Core Beliefs Hinduism Hinduism is a combination of
Core Beliefs Hinduism
Hinduism is a combination of traditional Indian practices and also a history of thousands of years. There is no established founder of the religion and neither is there an official canon of sacred texts or scripture. The main feature of Hinduism is therefore its religious diversity.
For Hindus, belief in God is the starting point in a person’s spiritual journey. Hindus believe it is important to accept the teachings of the scriptures (shruti) and then test and translate them in daily life (yukti). It is believed this will lead to a first-hand experience of God, or swanubhuti. Brahman is the Hindu belief of the spirit underpinning the world. Within humans this spirit is referred to as Atman, or the soul. In the Hindu tradition dharma is the searching for that which holds everything together.
Hindus also believe in samsara or reincarnation, the cycle of rebirth, a cycle that only ends when a person discovers his or her essential nature as the spirit. This is called moksha. Another key belief linked to theory of reincarnation is the law of karma, which is the law of cause and effect. Karma states that we set into motion has a habit of catching up with us. The idea of ahimsa or the principle of non-violence is central in this as hurting others amounts to hurting ourselves. Humans have to bear the consequences of what they do, if not in this life, then in the next life.
Dharma means 'duty', 'virtue', 'morality', even 'religion' and it refers to the power which upholds the universe and society. Hindus generally believe that dharma was revealed in the Vedas. Dharma is the power that maintains society, and it gives humans the opportunity to act with virtue. Each person therefore has their own dharma known as sva-dharma. What is correct for a woman might not be for a man, or what is correct for an adult might not be for a child. Correct action in accordance with dharma is also understood as service to humanity and to God.
Hindus are polytheistic but also believe that god is one being that can be worshipped in many different forms. There are three major gods who are associated with creation, preservation and destruction: Brahma – creative force of the universe who is at the centre of collective worship. Brahma is often represented as an old, thoughtful king with four arms and four faces that look in all directions.
Vishnu – god of light and warmth, preserver of order and harmony. Vishnu is often depicted lying on a many-headed cobra which symbolises cosmic energy and time. Shiva – destroys and re-creates the universe. He most frequently appears as a bronze statue where Shiva stands on a dwarf demon and dances. In the images Shiva has four arms and long hair.
The three main Hindu groups are Vaishnavites, or those who follow the god Vishnu or his incarnations Rama and Krishna. Shaivites who think of god as Shiva, Shaktas who believe in the ultimate reality as the mother goddess called Shakti.
The four classes of Hinduism Traditionally Indian society has been divided into four classes, or varnas, that are based on people’s occupations. The caste system is considered to be part of the cosmic order and sacred. If a person lives a good life then he or she will be reborn in a higher caste. The four castes are: Brahmins – the priestly caste. Brahmins maintain ritual purity by not eating meat or drinking alcohol. They perform Vedic rituals, teach, study the scriptures, perform sacrifices, and give/receive gifts. Kshatriyas – the warrior caste. The Kshatriyas protect others and were originally part of the aristocracy.
Vaishyas – merchants and artisans. Their duty is to breed cattle, till the earth, and trade in goods. Vaishya males can in their youth take part in a special rite of passage and receive a sacred thread. Shudras – labourers and peasants. The Shudra are expected to serve the higher classes. They are considered ritually unclean and so cannot study the scriptures.
Outside of the four classes are the Untouchables or outcasts. These people are considered to be so low that they do not even rank within the class system. They are separated from pure-caste Hindus in order not to pollute them. The list of offences that Untouchables may commit include – living in a village, coming too close or casting a shadow on a caste Hindu, gaining wealth or owning property, wearing clean clothes, and taking water from the village well.
Untouchables must accept what wages they are given by Hindu farmers as they are unable to own their own land. They have no rights and their position is passed down through the family (hereditary basis). The treatment of the Untouchables is justified by the law of karma, where the position you hold in life is a direct result of your previous life. Although untouchability was made illegal in India in 1948, the situation for Untouchables remains unchanged in many ways (Goldburg, 2009, p. 201).
Further Information http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=173 Vo. PC 80 C 0&featur e=related http: //www. bbc. co. uk/religions/hinduism/ http: //www. bbc. co. uk/schools/religion/hinduism http: //hinduism. iskcon. com http: //www. vivekananda. btinternet. co. uk/secondaryscho olspage 3. htm
References http: //www. bbc. co. uk/religions/hinduism/ concepts/concepts_1. shtml Goldburg, Peta. Investigating World Religions. Cambridge University Press, New York, 2009.
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