Hinduism is one of the oldest and largest religions in the world, originating in India more than 3,500 years ago. It is a polytheistic, dharmic faith, concerned with dharma (moral order, duty and law) and karma (retributive justice, fate and rebirth). Hinduism has a complex and multifaceted belief system, and comprises of seven major branches with numerous sub-sects.
The main beliefs within Hinduism include devotion to Gods, worship of symbols and animals, offerings to Brahman (the highest power), and the pursuit of dharma and karma. Hinduism is based on the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) and tolerance of other faiths. Hindus also believe in reincarnation, and the concept of karma, which dictates that how a person lives in this life will affect their destiny in the next.
Hinduism is characterised by spirituality, mysticism, and non-dualism. The religion’s most important text, The Bhagavad Gita, is said to teach the importance of inner harmony and self-realisation. Hindus uphold a diverse range of texts, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Agamas. These sacred texts are divided into two categories: Shruti (the revealed truths of God) and Smriti (the remembered truths of society).
The fundamental practices of Hinduism can be categorised as either puja (devotion or ritual) or austerities. Puja is the ritualistic practice of worship, offerings, or sacrifices, often dedicated to a deity or shrine. Austerities refer to the observance of strict fasting, celibacy, dietary restrictions, penances, and austerity.
Hinduism guides adherents on how to live their lives and interact with the environment according to nature’s laws. Hindus place a strong emphasis on self-development, spiritual growth, and personal fulfilment through meditation, yoga, and mantra chanting. The four primary goals of Hinduism are purushartha: Dharma (duty, righteousness, moral law), Artha (wealth, material gain, economic value), Kama (pleasure, sensuality) and Moksha (liberation, freedom from cycle of death and rebirth).
Hinduism is a vibrant faith which has a variety of rituals and beliefs. It is one of the oldest living religions and has been continuously practiced in the same form since its creation. Many people find peace and inner harmony through its teachings and practice, and its influence can be seen in many aspects of everyday life.
Scriptures
The four primary scriptures of Hinduism are the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and Agamas. The Vedas, Hinduism’s oldest scriptures, contains texts explaining various philosophical concepts, rituals, and hymns to gods and goddesses. The Upanishads are a collection of mysterious and metaphysical writings, detailing the secrets of Brahman (the highest power), creation of the universe, and karma. The Puranas, also part of the Vedas, tell tales about different gods, goddesses, and saints, as well as providing directions for rituals and religious practices. The Agamas consist of instructions on how to worship deities and create religious shrines.
Symbols
The Om represents the ultimate reality, the connection of the individual soul to brahman. The trisula (or trident) represents the three primary Hindu gods—Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma—while the Lingam is an iconic representation of the god Shiva. The swastika is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, representing right action, truth and purity. Other symbols used in Hinduism include yantras (geometric symbols), mala beads (used in meditation), and pranayama (breathing techniques).
Mantras and Chanting
Mantras, which come from the Vedas, are powerful words or sounds that create specific vibrations and induce spiritual states of concentration and focus. Hindu prayer involves chanting mantras to create specific effects and increase knowledge of the sacred texts. Mantras are often used in rituals and during meditation to connect with God or a specific deity. Chanting of mantras is believed to bring concentration, forgiveness, health, and peace to the practitioner.
Tantra and Yantra
Tantra and Yantra are two aspects of Hinduism which have been around for centuries. Tantra is a spiritual practice which combines rituals, mantras and meditation to achieve spiritual liberation or Moksha. Tantric practices involve visualisation and chanting of mantras, and the use of Yantras or geometric diagrams to aid in meditation or ritual practices. Yantras are ritual diagrams used to focus the mind, invoke healing and bring balance to the body. Yantras can be used in many forms, including sculptures, carvings and paintings, and are often depicted with a mirror in the centre of the diagram.
Brahman and Prana
Brahman is the supreme spirit which is the source of all creation in Hinduism. Brahman is a formless, infinite and transcendent energy. Prana is the energy which flows through all living beings, and is the basis of life and consciousness. Prana is believed to be the bridge between matter and spirit and the ultimate source of life. Prana is believed to be the force which sustains the life-force of humans, animals and plants, and is the power which upholds the universe. Prana is often associated with fire and air, and is seen as the essential breath of life.
Karma and Reincarnation
Karma is the concept in Hinduism which states that how we live in this life will affect our destiny in the next. Karma is often referred to as the law of cause and effect, and suggests that our thoughts and deeds create a ripple effect which will shape our lives. Reincarnation is the belief that the soul moves from one body to the next after death, and is the cycle of death and rebirth in the Hindu tradition. The cycle of birth and death is believed to be an opportunity for the soul to learn, grow and become liberated from the cycle of suffering.
