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Essence of World Religions
explain that in this ever changing world of cause and effect, Brahman is the only reality, which is infinite existence, infinite consciousness, and infinite bliss.
The Puränas (religious lore) are medieval collections of laws, stories, folk literature and philosophy.
The Bhagavada Gitä (Devine Song of God) is considered as "the practical truth". It states that an ideal person has the blending of rational discrimination (Jnän Yoga), devotion to God (Bhakti Yoga), selfless action (Karma Yoga), and meditative approach to God (Raja Yoga). It has been called the Hindu Bible.
Sects
There are four main denominations of Vedänta system: Follower of Lord Shiva
Shaivism
Shaktism - Follower of Shakti (Female form of Supreme) Vaishnavism - Follower of Lord Vishnu
Liberalism - Follower of Brahman (non sectarian forms)
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Adherents
Over 800 million; mostly in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mauritius, Africa, Europe and North and South America.
Goals
The ultimate goal of Hinduism is Moksha or liberation (total freedom). This is the personal and direct realization of one's true divine self, which grants permanent liberation from the cycle of rebirth, or Samsär. This realization is termed Nirvikalpa Samädhi and is the totally transcendent culmination of yoga. For monists, this means total merger in oneness and identity. For dualists it means a loving, blessed union with God in which the individuality of the soul is maintained.
Hindu philosophy is essentially a philosophy of values. The sages classify the values into four groups. They are Käm (psychophysical values), Artha (economic values), Dharma (moral values), and Moksha (spiritual values). Moksha or liberation is the highest value of human life. The final destiny of all souls is union with the Supreme, most widely revered as Shiva for Shaivism, Shakti for Shaktism, Vishnu for Vaishnavism, and Brahman for
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