Basic Beliefs
In Hinduism religion, people worship the gods they believe have effected their lives in some ways, even if its only slightly, but note that a specific belief about God or gods isn't an essential in Hinduism, which is a big difference between Hinduism and other monotheistic religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Sikhism (Monotheistic is the belief that there is only one god). Hinduism worshipers also believe in the authority of the Vedas (Old sacred Indian texts), reincarnation, and karma.
Sacred cows
~ Most Hindus see cows a symbol of life and peace, rather than something to kill and eat
~ Non-Hindus think of these beliefs as if the Hindus worship cows
~ The cow is honored at least once a year on Gopastami. On this "Holiday of the Cow", cows are cleaned and decorated in a temple and given offerings in the hope that her gifts of life will continue
~ Non-Hindus think of these beliefs as if the Hindus worship cows
~ The cow is honored at least once a year on Gopastami. On this "Holiday of the Cow", cows are cleaned and decorated in a temple and given offerings in the hope that her gifts of life will continue
Karma
~ Karma means actions, which is referring to the Hindu principle that one's moral actions have unavoidable and automatic effects on one's fortunes in this life and condition of rebirth in the next
~ Although one does not seem like they should deserve bad karma, their misfortune may be due to their actions in a previous life
~ God/Gods can't interfere with your karma in anyway, they don't think of it as a punishment nor a reward
~ There are 3 types of karma:
~ Although one does not seem like they should deserve bad karma, their misfortune may be due to their actions in a previous life
~ God/Gods can't interfere with your karma in anyway, they don't think of it as a punishment nor a reward
~ There are 3 types of karma:
- Prarabdha karma - karma experienced during the present lifetime
- Sancita karma - the store of karma that has not yet happened or realized its there
- Agamin or sanciyama karma - karma sown in the present life that will happen in a future life
The purpose of life to the Hindus
~ To the Hindus, there isn't just one purpose in life, but there is four:
Artha is prosperity or success in worldly pursuits
Kama is romantic love and sexual pleasure, though it can mean ones desire in general
Moksha is liberation from rebirth, enlightenment, Self-realization, or union with God
- Dharma - fulfilling one's purpose
- Artha - prosperity or wealth
- Kama - desire, sexuality, enjoyment
- Moksha - enlightenment or wisdom
Artha is prosperity or success in worldly pursuits
Kama is romantic love and sexual pleasure, though it can mean ones desire in general
Moksha is liberation from rebirth, enlightenment, Self-realization, or union with God