Essay on Hinduism and Indus Valley Civilization

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Hinduism

The earliest know evidence of Hinduism dates back about 4000 years ago to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization lived along the Indus River. This area is known today as Pakistan, which is north of India. They lived in elaborate cities that were well planned. The streets were straight, buildings made of brick, sophisticated water and sewer systems, and large water facilities. They were prosperous traders and farmers. The ancient cities were called Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Researchers have found archeological evidence of the Indus Valley Civilization but many aspects of their lives are still a mystery because of the inability to read their writing. The highest level of government may have been religious priest, Rajahs may have been rulers of the city, researchers believe there was some sort of government but much remains a mystery about the civilization and the beginning of Hinduism. Hinduism is one of the most complex religions of the world. There is no single scripture or single founder. The religion was developed from Brahmanism. Brahman in Hinduism is the highest god. Hinduism is believed to be one of the oldest religions. It is the religion of the Indian people, Aum is the symbol of Hindu, and the texts are Shruti and Smriti. Many scriptures, rituals, and chants are found in the text. Most people of this faith are vegetarians especially beef since the cow is considered sacred. Worship is conducted in temples with priest, shrines at home, they meditate, worship other gods connected to Brahman, celebrate with festivals, and they believe in reincarnation and karma. They believe the soul is immortal and comes back and lives many lives through reincarnation. They believe a person can come back as a human, animal or plant. All souls contain life. Karma from this life could affect their next life. Karma is good deeds or bad deeds the cause and effect of one’s actions. Hinduism is all around the globe today. They have goals that they wish to obtain such as Moksha, Dharma, Artha, and Karma. To achieve Moksha they practice Jnana-Yoga, Dhyana Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, and Karma-Yoga. There are many gods in the Hindu religion. They are all connected to Brahman. Some gods and goddesses of Hindu are Vishnu, Shiva,
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