ct during this time. It used images of statues to worship deities, but was to be even more important later on. These rituals might be said to make up part of the religious experience for Hindus. Later texts called the Dharmasutras became very important. These texts were based on the idea of Dharma, which is a sense of justice, duties, and virtues for the believers. They included the Laws of Manu; these scriptures helped evolve new ideas of conformity and a code of ethics within the society. It included new rules, philosophies and practices for the followers. There was the ten-fold law for all within the caste and stages of life, they were self-control, forgiveness, to not steal, purification, wisdom, knowledge, truthfulness, contentment, control of the organs and to not get angry. Another such philosophy was the notion of Karma, this was the actions the followers were participating in and it would stand for what the person had done in the past and how it will shape what they shall become in the future. The actions, sacrifices, and keeping within the laws were believed to bear higher spiritual results. These actions were based on whether the person will continue in the cycle of rebirth, referred to as Samsara. This reincarnation could either be a progression towards inner peace or could be degradation to a lower or stagnant class (caste). This could be interpreted as a second chance. Moksha was another goal to help form a release from one's past Karma; it is a state of detachment from one's unruly past deeds. By having these rules of moral conduct, there is more of a significant outcome if they are not followed; this could include a lower caste rebirth. Displeasing a higher authority such as these deities can have a very influential and lasting effect. To have control of a group or a society, rules need to be set out and therefore religious beliefs can play a large factor in incorporating these rules. With these laws, duties ...
