Beliefs of Hinduism

Overview
Hinduism embraces a great diversity of beliefs

One can believe a wide variety of things about God, the universe and the path to liberation and still be considered a Hindu
One of the more open-minded religions when it comes to evaluating other faiths "Truth is one; sages call it by different names.

What does this mean?

Common Beliefs
There are basic beliefs which are generally regarded as boundaries outside of which lies either heresy or non-Hindu religion The authority of the Vedas The authority of the Brahmin

The existence of an enduring soul that migrates from one body to another at death (Reincarnation)
The law of karma that determines one's destiny both in this life and the next

God(s)?
Specific belief about God or gods is not considered one of the essentials

Major difference between Hinduism and strictly monotheistic religions like Christianity
Most Hindus are devoted followers of one of the principal gods Shiva, Vishnu or Shakti Regard these as manifestations of Ultimate Reality called: Purusha, Brahman, or The One

The Vedas
There are four:
Rig Veda-Book of Mantra Sama Veda-Book of Song Yajur Veda-Book of Ritual
The Atharva Veda-Book of Spell One of the facets that separates Hinduism from Buddhism is the authority of the Vedas

Question

How do the Vedas and the Christian Bible compare to each other?

The Brahman
The Priests of Hinduism

On top of the Indian caste system

Instrumental in performing and keeping the rituals pure.

The term Brahman morphed into being the name of both priest and god

Reincarnation
Life on earth is not a one time event Multiple births before the soul finally takes leave from the cycle Includes births as the animals and plants

Does not end until soul reaches total purity

The soul is liberated into an ultimate state called: Moksha

Karma

Means "actions

One's moral actions have unavoidable and automatic effects on one's fortunes
Impacted the current life as well as the rebirth of the next

If Karma and Reincarnation really existed, what would these people be in their next lives?

Purpose(s) of Life
There are four:

Dharma - fulfilling one's purpose

Artha prosperity Kama desire and enjoyment

Moksha - enlightenment.

Changes over Time

The general themes of Hinduism have stayed the same Loose restrictions on beliefs have spawned offshoots still considered part of the religion Hinduism encompasses a number of major sects, as well as countless subsects with local or regional variations

Quiz
Clear your desk except for a clean sheet of paper and a pen On that sheet of paper, define these three terms:
Moksha
Reincarnation Karma