Hinduism and its practice

The fundamental concept of Hinduism is the belief in the ultimate reality called
Brahman, (universal soul) and its identification with the Ataman, (individual soul).
(http://hinduism.ygoy.com/hinduism/religion.php) Another thing that the people who practice Hinduism believe is that all creatures go through a continuous cycle of birth and rebirth. This is called reincarnation. Another belief that they have which makes up the religion is the principle of Karma. Karma ties in directly with reincarnation because in the Hindu religion it is believed that your Karma directly affects your next life cycle, positively or negatively. (Jayaram) The main god of Hinduism is Brahman. Other worshipped gods include, Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakathi. The cow is considered a holy animal in Hinduism.

In the Hindu religion they have different symbols. Two of them are the Tilaka and Bindi. Hindus traditionally wear a mark on their forehead and other parts of the body, in different forms. Hindu women wear a decorative dot on their forehead, which is called Bindi. Sometimes Hindus wear holy ash called Vibhuti also. Aum is the sacred symbol which represents the absolute reality, Brahman. This can be seen in all mantras and prayers. It represents God in its three aspects- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Another noble and auspicious symbol is Swastika, which stands for purity of the soul. The four directions, which had been shown in the symbol, represent four Vedas and their harmonious existence. (http://hinduism.ygoy.com/hinduism/religion.php) The Hindu’s worship is basically reserved for idols. Hinduism is associated with many symbols and icons and these symbols get their meanings from mythology, scriptures and cultural traditions. Every symbols and icons have a sacred implication. There is one more thing that most of the pious Hindus utter during worshipping, that is Sanskrit “Mantra”. “Mantra” is actually an invocation to God including prayer, praise, devotion and dedication and through its sound and chanting style it takes one’s mind to the holy and divine thoughts. (http://hinduism.ygoy.com/hinduism/religion.php)
Being that Hinduism is so old, Those who grow up in Hindu families are steeped in ancient traditions and beliefs from infancy on and they are much more alike than dissimilar. It therefore has a profound influence on cultural Hindus as well as on those who convert into it. People who practice the Hindu religion try to spread their religion by teaching their children or others about Hinduism. This helps keep the religion strong. There are sixteen religious holidays that are honored by the central government so that everyone can leave work to join the festival of worshipers. Most of the Hindu festivals express spirituality in its happiest parts. These festivals also help keep the religion alive. Almost every individual that practices Hindu usually finds to place him or herself to a “Guru”, also known as a spiritual teacher. The title “guru” is applied to venerable spiritual guides. Gurus do not declare themselves as teachers; people are drawn to them because they have achieved spiritual status to which the seekers aspire. Gurus are often regarded as enlightened or “fully realized” individuals. A guru does not provide academic instruction. A Guru gives advice, example, and encouragement to those seeking enlightenment or realization. (http://www.mypurohith.com/Epics/Hindu_Manners.asp) Being that Hindu’s do not believe in Heaven or Hell their liberation from Earthly greatly depends on their reincarnation. The status of the next life in the Hindu religion greatly depends on your Karma. How you act here dictates how your next life will be.

*References*

(http://hinduism.ygoy.com/hinduism/religion.php)
(http://www.mypurohith.com/Epics/Hindu_Manners.asp)
(http://www.indiadivine.org/articles/39/1/Hinduism-and-the-Sacred-Cow/Page1.html