Ancient Religious Traditions: Hinduism

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Religion is best defined as “a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs” (Religion). The oldest religion that is still practiced today is called Hinduism. Those who follow the Hindu religion spend their lives pursuing the knowledge of truth, reality, and moral order. They strive to create tolerance amongst themselves, live in paths of duty, knowledge, and devotion. The ultimate goal is to attain Moksha. It is the soul's release from the cycle of life and rebirth when the soul unites with Brahman, or the highest or supreme God in Hinduism. Hinduism is both a religious practice and a way of life that sets values, morals, and ethics into the lives of those who follow it. Hinduism strives to make sense of this world in what is right and wrong with human kind, but also has unresolved matters within its own context.
A deeper look into Hinduism beliefs and traditions, reveal their views of humankind as being ignorant to the true nature of reality; perceiving materialistic objects over the essence of what shapes the immortal soul. Followers believe in a Supreme Being and living by concepts such as truth, dharma and karma, which are taught through Vedas or sacred scriptures. Some of these include their views on the nature of the universe and humankind and how they perceive it to be made right. Hindu’s believe in reincarnation, which is when a person dies their soul is reborn into this life as another living being. It is the process of being reborn until they reach spiritual perfection which includes al...

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...al Issues. ISKCON Educational Services. 2004. Web. 26 March 2014. URL:http://hinduism.iskcon.org/lifestyle/903.htm
Das, Subhamoy. The Four Ages of Man - The 4 Stages of Life in Hinduism. Web. 26 March 2014. URL:http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/fourstages.htm
Religion. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Web. 26 March 2014. URL:http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/religion
Vlach, Michael. Theological Studies.org. 2012. Web. 26 March 2014. URL:http://www.theologicalstudies.org/resource-library/world-religions/423-hinduism
What is Hindu Dharma. Hindu Temple and Cultural Center (HTCC) of South Carolina. 2004 Web. 26 March 2014. URL: http://www.hindutemplesc.org/balagokulam/BGDownloads/What_is_Hindu_Dhar ma.pdf

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