The question of whether one reincarnates to a higher or lower level revolves around karma (KAHR-mah). Karma is a bit like the Western idea of destiny, but it is much harder to change one's karma. Nonetheless, good actions generate good karma, increasing the possibility of a higher reincarnation, whereas bad actions generate bad karma. For this reason, Hindus, like people of many other religions, believe that it is good to give up a life of pleasure and worldly possessions in order to seek greater personal wisdom, or enlightenment.
Hindus who are most dedicated to enlightenment become gurus or holy ones who practice fasting (not eating) and meditation (contemplative thinking) in an attempt to empty the mind of all thoughts and desires. As part of their meditation, they may use mantras (MAHN-truhz), chants that are thought to aid the worshiper in releasing thoughts of self and concentrating on the Brahman. A simple and well-known mantra is the single word Om (AUM). Through meditation and right living, it is believed, the believer can become one with the Brahman, also called the “Godhead.”
These are some of the basic ideas of Hinduism, but it should be emphasized that the religion of India is as vast and varied as the land itself. In fact, Hinduism and India are very closely tied: hence the words Indus, India, Hindu, and Hindi, the name for one of the most important of the many languages spoken on the subcontinent, share common roots.
Just as it is impossible to study the history of the Israelites without studying their scriptures, so the Vedas and other great writings of ancient Indian civilization can be understood only by referring to the Vedic and Hindu religions. Hinduism in turn greatly influenced the visual arts; for example, India is famous for statues of gods with many arms. Through the caste system, Hinduism has had far-reaching social implications and has greatly affected the entire fabric of life in India.
World History
