Hinduism is the most commonly practiced religion in the world, and its number of followers is not only significant but also rapidly increasing. The word Hindu comes from the two Sanskrit words Hruta and Jiva, which literally mean “to exist” and “to rule.” Hindus are believed to be a monotheistic group that believe in a deity called the “lord” or “lord of all worlds.” This is not a Christian religion, and there are no Holy texts, but rather ethical rules and religious writings that guide their lives.
A Hindu should attend a temple not only for the social benefits but also because the temple represents the ultimate destination of their lives. Hinduism is a deeply spiritual religion with deep roots in the teachings of Vedas (books of ancient Hindu texts), sutras (words of devotion), and gurukula (rituals). A Hindu must follow the five precepts of hinduism, which includes observing all five daily meals, performing every ritual properly, and reading scriptures that set forth the philosophy of hinduism. Most Hindus believe that the path to happiness is through performing rituals that symbolically honor the lord and uphold dharma, which is the code of conduct meant to guide one’s actions throughout life.
A Hindu may go into meditation twice a day, pray to the gods, and partake in meditation in order to become spiritually enlightened. The five sacred texts of Hinduism – the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Ramayana, the Brahma Purana, and the Bhagvatam -are thought to contain the essence of hinduism. There is much speculative debate among Hindus as to what exactly these books contain, but they all essentially discuss the same things – eternal suffering, an individual’s responsibility towards his fellow beings, the belief in a deity, and an afterlife. The term “agna” literally means “cake,” and the term “kama” means “inquire.” In Hinduism, all life is sacred, and death is not seen as a final moment but rather a transition of life. Some Hindus believe that true enlightenment occurs after this transition, while others believe that true enlightenment comes immediately after death.