in Hinduism requires no specific instruction or ritual. A person who rejects the teachings of the Vedas (Hindu sacred texts) is not a Hindu, but anyone who accepts them can properly be called a Hindu. Four Prominent Features The four Puruṣārthas, the proper goals or aims of human life dharma (ethics/duties) artha (prosperity/work) kama (desires/passions) moksha (liberation/freedom from the passions and the cycle of death and rebirth), Other important concepts are karma (action, intent and consequences) and saṃsāra (cycle of death and rebirth) Some Core Concepts of Hinduism Belief: Hindus believe that all reality is a unity, expressed by the concept of Brahman. They also believe in the transmigration of the soul, or reincarnation (rebirth), and that the quality of a person's next life is determined by his or her character in the present life. Name of God: Hindus worship many aspects of the supreme being, Brahma, as separate gods or goddesses. Two of the most prominent are Vishnu, the preserver-god, and Shiva, the destroyer-god. Worship: Hindu worship does not have a formal structure. Worship is often conducted alone or with family in the home. When Hindus attend a temple, individual worship is aided by priests, though communal worship consists of prayers and readings from the Vedas.