Hinduism
None of the World
Religions has a heritage as ancient as Hinduism. Most historians agree that it
dates back to prehistoric times (12.000 BC and longer). It has no common creed,
no doctrine and no binding rules. A Hindu can believe in several Gods, in one
God or in no God at all. This makes Hindus open to ideas and changes. Its weak
point has been a tough social order of castes.
The idea of
reincarnation is central to the Hindu Religion. Everything living (Humans,
Animals, Trees and even Gods) go through an infinite cycle of birth, death and
re -birth. The next life is determined by 'Karma', influenced by social behavior
during each cycle of life. The 'Karma' determines the next life. According to it
you are born into a particular circumstance. From this, the idea of social
castes emerged. The ultimate goal of a Hindu is to purify his mind and soul so
he can be liberated from the endless cycles of life and death.
Over the ages these ideas were refined. Buddhism (preached by Gautama Buddha,
believed to have lived from 563 - 483 BC) principally is based in Hindu
Tradition. Contrary to Hinduism, Buddhists believe in the possibility to change
"Karma" by mental and moral self-purification. Another spring-off from Hinduism
is Jainism. Emerging around 600 A.D. it also alters the idea of "Karma" and
rejects the caste system.
