Introduction
Hinduism is one of the oldest and most fascinating major religions in the world today. It has survived for over five thousand years and is the world’s third-largest religion. Hinduism has no single founder and no singular authoritative scripture, but its core beliefs are deeply rooted in the Vedas, Upanishads, and other ancient Hindu texts. It also has incredibly complex philosophical traditions that have greatly shaped Indian culture and continue to have an impact in the modern world. There are a variety of Hinduism beliefs and traditions that are used to guide adherents’ lives, but these can generally be broken down into three main beliefs: Brahman, Atman, and Karma.
Brahman
The concept of Brahman is central to Hinduism and one of its most fundamental beliefs. It is the essential underlying force in the universe and the ultimate reality behind all things. It is described as without form, gender, or origin and pervades all of creation. All things in the universe are seen as manifestations of Brahman and ultimately united in it. It is also believed that everyone has a spark of Brahman within them, and by recognizing this within oneself, Hindus are able to overcome their ego and reach a state of enlightenment.
Atman
Atman is another central belief in Hinduism and refers to the indwelling, immortal soul that is part of Brahman. It is believed that all living things have an Atman within them and all life is seen as interconnected and part of the same essence. The soul is seen as something that transcends physical existence and continues to exist long after the body has passed away. In terms of the individual, it is seen as the true essential self that is eternally connected to Brahman. Progressing to higher realms or states of existence is seen as the goal and is done by recognizing the Atman within oneself and gradually transcending the material world and its limitations.
Karma
Karma is a central concept and one of the primary Hinduism beliefs. It is the notion of cause and effect in which every action, good or bad, will have an effect on the individual’s future. It is seen as an immutable and impersonal law of the universe and is one of the primary principles for how Hindus live their lives. Good karma is achieved by following the Dharma (duty or righteousness) and engaging in virtuous behavior and thinking, while bad karma is the result of selfish or immoral behavior and thinking. Ultimately, the individual is responsible for their own destiny and the law of karma ensures that everyone will receive the good or bad that they put out into the world.
God and Rebirth
Hinduism is not strictly a monotheistic religion as it generally allows for the worship of multiple gods and goddesses, while still believing in a single supreme divine force. Generally, devotees will choose to focus on specific deities and accord them varying levels of veneration. Popular gods and goddesses in Hinduism include Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Saraswati, and there are many different stories surrounding them. Hinduism also holds that the soul passes through a cycle of reincarnation, in which it is born multiple times in different bodies. This is dependent upon karma and can result in the soul temporarily moving into higher or lower states of being dependent upon its accumulated acts.
Rituals and Traditions
Hinduism is a very ritualistic and traditional religion that involves a variety of religious practices and observances, many of which are rooted in the Vedas and other ancient religious texts. These range from the performance of pujas (ritual worship) to the observance of days of the week with specific activities, to the celebration of festivals such as Diwali and Holi. The practice of yoga, an ancient form of physical and mental exercise, is also an important part of Hinduism.
Worldview
Hinduism broadly holds that the material world is illusory and inherently impermanent. In this worldview, the goal of life is to recognize the Atman within oneself, transcend the material world and its limitations, and unite with the eternal and ultimate reality of Brahman. Joy and contentment are to be found in the recognition of this realization and the detachment from the material world that accompanies it. In Hinduism beliefs, physical death is not seen as the end but as the beginning of a new cycle of existence.
Philosophy
Hinduism has an incredibly complex and detailed philosophical system that has been shaped by a variety of philosophical schools of thought from the Upanishads to the Vedanta. This includes the four main philosophy schools of Vedanta, Yoga, Nyaya, and Vaisheshika, each of which has a variety of sub-schools. These systems vary in their interpretation of the Vedas and provide a variety of schools of thought to guide adherents in their spiritual lives and pursuits.
Ethics and Morality
Hinduism has a strong ethical and moral code that is generally based in its beliefs about karma, dharma, and honor. This code dictates how individuals should behave in order to faithfully live out their dharma, or duty, and pursues the highest realms of existence. It is believed that by engaging in virtuous behavior and living a life of Dharma, an individual can escape from the cycle of life and death and reach a higher state of existence.
Aesthetics and Art
Hinduism has a rich and diverse aesthetic tradition that has developed over centuries. This is expressed in a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, dance, and music, as well as literature and traditional theatre. These art forms are used to express and explore the divine, esoteric, and spiritual aspects of Hinduism and provide insight into the various beliefs and philosophies expressed by Hinduism.
Practices and Rituals
Hinduism has a variety of practices and rituals that are considered essential to true faith and adherence to Hinduism beliefs. These include pilgrimages, fasting, devotion to deities, and performing ceremonies such as marriages and funerals as prescribed in ancient Hindu texts. Additionally, rituals often take place in temples and involve offerings to deities and stories that illustrate religious beliefs. Pilgrimages are also an important part of Hinduism and are seen as a way for adherents to express their reverence for holy places, as well as to cleanse and purify the soul.
Interactions with Other Religions
Hinduism has had a long and complex history of interaction with other religions in South Asia, particularly Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. Hinduism has often adopted elements from other religions, while at the same time providing influences to non-Hindu faiths such as Buddhism. This has resulted in a great level of cultural exchange and has lead to the development of new forms of religious expression within the region. Additionally, Hinduism has also been heavily influenced by the arrival of Islam and Christianity in the region, resulting in continued cultural exchange and development.
