Hinduism
World Religions: Hinduism
Lisa M. Gardner
Hum 130- World Religions
Axia College of University of Phoenix
There are various religions in this world. Several are indigenous religions that have been passed down from generation to generation and remain unchanged by the people. Hinduism is one of the oldest known religions dating back in time. Though Hinduism lacks a uniting belief system there are aspects that define the Hindu religion, cultural and societal influences that have made Hinduism vital to the region in which it originated, and vast reasons why Hindu devotees desire liberation from earthly existence.
Hinduism is an umbrella term given to the religion by Europeans that involves numerous religious teachings and philosophical ideas. Hinduism is more commonly known as Sanatana Dharma. Sanatana Dharma means literally eternal religion. Though Hinduism vastly lacks a uniting belief system there are aspects that define the Hindu religion. Hinduism is one of the oldest religions that do not have a known founder for the religion. The religion is based on several teaching and revolves heavily around rituals. These rituals start at an early age and continue throughout a follower’s life. According to the Axia College Week Two reading Hinduism (2009), There are certain rituals and rites of passage that are addressed in the ancient scriptures to purify and sanctify devotees in their journey through life, including rites at the time of conception, the braiding of the pregnant mother's hair, birth, name-giving, beginning of solid foods, starting education, investing boys with a sacred thread, first leaving the family house, starting studies of Vedas, marriage, and death.
According to the Axia College Week Two reading Hinduism (2009), “According to the Indian Supreme Court, which formally defined Hindu beliefs that in away affirms universality rather than exclusiveness. According to the Court’s definition, to be a Hindu...
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