Introduction to Hindu Religious Traditions

Introduction to Hindu Religious Traditions

  • Submitted By: vriles
  • Date Submitted: 10/27/2010 1:29 PM
  • Category: Religion
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Running head: Hindu Religious Traditions Paper

Hindu Religious Traditions Paper
Vanessa Riles
University of Phoenix
WORLD RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS I REL/133
Group ELAA08C3X1
GERALD GRUDZEN
July 25, 2008

This paper will inform the reader of what sacred elements characterize the Hindu religious traditions, and what the significance and meanings of the religious traditions are. Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions. Hinduism has no beginning and was around
far before history was recorded by mankind. There is no founder for Hinduism. Today there are
nearly one billion followers of the Hindu Religion mainly in mainly in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Indian Ocean, Africa, Europe and North and South America (Hinduism, 2006).
The Hindu Religion has four main denominations, the Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and Saktism. Hinduism is a immense and reflective religion. This religion worships one Supreme Reality (known by many names) and instructs that all souls ultimately realize the Truth (Hinduism, 2006). There is no damnation and no eternal hell. Hinduism welcomes and accepts all sincere spiritual paths from pure monism ("God alone exists") to theistic dualism ("When shall I know His Grace?"). Each individual soul is free to find his own path, whether by austerity, devotion, meditation (yoga) or selfless service. Stress is released to temple worship, scripture and the guru-disciple tradition. Pilgrimage. festivals, chanting of holy hymns and home worship are dynamic practices. Nonviolence, love, good conduct and the law of dharma define the Hindu path (Hinduism, 2006). Hinduism defines that the soul reincarnates until all karmas are resolved and realization of God is attained. The elegant holy temples, the enlightened devoutness of the Hindu home, the science of yoga all play their part. Hinduism is a supernatural religion, most important the disciple to personally experience the Truth within, finally...

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