Hindu Paper

Hinduism

By, Michele Ratliff

Axia College

Hinduism, a religion that is complex with variances based on the beliefs of an individual. Not all Hindus believe in a god, but do portrait faith in a philosophy, others may believe in many gods. There are Hindus who put their faith in trusting material possessions, and others hold true to worshiping objects. Belief in self deprivation is evident in some Hindus while others believe in behavioral practices such as sensuality. Though there are the common bonds that link Hindus together, it is not hard to see that there is not a specific belief system that unites Hinduism. With that said, there are similarities within the different varieties of Hinduism. Many of the Hindu beliefs are rooted deep in their belief in Karma. Believing Karma to be the reason for one’s suffering in life, without recognition of self causing life’s suffering. Hinduism is a makeup of several diverse practices, with a variety of beliefs.

Hinduism is most commonly known as Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma signifies “eternal beliefs for the good of all” (Fisher, 2005). In all a spiritual belief that is thought to have originated in the region of the Indus River. During a 19th century census conducted by the British (Fisher, 2005) the term Hinduism was attached to the religion. Not knowing how to classify the different beliefs among the Hindu People, the British had given one common name to the religion, Hinduism.

The aboriginal tribes from the Vedic Age are believed to have derived from the Sanatana Dharma religion. Each tribe had its own method of practicing Sanatana Dharma. Some fundamentalist believed when the aboriginal tribes were invaded by the Aryans is when the various practices of Sanatana Dharma began to flourish throughout the region. Throughout history this theory has been debated many times by several scholars. If the theory proved to be false, this would provoke the past 150 years of Sanatana Dharma to...