History of Hinduism and its Founding
Hinduism is an ancient faith that has its roots in India and the Indian spiritual tradition. It is estimated that the the earliest known forms of Hinduism can be traced back over 5,000 years ago. Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world and believes in a highly complex pantheon of gods, goddesses and spiritual principles. Hindus are found across the globe, with the primary majority being in India. The central focus of Hinduism is the belief in Brahman, the supreme being and creator of the universe, who is seen as the unifying element in all creation.
Hinduism’s Universe View
In Hinduism, the universe is composed of three parts: the physical (Manifest), the mental (Idealistic), and the spiritual (Transcendental). The Manifest is the visible world of tangible form that is observed and experienced through the physical senses. The Idealistic is the world of thought, imagination, and experience that is not necessarily visible but can be felt, sensed, and experienced by people. The Transcendental is the world of the divine, the part of the universe that is unseen, and that, according to Hinduism, can only be experienced spiritually.
Doctrine of Brahman
The most fundamental belief of Hinduism is the doctrine of Brahman. Brahman is the one supreme being, the creator and sustainer of the universe. Hindus believe that Brahman is all-pervasive, and that all living things are connected and ultimately part of the one divine spirit. Hindus also believe that Brahman is the source of all truth, goodness, and beauty.
God in Hinduism
Hinduism is polytheistic and has a plethora of gods and goddesses. However, ultimately all of these deities are seen as one and the same, no matter the form. This is due to the understanding of Brahman, which is that all forms of existence—from the gods, to humans, to animals, and plants—are all part of the one divine spirit. In this sense, Hinduism does, indeed, believe in a single, overarching God.
The Role of Karma
Hinduism also believes in the law of karma. Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, which teaches that each action, thought, and deed has consequences. These consequences can be either positive or negative, depending on the action. This belief is the foundation of the Hindu moral code, teaching that each individual has to ultimately answer for their own actions and will be rewarded or punished accordingly.
Paths of Moksha
Hindus also believe in the idea of moksha, or spiritual liberation. This is a concept that is central to Hinduism and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Hindus believe that ultimately, the only way to achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death is to gain insight into the true nature of one’s self and the universe. To achieve this insight, Hindus believe in four primary paths— Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Raja Yoga. Each of these paths requires different practices, from selfless service and devotion to the practice of meditation and yoga.
The Vedic Way of Life
Hindus also have a particular way of living known as the Vedic way of life. This is based on the teachings of the Vedas, the four Hindu sacred texts. It is a lifestyle rooted in the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), and Brahmacharya (celibacy). This way of live is based on the principle that every individual should show respect and reverence to the divine spirit and act in a way that honors the truth, as well as shows compassion and kindness to all living creatures.
The Other Three Brahmas
In addition to Brahman, Hinduism also believes in three other distinct aspects of God— Paramatman, Atman, and Bhagwan. Paramatman is the absolute spirit and is often referred to as the “Supreme Self.” Atman is the individual soul, or the divine spark that resides in all living things. Bhagwan is the manifested deity, the form that God takes in order to interact with the physical world.
Hinduism and Monotheism
Though Hinduism is considered a polytheistic faith, it is important to note that the focus is on the absolute unity of all things, and in this sense, Hinduism is viewed as both monotheistic and panentheistic. This means that while Hinduism believes in many forms of the divine, they all ultimately come from and lead back to the same source— Brahman.
The Power of Bhakti
Another important aspect of Hinduism is the concept of Bhakti, or devotion to the divine. This is seen as an important part of the path to moksha, as it is believed that when one has a strong and sincere devotion to God, it allows for a profound connection and can lead to spiritual awakening. The power of Bhakti is seen in many forms, from dance and music to chanting and prayer, and is an important aspect of Hindu faith and practice.
Conclusion of Hinduism and Theism
In conclusion, Hinduism does, in fact, believe in God and in the power of divine forces. Though the form of the divine differs across the various sects of Hinduism, the faith is ultimately based on the belief that there is one supreme being that is the source of all truth, beauty, and goodness. There are also various paths to moksha that Hindus believe can lead to spiritual liberation, with Bhakti being an important part of this. Ultimately, Hinduism is a complex faith that is rooted in the belief in a single, unified divine reality.
