Introduction
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest, most complex and majestic religious systems, with origins that go back some 5,000 years. Its rich and varied traditions and beliefs touch every aspect of life and remain the dominant form of spirituality practiced in India – the birthplace of Hinduism – today. With so many different customs, practices and schools of thought it can often be hard to define exactly what Hinduism is, or how it is practiced. This article will attempt to unravel some of the mysteries of Hinduism through examining the core beliefs, practices and philosophies of the religion.
Core Beliefs
At the heart of Hinduism are some of the world’s most basic spiritual truths – often referred to as Dharma – which provide both insight into the big questions of life and a framework for guiding daily behaviour. According to Hindu Dharma, ultimate reality is Brahman, an omnipresent, eternal, formless and all-pervading spiritual force who transcends the mundane world and can be experienced through contemplation and meditation. Brahman is experienced in many forms, the most often spoken about being the Trimurti, the three forms of God (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), but there is a wide variety of other deities worshiped in Hinduism, including the popular Goddesses Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi.
Practices and Rituals
Practicing Hinduism involves a wide range of practices and rituals. These can range from daily worship and prayer, to chanting mantras and studying Vedic and Sutras scriptures. Many Hindus also participate in the practice of yoga, a physical, mental and spiritual practice with origins in India, which is now popular all over the world.
The most widespread practice, however, is puja, a ritual prayer with fragrances, incense sticks, flowers and offerings of food. This is usually done at home in front of a sacred altar, although larger prayers and ceremonies take place in temples. Through Hindu puja, Hindus seek to draw closer to Brahman, the highest and most perfect form of Divinity.
Hindu Holidays and Celebrations
Hinduism includes a number of holidays and festivals which celebrate the birth, life, and death of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The major Hindu festivals are Diwali (the festival of lights), Holi (the festival of colors) and Durga Puja (a time for worshipping the goddess Durga). These three festivals attract millions of worshippers from around the world, and have become symbols of Hindu culture and identity.
Hindi Daily Routine
For the dedicated Hindu, following a daily routine or regimen is essential for deepening one’s spiritual connection and maintaining spiritual health. This usually involves a number of activities depending on one’s beliefs, such as prayer and meditation, attending devotional ceremonies, reciting mantras and reading scriptures. These activities are usually set at specific times of the day, such as early morning and in the evening, ensuring that these practices become part of one’s daily routine.
Pilgrimage
A key element of Hindu practice is going on pilgrimages (tirath yatra), travelling to sacred sites to deepen one’s understanding and connection with Hindu beliefs. The most iconic pilgrimage is to the Ganges river, which is sacred to Hindus, as well as to other religions which have their origins in the Indian subcontinent. Here, devotees bathe in the holy waters and pray to the many gods and goddesses associated with the river.
Other important pilgrimage sites include Mt. Kailash in the Himalayas – a holy mountain associated with Shiva and Parvati – the four main holy cities of India (Varanasi, Haridwar, Ujjain and Dwarka) and many other temples and sites in India and Nepal.
Caste System
The ancient Hindu belief in a four-tier social hierarchy called the Varna system, or the Caste System, is still widely practiced in Hindu society today. This system assigns each individual into one of four social classes – Brahmins (priests and teachers), Kshatriyas (warriors, rulers and politicians), Vaishyas (business people and traders) and Shudras (artisans and laborers). In some cases, there is also a fifth class, called the “untouchables” or Dalits, who are outside of the Varna system altogether, and are often ostracized and discriminated against.
Conclusion of Hinduism
Hinduism is an incredibly dynamic and complex philosophy, with many paths and possibilities. By exploring the core beliefs, practices, rituals and philosophies of Hinduism, it is possible to gain a greater understanding of the religion and how it is practiced today.
Importance of Dharma
The concept of Dharma, or righteousness, is an essential part of Hinduism. Dharma describes the moral, ethical and spiritual duties expected of Hindus in order to maintain harmony in society and uphold the universal order. Through practicing Dharma, a Hindu can ensure their life is lived with purpose and faith, and can help to create a better world for all.
Impact of Hinduism on Other Religions
Hinduism has had a significant impact on many other world religions, including Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, which share significant elements of Hindu theology and philosophy. Hinduism has also had a large influence on western culture, particularly since the 1960s, with the introduction of such concepts as yoga and meditation.
Attitude Towards Gender Equality
Historically, Hinduism has been structured around patriarchy, and women were traditionally seen as lesser beings than men. However, there are a number of key female figures in Hinduism, such as the goddesses Durga and Lakshmi, who are revered and celebrated by Hindus. Hinduism is also increasingly embracing the idea of gender equality, and in recent years there has been a move towards empowering women through initiatives such as education and job training.
Role of Yoga
Yoga is one of the most widely practiced aspects of Hinduism, and is seen by many as a way of connecting with Brahman and achieving spiritual liberation. The practice of yoga involves physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama) and emphasizing mental awareness. Through the practice of yoga, Hindus are able to strengthen their bodies and minds and deepen their understanding of Hindu beliefs and philosophies.
Stages of Life
Hinduism divides life into four distinct stages, or ashramas: the student stage, the householder stage, the forest dweller stage and the ascetic stage. Each of these stages is associated with an appropriate duty or dharma, and Hindus are expected to move through these stages in order to attain wisdom and spiritual realization.
Symbolism of Hinduism
Hinduism is often associated with a number of symbols, such as the Om symbol, the swastika and the trident. These symbols represent the various aspects of Hinduism, such as the Trimurti (the three forms of God) or the four stages of life. They can also be seen as talismans, offering protection and spiritual guidance to the pious.
Western Viewpoints on Hinduism
Hinduism has been the subject of much debate and controversy in the West, with some viewing it as an Oriental “mystery religion” and others praising its spiritual and philosophical depth. Regardless of these differing views, Hinduism continues to have a profound impact on global culture, offering a rich and diverse system of beliefs and practices that has something to offer to all.
