A Short History Of Hinduism

By Owen Jones

Hinduism is a complex blend of polytheistic religion, a (belief in many gods, rather like the Greek and the Roman deities) and philosophy. It stemmed from Vedism, which dates back to the second millennium before Christ. It is not surprising therefore that numerous sects have developed or broken away from a faith of this age.

However, most of these sects rely on the one book, the Vedic writings known universally as the 'Upanishads', and their differences result from their individual interpretations of it. These texts describe the events of Shiva, the creator, preserver and destroyer of the universe and they are based on even more ancient writings such as the Mahabharata, the Ramayana and, less famous in the West, the Puaranas.

The Bhagavad Gita, the Lord's Song, a part of the Mahabharata, relates a dialogue between Krishna (another incarnation of the god Vishnu) and the student Prince Arjuna. This dialogue elucidates the three paths to enlightenment or union with God.

This might sound dreary, but I can assure you that reading the Bhagavad Gita could easily transform the way that you look upon life no matter which religion you adhere to, if you have one.

The fundamentals of Hinduism are that people should attempt to connect their selves (Atman) with the Godhead (Brahman) and reincarnation (samsara). Just what people come back as is determined by how people have led their lives, that is, one's actions (karma) and one's duty (dharma).

This continuous reincarnation into a life of suffering can only be broken when one joins the Godhead in a state of Atman-Brahman. Their are four paths to attain this divine condition in Hinduism. These are: jnana yoga, which is based on knowledge; bhakti yoga, which is based on service to God; karma yoga, which is based on work for God (rather than oneself) and raja yoga, which is based on psychophysical exercise.

Raja yoga, or the 'Royal Path', is the kind of yoga that most Westerners will have heard of and seen. Raja yoga is more common in these West these days than at any other period in history.

Hinduism has three principal theistic traditions founded on anthropomorphic gods. Vishnu is a loving god incarnated as Krishna; Shiva is both protective and destructive and Brahma is the creator. Saktism is a form of worship dedicated to the female partners of Vishnu and Shiva. Hindu's venerate all forms of life, but the most sacred animal to Hindus is the cow.

Hindu worship revolves around a person's and a family's devotion to a particular 'favourite' god or group of gods. The act of worship is carried out at a shrine, which can be at home or communally in public. There are a number of places of pilgrimage including the Ganges in northern India.

The three primary festivals are Dipavali - the 'festival of lights' - which sacred to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity; Holi, a spring festival and Dashara, a harvest festival.

Hinduism is the oldest of the world's prolific religions. It is most widespread in India, which has outlawed the ancient caste system of Hinduism. This caste system used to segregate society into five foremost groups: brahmins were leaders, philosophers and artists; kshatriyas were princes, soldiers and administrators; vaishyas were merchants and landowners; shudras were labourers and the remainder were outcasts or untouchables.

About the Author:

Owen Jones, the author of this piece writes on many topics but is at present involved with Easter.If you would like to read more, please go over to our website entitled Celebrating Easter

How To Deal With Stress And A Life Set Free

By Burton Rager

How to deal with stress is something we all face through our lives. On occasions it can be disabling and even cause physical damage to our body. Stress can actually alter how we live our lives, leaving us far short of the dreams we once planned. It can be so discouraging to always feel we are losing in this game called life.

Stress causes us not to think straight and it causes our heart to lose its keenness for others, for ourselves and for living life as it was originally designed. It can mess up a marriage or destroy a connection with our children and it can destroy our career. Stress impacts each area of our lives and it can cause physical Problems such as grim depression.

We are frequently told how to manage the stress in our life and given techniques to address stress. We get great advice such as avoid those that cause you stress, keep a diary, exercise, sleep correctly, meditate, bear hypnosis, be optimistic, try a new activity or alter your behavior. Often the only advice left is medicine. Attempting to manage stress and employ the suggested techniques, or taking medication can lead to even more stress. You might find yourself thinking, "I just need peace in my life with a joy and a new passion in living life. Is that too much to ask of life?"

There is an answer well beyond all of the methods of handling stress in our lives and it has a new eagerness for life. We are promised a peace and a joy beyond our imagination. It is not new but I have discovered few folks really live this way yet, it is ours for the asking.

I inspire you to take advantage of our complimentary present, "God's Answer?" It will show you how to live life thru a power which will transform your life. This journey of yours is not about your talents or abilities or anything you can do to switch your life. It is about allowing the power of God to radically change you.

About the Author:

Burton Rager author of "Living Life Set Free" and "God's Answer?" Click on learn how to deal with stress and receive a complimentary copy of "God's Answer?"