Hinduism

The Teachings of Hinduism

Caste System and Reincarnation

The purpose of life in the Hindu religion is to stop the circle of reincarnation when you die and get created into something new, such as a bird. In the caste system, if you complete all you orders and fulfill your responsibilities, you complete dharma. The better you do at your dharma, the closer to moksha you achieve. The new life you are born into reflects the old one you had, and what caste you live in. Karma can be seen as the consequences to your actions in your life and moves the caste level chosen for you. If you are disobedient and do not complete you obligations, then karma comes to kick you into a lower caste.

Sects

Sects are different divisions of a religion that still consider themselves Hindus, but differ in one key area. There are four different sects in Hinduism: Savism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and Smartism. Savism people idolize Siva, a merciful God. They wish to be more like Siva, so they do yoga and meditate in places of worship. Shaktas revere the supreme mother of Indian gods, Shakti who changes from loving to ferocious. They practice magic and believe in cosmic forces. The Vaishnavism people are very deeply invested in their Lord Vishnu and some of their religion is similar to Christianity. Smartas stress the importance of gasping the philosophical meaning of accepting all gods.

-Intricately decorated temples and churches are used for the purpose of places to worship
-Unlike in most religions, there is no formal leader, but priests are considered highly respected
-They do not eat beef, because cows are worshiped