Hinduism, Karma, Shiva and Kali - Assignment Example

There is no escape from gravity; likewise, no getting away from Buddhist and Hindu Karma.

Karma can provide solace, more so to the poor as cosmic justice in due time, will ensure the oppressors are punished for exploiting them. However, the Karma idea in practice has more than often been destructive to national economies, society, and individuals since its pronouncements are undisclosed. Only the results are evident. The West believes that Karma steps in avenging evil for evil and awarding good for good.

Question two
An avatar in Hinduism denotes a bodily deity incarnation on earth. The god can incarnate at a specific place, and time appearing as a complete avatar or in multiple places simultaneously in which case, the god is represented by ‘Masha,’ partial avatars in a way that the main form god is in contact with partial gods. An avatar can be seen as accommodating the polytheism (many gods) and pantheism (god is all) concepts.

The avatars can be taken to be intermediaries between God and man. Their purpose is to pass messages to people. As God in the past has appeared to pass a message, these avatars are used by God to pass a message. They also represent life and society's evolution with the metamorphosing epoch of Kali Yuga from Krita Yuga.
Hindus have several sects that at times differ in their belief, especially on avatars. Therefore, an avatar may be taken with many gravities in one sect than the other. Some believe that all avatars are a representation of the immutable and indestructible god, Vishnu. Others differ and have more avatars, which may not be very significant in other Hindu sects.

Question three

The Hindu religion originated from Indians many years ago in thousands. Raised from other faiths, Hinduism may appear very complex, but key doctrinal principles of Hinduism are somewhat easy to comprehend. For a starter, Hindus believe in one supreme God, Brahma. They strive for knowledge of reality and truth, right actions, and moral order while promoting tolerance. Many westerners are aware that Hindus also worship various goddesses and gods personifying Brahma’s aspects. They also visit holy sites and have festive celebrations throughout the year. They also believe in the cyclic nature of time.

Question four
Shiva is the mute dimension of transcendental reality. Kali then is the dynamic dimension of transcendental reality. Truth is termed completely when it is both silent and dynamic. Truth is, therefore, complete when the silent aspect and the dynamic aspect simultaneously function together.

Kali (the dynamic aspect) and Shiva (the silent aspect) accomplish together the highest supreme in the same manner the reverse of the same obverse coin. Kali is dynamic and active while Shiva is silent. Viewed with ordinary human eyes, they appear separate but with the utilization of the inner eye, it is clear that they are together.
Question five

Puja is the process of showing reverence to a spirit, a god, or a divine aspect through rituals, songs, invocations, and prayers. During Puja, a symbol or an image of a god serves as a way of accessing the divine. The icon is a representation of the deity, and it is thought to contain cosmic energy from the deity. They create a spiritual connection.
Catholic crucifix is somewhat similar to the puja. The cross is not a god, but it is a representation of Christ and his suffering for sinners.
If I were a Hindu, the goal of puja would be to get a physical representation of a god, to pay homage to something I can see.  Read More