Hinduism

Hinduism

July 29, 2012

HUM 130

Tina Marino

Abstract

Hinduism is a religion where there are no set traditions and beliefs. There is no founder of this religion The Hindu religion believes in the ultimate reality who is the universal soul, Brahman, and the identification with the Aatman, the individual soul. Sanatana Dharma is a label that is known today reflecting Hinduism. From birth to death, there are numerous rituals to evaluate the person above their animal nature. All living creatures go through a cycle of birth and rebirth. The being status in each birth is determined by Karma principles.

The Hindu religion is not a religion of set traditions, but includes several different traditions and beliefs passed throughout the centuries. The Hindu religion believes in the ultimate reality who is the universal soul, Brahman, and the identification with the Aatman, the individual soul. All living creatures go through a cycle of birth and rebirth. The being status in each birth is determined by Karma principles. A label that is known today reflecting Hinduism, is Sanatana Dharma. Fisher (2005) stated, Sanatana means “eternal” or “ageless,” reflecting the belief that these ways have always existed. Dharma is often translated as a “religion,” encompassing duty, natural law, social welfare, ethics, health, and transcendental realization (p. 69). There is no particular founder, devotional traditions, or philosophy to define Sanatana Dharma. The purpose of Sanatana Dharma is to uplift people from worldly concerns and encourage them to behave according to higher laws (Fisher, 2005).

Ceremonies and Rituals

From birth to death, there are numerous rituals to evaluate the person above their animal nature. These include time of conception, braiding the mother’s hair, birth, name giving, beginning of foods, the start of education, boys invested with sacred thread (involving three threads worn across the chest from the left shoulder), leaving home to be married,...