Anti Essays :: Free "Hinduism" Essay
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Submitted by chrismungovan on June 10, 2008
Modern Day Hinduism
Hinduism is the third most practiced world religion today, following Christianity and Islam. There is not one individual person believed to of founded the religion. Hinduism evolved from the ideas of several different religious groups in India since 150 BC. Hinduism is practiced by about 13 percent of the world's population, and is the main religion in the country of India. (source 1).
Hindus believe that if you have good Dharma (the duties that you are on the earth, such as acts of good service and kindness towards others), you will have good Karma, (or be rewarded for what you have done on earth, by dying and going to paradise). (source 2). Hindu's also believe in reincarnation or rebirth of the soul, they believe that one has to be reincarnated many times before they reach paradise and achieve great Karma. (source 5). Hinduism is a henotheistic religion, meaning that they are devoted to a single god, while accepting the existence of other gods. Hindu's believe that Brahman is the supreme soul, and worship the Brahmin as their God. A Hindu person's duty in their religion, is to have a soul similar to that of the Brahman, therefore practicing good Dharma, and achieving good Karma in their next life. Hindu's try to accomplish 4 main goals during their lifetime. "kama," which is sensual pleasure and enjoyment of life, "artha" which is material prosperity and success, "dharma," which is correct action in accordance with ones spiritual laws, and "moksha," which is liberation from the cycle, leaving the earth and going to paradise. (source 2).
Hinduism originated with the Caste system. The Caste system divided people into social classes based on what kind of family they were born into. The caste system is made up of 4 social groups of people, The Brahmins are the highest Caste, made up of teachers and priests, The Kshtriyas were warriors nobles and kings, making up the second caste, The Vaishyas were farmers,...
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