Chosen religion: Hinduism
1. Describe the following in the religion you’ve selected:
A. The religion’s concept of good
In Hinduism, the concept of good is closely related to the idea of
dharma, which can be understood as one's duty or righteous path in
life. Living a good life involves following one's dharma and fulfilling
one's responsibilities to society and the world. Another important
concept in Hinduism is karma, the idea that every action has
consequences, whether positive or negative. Living a good life involves
doing good deeds and accumulating positive karma, which will lead to
a better future.
In addition, Hinduism emphasizes the importance of moral values
such as honesty, compassion, and respect for all beings. These values
are often embodied in stories and teachings of the various gods and
goddesses. Overall, the concept of good in Hinduism involves living a
life of righteousness and fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities,
while also embodying moral values and accumulating positive karma.
B. The religion’s concept of evil
In Hinduism, the concept of evil is closely related to the idea of
adharma, which can be understood as going against one's duty or
righteous path in life. Evil is seen as a deviation from the natural order
of things and a disruption of balance in the universe. Hinduism
acknowledges the existence of negative forces and entities, such as
demons or evil spirits, which can cause harm and suffering. These
forces are often depicted as opposing the gods and goddesses who
represent the forces of good. However, Hinduism also recognizes that
evil can arise from within oneself, through actions that cause harm
to others or violate moral values. This is often seen as the result of
ignorance or selfish desires, which lead individuals away from their
dharma and accumulate negative karma.
To counteract the forces of evil, Hinduism emphasizes the
importance of spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, and
devotion to the gods and goddesses. These practices can help
individuals overcome negative tendencies and cultivate positive
qualities such as compassion and selflessness. Overall, the concept of
evil in Hinduism involves going against one's duty and disrupting the
balance of the universe, either through external forces or one's own
actions. To counteract evil, Hinduism emphasizes the importance of
spiritual practices and living a life of righteousness.
C. The steps needed by a person to the attainment of salvation from
eternal damnation.
In Hinduism, the attainment of salvation from eternal damnation is
often referred to as moksha, liberation from the cycle of birth and
death. The steps needed to achieve moksha vary depending on the
specific tradition or school of thought within Hinduism, but some
common practices and beliefs include:
1. Following one's dharma: Living a life of righteousness and
fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities to society and the world is
seen as a crucial step towards moksha. This involves following
moral values and principles such as honesty, compassion, and
respect for all beings.
2. Practicing spiritual disciplines: Spiritual practices such as
meditation, yoga, and devotion to the gods and goddesses can help
individuals overcome negative tendencies and cultivate positive
qualities. These practices can also help to purify the mind and
body, making it easier to achieve moksha.
3. Developing self-knowledge: Understanding one's true nature as a
spiritual being and recognizing the illusory nature of the material
world is seen as an important step towards moksha. This involves
gaining knowledge of the self through study of scripture, reflection,
and contemplation.
4. Surrendering to a higher power: Surrendering to a higher power,
whether through devotion to a specific deity or through a general
sense of surrender to the divine, is often seen as an important step
towards moksha. This involves letting go of the ego and
recognizing that one's destiny is ultimately in the hands of a higher
power.
Overall, the attainment of moksha in Hinduism involves a
combination of moral values, spiritual practices, self-knowledge,
and surrender to a higher power. These steps can help individuals
to overcome negative tendencies, cultivate positive qualities, and
ultimately achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
2. How does it take advantage of globalization in achieving its desire to reach out
larger audiences? Give example.
Hinduism has taken advantage of globalization in various ways to reach
out to larger audiences and expand its influence worldwide. One example is
through the use of technology and social media. Hindu organizations and
individuals have created websites, social media platforms, and mobile
applications that allow people from around the world to access Hindu
teachings, practices, and resources. For instance, there are online resources
for learning about Hindu philosophy, meditation, yoga, and other spiritual
practices.
Another way that Hinduism has utilized globalization is through the
organization of cultural and religious events, such as festivals, seminars, and
conferences. These events bring together people from different parts of the
world to celebrate and learn about Hindu culture and spirituality. For example,
the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu festival that takes place every 12 years in
India, attracts millions of people from around the world.
Hinduism has also benefited from increased travel and migration due to
globalization. Many people who travel to India or migrate to other parts of the
world bring with them an interest in Hinduism and seek out opportunities to
learn more about it. This has led to the establishment of Hindu temples and
centers in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and
Australia. Overall, globalization has provided Hinduism with new opportunities
to reach out to larger audiences and spread its teachings and practices
worldwide through technology, cultural events, and increased travel and
migration.
3. Does it sometimes influence the state to behave in accordance to its religious
tenets? Explain.
Hinduism, as a religion, does not have a centralized authority or
organization that can directly influence the state to behave in accordance
with its religious tenets. However, there have been instances where
certain Hindu groups or organizations have attempted to influence the
state to adopt policies or behaviors that align with their religious beliefs.
One example is the ongoing debate over cow protection in India.
Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism, and many Hindus believe that
their slaughter should be banned. Some Hindu groups have lobbied the
government to pass laws banning cow slaughter, and some states in India
have indeed passed such laws. However, there has also been pushback
from those who oppose such laws on the grounds that they infringe on
personal freedom and the rights of non-Hindu communities.
Overall, while Hinduism itself does not have a direct influence on
the state, certain Hindu groups or organizations may attempt to shape
government policies or behavior based on their religious beliefs. However,
such attempts may also be met with opposition and debate from those
who disagree with such policies or beliefs.