The religious tradition that we know as Hinduism is the result of at least 5,000 years of development, with roots stretching back to the Indus Valley civilisation, which prospered some 4 - 5,000 years ago. However, the origins of this religion are shrouded in mystery and according to Hindu scriptures may be millions of years old.
The belief in Reincarnation, in the cycle of life, strongly influences the lifestyle of may Hindus. It can best be explained by the terms 'dharma' and 'karma'. Dharma may be translated as 'duty' and for Hindus, part of that duty is to respect and care for all living things. The belief that after death they are reborn in another body but not human, leads to a great respect for all life and results in many cases of vegetarianism. Karma is the result of what they do. If they do their duty, then they create good karma, since the next life they may have is directly related to the actions of their present life. To the Hindu, everything is part of the Supreme One, and thus every living thing is equally important in the great cycle of life.
The belief in Reincarnation, in the cycle of life, strongly influences the lifestyle of may Hindus. It can best be explained by the terms 'dharma' and 'karma'. Dharma may be translated as 'duty' and for Hindus, part of that duty is to respect and care for all living things. The belief that after death they are reborn in another body but not human, leads to a great respect for all life and results in many cases of vegetarianism. Karma is the result of what they do. If they do their duty, then they create good karma, since the next life they may have is directly related to the actions of their present life. To the Hindu, everything is part of the Supreme One, and thus every living thing is equally important in the great cycle of life.
