Hinduism and the Seeking of Self.

Well I have found it hard to even blog this week. This doesn't mean however I am not immersing myself in knowledge about some of the major spiritual beliefs around the world. Yesterday- I am a day off still- it was Hinduism, a religion that dates back at least 5,000 years. Major ideas in this religion focus on karma, which in turn also will lead to what caste system you will be in when you are reincarnated. The better you are in the this life- the better you may have it in the next. Hinduism and Buddhism share the same beliefs about charity and service to all. Both seem to believe in being truthful and not taking part in slander, lying, or falsehoods. Also in Hinduism it is required to not speak ill- which I am guessing includes swearing- a hard task for me is to try to keep my speech pure. It is important in this religion as well not to rely on material objects, and to abstain from sexual thoughts- or thoughts that may be impure.
(Find out more at www.hinduism.co.za/ethics.htm)
Many Hindus practice yoga, which I loved to find out. (I am a fan of yoga and even though it is difficult it makes you feel amazing!) But I can see how it would help one get in touch with themselves and their minds and bodies. What an amazing idea.
So I abstained from eating meat, attempted to abstain from swearing, and failed, yet again at meditation. (By the time I get both kids to bed I am exhausted..but I now owe myself 30 minutes of finding my "self.")
The hardest part of this challenge has been putting the ideas I am learning into play. I can see someone who is taught these ideas at an early age finding more acceptance in them, rather than someone just learning these things for the first time. I can see how these must take practice, and a ton of concentration. Hinduism is all about being true and not worrying about most things that we all do on a daily basis. That's a hard thing to do.
I am noticing some of the same basic ideas that Christians teach, but I am also understanding why Buddhism and Hinduism are not violent religions- they abstain from thinking about who is right and just focus on being.