Download Hinduism is an umbrella term for native Indian religions. It is

Hinduism is an umbrella term for native Indian religions. It is characterized by a diverse
array of belief systems and practices. It has its origin in the ancient Aryan culture, giving it claim to be
among the oldest major world religions, and it is the third largest religion with approximately 940 million
followers worldwide (mostly in India).
Essentially, any kind of spiritual practice followed with faith, love and persistence will lead to the same
ultimate state of self-realization. Thus, Hindu thought distinguishes itself by strongly encouraging
tolerance for different beliefs since Earthly systems cannot claim sole understanding un-Earthly god.
Although Hinduism is very diverse, one of the possible things that unites all Hindus is the quest for
enlightenment and to free oneself from the cycle of rebirth. Another major concept is the concept of "nonviolence".
Overview of Beliefs. Many describe Hinduism as polytheistic, but in reality it has a strong belief in one
god. Within Hinduism, a variety of lesser gods are seen as aspects of or paths to understand the one
divine god, Brahman. Brahman is seen as a universal spirit or infinite existence with no shape or form.
What can be said to be common to all Hindus is belief in duty, reincarnation, karma, and liberation from
rebirth (enlightenment or moksha). Hindus believe that all souls can lead an indefinite number of lives in
which the soul takes many forms. By performing good deeds, one builds good karma, resulting in
positive consequences (for example, beneficial rebirths).
Another major aspect of Hinduism is duty and one’s obligations. It is said that all humans seek pleasure
and power, but with maturity, learn to govern these desires within a higher goal of fulfilling one’s duty
and moral harmony. This may in turn lead to the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of life, death,
and rebirth.
Caste system. According to ancient Hindus, the four varnas or castes had equal standing in the society
and were based upon a person’s occupation and duty to society. But over a period of time the caste
system has become rigid and discriminatory. Brahmins, the highest varna, were said to be comprised of
priests and educators. The lower castes included kshatriyas (warriors), vaisyas (merchants, land-owners),
and sudras (laborers). Because of the complex relationship between Hinduism and the caste system,
Hindus believed that only Brahmins could achieve moksha, liberation from reincarnation. Members of
lower castes must then build good karma to be reborn into a higher caste each life until they reach
Brahmin (and eventually moksha).
In spite of centuries of numerous reform movements, caste based discrimination is so deeply rooted in the
Indian consciousness that even Christian converts have been known to separate church meetings for
different castes.
The four stages of life. The human life is also seen as four "stages". The first quarter of one's life is
spent in celibate, sober and pure contemplation of life's secrets under a mentor, building up body and
mind for the responsibilities of life. Next, life enters the householder's stage, in which one marries and
satisfies a married life and professional career. Third is gradual detachment from the material world,
seemingly giving over duties to one's sons and daughters, spending more time in contemplation of god
and making pilgrimages. Finally, the individual goes off into seclusion, often envisioned as the forest, to
find God through meditation and peacefully shed the body for the next life.
Additionally, through belief in non-violence, strict movements of vegetarianism and tolerance grew.
Hindus believe that everything in the world is part of the universal spirit, and therefore everything needs
to be respected, preserved and protected.
Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who lived about 26
centuries ago in what is now northeastern India. He came to be called "the Buddha," which means
"awakened one," after he experienced a profound realization of the nature of life, death and existence. In
English, the Buddha was said to be enlightened, although in Sanskrit it is bodhi, "awakened."
In the remaining years of his life, the Buddha traveled and taught. However, he didn't teach people what
he had realized when he became enlightened. Instead, he taught people how to realize enlightenment for
themselves. He taught that awakening comes through one's own direct experience, not through beliefs and
dogmas.
In the centuries following the Buddha's life, Buddhism spread throughout Asia to become one of the
dominant religions of the continent. Estimates of the number of Buddhists in the world today vary widely,
in part because many Asians observe more than one religion, and in part because it is hard to know how
many people are practicing Buddhism in Communist nations like China. The most common estimate is
350 million, which makes Buddhism the fourth largest of the world's religions.
How Is Buddhism Distinctive From Other Religions?
Buddhism is so different from other religions that some people question whether it is a religion at all. For
example, the central focus of most religions is God, or gods. But Buddhism is non-theistic. The Buddha
taught that believing in gods was not useful for those seeking to realize enlightenment.
Most religions are defined by their beliefs. But in Buddhism, merely believing in doctrines is beside the
point. The Buddha said that we should not accept doctrines just because we read them in scripture or are
taught them by priests.
Instead of teaching doctrines to be memorized and believed, the Buddha taught how we can realize truth
for ourselves. The focus of Buddhism is on practice rather than belief. The major outline of Buddhist
practice is the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path is: Right View , Right Intention ,Right Speech ,Right
Action ,Right Livelihood ,Right Effort ,Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration
The Path is divided into three main sections: wisdom, ethical conduct and mental discipline.
Basic Teachings
In spite of its emphasis on free inquiry, Buddhism is not whatever you want it to be. It might best be
understood as a discipline, and an exacting discipline at that. And although Buddhist teachings should not
be accepted on blind faith, understanding what the Buddha taught is an important part of that discipline.
For example, the foundation of Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths. The Truths are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The truth of suffering (dukkha)
The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha)
The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga)
By themselves, the Truths don't seem like much. But beneath the Truths are countless layers of teachings
on the nature of existence, the self, life, and death, not to mention suffering. The point is not to just
"believe in" the teachings, but to explore them, understand them, and test them against one's own
experience. It is the process of exploring, understanding, testing and realizing that is Buddhism.