An Introduction to Hinduism

The world's oldest religion has more than a billion active followers thus making it the world's third largest religion. The followers abide by the ideals and practices, therefore inevitable incorporating them into their daily lives. This religion remains one of the dominant faiths practiced by the Indian diaspora mainly in South East Asian countries such as India and Nepal.

The followers of Hinduism are called Hindus and they believe that the basis of their faith is reincarnation, called Samsara and Karma which is known as the law of cause and effect. The Hindus also believe in various deities who have differing roles in order to allow us to follow the path of righteousness, honesty and kindness.

The core of Hinduism is the four Purusarthas [Purusartha is a composite word - Purusha (human being) and Artha ( object of desire) ] which means the pursuit of the mankind:

1. Dharma (righteousness- moral values)

2. Artha (prosperity - economic values)

3. Kama ( pleasure and love- psychological values)

4. Moksha ( liberation - spiritual values)

Of these 4 goals or aims, Dharma is considered more important than Artha and Kama, as being right and fair in what you do on a day-to day basis will ultimately lead to Moksha which is believed to be liberation from humanly pleasures and life. In the event when one is more keen in the pursuit of wealth (Artha) and or pleasure (Kama), his or her's life will become more chaotic.

This is because these two pursuits can make someone want more than what they have as it is possible to acquire more. Eventually, this pursuits will lead to greediness which will start to control his or her life. However Dharma is within someone's actions and values and by acting right he or she can control their own lives.