Hinduism and Its Followers
Hinduism is one of the oldest world religions. Followers of Hinduism are generally known as Hindus. In fact, many people refer to Hinduism as Sanātana Dharma, which loosely translates to the “eternal law” or the “eternal order”. This term was coined by historically significant religious figures, and widely accepted as a law or order guiding Hindu life.
Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, which means that Hindus believe in and worship multiple gods. For instance, the holy trinity of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer), are all widely worshipped. Some Hindus may follow a Hindu monotheism and worship only one of the deities to the exclusion of all other gods.
Hindus who follow the religion also adhere to various philosophical branches and rituals. For example, karma and dharma are two of the most important philosophies that Hindus follow. This involves the understanding that any action taken, be it good or bad, will eventually lead to a consequence of some kind. According to Hindu beliefs, this notion encourages a person to live a moral and good life.
Religious Practices and Observances
Hinduism is also known for its diverse religious practices and observances. Examples of religious practices that Hindus observe include yoga, meditation, reading Scripture, visiting temples, and daily worship (puja). Prayer rituals are often a big part of Hindu worship, as many faithful Hindus pray to their gods and goddesses to seek protection, guidance, and favor.
Other key rituals include Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. This festival is celebrated by Hindus to mark the triumph of good over evil and victory of light over darkness. Another important celebration is Holi, which is a festival of color and food that is celebrated with great enthusiasm all across the country. These rituals give Hindus an opportunity to connect to their faith and culture.
Hinduism as a Way of Life
In addition to its religious practices, Hinduism is also a way of life. Hindus seek to cultivate virtues such as peace, nonviolence, and honesty. These values are instilled in many forms of daily life and are known as “Dharma”, which is a code of conduct that many Hindus strive to live by.
In Hinduism, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana are credited as some of the oldest works of literature. They have served as both epics and moral codes to guide Hindus in their daily lives. These stories are heavily steeped in Hindu tradition and ethics.
Hindu Symbols
The most recognized symbol in Hinduism is the Aum, commonly referred to as “Om”, which represent the sound of the universe and is believed to connect individuals with the Supreme Being or Brahman. Other symbols are the lotus (which symbolizes knowledge, purity, and self-realization), the Swastika (which symbolizes prosperity and good luck) and the trishula (which is a trident symbolizing power and strength).
The Status of Hinduism Around the World
Hinduism exists in many parts of the world. In India, roughly 80% of the population is Hindu. It is also one of the fastest growing religions in the United States, where millions of Americans identify as Hindus, according to the Pew Research Center’s 2012 report.
It is also one of the most diverse religions. Hinduism does not have a universal set of beliefs, rituals, or practices, allowing it to fit with almost any other faith or culture.
Furthermore, Hinduism is prominent in many parts of the African continent, most notably in Tanzania and Mauritius, where more than 70% and 50% of their respective populations are Hindu.
Hinduism in Popular Culture
Hinduism is also a popular influence in popular culture, from Hollywood to Hollywood. Many stories, such as those of superheroes like Wonder Woman, Black Panther, and even Iron Man, feature elements of Hinduism. Examples of real-life popular culture inspired by Hinduism include salutations, ancient Indian martial arts and music.
In Hindu homes, you’re likely to see objects like holy books, incense, and shawls hung on doorways that represent prosperity and protection, as well as deities and symbols placed around the home and in the family mandir or altar.
Sacred Texts and Beliefs
Hinduism is known to be founded on the teachings of the four vedas, which are the oldest known texts in the world. These texts were taught orally for hundreds of years before being written down in Sanskirt and contain the most ancient and important beliefs of Hinduism.
Along with the vedas, many Hindus also follow the teachings of Hinduism’s sage-teachers known as Guru’s. These sages are said to have achieved higher levels of spiritual consciousness, and they have passed on their teachings of meditation, yoga and other practices of inner-development.
Furthermore, key Hindu texts like the Bhagavad Gita (a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna) are widely read and studied by Hindus for moral and spiritual guidance.
Work Practices Based On Hinduism
Depending on the branch, some Hindus will believe that the way one performs their job is as important as the job itself. This is because it is believed that the actions themselves, regardless of the type of job being done, can lead to good or bad karma. As such, Hindus are expected to demonstrate honesty and integrity, work with a sense of purpose and dedication, protect their customers, and practice conscious consumerism all in the name of dharma, or righteousness.
Furthermore, Hinduism also teaches that these work practices should be carried out in such a way that seeks to benefit both the individual and the wider community. This means that the ideal of a Hindu workplace would be one that upholds principles like trust, transparency, respect, fairness, and respect for diversity.
Value of Human Life
Hinduism also stresses the value of human life. Hindus see life as sacred and as something that should be preserved at all costs. This belief means that Hindus should respect the environment and strive to live in harmony with nature, as they believe that all living things have a sacred place in nature. According to Hindu beliefs, all life is interconnected and maintaining balance in the circle of life is essential to the health of the individual and their community.
Many Hindus also advocate for vegetarianism for this reason, as they believe that preserving animal life and respecting the environment is essential in order to achieve a total balance of nature. Additionally, many also advocate for non-violence and peaceful solutions in resolving conflicts as a result of their beliefs.
Symbolism Associated With Hinduism
Hinduism is also associated with several different symbols, the most recognizable being the “Om” symbol. This ancient symbol is believed to have a deep spiritual meaning and is often used as a form of meditation or chant. Other symbols that are associated with Hinduism include the Swastika, which symbolizes prosperity and good luck, and the Lotus, which symbolizes knowledge, purity, and self-realization.
Moreover, Hinduism also has several mount symbols. Aspects of creation, such as the Earth and sky, are seen as symbolic mountains, and in some Hindu cultures, mountains are worshipped as Divine venues. For instance, the famous mountain Kailash in the Himalayas is considered to be the earthly abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati and devotees make pilgrimages to this mountain every year.
Hinduism and Other Religions
Hinduism has influenced many other faiths, including Buddhism and Jainism, as well as several other Indian religions. Additionally, the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi have also been heavily inspired by Hinduism and are the basis of the popular modern yoga movement.
Hinduism can also be seen in many aspects of western culture, including art, music, philosophy, and even psychology. Furthermore, Hinduism has been found to have had a major influence in western astrology, with many of the planets being given their names from Hindu deities.
Hinduism and Education
Hindu philosophy is a source of knowledge that has become an important part of many university courses. It provides a framework from which to view ethical and moral behavior, as well as a way to think critically and constructively about challenging concepts. Several pivotal Hindu texts are studied in universities, including the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Tamil texts such as Thirukkural.
Hindu philosophy also encourages students to tackle problems in a creative manner. It advocates a holistic approach to learning, which encourages students to look at topics from multiple perspectives and encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and ultimately, innovation.
Conclusion
Hinduism is an ancient and multifaceted religion that has had a tremendous impact on the world. Hindus believe in a moral and spiritual code of conduct that is meant to preserve life and promote the well-being of all beings. This includes the cultivation of virtues such as peace, non-violence, and honesty. Additionally, Hindus respect the environment, strive for balance within nature, and follow various religious practices and observances. The Aum symbol, which is associated with Hinduism, is one of the most recognizable symbols of the faith. Moreover, Hindu philosophy has also had a major influence on other religions, as well as on western culture. Ultimately, Hinduism is an ancient faith that still has many teachings and practices that are relevant in today’s world.
