What Is The Main Beliefs Of Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with roots that can be traced as far back as 3000 BC. It has its own tremendous and diverse body of mythology and literature. The main beliefs of Hinduism revolve around one idea: Liberation. In Hinduism, a person’s ultimate objective is to transcend the cycle of life and death and reach a state of freedom (Moksha).
At the same time, Hinduism isn’t a single entity but rather a mix of numerous beliefs and practises born out of a variety of religions traditions and regional cultures. As a result, Hindu beliefs vary across a range of doctrines. The four major ones being Dharma (right actions), Samsara (the cycle of life, death and rebirth), Karma (the consequences of our actions), and Moksha (liberation from the cycle).
The core belief system of Hinduism is the understanding that everything in the Universe is interconnected. This concept of Brahman creates the foundation of their belief in reincarnation. Once a soul is born into this world, it’s given an opportunity to master the four main goals in life – orderly behaviour (Dharma), purposeful fulfilment of desire (Artha), material satisfaction (Kama), and liberation (Moksha).
Hinduism embraces the idea of practice and experience as the way to understanding the religions main beliefs. Meditation in particular is an important element as it helps in attaining spiritual enlightenment, as well as exploring the different aspects of Hinduism. Through meditation, a person can tap into their inner selves, connecting with their individual souls and discovering the power of their minds through controlling their thoughts and emotions.
The Four Varnas
According to Hinduism, each individual belongs to one of four social classes, the four varnas. This theory of Varna is an essential aspect of Hindu beliefs that originated in the Vedic period, and these social castes still affect society today. Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and traders), and Shudras (servants) are the four main varnas that people are categorised in according to their profession and occupation.
The Varna classification is based on karma, and the people of each class belong to the occupation their karma has determined. In addition, each Hindu is born with an individual dharma that must also be upheld in order to maintain balance in the universe. This includes upholding morals and ethical principles that are necessary for upholding the principles of Dharma wheel in the Hindu belief system.
Under the four Varnas, Hindus are also divided into four main sects: Smarta, Vaishnava, Shaiva and Shakta.These sects teach the same core beliefs, but express them in different ways. Smarta followers engage in various rituals that express their devotion to the gods and their faith, while Vaishnava followers emphasize Bhakti yoga, the practice of devotional meditation and worship. Shaiva and Shakta followers focus on the penance and spiritual practices associated with one of the Hindu trinity gods – Shiva or Shakti.
The Divine Trimurti
Hinduism believes in a divine trinity of gods, the three most powerful manifestations of the supreme godhead – Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. All three gods represent an aspect of life, Brahma the creator of life and manifestation, Vishnu the one who maintains life and preserves it, and Shiva who represents death and destruction.
The goal of anyone in Hinduism is to harmoniously unite the three aspects of the divine trinity- Brahma as knowledge, Vishnu as action and Shiva as love. That is why it is called the unity of opposites- that is to say, the essence of life which is beyond life and death. In order to obtain a higher understanding of life and our ultimate goal, it is important to be able to sense the cycle of creation, preservation and destruction in all aspects of life including the self.
In Hinduism, when all three aspects of the Divine trimurti are brought together, we find ourselves in Moksha, an aspirational state of being free of suffering, anger, hatred and ultimately, of the cycle of life and death that brings new pain and sorrows.
The Meaning Of Aum
The most sacred sound in the Hindu religion is AUM, which is also known as the Panchakshara or the five-letter mantra. This mantra is represented by the syllables A, U and M which all have symbolic and spiritual significance in Hinduism. As per ancient Hindu scriptures, AUM is a representation of cosmic energy from which all of creation is born and is a representation of the three forces in nature that are creation, protection and destruction symbolized by Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
The practice of chanting AUM is believed to create sound waves that reverberate in the body and stimulates the chakras or energy points in our body. Besides, it is said to open the third eye chakra and boost our intuitive and spiritual connections, helping to create self-awareness and peace in our minds. Thus, it helps in spiritual growth and creates a positive and peaceful atmosphere.
The Place Of Yoga In Hinduism
Yoga is another important belief within Hinduism, as it is believed to help people reach spiritual enlightenment and self-realisation. It is a practice to increase awareness and understanding of the body and the mind, through a combination of different techniques including controlled breathing, meditation and physical poses. It helps bring harmony to the body and mind and also helps reduce physical and mental stress.
In Hinduism, yoga is seen not only as physical exercise but also seen as an inner journey where the aim is to obtain knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of a person’s true self. The practice of yoga helps in achieving the ultimate goal of a Hindu which is to obtain Moksha or liberation from the cycle of life and death and attain a state of true freedom and peace.
The Role Of Nature In Hinduism
Nature plays an important role in Hinduism, with Hindus worshiping nature as a divine being and creating a strong, spiritual bond with it. Nature is seen as divine, with Hindu temples being built up in the midst of nature and nature being seen as an integral part of Hindu rituals. Hindus also show immense respect for nature and its elements, understanding the value of all of its forms ranging from plants, animals, rivers and mountains.
Hinduism views nature as a manifestation of ultimate truth and beauty. The concept of reincarnation and the constant cycle of life and death strengthens this relationship with nature. Nature also gives Hindus the opportunity to gain a sense of perspective, to appreciate life for its beauty and to understand that death is also part of the cycle.
The Role Of Animals In Hinduism
Hindus believe animals to be sacred, with cows in particular being seen as sacred due to their importance in Hindu mythology and symbolism. Hindus also revere animals due to their varying symbolism in Hindu stories; they are a reminder of perseverance, dedication and simplicity. Additionally, they are a part of the cycle of life and death, thus they are deeply respected in the Hindu tradition. Animals also provide Hindu with an opportunity to honour other living creatures and to understand their own place in the world.
The aim in Hinduism is to build a harmonious relationship with other creatures, just as folks would with their own kind. In the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures, it is written: “the love of animals is the noblest virtue”, reflecting the level of respect Hindus have for animals. Thus, animals play an important role in Hindu beliefs, with Hinduism placing importance on grounding humanity in the real world and connecting to animals with our compassionate nature.
The Role Of The Guru In Hinduism
The Guru-Shishya tradition is one of the main pillars of Hinduism, it is a belief that knowledge passed down from a Guru (teacher) to a Shishya (student) is the most effective way to share and gain knowledge. The Guru plays a huge role in Hinduism, teaching the core beliefs of the religion, virtues and values, and the practice of yoga and meditation. The Guru is seen as the embodiment of the divine and is a key source of spiritual enlightenment and guidance.
According to Hindu tradition, the Guru serves as a bridge between the infinite and the finite, helping to reduce the gap between a person and the divine. A Guru is also a mentor and a guide, who acts as an inspiration for a student in the spiritual and practical aspects of life. Thus, a Guru is someone who has achieved a higher level of awareness and understanding of the world and is the source of an individual’s spiritual journey and the pathway to Moksha.
