Understanding the Hindu Religion
Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions. Hinduism does not have a single set of guidelines for believers, and there is no sole originator or instructor. Hindus believe in a universal eternal soul called Brahman. Brahman is believed to have created everything and is present within everything. Brahman is considered the Hindus one God; however, Hindus do recognize additional gods that represent different expression of Brahman (Jayaram, 2007). Hindus recognize one god as creating the universe, who is Brahma. Brahma is the senior god and his job was completed upon creation. Hindus recognize the god who preserves and protects the universe, Vishnu. Vishnu's responsibility is to return to earth in disturbed times and repair the stability of good and evil. There is also Lakshmi who is the companion of the god Vishnu. Lakshmi is known as the goddess of wealth, knowledge and purity. Hindus believe that those who worship Lakshmi without greed are blessed with fortune and success. Then there is the god who destroys the universe known as Shiva. Shiva is known to have untamed passion, which leads him to extreme behavior. Shiva is seen as the source of both good and evil and is regarded as the one who combines many contradictory elements. Hindu philosophy consist of six customary schools that all identify a believer as one who acknowledges the power of the Vedas as absolute (Religion Facts, 2007).
Hindus believe in samsara, which is referred to as the cycle of life where they believe that the spirit passes through a series of succeeding lives. They believe that their next life will be based on karma. Hindus strongly believe karma shapes their future lives and individuals must assume responsibilities for ones behaviors and actions in t ...