Hum 130 Week 3

Week 3 Assignment: Hinduism Paper

HUM 130

The fundamental concept of Hinduism is the belief in the ultimate reality called Brahman (or universal soul). They believe that all beings go through a cycle of birth and re-birth. The status of the birth in each cycle is determined by the principle of Karma (every action has a reaction). This can only be broken by self realization, and the being is said to be attained Moksha or liberation.

Hinduism is the oldest form of religion ever. Its cultures and traditions date back as far as anything recorded. People that were born into the religion are all very similar in their traditions and beliefs. Hinduism has a very deep sense of morality and ethics. They teach non-violence known as ahimsa, Karma, Dharma or truth, and marga which is destiny. Hinduism is just a term used for many different traditions. Every one of these traditions is a bit different than the others however they all come together and stands for their famous statement of Rg Veda: Truth is one.

What makes up the Hindu religion is that it in itself is a very logical and inspirational religious system that offers the answer to all of those that believe in it no matter what form that they practice. It many ways the Hindu Dharma is comparable to any religion that may be practiced anywhere on the planet.

The people of India where Hinduism started from are a very racial, religious, and cultural group of people. This is why Hinduism has some many different parts to it. They all have their own style and beliefs but end up with the same result when it is all said and done. Hinduism helps to keep peace and cooperation amongst themselves and lets everyone be able to carry on and function together as a group no matter how diverse they are.

Hinduism has two basic views about moksa or liberation. Some believe that they achieve liberation after death. That they will merge with a collective unconsciousness, i.e. that they will as an individual merge into a form of...