Quest for Enlightenment
Jason McMullen
HUM 130
Gloria Bobbie, PhD (ABD)
October 22, 2007
Abstract
Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world. With four major sects and a set of fundamental beliefs it has incorporated many religious values and practices from different cultures for thousands of years. The promise of a better life through reincarnation and the union with the Supreme Being is what has driven many of India's people to practice and follow Hinduism and have the desire for liberation from this earthly existence.
Hinduism is one of the most diverse religions in the world. With 837 million followers it makes up 13% of the world's population and has become the third largest religion in the world surpassed only by Christianity and Islam (Religious Tolerence.org, 2006). This religion is a collection of religious beliefs and philosophies form cultures all across India from thousands of years. Each of these different beliefs seeks to enlighten the person and allow them to embrace a greater spirituality through meditation and self realization of one's unity with their Supreme Being. While lacking the presence of a uniting religious system, this socially inclusive practice has four major sects which are Saivism, Vaisnavism, Saktism and Smartism (Religion Facts, 2007).
?aivas or ?aivites are the people who practice Saivism and worship the God Siva as Supreme Being. This very profound, dedicated and spiritual form's objective is realizing a person's relationship with their God. This bond or unity with Siva is called nirv ...