The Hindu Customs and Traditions - Essay Example

The majority of the traditions that define Hinduism abide by a body of sacred text, the Vedas, though a few exceptions exist. At times, people characterize Hinduism by the idea of reincarnation or rebirth, called the samsara. This is governed by karma, and there exists in this religion the concept of liberation from earthly existence and suffering, a sort of salvation from the sequence of recurrent birth and passing away. Most believe in this concept, with a few exceptions and because of this great diversity that it has, Hinduism is sometimes said Hinduism.

Unlike other major living religions, Hinduism is a religion that does not possess a distinct and specific structure of salvation and each different denomination or faction has its own purposes and goals. However, it is clear that it allows total and unconditional liberty of principle, faith, and devotion. Hindus are free to interpret the basic fundamentality and themes written in religious texts and scripts. For this very reason, Hinduism is lacking the conceptions of renunciation of faith, profanation, and blasphemy. (Lane, 2005, p.149)

According to a book entitled World Religions written by Jefferey Brodd (2003), although Hinduism generally does not follow a singular structure of belief systems, “prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include (but are not restricted to), Dharma (ethics/duties), Samsāra (the continuing cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth), Karma (action and subsequent reaction), Moksha (liberation from samsara), and the various Yogas (paths or practices).”

Moksha is a very important concept in Hinduism. It is the counterpart to Buddhism’s concept of Nirvana and is defined as the ultimate disengagement of the spirit from samsara or the cycle of life and death, and the transporting to a ‘paradise’ where suffering no longer exists. An act of personal completeness called the atma-jnana is the means by which one can obtain moksha.

In Hinduism, there are several Vedanta schools, each of which holds its individual interpretation of the idea of moksha, or freedom, that is coherent with its own distinct values and beliefs. Each one has its own identity from each other. However, all schools continue to be consistent with the general comprehension and veneration of Brahman and maintain to grasp the truths that are written and inscribed in another of Hindu’s religious and sacred texts called the Upanishads.

Indeed, Hinduism is an extremely diverse religion, open to many interpretations, beliefs, and practices. It is undeniable that its roots in India play a big role in the everyday life and culture of the people who reside there. With many other customs, traditions, and viewpoints, Hinduism comprises a comprehensive range of edicts and instructions of day-to-day ethics and conducts that are all based on Hindu traditions and beliefs such as karma and the dharma, among many other social standards. Their lives are governed by Hindu formal procedures and ceremonies that include weddings, birth, and numerous festivals like the Holi Festival Indian culture is based on many Hindu traditions and customs that are evident in Indian households and communities. The vast majority of Hindus engage in religious rituals daily. (Muesse, 2011, p.216) Fervent traditional followers and practitioners of Hinduism complete everyday responsibilities and daily obligations that must be followed regularly such as meditating, reciting religious and sacred texts, singing and/or chanting religious songs, and others.

A distinguished characteristic of spiritual customs and traditions is the separation between pureness and affluence. Cleansing, usually performed by using water, is accordingly an archetypal aspect of most sacred Hindu activities. These activities, rites, and rituals have considerably changed with time. For example, early traditional Hindu culture involving ceremonial music and dance was superseded by the offerings of confectionaries and grain. However, some remain to be a tradition. In traditional weddings and burial rituals, Vedic hymns are still chanted as part of the custom.