1. Beliefs of Hinduism ~
The religion of Hinduism is said to have originated hundreds of thousands of years ago in Northern India where the concept of believing in God and worshiping became apparent. The name ‘Hindu’ references the ‘Indus river’ which recognises and highlights how invaders arrived in present day Pakistan, and gave the name Hindu to everything. This now reflects a vast variance of beliefs found throughout the humble country of India.
Hinduism, similarly to many previous, past and present religions, has numerous significant beliefs that make the religion unique and essentially special. The foundation of Hinduism is the devoted belief in one supreme being or God, which is commonly known as Brahman within the Hindu religion. Braham is identified as the eternal identity (also known as Atma) a believer withholds, and furthermore stands alongside Brahma, the creator, and Shiva, the unfortunate destroyer. Hindu’s believe in an astronomical amount of Gods and God-like beings, however Brahman is recognised as the fundamental figure of the religion itself.
Additional to the belief in the spiritual and eternal soul and truth called Brahman, Hindus also have an extensive belief in the continuity of existence, and the concept of reincarnation, which essentially is the soul being passed through diverse lifeforms. This is envisioned through the preserver, Vishnu who comes to earth ten times in different forms. Alongside reincarnation, Hindus are believers in the idea of Karma, and how the actions of an individual brings reactions, thus what goes around comes around. Through this, Hindus have a saying that states ‘God is like the root of a tree, and everything else in the world is the branches and leaves’. This evidently displays how significant the concept of an eternal identity is, and furthermore how life experience and learning is truth.
Hinduism, similarly to many previous, past and present religions, has numerous significant beliefs that make the religion unique and essentially special. The foundation of Hinduism is the devoted belief in one supreme being or God, which is commonly known as Brahman within the Hindu religion. Braham is identified as the eternal identity (also known as Atma) a believer withholds, and furthermore stands alongside Brahma, the creator, and Shiva, the unfortunate destroyer. Hindu’s believe in an astronomical amount of Gods and God-like beings, however Brahman is recognised as the fundamental figure of the religion itself.
Additional to the belief in the spiritual and eternal soul and truth called Brahman, Hindus also have an extensive belief in the continuity of existence, and the concept of reincarnation, which essentially is the soul being passed through diverse lifeforms. This is envisioned through the preserver, Vishnu who comes to earth ten times in different forms. Alongside reincarnation, Hindus are believers in the idea of Karma, and how the actions of an individual brings reactions, thus what goes around comes around. Through this, Hindus have a saying that states ‘God is like the root of a tree, and everything else in the world is the branches and leaves’. This evidently displays how significant the concept of an eternal identity is, and furthermore how life experience and learning is truth.
2. Myths and Sacred Stories of Hinduism ~
Hinduism as a religion follows various myths and sacred stories, similar to the ones seen through Catholicism, for example the creation story. The main text Hindus follow is known as The Vedas, which are recognised as the oldest writings and detail how religious life and duty should be exhibited amongst society. The four Veda texts studied within the religion are The Rig Veda, Rajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. The first three writings however are primarily collections of written material used to perform and undertake sacrifices. The Veda summarily constitute the sacred texts of Hinduism.
Second to the worshiped Vedas is the Brahmanas, which are commentaries to the noteable four Vedas. This text essentially outlines and explicates matters in the Vedas that require further explanation and discussion, for example a thorough explanation of a mantra meaning, or how to perform a certain sacrifice. Similar to the Brahmanas, the Upanishads also discuss matters of the four Vedas. The Upanishads include hymns and poems that explain further deep inner meaning of the love, creation and suffering displayed in the Vedas. And to moreover organise the Vedas, the Sutras are a small collection of sayings which arrange the Veda text into rules and regulations for Hindus to therefore practice and preach.
Alongside these significantly important Hindu texts are the Mahabharata and and the Ramayana. These are two Hindu poems that are widely explored and discussed through aspects of strengthening and devotion to a path to a better life, with respect to developed knowledge and Karma Yoga (a substantial part of Hinduism). The Ramayana discusses a Prince who was banished from his kingdom and forced to live in exile due to his fellow peers plotting against him. His wife and his brother accompany him on his journey, however his wife, Sita was kidnapped by a demon King. Rama, the Prince, goes through an evident struggle with the help of a monkey, his army and brother to reunite with his wife and return to their beloved Kingdom.
Similarly to the above poem which promotes love and good karma, the Mahabharata also discusses the struggle of two families through the course of many years, and the experiences of life are described in immense detail. The Mahabharata also includes ‘The Song of the Lord’ known as the Bhagavad Gita, which withholds the heart of Hindu belief about love and God’s love for his people.
Hinduism however does not believe in one accountable creation system, as the religion itself has many detailed and related stories regarding the concept. Hindus believe the world originated from spirituality, and the idea of a material world which is expressed by the worshiped God, Brahman. The Universe is believed to have three regions being; the heavenly planets, the earthly realm, and the lower worlds. All three conjunct put emphasis on the Hindu belief of a spiritual core, and furthermore the idea that the world is like ‘innumerable bubbles floating in space’.
Second to the worshiped Vedas is the Brahmanas, which are commentaries to the noteable four Vedas. This text essentially outlines and explicates matters in the Vedas that require further explanation and discussion, for example a thorough explanation of a mantra meaning, or how to perform a certain sacrifice. Similar to the Brahmanas, the Upanishads also discuss matters of the four Vedas. The Upanishads include hymns and poems that explain further deep inner meaning of the love, creation and suffering displayed in the Vedas. And to moreover organise the Vedas, the Sutras are a small collection of sayings which arrange the Veda text into rules and regulations for Hindus to therefore practice and preach.
Alongside these significantly important Hindu texts are the Mahabharata and and the Ramayana. These are two Hindu poems that are widely explored and discussed through aspects of strengthening and devotion to a path to a better life, with respect to developed knowledge and Karma Yoga (a substantial part of Hinduism). The Ramayana discusses a Prince who was banished from his kingdom and forced to live in exile due to his fellow peers plotting against him. His wife and his brother accompany him on his journey, however his wife, Sita was kidnapped by a demon King. Rama, the Prince, goes through an evident struggle with the help of a monkey, his army and brother to reunite with his wife and return to their beloved Kingdom.
Similarly to the above poem which promotes love and good karma, the Mahabharata also discusses the struggle of two families through the course of many years, and the experiences of life are described in immense detail. The Mahabharata also includes ‘The Song of the Lord’ known as the Bhagavad Gita, which withholds the heart of Hindu belief about love and God’s love for his people.
Hinduism however does not believe in one accountable creation system, as the religion itself has many detailed and related stories regarding the concept. Hindus believe the world originated from spirituality, and the idea of a material world which is expressed by the worshiped God, Brahman. The Universe is believed to have three regions being; the heavenly planets, the earthly realm, and the lower worlds. All three conjunct put emphasis on the Hindu belief of a spiritual core, and furthermore the idea that the world is like ‘innumerable bubbles floating in space’.
3. Sacred Texts and Other Religious Writings ~
The Vedas, and the sacred texts based around them, as priorly mentioned, are the main responses and written content that reflects Hinduism as a religion. As Hinduism developed, doctrines and formal creeds have been rejected as scriptural and spiritual authority was questioned, therefore the Vedas consist of texts based upon what Hindus practice and preach. Other religious writings however, include the Six Darshanas, which deeply and descriptively describe the six ways of seeing and having a perspective on the world. The Six Darshanas, which are considered a doctrine of some sort within in Hinduism, stem from the doctrinal basis of Yoga, and explore theory and methodology in a way that resembles the beliefs of Hindus. Through the Six Darshanas, a basis of modern the theological traditions have been developed.
The Six Darshanas are broken into six evident sections that have particular teachings.
The sections and their teachings are as follows:
The Six Darshanas are broken into six evident sections that have particular teachings.
The sections and their teachings are as follows:
- Vaisheshika. Teaches the concept of physics, especially atomic theory.
- Nyaya. Teaches about logic and knowledge.
- Sankhya. Also describes and teaches about physics and metaphysics.
- Yoga. A spiritual practice many Hindus undertake.
- Mimamsa. Teaches about Rituals and practices.
- Vedanta. Also a deeper teaching of metaphysics.
4. Rituals ~
Hinduism invites and includes many rituals from the outside world into their respected religion. Through these inclusions, Hindus have an expectation of passing through four stages in their overall life, which is recognised as the Ashramas. The four stages of a devoted Hindu life begin with Brahmacharya, the initiation of a long life revolving around spirituality and karma. This stage occurs during school years, and is focused on acquiring knowledge and developing a honourable character. The second stage of life is known as Grastha which occurs during the middle years of one’s life. This stage is focused on worldly purists and the indulgence in pleasure, for example marriage, creating a family, having a successful career or travelling the world. The third stage of a Hindu's life is based around spirituality, and the celebration of their children reaching adulthood. This is a significant form of triumph within the Hindu religion. Concludingly, the last years and final stage in one’s life is essentially the arrival and passing through death, to which the world and worldly experiences is abandoned for contemplation. These 4 stages of life are essential to any practising Hindu.
Alongside these vital stages, Hindus have many other significant rituals which additionally assist in receiving good karma, and a respectable and comfortable overall life. The practice of Yoga regularly and attentively is a foundational aspect. Hatha Yoga, which practices meditative movement, and Kundalini Yoga, which is a tantric form of Yoga, focused on awakening psychic energy at the base of the spine, are two of the many spiritual Yoga practices recognised in the Hindu religion. There are also various worshiping and devotion practices that are undertaken, however Puha and The Sadhu are the most common. Puja is performed everyday after bathing and dressing, but prior to eating or drinking, and essentially is showing reverence to a god, a spirit, or any aspect of the divine through prayers, songs, and rituals. The Sadhu however, is the spiritual devotion and discipline a Hindu has within the comfort of their homes.
A common ritual for a practicing Hindu is the act of bringing people together, which is exampled through the namaste greeting to formally and acknowledge and welcome someone in a respectable form. This greeting is traditionally used within Hindu temples, however Hindus connect this act with many they come across.
Hindus also ritually celebrate significant occasions on their calendar such as the Cow Veneration. Cows represent divinity and godliness, thus they need to be protected and honoured by society. This protection and honour is celebrated and widely explored throughout the four Vedas. Other festivals within the Hindu religion include Holi, the festival of colour which marks the passage of winter into spring, and Diwali, the festival of lights which honours the Hindu God of prosperity and marks the beginning of the financial year.
Alongside these vital stages, Hindus have many other significant rituals which additionally assist in receiving good karma, and a respectable and comfortable overall life. The practice of Yoga regularly and attentively is a foundational aspect. Hatha Yoga, which practices meditative movement, and Kundalini Yoga, which is a tantric form of Yoga, focused on awakening psychic energy at the base of the spine, are two of the many spiritual Yoga practices recognised in the Hindu religion. There are also various worshiping and devotion practices that are undertaken, however Puha and The Sadhu are the most common. Puja is performed everyday after bathing and dressing, but prior to eating or drinking, and essentially is showing reverence to a god, a spirit, or any aspect of the divine through prayers, songs, and rituals. The Sadhu however, is the spiritual devotion and discipline a Hindu has within the comfort of their homes.
A common ritual for a practicing Hindu is the act of bringing people together, which is exampled through the namaste greeting to formally and acknowledge and welcome someone in a respectable form. This greeting is traditionally used within Hindu temples, however Hindus connect this act with many they come across.
Hindus also ritually celebrate significant occasions on their calendar such as the Cow Veneration. Cows represent divinity and godliness, thus they need to be protected and honoured by society. This protection and honour is celebrated and widely explored throughout the four Vedas. Other festivals within the Hindu religion include Holi, the festival of colour which marks the passage of winter into spring, and Diwali, the festival of lights which honours the Hindu God of prosperity and marks the beginning of the financial year.
5. Symbols ~
There are 10 significant symbols within Hinduism, and similarly to any other religion, they are all unique and exceedingly significant. The main symbols associated with the Hindu religion are as follows;
- The OM. This is the most important and used emblem of Hinduism, it symbolises sound through which the world was created.
- Hands in Prayer. This is a sign of respect for the sacred, and is dear to the heart. It is closely linked with the Namaste Greeting mentioned before.
- Lotus. The Lotus is a symbol of purity and transcendence.
- Conchshell. The Conchshell is the renowned symbol of Vishnu, one of the three respectable Godly figures.
- Swastika. Despite the swastika being used for derogatory and negative purposes in history, in Hinduism, it resembles and invokes a sense of favorability, and thus approval and recognition from the Gods.
- Trident. The Trident is the renowned symbol of Shiva, one of the three respectable Godly figures.
- Kalasha. The Kalasha is one of the most unique symbols in the Hindu religion. It resembles a coconut circled by mango leaves in a pot. This symbol is often used in traditional rituals such as fire sacrifice.
- Cow. A very important and notable symbol in Hinduism. The cow represents purity, motherhood and non-violence towards others.
- Lotus Feet. In Hinduism, the act of touching the feet of a superior shows attitude of submission and service, thus feet are a symbol of this respectability.
- The last of the most commonly recognised symbols in Hinduism is the Dipa. The Dipa is primarily a lamp, which resonates the symbol of light. Light within Hinduism is linked with spirituality, hence making it a significant aspect of the religion.
6. Social Structures ~
The Social Structure of the Hindu Church is divided into four groups which are recognised as resembling body parts according to their significance and requirements within the religion. In Hinduism the social structure is known as a ‘case system’ which promotes the notion of importance, and how no group is above or as notable as others. History has shown the use of a ‘case system’ can be unethically subjected to the case you were born into, and not necessarily the nature of your aesthetic, thus the system has been used for many to have unhealthy power over others. Modern-day Hindus have either abandoned the whole idea of the case system, or relaxed the concept of it.
The case system or social structure of Hinduism is as follows:
The case system or social structure of Hinduism is as follows:
- Brahmans. Recognised as the ‘head’, the Brahman’s consist of priests who are entitled with ritual functions and the preservation of sacred texts with oral traditions. Alongside priests, the Brahman’s include seers, reflective one's, intellectual and spiritual leaders, who in modern society are equivalent to philosophers, religious leaders, for example the Pope and/or educators.
- Kshatriyas. Recognised as the ‘arms’, the Kshatriyas are the born administrators of society, and essentially protect their fellow peers. In modern day society the Kshatriyas resemble politicians, police and/or militants who serve as preservers.
- Vasiyas. Recognised as the ‘stomach’, they are the producers who skilfully create material things. This includes craftsmen, artisans and farmers who primarily provide to society. In modern day society a merchant would be of an equivalent role and responsibility.
- Shudras. Recognised as the ‘legs’, the Shudras are the followers of maintenance people of society who are the so called menial workers of hard labourers. They are fundamentally the unskilled labourers of the labouring class.
- The Untouchables. Although sometimes the Untouchables are not recognised as members of society, they are a group segregated from the normal and mainstream society. This includes those who are handicapped, criminals, cleaners or outcasts.
7. Ethical Principles or Oral and Written Codes of Behaviour ~
Similarly to other religions, Hinduism has a range of ethical and and moral principles, as well as codes of behaviour that act in accordance with what is practiced. There are five main ethical principles that all Hindus believe and preach in order to live a life of good karma, and therefore success and prosperity. The belief and ethical principles include the following:
In addition to these ethical principles, Hinduism also incorporates 10 Commandments into what they morally deem behaviourally correct. The 10 Commandments include the following values:
These morals and ethical behaviours that explore what Hindus believe in, expose the foundation of the religion, and how Hinduism is heavily based upon spirituality, acts that bring good karma and the respect of animals/nature. In regards to the immense respect towards animals, many modern and past Hindus are Vegetarians, due to moral reasoning. This comes from the belief that all beings are part of the same spirit, thus it is wrong to kill a creature that is no different from ourselves, but is struggling towards a better life. Many Hindus do not eat meat, fish or egg, however, their diets consists of many vegetables, nuts, grains and milk products. The reasoning for Vegetarianism being liked with Hinduism is their immense regard towards Cows, and furthermore the belief in reincarnation.
- God exists, and there is one absolute God, and One Trinity. This is in regards to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
- All human beings are divine and respectable. This principle relates significantly to every aspect of Hinduism. The beliefs, sacred texts, rituals, symbols and social structures are all in relation to the idea of divinity and respectability,
- Unity of all existence through love. This relates widely to the concept of Karma, and how unity is created through the establishment and spreading of love.
- Religious Harmony. The recognition and affection between diverse religions.
- Knowledge of the 3 G’s. This includes Ganga (a sacred river), Gita (a sacred script) and Gayatri (sacred mantra).
- Karma. The belief in life, death and rebirth. Karma is heavily related to the life one lives, and their reincarnation and experiences are the result of their Karma.
- Dharma. All humans are born with certain duties. This is in accordance with the ‘case system’ or social structure of Hinduism.
- Yamas. In order to achieve life, death and rebirth, Hindus must perform regular practices to improve their Karma. This includes regular Yoga, prayer, temple visits and abiding by the moral and ethical principles.
In addition to these ethical principles, Hinduism also incorporates 10 Commandments into what they morally deem behaviourally correct. The 10 Commandments include the following values:
- Satya - Truth, Honesty, Integrity.
- Ahimsa - Non-violence, peace, unity.
- Brahmacharya - Celibacy, non-adultery.
- Asteya - No desire to possess the belongings of others of steal.
- Aparigraha - Non-corruption, no dishonesty, deception.
- Saucha - Cleanliness.
- Santosh - Contentment, happiness, security in oneself.
- Swadhyaya - Reading of scriptures.
- Tapas - Seriousness, perseverance, penance.
- Ishwar Pranidhana - Regular practices, preaching and prayer.
These morals and ethical behaviours that explore what Hindus believe in, expose the foundation of the religion, and how Hinduism is heavily based upon spirituality, acts that bring good karma and the respect of animals/nature. In regards to the immense respect towards animals, many modern and past Hindus are Vegetarians, due to moral reasoning. This comes from the belief that all beings are part of the same spirit, thus it is wrong to kill a creature that is no different from ourselves, but is struggling towards a better life. Many Hindus do not eat meat, fish or egg, however, their diets consists of many vegetables, nuts, grains and milk products. The reasoning for Vegetarianism being liked with Hinduism is their immense regard towards Cows, and furthermore the belief in reincarnation.
8. Religious Experience and Spirituality ~
The Bhagavad Gita, the section of the Mahabharata which includes poems, songs and prayers, has a saying that states; “Perform all thy actions with mind concentrated on the Divine, renouncing attachment and looking upon success and failure with an equal eye. Spirituality implies equanimity”. This saying examples how religious experience, and spirituality are crucial aspects to a practicing Hindus life. Hinduism heavily relies on aspects that add up to good Karma and reincarnation, therefore it is essential for any practicing Hindu to have a sacred religious experience and spirituality in order to successfully pass and life their lives.
A thorough and detailed video describing Hinduism.