An overview of the Hindu views regarding the purpose of life, the eternal cyle of life and reincarnation
What is Hinduism? That is a simple question with a complex answer? Hinduism is, in fact, a completely different way of understanding life. It is a way of life that is completely foreign to Westerners. Rather than seeing life as a chronological series of events in history, Hindus see life as a self repeating cycle in which human history is of little importance.
The name Hinduism is a human invention. Hinduism has no definite creed, priestly hierarchy or governing body. Instead it has swamis (teachers) and gurus (spiritual guides). Hinduism is based upon the ancient writings known as the Vedas. The three principal Gods of the Hindu are Vishnu, Shiva and the Goddess Shakti. From these principal Gods come many other lesser Gods. The Hindu people do, in fact, have about 330 million names for their Gods. However, the Hindu people can actually be considered monotheistic in that they believe each of the various Gods are actually aspects of the one true God. This belief could be akin to the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity.
Hinduism is really a loose term that covers a whole host of religions and beliefs that have developed over the centuries under the umbrella of Hindu mythology. Today about 13% of the world's population, some 700 million people, are Hindu. Most of these people live in India. In Hinduism there are basic concepts that influence thinking and daily conduct. One of these is ahimsa, or non-violence. On the basis of ahimsa Hindus are not supposed to kill or do violence to other creatures. Another important aspect of Hindu belief is the concept of karma. It is based on the principle that every action has it's consequences, either positive or negative. On the basis of one's actions his future existence in a transmigrated existence is determined. Hindus believe that each man is the determiner of his own fate. Every incident in his life, either good or bad, is the result of some previous action in a former life.
This belief is contingent upon belief in the immortal soul. The Hindus believe that every soul passes through many reincarnations. The goal is to unite with the supreme being, Brahman. As a result of the belief in Karma, Hindus tend to be fatalistic. They believe that one's present status and condition are the result of a previous existence and are, therefore, deserved, be it either good or bad. Establishing a good record for himself during his present life, may help advance his station in the next life, but will not alter his present situation. As a result of this viewpoint, Hindus appear to be more accepting of their lot than do westerners.
The ultimate aim of the Hindu faith is to achieve Moksha. Moksha means liberation or release from the endless cycle of incarnations. This is the goal of all Hindus. The biggest event in the life of the Hindu is, in fact, his death. Moksha can be achieved by following the different margas or ways. The four margas are karma yoga (the way of action), Jnana yoga (the way of knowledge), bhakti yoga (the way of devotion) and Raja Yoga ( a method of special postures, methods of breathing, and rhythmical methods of breathing and repetition of the proper thought formulas).
