Hinduism
Hundreds of diverse sects. However, Hindus affirm God (Nirguna Brahman) is the highest power and is eternal. He is present in all living beings and it is possible to worship Him in a variety of ways. The numerous deities in Hinduism are seen as aspects or manifestations of God. The triune of God in Hinduism is manifested as Brahmā—the Creator, Vishnu—the Preserver, and Shiva—the Destroyer or Liberator.[7, 8]
Om/Aum is the most sacred word in Hinduism. It is non-denominational and a non-personal word and, therefore, is used as a visual symbol of God by all Hindu sects. The word is frequently mentioned in the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures.[2, 8]
There are four stages of an individual’s life:[2, 8]
Brahmacharya: Covers the period prior to marriage. The individual is seen as a student and in a period of education and character development.
Gārhasthya: The period during which an individual is working in the world and establishes a family household.
Vānaprasthya: The stage of retiring from worldly attachments.
Pravrajya: The period of waiting for death and release of the spirit to unite with Brahmān.
There are many rituals/practices based on the occasion and/or purpose. Important events in a Hindu’s life such as childbirth, marriage, and cremation are sanctified through a religious sacrament known as samskāra.[2, 9, 10]
The religion supports the belief in reincarnation according to the law of Karma. The belief is that rebirth is dependent on moral behavior in an individual’s previous existence. An individual experiences multiple rebirths to purify the soul. The goal of one’s present existence is to be released from the cycle of rebirth and death, thereby achieving moksha where the soul becomes one with God. Brahām is the universal soul, the ultimate intelligence. It is believed that all people are caught up in a cosmic system of everlasting becoming and perishing. All things proceed from and return to Brahmān. In simpler terms, there is the belief in one God who energizes the entire universe. Hindus believe in the existence of other superhuman powers (devas) that serve different functions in controlling nature and other life events. However, Brahmān is the Supreme. There are four aims of living:
Artha: Material prosperity.
Kāma: Satisfaction of desires.
Dharma: Performing the moral and ethical duties of one’s place in life.
Moksha: Obtaining release from the cycle of rebirths that every soul is subject to.
Hindus strive to fulfill his or her duty toward family, traditions, and devotion to the gods.[1, 2, 6, 11, 12, 13]
The five daily duties are:[1, 9]
Yoga and Meditation: Yoga is aimed at decreasing one’s distraction by the senses, allowing the individual to be more focused on the inner spirit.
Worship and reverence for a deity.
Respect for elders and ancestors.
Extending hospitality to the needy and to holy men.
Respect and kindness for all living creatures.
Generally, a Hindu will wear some distinctive mark (pundra) on the forehead and may carry some symbol of his or her religion.
Shrines dedicated to a specific deity may be found in the home for private worship.
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