The Ultimate Goal of Hinduism
by Barry Wright
Essay: The Ultimate Goal of Hinduism
Pages: 10
Rating: 3 stars
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Hinduism is the major religion in India and Nepal with 900 million followers worldwide. 80 percent of the
population in India is Hindu, making it the major religion of the country (BBC, 2009a). Hinduism started in the
Indus River Valley in modern day Pakistan about 4000 years ago (United Religion Initiatives Kids, 2002). Unlike
many other religions, it does not have a single founder, no single scripture, and no single set of teachings: its
teachings vary and are based off of many different philosophies and holy books. Hinduism is a polytheistic
religion. The religion carries a various amount of beliefs, which only some may be practiced. With the large
number of teachings, holy books, and beliefs, Hinduism is seen as a way of life rather than a religion (BBC, 2009a).
As mentioned above, Hinduism is a way of life rather than a religion. Hinduism is a guide to life, with an ultimate
goal to reach union with Brahman (A History of World Societies, 2012). While there may be millions of gods, many
followers believe that there is only one supreme being. Brahman may be seen as the supreme being or as god, but
beliefs vary from person to person. While beliefs may vary, Brahman is usually regarded as the power that
supports everything. Unlike other religions, Hindus do not worship Brahman, or their supreme being. Many believe
that god is unlimited and may exist in many different forms and expressions (Flood, Hindu Concepts, 2009) .
The ultimate goal of Hinduism is to reach moksha, the release of a person’s soul from samsara, or reincarnation.
Samsara is a never ending cycle of life, death, and reincarnation (Berkely Center for Peace, Religion, and World
Affairs, n.d.). After death, Hindus believe that the soul survives and may be placed i...