Working With Diversity in Northern Ireland - for local health and social services staff providing information, practical advice, guidance and examples of best practice on equality and diversity under Section 75 legislation. Working With Diversity in Northern Ireland - for local health and social services staff providing information, practical advice, guidance and examples of best practice on equality and diversity under Section 75 legislation. Working With Diversity in Northern Ireland - for local health and social services staff providing information, practical advice, guidance and examples of best practice on equality and diversity under Section 75 legislation. Working With Diversity in Northern Ireland - for local health and social services staff providing information, practical advice, guidance and examples of best practice on equality and diversity under Section 75 legislation.
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Religious Belief » Hinduism » Beliefs

Beliefs

The Hindu faith covers a wide range of belief and practice, some see it as an umbrella covering a large number of more distinct beliefs. While most Hindus believe in God, some do not.


For most Hindus, the one God is understood either as the all-pervading, unknowable Brahman or as the Supreme Person. In either understanding, Hindus also believe in the existence of higher beings. The three main gods and their consorts are:
 
God
Consort
Brahma – The Creator
Sarasvati
The goddess of knowledge and truth
Vishnu – The Preserver
Lakshmi
The goddess of fortune and beauty
Shiva – The Destroyer
Kali/Durga
The symbol of death/wealth

The Hindu faith recognises the female in the divine and it is believed that the male form must always have its female counterpart.

A major belief is that of the transmigration of the atma (soul) in this world until it is sufficiently enlightened to transcend this process.

The Social Order :


The Hindu social order consists of four orders and four stages of life.

Brahmans
Priest, Intellectual, teachers
Kshatriyas 
Rulers, Soldiers
Vaishyas
Businessmen, Skilled Workmen/Craftsmen and Farmers
Shudras
Manual Workers
Brahmacari
Student
Grishastha 
Householder
Vanaprastha  
Renounced householder
Sannyasi
Complete renunciate
Beliefs | Health and Social Care | History | Special Days | Worship
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