No 9

(Hinduism)

Hinduism is the main religion of India and is one of the oldest living religions of the world. Although most Hindus live in India, Hindu literature and philosophy have influenced people all around the world. Hindus worship many gods and have six schools of philosophy ranging from studies in logic to self-realization or God-realization. “Be still and know that you are God and when you know that you are God, you will begin to live Godhood” (Meditations of Maharishi page 178.). Transcendental meditation, yoga, karma, reincarnation and Vedas (sacred writings) are all buzz words of Hinduism. Hinduism gives little attention to sin and forgiveness of sin is unrealistic; sin means wrongdoing or wrong thinking due to discontentment. Suffering is the result of some wrongdoing in the past. Topics such as redemption and salvation are treated in a way that there is no supernatural intervention; Hindus bear the whole responsibility for their actions. Salvation comes through the realization that there is no duality; God is all in all and at the moment of awakening (self-realization) a Hindu can say : “I am the way” (Quotation from Upanishads). Heaven and hell are not accepted concepts. As you can see, Hinduism is a far cry from a loving heavenly Father who cares so much for His creation, “ that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3 : 16).