Essence of Hinduism

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Essence of Hinduism

 

Hindus believe in an uncreated, eternal, infinite, transcendent and

all embracing principal, which is the sole reality. It is the

ultimate cause and foundation; the source and goal of all existence.

This is 'Par Brahman.' This causes the Universe and all beings to

emanate from it, transform into the Universe or assume its

appearance. ' Brahman ' is the self or 'Atman' of all living beings.

The Atman seeks to unite with the Par Brahman in a desire for

salvation. This religious search for the ultimate truth has been the

focus of India's spiritual life.

 

Another characteristic of the religion is the principle of 'Ahimsa'

or non-violence and is regarded as the keystone of a Hindu's ethics.

Hindus believe in rebirth and transmigration of the soul or 'Atman'

and that the soul never dies, it merely takes on a new body.

 

It is an individual's deeds or ' karma ' that decide his fate in

this as well as the next life. Karma or previous actions of a being

are the factors that determine the condition into which a person,

after his death and subsequent stay in heaven or hell, is reborn in

one form or another. This cycle of birth-death-birth is

the 'Samsara.' For a Hindu, mundane day-to-day life is not true

existence.

 

All human endeavors should be directed towards liberation

or 'Moksha' from this endless cycle of birth and rebirth. Final

salvation or emancipation is the one permanent and eternal truth. It

is with the attainment of Moksha that the Atman meets and joins the

Brahman who symbolizes the One Truth that is the Whole Truth.

 

http://spirituality.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1951827222.cms