Hindu Paper

Hindu Paper

Hindu Paper

The Hindu religion is unique. Hinduism is a very old religion and has been around for centuries. People who believe in this religion worship their own deity but will honor other deities as well. Certain Hindu groups believe in certain Gods and Goddesses. The Hindu religion focuses on the mind with philosophical systems. Hinduism believes in reincarnation in which the soul travels from body to body through death into birth. The soul may either stay in a human form or travel into an animal form, but the soul will never die. This religion also believes that what is right, is right. It is a pure religion and believers will follow a path of righteousness. In Hindu thought, what you do now will hold rein in your future. Nevertheless, the religion is very spiritual and these people live their everyday lives by the religion. A spiritual discipline. There are several branches of Hinduism, but all focus on an inner light.

From ancient times, people of India have practiced spiritual disciplines designed to clear the mind and support a state of openness from the real world. This is very cultural and known in Hinduism. This desired state of balance, purity, wisdom, and peacefulness of the mind is called sattvic. This is also socially known as Yoga. This spiritual discipline has influenced not only the regions of India, but globally as well. Although many people of the western world practice this to relieve stress, there is more to practicing yoga. The moral and ethical principles that form yoga are truth, non-violence, non-stealing, continence, and non-covetousness. Yoga also involves cleanliness,

contentment, self-study, and the devotion to God. (Living Religions, 2005).

Rituals are very cultural to the Hindu way of life. From the time of conception, there are rituals presented to purify and sanctify the person throughout their life. Fire rituals are cultural to the Hindu religion. During ceremonies, a sacred fire is presented along with patrons chanting and offerings to the deity. These offerings are believed to be rewarding. In temples, the deity image is treated as if it were a living king or queen. Fine-haired