What Are The 7 Core Beliefs Of Hinduism
Hinduism is considered the oldest religion in the world and is based on a set of core beliefs and values which guide the adherents’ way of life. These beliefs and values are handed down through Hindu scripture, including the Vedas and the Upanishads. It is believed that the 7 core beliefs of Hinduism shape the faith and serve as a reminder of its lush and diverse sacred texts.
The foundation of Hinduism is called the Vedas and it is the oldest surviving scripture in India, dating back over 5000 years. The four main texts of the Hindu religion include the Rig Veda, the Atharaveda, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. These four texts form a basis for the 7 core beliefs of Hinduism.
Reincarnation (Samsara)
Reincarnation, or samsara, is the belief that souls can be born and reborn into a variety of bodies, including animals and plants, to fulfil certain beliefs. As one goes through life, if their karma is ‘good’ and their spiritual growth is high, then they are thought to have a high potential for rebirth in a more evolved form.
This belief of reincarnation is believed to be one of the fundamental aspects of the Hindu evolutionary cycle. With this, Hindus believe that they are not only learning with each incarnation, but that they are also gaining knowledge and moving towards a higher spiritual goal.
The cycle of reincarnation is seen as very important in Hinduism – in particular, it is seen as an opportunity for humans to learn and grow in life, enabling them to achieve spiritual liberation.
Karma
Karma is the belief that actions have consequences, in both this life and the afterlife. In Hinduism, these consequences are seen as an important factor in reincarnation. Positive karma earned in this life will lead to better outcomes and improvement in the next life, while negative karma will result in suffering.
In Hinduism, karma is seen as the cause for ‘good luck’ and ‘bad luck’, both in this life and succeeding lives. This idea is derived from a spiritual account system that looks to reward and punish those who act in accordance with their dharma (ethical duty).
Dharma
The Hindu concept of dharma is based on moral duty and ethics. Dharma is seen as an integral part of understanding the seven core beliefs of Hinduism and as one of the main paths to spiritual liberation. It is also seen as the foundation of all karma.
In Hinduism, dharma is thought of as the revealed law of the Righteous that is, perfecting oneself and one’s offerings to God by living in accordance with nature and sacred scriptures. According to the Upanishads, adharma is the cause of all miseries while dharma leads to balanced life and moksha (liberation from the cycle of reincarnation).
Ahimsa
Ahimsa, or non-violence, is one of the most important beliefs of Hinduism. It is seen as the highest virtue and it requires adherents to refrain from inflicting pain or causing harm to any living creature, including human beings and animals.
Ahimsa is one of the cornerstones of Hinduism, with the Bhagavad Gita stressing the importance of ahimsa in Hindu philosophy. In particular, the text states that it is through ahimsa that one can ultimately achieve moksha.
Nirvana
Nirvana, or moksha, is the ultimate goal of Hinduism. This belief is based on the idea of mukti (the release from the cycle of reincarnation) and is seen as the highest spiritual attainment. Nirvana is thought of as a state of perfect harmony and bliss, where individuals are able to transcend the physical world and understand their true spiritual nature.
Nirvana is thought to be reached by a combination of good karma, ahimsa, dharma and a deep understanding of the vedic texts. It is through a combination of these values that Hindus believe they can ultimately achieve liberation from the cycle of reincarnation and experience the ultimate bliss of nirvana.
Vedic Texts
The Vedic texts are the ancient scriptures of Hinduism, and they form the basis of the seven core beliefs of Hinduism. The Vedas are thought to be of divine origin, and it is said that they contain the secrets of India’s spiritual knowledge. Key concepts such as reincarnation, karma, Dharma, ahimsa and moksha are all based on the teachings of these sacred texts.
The Vedas contain the oldest written record of the Hindu faith and serve as a foundation for its values. For this reason, Hindus believe that understanding these scriptures is an essential part of achieving enlightenment.
God and the Divine
Hindus believe in one all-encompassing God, Brahman. This divine being is believed to be the source of all life and energy in the universe, and therefore all other gods, or avatars of the divine, are merely representations of Brahman.
The belief in one single divine source is seen as the foundation of Hinduism, and it is seen as the source of all knowledge and spiritual attainment. Through understanding divine energy, and working with it, Hindus strive to achieve moksha.
Metaphysics and the Vedic Science of Prayer and Meditation
Metaphysics and the Vedic Science of prayer and meditation are highly respected practices in Hinduism and are seen as pathways to spiritual enlightenment. Through the use of mantras, prayers and mediation, Hindus can access deeper states of consciousness which can bring about greater spiritual insights.
The Vedic science of prayer and meditation is deeply intertwined with the seven core beliefs of Hinduism and it is seen as a way for people to gain deeper self-realisation and draw closer to the divine. Many of the rituals and ceremonies in Hinduism are based on these spiritual practises and are seen as ways to harmonise with Brahman, the divine.
The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important texts in Hinduism. It is seen as a sacred dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, and it is thought to contain the most profound teachings of Hindu philosophy. In particular, the text holds great authority, as it is seen as a guide for Hindus to lead a more fulfilling life.
The Bhagavad Gita is considered to be the most important and influential scripture in Hinduism and is thought to contain the ultimate truth of the Hindu faith. The teachings of the text are seen as the foundation of the seven core beliefs of Hinduism and as a source of wisdom and guidance for Hindus on their spiritual path.
Diet, Fasting and festivals
Diet and fasting are integral to Hinduism and are seen as a way of spiritual purification. Fasting is seen as a way of cleansing the body, mind and soul and is an important aspect of Hindu prayer and meditation. People will often fast on special occasions such as Diwali, Janmashtami and Holi, when Hindus seek blessings from the deities.
Festivals are also important in Hinduism. Hindus believe that festivals are sacred occasions to mark the changing of the seasons, honour their deities and celebrate their blessings and prosperity. Diwali, Holi and Navratri are some of the most popular Hindu festivals, and they are celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
Conclusion to Hindu Practices
The seven core beliefs of Hinduism form an integral part of Hinduism and play an important part in shaping the faith. These beliefs provide guidance to Hindus on how to lead their lives in accordance with their dharma (ethical duty) and how to achieve moksha (liberation from the cycle of reincarnation). Furthermore, they serve as the foundation upon which the Hindu faith is built, and they provide Hindus with a source of spiritual knowledge and insight.
