Nature Of Religion And Beliefs

657 Words3 Pages
Nature of Religion and Beliefs State the Religious Tradition: The religious tradition identified in the article is Hinduism which is an Indus religion. Characteristics of Religion: Beliefs: The beliefs of Hinduism are in relation to Brahman, who is known as the Supreme Being and is omnipotent and is seen as a divine deity who is simultaneously at one with all aspects of the universe and yet transcends all human understanding. Though the Hindu religion has a polytheistic element e.g. belief in numerous gods and goddesses such as Vishnu, Shiva and Aditi and a monotheistic element e.g. belief in the Supreme Being Brahman, it is in truth a Henotheistic religion i.e. a recognition of a single deity, but also a belief that other gods and goddesses are forms, facets, manifestations, or aspects of that supreme God. Believers: Those who are believers of the religion Hinduism are referred to as Hindus. Sacred Texts and writings: The primary sacred text of Hinduism is The Vedas which contains incantations, hymns and rituals. Other significant texts include the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, the Brahmanas, the Puranas, and the Aranyakas. E.g. In relation to the article, The Mahabharata represents the respect due to the cow through the quotation “Of all kinds of gifts, the gift of cows is applauded as the highest. Cows are the foremost of all things. Themselves sacred, they are the best of cleansers and sanctifiers. People should cherish cows for obtaining prosperity and even peace. Cows are said to represent the highest energy both in this world and the world that is above. There is nothing that is more sacred or sanctifying than cows.” Ethics: In relation to the article the significant ethics represented in the text is the sanctity of the cow. In the Hindu religion the cow is revered as Aditi, the mother of gods. Hindu’s have a great reverence for the cow as the cow is

More about Nature Of Religion And Beliefs

Open Document