Although Hinduism is one of the world’s largest and most popular religion, it is unique and unlike other prevalent religions. Hinduism is most popular in southern Asian countries such as India and Nepal. One would assume for that to become popular and remain relevant that the Hindu religion would have to be similar to the other religions but it actually stands one in its various facets. Hinduism has no lone founder, no single set of teachings and no definite scripture. These unique characteristics are unheard of in the religious world (British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC 2009). Other characteristics set Hinduism apart from other religions such as the hundreds of gods. When we think about other popular religions such as Catholicism or Judaism,
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There are three prominent gods; Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. These gods are forms of Brahman. (Ballou, 1976) While they are the most prominent gods, each individual person is allowed to select their own god to directly worship and pray to. In comparison to Catholics who often have pictures of Jesus or Mary in their houses or choose a particular saint to pray to, the Hinduism brings this concept to a new level of connection with the god. Fortress states, “develop a loving relationship with a personal God…choose a deity and relate everything in your life to the chosen deity”. The ability of each individual to create their own personal connection with a singular or multiple gods allows a deeper and more spiritual relationship throughout the religion. While this may seem to possible have a negative effect on the unity of the religion, I believe it allows the individual to find himself or herself while still being part of a much larger …show more content…
It is practiced throughout the entirety of the Hindu religion. Obviously there are those that take the teaching in a more figuratively style while there are those that are strictly literal in the sense of non-violence. The more literal of the groupings take on a vegetarian diet as an attempt to not inflict violence on any animals. This is where the myth that cows are the most sacred of all animals in Hindu culture. Often in movies and TV shows we shown how in India the cow is overly worshiped. This came from old times where there were animal sacrifices to the gods but milk-baring cows were not allowed due to the fact they were usually for producing milk. The cow seen to represent the earth but all animals are equally as preserved in Hindu culture. This form of non-violence stretches beyond violence towards animals, it encompasses not causing any harm through words, actions or even thoughts. This is fairly widespread, as you cannot even wish harm upon another. “Underlying Hindu opposition to killing or violence is the concept of Karma, by which any violence or unkindness a person carries out will return to them at some time in the future by the natural law of the universe.” (BBC,
There are three prominent gods; Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. These gods are forms of Brahman. (Ballou, 1976) While they are the most prominent gods, each individual person is allowed to select their own god to directly worship and pray to. In comparison to Catholics who often have pictures of Jesus or Mary in their houses or choose a particular saint to pray to, the Hinduism brings this concept to a new level of connection with the god. Fortress states, “develop a loving relationship with a personal God…choose a deity and relate everything in your life to the chosen deity”. The ability of each individual to create their own personal connection with a singular or multiple gods allows a deeper and more spiritual relationship throughout the religion. While this may seem to possible have a negative effect on the unity of the religion, I believe it allows the individual to find himself or herself while still being part of a much larger …show more content…
It is practiced throughout the entirety of the Hindu religion. Obviously there are those that take the teaching in a more figuratively style while there are those that are strictly literal in the sense of non-violence. The more literal of the groupings take on a vegetarian diet as an attempt to not inflict violence on any animals. This is where the myth that cows are the most sacred of all animals in Hindu culture. Often in movies and TV shows we shown how in India the cow is overly worshiped. This came from old times where there were animal sacrifices to the gods but milk-baring cows were not allowed due to the fact they were usually for producing milk. The cow seen to represent the earth but all animals are equally as preserved in Hindu culture. This form of non-violence stretches beyond violence towards animals, it encompasses not causing any harm through words, actions or even thoughts. This is fairly widespread, as you cannot even wish harm upon another. “Underlying Hindu opposition to killing or violence is the concept of Karma, by which any violence or unkindness a person carries out will return to them at some time in the future by the natural law of the universe.” (BBC,