An Overview of Hinduism
Hinduism is the oldest religion still practiced in the world today. Founded in the Indian subcontinent around 1500 BCE, it is rooted in the sacred texts known as the Vedas. Hinduism’s essence is rooted in its scriptures, rituals, teachings and beliefs – all encapsulated within the concept of Karma and Dharma. Hinduism is considered a “way of life,” as it embraces many aspects of living, including meditation, yoga, religious practices and behavioral actions. In short, Hinduism seeks to bring its followers closer to divine truth and the various gods it venerates.
Key Beliefs of Hinduism
One of the most fundamental beliefs of Hinduism is the idea of reincarnation, which holds that each person has multiple lives as they reincarnate into other forms. This belief leads to the idea of reincarnation being linked with Karma, which is defined as “the total sum of a person’s actions and deeds throughout this and all past lives.” As a result of this, Hindus believe that in order to gain full liberation from the soul’s attachments to this world, individual Karma must be fully repaid. Hinduism also believes in a variety of gods, including the three major deities of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma, as well as their various avatars. Other gods are believed to exist as well, such as Ganesha and Saraswati.
Significant Symbols
Symbols and rituals play a central role in Hinduism, and each has a distinct meaning. The most widely recognised symbol of Hinduism is the Om symbol, which is believed to represent the universal vibration and a call to communion with God. Other important symbols include the Swastika, which is considered a symbol of divine protection, and the Bindi, which is worn by married women as a sign of respect. Other symbols can be linked to specific gods, such as the tiger for Durga, the axe for Hanuman and the conch for Vishnu.
How To Start Hinduism
For those interested in exploring Hinduism, there are several steps that can be taken to begin your journey. The first is to educate yourself on the basic beliefs of Hinduism. Through reading or researching, it is important to understand the conception of Karma and Dharma, key symbols and beliefs and general teachings. This is important to ensure that individuals are practicing Hinduism according to the right principles.
Once you have gained a basic understanding of Hinduism, it is important to find a religious community. Depending on geographical location, there may be a temple or a local religious group that meets regularly to practice. As with all religions, finding like-minded individuals to learn and grow with can help to develop a deeper faith.
The third step towards embracing Hinduism is to begin utilizing important rituals and symbols. For example, starting to wear a Bindi or Om symbol may help to create a daily practice which can in turn deepen the relationship an individual has with Hinduism. It may also be helpful to begin meditation or living a lifestyle that aligns with the principles of Dharma to further foster the spiritual journey.
Practicing Hinduism Outside the Subcontinent
Although Hinduism originated from the Indian subcontinent, it is now practiced all around the world. Hindu temples and organizations can be found in numerous countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and various places in Europe. This has allowed Hinduism to thrive and grow outside of its original setting.
Despite its global prevalence, practitioners of Hinduism living outside of the subcontinent may find that there is a lack of diverse resources available. Hindu teachings and teachings concerning related philosophy are often challenging to find, and as a result, individuals may find it difficult to learn about certain aspects of the religion. Despite this difficulty, there are still initiatives aimed at educating those interested in Hinduism. For example, the Hindu Heritage Center in the US works hard to educate people on the Hindu religion and culture, as well as providing a home for those who are looking to connect with the practice.
The Interface Between Hinduism and Other Faiths
Hinduism is a diverse and open faith, and as such there are many ways in which it interfaces with other religions. Hinduism welcomes visitors both from within and outside of the faith, and as a result, many Hindu teachings draw on concepts found in other faiths such as Buddhism and Jainism. One example of this is the practice of meditation, which finds its roots in both Hinduism and Buddhism and is incorporated into many modern-day spiritual practices. Similarly, Hinduism also embraces and draws upon teachings from other faiths, often exchanging information and ideas.
Diverse Interpretations and Applications
As a vast and ancient faith, Hinduism encompasses a variety of interpretations, beliefs and applications. There is no “correct” interpretation of Hinduism and instead, it is up to each practitioner to find their own path within the faith. For example, some Hindus may follow the traditional Vedas, while others may practice a more modern version of the faith. Similarly, Hinduism is also open to reinterpretation and new ideas, allowing practitioners to alter or adapt beliefs to their own life and time. However, no matter the interpretation, all versions of Hinduism call on the same core philosophies of Karma and Dharma.
Exploring The Varied Scriptures
By far one of the most important aspects of Hinduism are its scriptures. The Vedas are considered to be the primary scriptures of Hinduism, and are composed of hymns, prayers, mantras and other texts. Hinduism also has secondary scriptures such as the Upanishads, Puranas and the Yoga Sutras, which provide further explanation and interpretation of the Vedas. Exploring the various scriptures of Hinduism provides practitioners with an opportunity to grow in their knowledge of the faith, and gain a deeper understanding of its teachings.
Finding a Local Community
For those living in places where Hinduism is established, it may be possible to find a local temple. Joining a local Hindu community can help to foster the practice of the faith, as the community acts as a support network and source of spiritual knowledge or guidance. It is also important to note that while temples are widely recognized, Hinduism is not a structured faith and as a result, there are no central authorities governing the practice. As such, people are encouraged to explore different aspects of Hinduism to find what works for them.
A Personal Journey
Above all else, practicing Hinduism is a personal journey for each individual. Each person will interpret and embrace the practice differently, but the core tenants remain the same. Starting Hinduism is simply a matter of gaining an understanding of its beliefs, scriptures, symbols and rituals, and embracing them in a way that resonates deeply with each individual. Through self-study and exploration, Hindus can develop a relationship not just with the faith itself, but with the divine truth that lies within.
