Hinduism Basics
Hinduism is one of the oldest living religions, originating in India more than 3000 years ago. It is a polytheistic belief system focused on numerous gods and goddesses, and it is said to be the world’s third-largest religion. Hinduism has no single founder, but its roots can be traced to the Indus-Sarasvati region of the Indian subcontinent. Ancient Hindu texts include the Vedas and Upanishads, which outline beliefs related to dharma (duty), moksha (sense of liberation), and karma (spiritual causality). Four major beliefs are shared by all Hindus, including the belief in a Supreme Being, the belief in karma, the belief in reincarnation, and the belief in Pancaratra (the five elemental aspects of existence).
Hindu Practices
Hinduism is primarily a practice-oriented religion, and its ethos is rooted in the day-to-day practices of its adherents. Hindus practice acts of devotion, daily rituals, meditations and pilgrimages. Since it is an oral tradition, Hindus may believe different things, depending on family or regional customs. Common rituals and practices include the daily performance of sandhya (worship at sunrise and sunset) and routine offerings to the gods in the form of puja (rituals and prayers). Other common daily practices are mantra chanting, ayurvedic cleansing and austerities. Hindus may also observe monthly rituals such as Shraddha (ceremonial offerings to ancestors) and upavas (fasting).
Hindu Scriptures
Hinduism’s written scriptures span more than 2500 years of oral and written form. The most widely read scripture is the Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse poem written in Sanskrit between the third and fourth centuries. Other important scriptures include the Mahabharata, the Ramayana and Vedic texts, which are fundamental to Hinduism. Over time, Hindu scripture has evolved and developed to include a range of other texts, such as the Puranas, Devi Bhagavatam and Agamas. These texts provide deep insight into the spiritual and philosophical concepts of Hinduism and represent its diverse landscape.
Hinduism in the Modern World
Hinduism is everywhere in the modern world, from the proliferation of yoga-based studios to significant communities in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Europe. Hindu teachings often emphasize living in harmony with nature, seeking to find insight and meaning in one’s personal journey, and accepting the oneness of all life. While Hinduism has no official dogma, Sankara, a 9th century philosopher, argued that the highest aim of human life is the realization of Brahman, or the infinite universal consciousness. Hindus are now more visible than ever in our global culture and represent a unique challenge to traditional views of religion.
Hinduism in Daily Life
Hinduism is mainly practiced in the home, where rituals are an important part of daily life. Hindus also observe special days devoted to their deities. Diwali and Holi are two of the most popular festivals. Hindus go to temples for worship, wear distinctive clothing for special occasions, observe dietary restrictions and perform traditional ceremonies to mark births, deaths, marriages and other events. Most Hindu homes also have a small shrine devoted to the worship of their family deity.
Living in Harmony with Hinduism
In order to truly understand Hinduism, you must live within its framework and follow its teachings. This means knowing and understanding the spiritual philosophy of the faith and following its moral code. Live mindfully and be aware of the many opportunities to experience the divine within Hinduism. Cultivate the virtues of patience, tolerance and understanding in order to grow in harmony with the positive aspects of the religion. Finally, practice loving-kindness in your daily life and always strive for a greater appreciation and recognition of the beauty and uniqueness that Hinduism has to offer.
Developing Your Own Religious Practices
Hinduism is highly individualistic and encourages personal exploration. Develop your own spiritual practices such as meditation, chanting or Pilgrimage. By beginning your journey with an open mind, you will be able to explore Hinduism more deeply than you ever thought possible. Reading the holy scriptures and engaging with local Hindu priests or scholars will help you increase your knowledge and understanding. Finally, spend time in local temples, listen to devotional bhajans and take part in sacred rituals.
Hinduism in Pop Culture
Hinduism has had a significant influence on popular culture. The Bhagavad Gita, a cornerstone of Hindu scripture, has been adapted into musicals such as The Mahabharata and the movie 3 Idiots. In the United States, celebrities such as Madonna, Demi Moore and Russell Brand have been inspired by Hindu philosophies, symbols and rituals. In television, the American sitcom Dharma and Greg explores Hindu customs. In the music world, some popular acts incorporate Eastern concepts and images into their songs, such as in U2’s hit single, “Mysterious Ways”.
Symbolism in Hinduism
More than any other religion, Hinduism is steeped in powerful symbols, which are meant to evoke a sense of spirituality. Symbols such as the ‘om’ and the gods Ganesh and Shiva are widely used in Hindu script and ritual. The lotus is a particularly important symbol in Hinduism. It is linked to creation, fertility and spiritual awakening. The Swastika, another important symbol, is seen as a symbol of good fortune and is commonly found in temples, homes and places of worship.
Interpreting Hindu Texts
Hinduism is full of complex texts, symbols and philosophies; interpreting these texts can be a challenge. To truly understand Hinduism, it is necessary to view it through the lens of philosophy and modern science. Increasingly, Hindus are looking for ways to bring their faith into the 21st century and reconcile it with the realities of the modern world. To this end, books such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali explore the deeper meanings and implications of Hindu scripture.
