Study of Religion: Hinduism
Hinduism is an extremely dynamic religion with emphasis placed on tolerance and the cosmos (Fisher 68). At the center of this philosophy is a major theme, reincarnation. Reincarnation is a central aspect of the Hindu religion, due to the fact that it can be connected to nearly every ritual or doctrine. It is believed that one can only meet Moksha by being reincarnated into higher castes by creating good karma during each life. Moksha is described as an escape from this world that can be achieved by fulfilling multiple roles and being reincarnated into higher castes until they are released of the cycle (Shouler & Anthony 59). This aspect of caste system directly relates to the social dimension of religion. The caste one ends up in determines nearly everything about their life, and predetermines who they will be able to directly converse with, or even marry. Without reincarnation, the cycle can never be broken, and enlightenment will never be met. …show more content…
The idea that the same person can be reincarnated into a completely different person or time is certainly not consistent with the idea of time as we know it in the physical world. The concept of being reincarnated into different castes also shines light onto one of the most important concepts of Hinduism, that is to do good deeds and fulfil your caste. Hinduism is strongly rooted in the ethical dimension of religion because the ability to reach Moksha is rooted in the good deeds one does. Actions must be “pure in order for those actions to have pure effects” (Shouler & Anthony 59). Similarly, Hinduism places importance on many different creatures, even insects or other animals. It is believed that one could be reincarnated as one of these creatures, and thus, even they play a pivotal part in the universe. This even further strengths the concept of being ethical to all
Hinduism is an extremely dynamic religion with emphasis placed on tolerance and the cosmos (Fisher 68). At the center of this philosophy is a major theme, reincarnation. Reincarnation is a central aspect of the Hindu religion, due to the fact that it can be connected to nearly every ritual or doctrine. It is believed that one can only meet Moksha by being reincarnated into higher castes by creating good karma during each life. Moksha is described as an escape from this world that can be achieved by fulfilling multiple roles and being reincarnated into higher castes until they are released of the cycle (Shouler & Anthony 59). This aspect of caste system directly relates to the social dimension of religion. The caste one ends up in determines nearly everything about their life, and predetermines who they will be able to directly converse with, or even marry. Without reincarnation, the cycle can never be broken, and enlightenment will never be met. …show more content…
The idea that the same person can be reincarnated into a completely different person or time is certainly not consistent with the idea of time as we know it in the physical world. The concept of being reincarnated into different castes also shines light onto one of the most important concepts of Hinduism, that is to do good deeds and fulfil your caste. Hinduism is strongly rooted in the ethical dimension of religion because the ability to reach Moksha is rooted in the good deeds one does. Actions must be “pure in order for those actions to have pure effects” (Shouler & Anthony 59). Similarly, Hinduism places importance on many different creatures, even insects or other animals. It is believed that one could be reincarnated as one of these creatures, and thus, even they play a pivotal part in the universe. This even further strengths the concept of being ethical to all