Beliefs

Beliefs

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The Eternal Soul:

Hindus believe in an eternal spirit called Brahma and the purpose of life is to understand one’s eternal identity as the atma (soul). Human life offers the chance of learning this truth, and human life provides the opportunity to understand oneself and about God.

 Reincarnation:

The belief that the soul is eternal and lives many lifetimes and lives in one body after another. A Soul is born in a body of a human, plant, or animal and all forms of life contain a soul. There is a cycle they believe in called Samsara. The soul moves upwards and backwards on the wheel of rebirth. But, the religion of Hinduism teaches the solution of life’s problems and is to be released from karma and gain freedom from the wheel.


Karma:

Karma is the Sanskrit word for action, thus, action brings reactions. Hindus believe every experience, pleasant of unpleasant, is linked to past actions, in present life time, or past lifetime and by practicing yoga or spiritual discipline, one can change one’s actions and so change one’s future. Plus, belief in karma teaches people to accept responsibility for behavior and learn from mistakes.

Other beliefs:

-Nirvana- Goal of the Hindus, Nirvana is the release of the soul from endless cycle of births.

The Caste System:

The Caste system is divided into four groups

1.      Brahmin: The seers, the reflective ones, the priests

a.      The intellectual and spiritual leaders.

b.      In our society, they would correspond to the philosophers, religious leaders, and teachers.

2.      Kshatriyas: Formerly nobles, rajahs, and warriors

a.      The protectors of our society

b.      In our society, the politicians, police, and the military

3.      Vaisyas: The Producers, the craftsmen, artisans, farmers

a.      The skillful producers of material things

b.      In our society, the merchants

4.      Shudras: The unskilled laborers or laboring class

a.      The followers of maintenance people

b.      The so-called menial workers or hard laborers.

By J.G.