Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest living religions. With an estimated one billion adherents, it is the third largest religion in the world after Christianity and Islam. Derived from the Sanskrit words “Hin” and “du,” meaning “light,” Hinduism is often referred to as the “Light Within,” or the “Lamp of Truth.” The original name for Hinduism is Sanatana Dharma, which means “the eternal religion.”
Hinduism is a religion that is not tied to any single founder or organisation, but has its roots in diverse communities and traditions that have emerged over thousands of years in India. Its followers tend to practice many different spiritual doctrines and rituals, but generally believe in a single, all-encompassing spiritual being, Brahman. Hindus believe that the universe is constantly changing, with the divine present in everything, and the individual soul (atman) connected to an impersonal infinite soul. There are symbols and icons associated with Hinduism, including the lotus flower, which is a symbol of the transition from death to rebirth, and the iconic blue neck and body of the deity Shiva, which denotes purity and insight.
Hinduism encompasses many different sects and consists of a variety of beliefs, rituals, and spiritual practices. This includes the ways in which Hinduism is practiced and expressed through art, literature, music, and philosophy, as well as religious and philosophical concepts such as karma and dharma. A central belief of Hinduism is that one’s karma will determine one’s fate in subsequent lives, and that individuals must seek to do only those deeds that are in harmony with the divine will. Hinduism also recognises the power of certain deities to influence the course of one’s life, and many Hindus revere multiple deities.
Hinduism is known for its focus on nonviolence, as expressed in its scriptural manifestations as ahimsa (nonviolence) and satyagraha (holding onto truth). One of the central practices of Hinduism is the concept of asceticism, which involves renouncing the material world in order to focus on spiritual enlightenment. Another important aspect of Hinduism is devotion, which involves the practice of worshiping a preferred deity or deity group, often involving the use of mantras, incantations, and prayers.
Hinduism is also notable for its emphasis on yogic practices, meditation, and mantra chanting. These practices are seen as a way to cultivate spiritual knowledge and integrate the physical and spiritual selves. Additionally, there are a variety of Vedic rituals, festivals, ceremonies, and community events that are celebrated throughout the year. These rituals and festivals vary from region to region, but generally involve some form of community gathering, prayer, and offerings to the divine.
Hinduism is also known for its diverse range of philosophies. These include Vedanta, which sees Brahman (the Absolute) as the ultimate reality; Samkhya, which views individuals as existing separately from Brahman, but ultimately contained within its scope; Yoga, which emphasises physical and mental disciplines; Nyaya, which focuses on logic and philosophical inquiry; and Vaisheshika, which examines the creation, sustenance, and destruction of the universe.
Today, Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion and its adherents are found in virtually all countries of the world. It has been described as “the oldest, most complex, and least understood of the major world religions”, with ancient roots and many diverse branches that stretch across the globe.
Journey to Enlightenment
For those who practice Hinduism, the journey to enlightenment is a spiritual journey that takes place on two levels. One way to look at it is to think about the four stages of life (ashramas): Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa. Brahmacharya is the first stage, when a person devotes themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and begins to understand their relationship with the divine. The second stage, known as Grihastha, is when a person is established in the material world, practicing meditation, charity, and remaining committed to their dharma (righteousness). Vanaprastha is the third stage, when one dedicates their time to knowledge, studying Vedic scriptures, and meditating frequently. The final stage is Sannyasa, in which one renounces the material world and dedicates their life entirely to meditation and spiritual practice.
The main goal of following these stages is to reach a state of moksha, which is believed to be the highest goal of life, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth. In order to reach this, an individual needs to work on themselves, by understanding and upholding dharma, controlling their mind and body, and developing faith and devotion in their chosen deity. Those who are able to practice and fully embody these disciplines reach a state of bliss and liberation.
The journey to enlightenment is often seen as a personal journey and each individual’s path may be different from someone else’s. It is something that must be undertaken independently, guided by the scriptures and teachings of Hinduism. It requires spiritual development, physical disciplines, and the acquisition of knowledge, and the journey often takes many years to complete.
The journey of enlightenment is what Hindus strive for, and it is the ultimate goal of their spiritual practice. Through developing an understanding of the sacred scriptures, meditating, and performing certain rituals and disciplines, an individual can make progress along the path to enlightenment. Hindus believe that when someone reaches the ultimate state of liberation, they no longer need to suffer in the cycle of death and rebirth, and they have access to the divine light of nirvana.
Gods, Goddesses and Mythology
At the heart of Hinduism is a diverse and complex system of beliefs, including the veneration of a variety of gods and goddesses. Each of these figures has a specific attribute associated with their realm, from justice to fertility to strength, and each has a special part to play in the spiritual lives of Hindus. At the same time, many of these deities also represent archetypal powers and archetypes that exist within us all.
Hindu mythology is an integral part of the Hindu faith and is often used to explain the way in which the world works and the teachings of Hinduism. In Hindu myths, the gods and goddesses personify specific forces or energies, such as Brahma (the creator god), Vishnu (the preserver god), Shiva (the destroyer god), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), and Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge and wisdom). By meditating on these figures, one can connect with the cosmic powers and divine energies that are at work in the universe.
The Hindu pantheon also includes numerous lesser gods and goddesses who personify various aspects of life including death, destruction, and rebirth. One of the most important concepts found in Hindu myths is karma, the notion that the actions of an individual in one lifetime can influence their experiences in future lifetimes. This idea plays out in many Hindu stories and is an important theme in Hindu culture.Another important aspect of Hindu theology is the doctrine of dharma or duty. Dharma involves living in harmony with the cosmic order and adhering to the proper codes of conduct in one’s particular social context.
Hindu mythology has a profound influence on the culture of India, and is the source of many rituals such as puja (worship of gods and goddesses), havan (sacred fire ceremony), and diwali (festival of lights). The stories from Hindu mythology are often used as teaching tools, and as an illustration of the power of divine intervention in human life.
Hinduism and Caste System
One of the most controversial aspects of the Hindu faith is the concept of the caste system. The caste system is a hierarchical grouping of individuals based on birth, occupation, and social standing. It has been in place in India for centuries, and is seen by many as being essential to the structure of Hindu society.
Under the caste system, individuals are assigned to distinct social categories, or ‘castes’. These are called Varna in Sanskrit, and are divided into four main social classes. These are Brahmin (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and traders), and Shudras (the lowest social class). In addition, outcastes who are outside of the caste system are also recognised.
The caste system is strictly enforced in India, and individuals who go against it often face discrimination and exclusion from society. However, Hinduism does not endorse this form of discrimination, and in fact, the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Vedas and Upanishads, all emphasise the importance of treating all human beings equally, regardless of their social class.
Thus, while the caste system does exist in traditional Hindu culture, it is not endorsed by the religion itself and is seen as an outdated construct that is not in line with the original teachings of Hinduism. In modern day India, efforts are being made to abolish the caste system and ensure that all individuals are treated equally, regardless of their birth or family background.
Hinduism and Nature
Hinduism sees nature as a manifestation of the divine. Every living creature and plant is seen as a part of the divine, and an individual’s life is seen as deeply interconnected with the larger environment. This is reflected in the notion of the sanctity of all life, including animals, plants, and even microorganisms. Hindus respect and revere nature, believing that all creatures have a right to live in harmony with each other and with the earth.
This is also why Hinduism is deeply committed to environmental protection. Hindus have long understood the interdependence of all life forms, and there is a sense that each has an important role to play in the larger ecosystem. In line with this, many Hindus have devoted their lives to preserving natural resources, and some Hindu temples even contain sacred groves, gardens, ponds and trees which are seen as being essential to the health of the environment.
Thus, Hinduism has a deep reverence for nature, and is a key factor why so many Hindus strive to protect the environment and live in a sustainable way. In Hindu mythology, nature is seen as the manifestation of the divine, and individuals are called upon to care for it, guard it, and treat it with respect. In this way, it can be said that Hindus worship nature as much as any other deity.
