Hinduism divides human life into two distinctive paths: the Path of Desire and the Path of Renunciation. In turn, the Path of Desire offers two fundamental values — pleasure, which is not considered sinful, and worldly success manifested in wealth, fame, and power. While pleasure and worldly success are viewed positively, they cannot be considered satisfactory without two components of the Path of Renunciation — duty and liberation from finitude. The concepts of God and reincarnation constitute the essence of Hinduism. A path to God, a fulfillment of human potential, is called yoga. (Smith, 1991). Reincarnation relates to an endless passage of the soul through cycles of life and death. Each thought and deed affects reincarnation, as everybody gets what they deserve according to the moral law of karma. In addition, Hinduism is associated with the concept of caste — a social hierarchy based on dividing people into groups with hereditary rights and obligations (Smith, 1991). However, modern Hindus largely consider the caste system a symbol of rigidity and undeserved privilege.
Hinduism does not perceive salvation as a monopoly of one true faith. For instance, the Hindus consider Sikhs as wayward extended family members rather than blasphemers. Unlike the Hindus, the Sikhs do not believe in divine incarnations, caste system, and sanctity of Vedas, the sacred scriptures of Hinduism. Instead, the Sikhs worship a supreme and formless God who cannot be fathomed by the human mind (Smith, 1991). Life without connection to God has no meaning for the Sikhs.
Reference
Smith, H. (1991). The world’s religions 50th anniversary edition. HarperCollins.