It is likely that in order to achieve this "release" from the tedium of one's worldly conception of one's self will only be achieved with the guidance of a Guru (or siddha) who provides inspiration but does not intervene on one's behalf.
The key scriptures in Hinduism are referred to as "Shastras" (a collection of spiritual guides and laws revealed by "saints and sages" along the historical route through which Hinduism traveled (Das, p. 1). The deities (gods and goddesses) that are associated with Hinduism number into the "thousands or even millions," Das explains (p. 2). These many deities all represent particular aspects of "Brahman," which is the supreme Absolute, Das goes on. Notwithstanding all those deities, the most powerful and visible of the deities is the "Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva -- creator, preserver and destroyer, respectively" (Das, p. 2). It is also known that Hindus worship trees, planets, animals and spirits.
As mentioned earlier, Hinduism is not worshipped with reference to one particular idea or tenet, hence it is a cultural faith more than a religious faith, according to philosopher Jeaneane Fowler. Hinduism, Fowler writes (quoted by Das), can "never be neatly slotted into any particular belief system" like theism, monotheism, monism, polytheism, pantheism or panentheism. However, all of these belief systems are indeed reflected in the many facets of Hinduism.
Uma Mysorekar writes in the Southern Medical Journal about medical practices and beliefs within Hinduism. For example, a detailed code of "medical ethics" was in place by 600 BC, and it urged practitioners to "lead a life dedicated to caring for the sick" and to "maintain patient confidentiality" (Mysorekar, 2006)....
If a doctor is doing this particular work to make profit and develop a good name, then he or she must "pray daily for all creatures," Mysorekar explains.
In Hindu families, women are very modest and "uncomfortable" with male doctors, hence they may not wish to disrobe during examinations. Woman wear a mangalasutra (which is a long gold wedding pendent) around the neck and this "should not be removed unless absolutely necessary," Mysorekar writes. Hindu men wear a "sacred thread draped over the shoulder" and this too, has religious significance and should not be removed during medical exams, Mysorekar asserts. It should also be known that Hindus (the majority) are vegetarians, and when being treated dieticians should be respectful of that fact.
Conclusion
The Hindu faith is a fascinating and unique series of cultural belief systems, but there is not one particular ritual or dogma that ties it all together. Nevertheless Hinduism is practiced by over a billion believers worldwide and is the third most practiced faith in the world. Learning about religions and faiths is enlightening and helps a person gain a greater perspective on the many cultures around the world.
Works Cited
Das, Subhamoy. (2010). How Do You Define Hinduism? Hinduism for Beginners. The Uniqueness of Hinduism. About.com. Retrieved Dec. 14, 2010, from http://hinduism.about.com.
Lorentz, Melissa. (2008). Basic Beliefs of Hinduism. Minnesota State University. Retrieved Dec.
14, 2010, from http://mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/religion/hinduism/beliefs.html.
Mysorekar, Uma. (2006). Eye on religion: clinicians and Hinduism. Southern Medical Journal.
99(4), p. 441.
