Hinduism

Hinduism

Introduction

Hinduism is the world's oldest religion. It is the predominant and original religion of India in which 80% of population is Hindu. Hinduism is the collection of different philosophical or intellectual viewpoints instead of strict set of beliefs. It is a form of diverse traditions and does not have a single founder. It is called as world's third largest religion after Christianity and Islam with one billion followers throughout the world. Its traditions include Vaishnavism, Srauta and Shaivism. Besides their practices and traditions, it has broad ranges of laws based on the concept of dharma, karma and societal norms (Flood, 1996).

Beliefs, rituals and practices of Hindus

There is no common belief or principle that binds Hindus together. Rationally, they have complete freedom of beliefs and can adopt any principle such as monotheism, atheist or polytheist. Hinduism is a flexible religion consists of variety of influences and concepts.

The major aspect that binds them together is their traditions, laws and practices. They all believe in Supreme Being who is transcendent and immanent. He is believed to be the creator. They also believe in spirituality of four Vedas, God's words and the basis of Sanatana Dharma and the eternal religion. Their faith in life after death and the cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution unite them together. The most common principle among hindus is Karma, the law of cause and effect, describes that every individual makes his own destiny by doing deeds, words and thoughts. Although they believed in different Gods but their supreme God is the one who is the creator of all humans. Another common ritual in Hinduism is to prostrate before elders including parents and teachers. In Hinduism, it is also a ritual to offer food to the Lord. After this, Hindus partake of it as prasaada i.e. a holy ...