Name
Professor
Course
Date
Hinduism
With roots dating back to over 4000 years ago, Hinduismsm is considered the oldest religion in the world (Kamble et al., 163). Hinduism is the third-largest religion after Christianity and Islamic religion, with estimated present followers to be about 900 million around the world. India inhabits roughly 95 percent of the world’s Hindus, although neighboring countries like Nepal and Mauritius practice Hinduism. The region has a complicated history with no specific founder, thus making it difficult to trace the history and origins of Hinduism. As opposed to beliefs of other single and organized religions, Hinduism is a “family of religions.” more so, Hinduism embraces many religious ideas. Followers believe that there are many ways of reaching their respective gods and goddesses (Kamble et al., 165). Samsara and karma being the doctrines that guide their modern-day lives.
Hinduism is unique since it incorporates many traditions and philosophies.
Hinduism’s primary belief is the idea that thoughts and actions directly reflect on the current living and future lives. With an emphasis on ethical conduct and morality, Hindus try to achieve dharma; a sacred code of living (Weightman 270). The belief that every creature possesses a soul has influenced the types of food that Hindus eat. For instance, the cow is considered a sacred animal.” Atman,” a Philosophy, holds that all living creatures are part of the supreme soul. Most Hindus are vegetarian; thus, beef and pork consumption is minimal.
Hinduism, unlike other religions and traditions, has two primary symbols, the Om composed of three Sanskrit letters (a, u and m) combined to form a sacred sound and the swastika meaning good fortune (Weightman 275). These symbols exist in family shrines and Hindu temples. Many sacred writings are considered holly books in the Hindu religion. Composed at around 1500 B.C, Vedas are the Hindu’s primary holy texts. The Vedas mare made up of Atharvaveda, Yajurveda, the Samaveda, and the Veda. These are a collection of hymns and verses that contain revelations received by ancient saints.
The origins of Hinduism is a debate as to who influenced the rapid spread of this religion (Kamble et al., 169). believes are that Hinduism started between 2300 B.C and 1500 B.C in the Indus valley; modern-day Pakistan. At this time, Vedas came to existence, thus referred to as the Vedic period. Sacrifice rituals and chanting were famous in this period. Unlike these days, Hindus observe sacred holidays and festivals. Some of these festivals include the Diwali festivals, Navaratri, and Krishna Janmashtami; tribute to Krishna’s birthday.
The caste system divides Hindus according to their dharma and karma. This social hierarchy system dates back more than three centuries (Weightman, 280). The divisions are in order of prominence; therefore, at the top of the hierarchy are the intellectual and spiritual leaders followed by public servants and protectors of the society, then skillful producers and lastly unskilled laborers. Every aspect of professional, social, and religious status in India is a product of the castle system.
In conclusion, Hinduismsm reflects the diversity of beliefs and cultures that exists in India. The religion mainly emphasizes on traditions that show respect and devotion preaching essential values like honesty and patience and not hurting other living creatures. Hinduism is related to other religions in India including Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism. Reincarnation is a distinctive characteristic that sets the uniqueness of Hinduism to other traditions like the Chinese traditions
Works Cited
Kamble, Shanmukh V., et al. “Attitude towards Hinduism, religious orientations, and psychological adjustment in India.” Mental Health, Religion & Culture 17.2 (2014): 161-172.
Weightman, Simon. “Hinduism.” A new handbook of living religions (2017): 261-309.