What Are The Rules Of Hinduism?
Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, having an estimated billion followers. It is largely based on the teachings of the great spiritual leaders, or gurus, and has evolved over time to include multiple beliefs and religious practices. It places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and self-guided spiritual growth, with the goal being to live a moral life that can lead to moksha or liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. Despite its long history and complexity, Hinduism is defined by certain core beliefs, values and practices which form the basis of Hindu thought and behaviour.
At its core, Hinduism is concerned with coming to terms with the mysteries of existence, the idea being that life is cyclical and the soul must continuously be reincarnated so it may eventually achieve moksha or liberation. As a result, Hindus believe that the ultimate spiritual path involves treading the righteous path in all aspects of life and acting as a moral and compassionate being to fellow citizens – this is known as dharma. The term “dharma” has been used throughout Hindu philosophy, but most commonly refers to ethical and moral behaviour, as well as the law of cause and effect.
Another crucial Hindu belief is that of karma. This is the notion that each action has a consequence, and that the life we lead will be felt through our future lives. This ancient belief has been closely related to dharma, as it states that by performing good deeds, such as helping those in need, one will create a cycle of positive consequences and a state of positive dharma. Loosely translated, it means “as you sow, so shall you reap.”
Other aspects of Hinduism include reincarnation beliefs, belief in a divine power or “God” known as Brahman, and vegetarianism. Many Hindus also practice ahimsa, which is the belief in non-violence and the avoidance of harming any living being. This is often extended to abstention from violence in any form, including in speech, thought and action.
Hinduism also sets certain rules about how to live a life based on dharma. These rules are varied and depend on a person’s caste and social background, with higher castes being given more freedom and decision making power. Generally, however, Hinduism encourages the faithful to pursue a life of righteousness and morality, avoiding activities that cause injury, promote disharmony, or lead to a false sense of pleasure or power. Those who choose to ignore these rules are seen as leading an unenlightened life, and as such are a source of danger to themselves and others.
Living a life in accordance with the principles of Hinduism is a noble pursuit, and is said to bring joy and peace to one’s life. The religion encourages its followers to remember that life is temporary, and as such to make an effort to live virtuously and peacefully, as well as to treat others with kindness and compassion.
History And Beliefs
Hinduism is an ancient religion with a history that dates back around four thousand years. It has evolved over time to include multiple beliefs and religious practices, though the core tenets remain largely the same. The most central of these believe that the soul is repeatedly reborn until it can achieve liberation, or moksha, from the cycle of death and rebirth. It is also believed that Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism have evolved from Hinduism.
Hinduism also considers all aspects of life as holy, and believes that life is a journey and that living a virtuous life is part of a spiritual path. There is no single scripture or authority that dictates the core beliefs and practices of Hinduism, so individual interpretation can vary greatly.
A number of deities are worshipped in Hinduism — with the most widely recognised being the trinity consisting of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Along with their respective consorts, these deities form the basis for much of Hindu thought, with Vishnu seen as the Preserver and Shiva as the Transformer. Hindus also worship a number of lesser gods and goddesses, many of whom are seen as avatars of the core trinity.
Hindu philosophy also holds that all beings are part of the divine energy or Brahman, though personalities and individual characteristics will differ; this concept is known as “maya”. Hindus also believe in karma, which states that each action has a consequence, and that the life we lead will be felt through our future lives.
Practices And Rituals
In Hinduism, certain practices and rituals are performed in an effort to lead a righteous and moral life. These can vary depending on a person’s caste and social background, but some commonly practiced rituals and activities include puja, or offering of prayers to the gods, yogic practices such as meditation, fasting, and chanting of mantras.
Hinduism also places a strong emphasis on responsibilities to family and society. Common practices such as the arranged marriage system, charity towards the needy, and respect for elders are all based on dharma and the moral responsibilities of each Hindu. Other non-religious activities, such as observing the arts, gardening and visiting holy places, are also widely practiced in the religion.
Rituals such as meditation, rituals and offerings of flowers and incense to statues of the gods, and recitation of the Vedas or scriptures, are also seen as central aspects of Hindu practice. Hindus are also encouraged to visit other holy sites such as the Ganges River and to perform ceremony or rites in their own homes.
Hinduism is also a deeply personal experience, one which is different for each practicioner. A main part of following the religion is entering a state of moksha, or spiritual liberation, and this requires each individual to find their own path and search within themselves.
Concepts of Caste and Gender
Another central part of the Hindu tradition is its concept of caste, an ancient system of cultural and religious categorisation. In the Hindu faith, one’s caste is determined by birth, and there are four main castes, or varnas – the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Each of these castes is further divided into sub-castes, or jatis, though these divisions do not affect one’s spiritual standing.
Hinduism also deals with gender roles, with the sacred texts generally reinforcing the traditional system of patriarchy. However, women are increasingly gaining more rights and freedoms in modern Hinduism, and their importance is increasingly being recognised. Women have also been seen as important figures within the religious texts, with some powerful female goddesses such as Kali and Durga being worshipped within the tradition.
Finally, Hinduism has also placed emphasis on the importance of an untainted environment and environmental stewardship. Hindus are encouraged to respect the natural environment and to protect it from pollution or destruction, as an ideal way of preserving the harmony between humanity and the rest of the universe.
Modern Hinduism
Hinduism continues to endure, having survived for thousands of years despite numerous cultural and political shifts throughout history. It has become a truly global phenomenon, with Hindu communities having spread throughout the world, particularly in countries like the US, Canada and the UK. As a result, Hindu thought, practices and cultural influence have increasingly become a part of everyday life in many other countries.
Modern Hinduism has also been affected by many progressive ideas and movements, leading to a more open and diverse spiritual landscape. This includes an embrace of religious pluralism, the proliferation of new Hindu denominations and associated organisations, as well as a challenge to traditional gender roles and caste practices.
In recent years, Hinduism has also become more visible in the public sphere. This is seen particularly in the rise of Hindu political parties and organisations, as well as a more vocal presence in discussions relating to Indian politics. Hinduism has also begun to permeate into mainstream culture, with yoga and other Hindu-influenced practices becoming increasingly commonplace.
Conclusion
Hinduism is an ancient religion that has been able to survive and remain relevant through the centuries. Its core beliefs remain largely the same, though its practices have evolved over time. Today, its values such as compassion, non-violence and dharma can be seen in wider society, while its influence continues to be felt within the private sphere, with many Hindus striving to lead a life in accord with its teachings.
