Hindism

Karema James

Hinduism Paper

June 8, 2009

Axia College of University of Phoenix

"Hinduism is a term is derived from a name applied by foreigners to the people living in

the region of the Indus River and was introduced in the nineteenth century under colonial

British." Hinduism is also known as Sanatana Dharma. "Sanatana means "eternal" or "ageless"

reflects the belief that these ways have always existed." (Fisher, 2005, p.69) "Dharma, translates

as "religion," encompasses duty, natural law, social welfare, ethics, health, and transcendental

realization." (Fisher, 2005, p.69)

Hinduism followers believe in the Supreme Being and many other Supreme Deities. Rig

Veda is the oldest of the known Vedic scriptures which praises and implores the blessing of the

devas. "The major devas include Indra (the god of thunder and bringer of the welcome rains),

Agni (god of fire), Soma (the sacred drink), and Ushas (the god of dawn)." (Fisher, 2005) The

devas represent and unseen reality as which include opaque earth gods and transparent deities.

Hindus believe that once one discovers the inner self and the source, the self merges into a

translucent source and experiences peace and bliss. Hindus also believe in reincarnations.

Reincarnation is something to be believed as once a person dies, the soul moves on to a new

body. Reincarnation does not only happen in something of the human sense, a persons soul can

be brought back in any living thing.

Hinduism followers also believe in karma. "Karma means action and the consequences of

action." (Fisher, 2006,) They believe that a man becomes pure by doing pure deeds. If a person

does bad deeds it will reflect on his or her reincarnated life. By doing good deeds the person

achieves liberation from space, time and matter through immortal absolution. There are three

major deities that are worshiped by Hindus; Sakatas, who worship a Mother Goddess; Savivites

who worship the god Silva; and...