Name

nInstitution

nCourse

nDate

nHinduism

nIntroduction

nConcepts of Hinduism determine the attitude and thoughts concerning the Hindus ways of life. Consequently, these affect their actions and finally establish a destiny. The lives of Hindus are affected by the beliefs related to revered issues, especially those related to the cosmos, the soul and God. There are wide ranges of Hindus beliefs, which shape their approach to various contemporary matters (Smith, p.33). For instance, they believe in four major concepts related to pleasure, desires, enlightenment and personal purpose. Most importantly, they have different forms of spirituality that encourages people to live a holy life. The paper will discuss some of the major concepts in Hinduism such as the conception of the absolute, the self, the goal of human life and means for achieving the goal.

nThe Concept of the Absolute

nSmith noted that the concept of the absolute is the ultimate presence or total reality. Most importantly, he suggested that the idea of the absolute signifies the omnipresent, infinite, irreducible, conscious, eternal and the divine fundamental of the life of change and fitness. According to Smith, this is referred to as Brahman. In addition, the concept of the absolute is the paramount being established in each emerging cycle. In this regard, Brahman creates all creatures in any cycle. A diverse soul turns to be absolute in the original cycle (Smith, p.27). The idea of absolute suggests that Brahman is a deity, but the divinity is office holders. On the other hand, it refers to an individual who occupies the uppermost status in the society. Moreover, Hindus should focus to grow into divine in this world by embracing rebirth and transformation. Similarly, Brahman is the pursuit that has deified and inspired the spirit of human for many ages in India (Smith, p.28).

nThrough the concept of the absolute, Smith explains that it is the character of infinity, knowledge and truth. In addition, he states that it is fully autonomous, eternal and fundamentally reality. Similarly, it acts as a source of all things in the world (Smith, p.28). More significantly, the concept of absolute provides all ultimate rest. Therefore, every Hindu should exclusively and deliberately target toward this absolute reality.

nThe Conception of the Self

nAccording to Smith, the conception of the self describes the principle of an inner self that determines the lives of all beings. Therefore, he suggests that it is the immortal feature of the human mortal being. In addition, he considers this the personal self that is hidden in all creations (Smith, p.30). Most importantly, the Self has the ability to affect the divine consciousness of all beings. It also offers the reason for human experiences and existences especially leading to pleasures and pains in this world. Smith describes this as Atman, which inclines into the aspects of nature via manifestation and self-projection. Therefore, the idea of self is the inaudible partner of human in all their experiences and deeds. Its features cannot be sufficiently described or explained in any form of language because it beyond the mind or senses (Smith, p.31). However, it can be witnessed when all the sensory actions cease to have an effect on the mind. In this regard, self occurs when the senses and mind as well as intellect are calmed. In this regard, Smith noted that yoga is full calmness when an individual is in the period of oneness.

nThe Problem or Goal of Human Life

nSmith also describes four problems or goals of human life. First, he describes the problem or goal of pleasure. In this case, it means the desires of the body either physical or the mind. All human beings have an aspiration for emotion and passion. He noted that this goal is natural because all beings are born with inherent pain-pleasure reactors (Smith, p.14). In this regard, he suggested that these are important in their lives because they are able to safely conduct their daily routines. Moreover, he pointed out that this is one of the genuine goals of humans. Beautiful features that stimulate human sensual pleasures characterize the world. In India, people are encouraged to follow their desires related to their pleasures (Smith, p.15). However, Smith advises that people must sacrifice short-term goals in order to benefit from long-term benefits. Most importantly, this helps people to avoid cheating, stealing and lying.

nThe second problem of goal is the aspiration for success. Most people desire to increase their wealth, fame and authority. Smith argued that when Hindus with for these things, their main drives cannot be met because human beings will never acquire enough materials or wealth. In addition, their quench for money and power cannot be met. Through these wants, it contributes to the problem of poverty as the rich try to amass as many resources as possible. Consequently, it contributes to the problem of social order (Smith, p.16). Therefore, Hindus are reminded that making money should bound by the need to help the unfortunate people in the society.

nThirdly, Smith noted that there is a problem with earthly success since it is synonymous with pleasure seeking or hedonism. It concentrates on the significance of self, which is too minute for everlasting eagerness. Neither station nor luck can unclear the understanding which a person lacks (Smith, p.16). In the final stages of life, all people need more from their lives as compared to their expensive cars, property or domestic homes.

nThe fourth problem is that earthly success of human beings cannot gratify them fully. This indicates that the accomplishment of humans is ephemeral. Unfortunately, power, fame and wealth cannot move with an individual upon death (Smith, p.16). Therefore, not all these resources can fully satisfy the lives of human beings. On the other hand, people should envisage eternity by avoiding the urge to increase their power, or wealth. Earthly success should not provide the barrier for Hindus in seeking eternity (Smith, p.16).

nThe Solution to the Problem or the means for achieving the goal

nSmith noted that the solutions to the problems or the means for achieving the goals could be achieved through the Path of Renunciation. This means that people must then embrace the sacrifice of earthly desires that are short-term in order to acquire spiritual renunciation. In this regard, they should resist actions that would disrupt them from achieving their goals in life (Smith, p.16). Renunciation is contrary to disappointment because it encourages Hindus to pursue their religious goals. In addition, it helps them to move away from the Path of Desire, which is likely to lead them into intended accomplishments. As he points out, renunciation in the subsequent approach is fact that forces in human lives are existing. All individuals could be contented by pursuing their desires; the renunciation thought would not arise. Therefore, the act of renunciation is a saving process because it helps a Hindu to create the best out of individual defeat (Smith, p.17). The path of renunciation helps Hindu who suffers from pleasure and aspiration of wealth and power to find an appropriate position to meet these demands.

nThe world provides various attractions to people, which encourages them to engage in earthly gratification, increasing their social status and amassing more property. However, the quest for and accomplishment of these resources does not offer true contentment. When they fail to achieve some of this property, they become more miserable. Through renunciation, Hindus will understand that everything in this world is vanity (Smith, p.18).

nConclusion

nHinduism is a religion, which teaches against problems caused by personal desire of earthly resources such as wealth, authority and money. The primary strength of the religion is that it teaches Hindus to embrace morality. In addition, it advises the rich that acquiring more wealth is not a source of happiness, but a ground of losing long-term benefits (Smith, p.16). However, the only weakness is that it offers only four problems. It should have explained more problems in the contemporary society, which contribute to everlasting challenges to humanity.

nWord count: 1316

n

nWork cited

nSmith, Huston. The illustrated world’s religions: A guide to our wisdom traditions. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1994.