Hinduism’s response to meaning in life, which is described in the Upanishads, emerged in response to a growing Indian cities, where people began to seek refuge. This prompted the creation of an ultimate goal: to overcome all limitations of the earth by realizing the divinity within. According to Hinduism, Brahman is the transcendent creator of everything. Because Brahman is a part of everything, everything is an expression of the divine and is eternal. More than a Hindu’s material self (body, mind, thoughts and feelings) which is part of the universe, at the inner core of every living thing is an atman, people’s transcendent and true self. True, permanent happiness can only be achieved through self-denial of the false happiness on earth (Maya), awareness of atman and the discovery of its true relationship with Brahman.

Constant reincarnation (Samara) into the universe, of the atman allows the journey to be undertaken. Samsara occurs because of our lack of knowledge of atman, leading to desire look for fulfilment around us, in the universe- something which is impossible due to

The ethical beliefs add meaning to life, as they allow the whole of life to be seen as religious practise. It creates meaning in that it creates a strong link between the cosmos and the world, which is brought right into the follower’s life – determining and how they should live. Further, by showing people these right ways to God, people are assured that they are living their lives with meaning. It even creates more purpose in life as it believes in the oneness of creation, that all living things are divine, so they must respect each other and help each other transcend, through creating a stable society. The idea that people are born into a caste based on our karma answers the question of why people are the way they are in the world and gives them determination in life to follow the castes, so they may be higher in the next life. This is extended further by the fact that there is little association between classes – having a good karma is seen to have its true rewards.

Moksha is the fourth and ultimate goal, taken up only by few, which occurs only once there are no unfulfilled desires: karma is exhausted. Once achieved, you are free from Samsara. There is liberation from want and sorrow, union is found with the ultimate reality - true happiness is achieved. It must be made clear that not all Hindus choose to follow these goals; it is a person’s own decision to find the truth. Some might follow some of the more difficult goals in later life, after they have started a family etc.

Some topics in this essay:
Brahman Constant, Bhakti People, Bhagavad Gita, Daily Hindu, Freewill Hindus, Bhakti Yoga, Ganges River, Hinduism Brahman, , Ethics Hindus, human life, purpose life, meaning life, life purpose, add meaning life, add meaning, body mind, value human, goals life, modern world, value human life, life rituals,