Hinduism can be seen as a conglomerate of several different groups but which have a very similar purpose and belief system thus appearing like a monolithic religion. There are several denominations within the Hindu religion. It is more of a family of autonomous members who share some features.
The main four of these groupings include Swami Narayana Mission, the Hare Krishna Movement, Ramakrishna Mission and Pushti Marg. They are mainly categorized in terms of their differences in worship, doctrine and preferred practices and processes.
Despite the presence of the many differences, all the different denominations share common points which define the religion. First, they share common themes. All the different denominations endorse the belief in the Brahman which is the ultimate reality seen as the universal soul as well as the individual soul called Aatman.
This is enhanced in the belief that all creatures on earth undergo a cyclical process of birth death and rebirth. The principle of Karma determines the re-birth. In addition, the entire family reveres a common deity seen as the ultimate God above the many other gods which differ among the different denominations. The God is called Brahman and is seen as the ultimate reality (Rood, 2010, par3).
Also, a vast majority of the Hindus endorse vegetarianism and the cow is considered holy thus not eaten by any of the different denominations. All the denominations also wear marks on the forehead and other body parts. They also share a sacred symbol representing Brahman and called Aum.
Also, there are six basic schools of philosophy guiding all the different groupings namely yoga, Nyaya, Samkhya, Vaishseshika, Purva Mimasa and Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta). Other areas of convergence include the search of an awareness of God and the search of different blessings from different gods. The religion is generally a form of idol worship.
There are several influences which made the Hindu religion important and useful for the region of Origin. The first and most critical element of the religion is its ability to unite and incorporate different beliefs as well as practices. During the time of inception, India which is the origin of the religion had very different cults having significantly diverse systems of belief and bringing them together requires a great deal of accommodation.
This was a critical element which led to the unity of India in those early days and enables the country to continue through the path historically. This formed the most important basis for the government to support Hinduism and in the process fight Islam and Christianity as they require a high degree of uniformity which would largely destroy the varied beliefs and practices.
These traditions were viewed as the most important resource for the country. This can be proven through a current day comparison between India and Pakistan. In India, Hindus who form the majority live in peace with Muslims while Pakistani Muslims make it hard for the Hindus (Hinduism Beliefs, 2010, par5).
In addition, the insistence on vegetarianism forms an important contribution to the people. In early days the cow was a very important resource and remains the same even in modern villages. Bull ploughed land facilitating food production. Cows gave milk which offered crucial nutrients for the people.
Cow dung was also useful as fuel as well as medicines. Also, the caste system characteristic of the Hindu religion offered a very effective design for working. It provided a very viable system for co-existence among Indians. This being the case, India would have become very different if it adopted a religion with a narrow focus on the universal way rather than the individual.
Hinduism advocates for the desire for liberalization from earthly experience. The interpretation of this liberalization is freedom from all bondage and ignorance. Bondage and ignorance result from the natural pattern of thinking using the mind and in consideration of the different personalities.
The religion invokes the fact that human ego can never get fully satisfied especially in one lifetime and there is the need for blessings for full satisfaction. The worldly systems only offer experiences and excitement with a definite ending. But the people get weary of these experiences with time and the universal way offers an infinite self whose experience never grows weary. Advocacy is towards transcending the ego which results in a librated soul (Hinduism, 2010, par4).
This liberated soul is said to enjoy “peace which surpasses all understanding”. It enables individuals to enjoy life rather than take it too seriously and miss out. This being the case, any loss or even death cannot affect the liberated soul as the individual has reached a state where he/she is free from any form of suffering resulting from the physical world.
In conclusion, Hinduism is an effective religion when viewed from the cultural origin and the element of inclusion which enables diversity. This has enabled it to tie together countries like India. The concept of a liberated soul is critical in propagating prosperity and calm even in the midst of troubles.
Reference List
Hinduism Beliefs, 2010. The Origin of Hinduism. Web.
Hinduism, 2010. What Makes Up Hindu Religion? Web.
Rood, R.2010. Hinduism. Web.