Doing work without seeking personal benefits out of it is considered to be considered higher than the formal worship (Hindu Traditions, 2005). According to Hindu religious traditions, the spiritual hopeful takes studentship under a personal spiritual teacher called a Guru. The disciple stays with the Guru and follows his instructions in order to attain the ultimate goal of spiritual life. Even though the Guru never asks any money for the guidance he has given, the student may give gifts (as a token of appreciation.

Pilgrimage is not something that is mandatory in Hinduism, as it is in other religions. A large number of holy places exist in India. Varanasi, Kedarnath and Rameshwaram are some of the places which are considered to be holy in nature (Hindu Traditions, 2005).

Significance and Meaning

Hinduism has a universal world view and willingness to accept and celebrate diverse philosophies, deities, symbols, and practices. It is a religion that emphasizes similarities and shared characteristics rather than differences. It has a difficult time setting itself apart because of this fact. It is often thought that this in itself if what sets it apart. It should not be said that there are no beliefs and practices that are solely identified as Hindu, but rather that the Hindu tradition has always concerned itself with the human situation rather than the Hindu situation. Instead of basing its identity on separating Hindu from non-Hindu or believer from nonbeliever, it has sought to recognize principles and practices that would lead any individual to become a better human being and understand and live in harmony. The difference of dharma from the Western sense of religion is crucial in understanding the Hindu religion. Hinduism carries with it the Western meaning of being a religion but the words often distort Indian reality. In the West a religion is understood to be conclusive, meaning that it is the one and only true religion. Secondly a religion...

And finally, a religion is thought to be separating, in that to belong to it one must not belong to any another. Dharma does not necessarily imply any of these. Having made this point, this article will bow to convention and use the expression Hinduism (Hinduism, 2009).
Conclusion

The Hindu Religion has a very long history that is based on many traditions. These traditions are very sacred to those that believe in them. A vision of Hindu nationalism known as Hindutva has gained a lot of force over the years. The Hindu majority has been alienated by a perception that Hindu political parties courted Muslim voters as the swing vote in tight elections. In the modern age there are challenges for humanity and for the various religions that engage humanity. The aim of Hinduism has always been to enlighten rather than to convert people. "The Hindu world-view of pluralism and respect for multiple paths points to one model for reconciliation of religious conflicts, without calling for conversion to any one creed and with each religion maintaining its unique identity and practices" (Hinduism, 2009).

The Hindu religious traditions were just as powerful and followed in their beginning as they are today. They have always been used to enlighten and teach people rather than to convert them to a particular way of thinking. They have always believed that each individual should make up their own mind and follow what they believe in their hearts. This has what has separated this religion from many of the others over the years.