Hinduism

Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion. It is not like any other organized religion in the world. Hinduism is diverse and consist of many practices and beliefs that have been past down from their ancestors. Even though the Hindu Culture has had a deficient amount of uniting beliefs, it has still made an impact in India where it originated. In this paper I will discuss the make-up of the Hindu religion, the cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to India and the desire for liberation from earthly existence.
Hinduism also referred to as “Sanatana Dharma” consist of many different Indian practices and beliefs. Sanatana, “eternal” or “ageless,” reflects the belief that these ways have always existed. Dharma, often translated as “religion,” encompasses duty, natural law, social welfare, ethics, health, and transcendental realization (Fisher, M.P. 2005). Sanatana Dharma was broken into many groups such as the Aryans, the Brahmanas, and the Upanishads. Although there were many traditional beliefs and practices they incorporated the scriptures of the Vedas and made them authoritative in their way of life. The four books of the Vedas included the Sama, Rig, Yajur, and the Artharva. They were filled with knowledge from high philosophy to earthly devotion. The Vedas outlined ancient Indian society, declaring life’s sacredness and how to follow the path to oneness with God.

Hinduism has continued to influence the everyday lives of the Indians. Their rituals and Spiritual beliefs have been passed on from one generation to the next are still practiced in today’s modern society. “Karma” would be a perfect example of this. Karma which also means “act” is believed to be the law of cause and effect. Subhamoy defines it as the "sum of person's actions in one of his successive states of existence, viewed as deciding his fate