Hinduism
(Fisher, 2005) Hinduism is a name attached to the religious ways of the people living in the area of the Indus River. (Das, 2007) Hinduism is very old and has developed over the time span of 3000 years. (Fisher) A more favored name today for Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma. When Santana Dharma is translated it can mean “eternal” and “religion”. There are many beliefs and ways that encompass the Hindu religion. (Das, 2007) Hinduism is difficult to define, but researchers are able to differentiate a number of forms and phases.
(Potter, 2007) Hinduism is a collection of assorted beliefs and traditions, in which the prominent ideas include Dharma, Samsara, Karma, Yoga, Reincarnation and Moksha. (Potter) Hinduism in truth cannot be defined as a traditional religion by definition but more of a commitment to or respect for an ideal way of life, known as Dharma. (Fisher, 2005) Dharma refers to the moral law, the religious and ethical duties of an individual. (Fisher) Dharma is one of the uniting beliefs in Hinduism. (Potter) Samsara is the belief that humans are born and die many times, the chain of lives. Karma is action and consequence of action. (Fisher) Yoga is a performed spiritual discipline or disciplines that help to clear the mind and maintain a state of tranquil, peaceful, and disconnected consciousness. (Fisher) Reincarnation occurs when the human body dies and the soul moves on to another body and is reborn. (Das, 2007) Moksha is the ultimate goal to be obtained; it is the souls release from the bonds of transmigration the end of reincarnation.
(Fisher, 2005) Some of the cultural and societal influences on Hinduism are from the Aryans who invaded, in the time 2d millennium BC. (Fisher) Some researchers have said that the Aryans were the ones that left the Vedas, known as the most sacred works of Hinduism. (Fisher) The idea that the Vedas came from the Aryans has been a long driven debate of researchers for decades. (Fisher) Mahatma...