From its origins as an ancient faith in India to its adoption by millions of people in the modern world, Hinduism is a religion steeped in values, morals, and philosophy all of which shape the world’s oldest extant religion. At the heart of these beliefs is the idea that humans have essential duties in life, and these duties come with certain obligations to society and nature – something called Dharma.
For Hindus, values are incredibly important as a means to help an individual realize their ultimate spiritual self – their inner purity and, consequentially, their immortality. Each individual must adhere to the values and morals expressed in Hinduism, and it’s believed doing so will bring them happiness and security in the present, and liberation in the future. These values range from respect, hospitality, ethics and even non-violence.
“The longest journey we ever make is the 18 inch journey from our head to our heart. It’s in this space, where we move away from stale, old ideas, and instead embrace values that are grounded with love, respect, and a wisdom in our heart,” explains Vandana Shiva, a leading environmental activist and one-time Indian government adviser.
Values in Hinduism can vary from area to area, although there are several core beliefs which have been present for thousands of years. For example, truthfulness is an essential concept which hinges upon respect. Respect is held in high regard by orthodox Hinduism, and is known as Digvijaya, which roughly translates to ‘duly respecting’. This can apply to one’s parents, teachers, and even one’s property.
Shilayata is a related concept, which is focussed on the moral behaviour of an individual. It’s two core values consist of loving kindness and compassion, with its broader definition covering justice, humility, and discipline.
Another core value derived from Shilayata is charity. This focuses on ensuring a person not only gives away their wealth and possessions, but also delivers these in such a way that is beneficial. In Hinduism this is encouraged, as many believe it is a way to feel closer to the divine, and helps to bring out the individuals virtues.
Finally, restraint is crucial to Hindus and helps draw them closer to their spiritual self. In terms of the moral aspects of restraint recall the saying “Everything in moderation”, which applies particularly to food, sleep, possessions, and relationships. For Hindus, carrying out such tasks in moderation helps bring balance to the mind, thus allowing a person to stay humble.
Non Violence
Ahimsa is a Sanskrit term which roughly translates to ‘non-violence’, and this value is at the heart of Hinduism. It’s believed that humans must not harm or kill any living creature in any situation, including in the name of duty or justice. This applies to animals, insects, plants, and even abstract concepts such as luck, fate or destiny.
This might sound extreme, however the rule of non-violence is so important to Hindus that it’s written into the law of the land. Under the Indian Constitution, there are many provisions of law which protect animals and nature, and many of these laws are protected and reinforced by Hindu beliefs. These ideas are so powerful they have made their way into international law.
Non-violence is also incredibly important to the spiritual journey and pursuit of the inner self. This starts with the individual and extends to their family and community, as violence of any kind is seen to limit a person’s capacity for understanding and enlightenment.
Balance and Harmony
The concept of Dharma is incredibly important to Hinduism and is seen as one of the key responsibilities of any individual. Apart from its literal definition of truth and justice, Dharma is also focused on creating a sense of balance and harmony in life.
This means managing and keeping a balance between professional and personal life, family and society, and the use of physical and spiritual energy. To help maintain such balance in life, Hindus employ the ideology of Yogic Discipline, which includes engaging in physical exercises and balancing their inner thoughts and emotions.
It’s also important to note that Dharma is only effective when it is balanced. This means that while seeking the truths and beauty of life, an individual must also take into account the ever-changing nature of the universe. In this way, a society can flourish and stay in harmony, rather than seeking simplistic solutions to try and fix the problems of life.
In the present era of globalisation, the need to find and maintain balance has become even more important. This is why Hinduism advocates seeking balance through the use of modern-day spiritual tools, such as yoga and meditation, and applying ancient values to the complexities of the modern world.
Purity and Reverence
Hinduism places great value on purity and reverence. This concept of devotional lifestyle is known as Sri-Vritta, and is based on the notion of respecting nature and all its creations. Purity is believed to be a measure of both physical and mental health, and it can also signify one’s state of mind, which is why Hindus use cleansing rituals as a form of meditation.
The act of reverence can easily be observed in Hindu temples, which are considered sacred places. Hindus tend to be incredibly respectful of the customs and rituals associated with these places, and behaviour such as praying, donating and singing mantras are often seen.
Hinduism also extends this reverence to its gods and goddesses, who are believed to inhabit every part of nature. People often worship these non-human entities as a way to hint at the divine without committing to an individual concept or definition of it.
Finally, reverence is also used in everyday life as a means of respected behaviour. This includes being mindful of one’s conversations and language, avoiding gossip, and being appreciative of the efforts of other people.
Tolerance and Community
Tolerance is another crucial element to the Hindu belief system, which encourages the acceptance and inclusion of different beliefs, morals and customs. This stands in stark contrast to other faiths and religions, which tend to be more rigid in their interpretations of morality.
Hindus believe that diversity is essential to the growth of an individual’s life on Earth, as well as ensuring that different points of view are heard. This makes Hinduism a very open and accommodating faith, which is both all inclusive and tolerant of differences in opinions, beliefs, opinions and customs.
In addition to tolerance, Hinduism advocates the building of strong, supportive communities. This is seen as the best way to facilitate growth, development, and progress. It is also believed that building strong and positive communities helps to promote peace, security, and happiness.
Hindus also believe that true happiness can only be found within oneself. Once this is achieved, it is then possible to build and strengthen meaningful relationships with other people. This helps to nurture a sense of belonging and community-mindedness, making the individual part of a larger collective and helping each person find their own place in the world.
Duty and Commitment
Hinduism places great emphasis on duty and commitment. This is the ultimate way to selflessly serve a higher purpose and find peace and joy in life. The belief is that by committing to something, a person can gain both material and spiritual reward.
In Hindu thought, duty can come in a variety of forms. This can include fulfilling responsibilities, such as providing for one’s family, staying honest, and carrying out spiritual practice. All of these activities will ultimately lead one to their spiritual self, and it’s from this place that individuals can truly experience happiness.
It’s also believed that an individual must keep their duty top priority, and pay attention to matters such as authority, morality, and loyalty. This gives Hindus a sense of accountability and obligation, and helps to build a sense of purpose and worth. Ultimately, this helps to create a feeling of honesty and hope, which are two essential ingredients to a happy and prosperous life.
Conclusion
Hinduism is a complex and fascinating religion which has been practiced for thousands of years. It revolves around a series of values, beliefs, and moral principles, which are intended to help its followers find true inner peace and liberation. From truthfulness, charity and non-violence, to balance and reverence, duty and commitment, Hinduism offers an incredibly holistic view of life which is both enriching and enlightening.
