Hinduism is one of the oldest, most dynamic, and influential religions in the world. The religion is said to be at least 4,000 years old, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that there’s a lot to learn about it. Hinduism is filled with cultural rituals, deities that intersect with other religions, and a welcoming community. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of Hinduism, as well as some of its key nuances, to help you get to know this ancient faith better.
In its simplest form, Hinduism is a monotheistic religion based around the understanding of one singular divine energy or power. This divine energy is known as Brahman and Hindus believe it to be the source of all life. This does not mean Hindus worship a single deity or concept; rather, they recognize Brahman as the core of all the gods and goddesses of the religion.
Apart from the core belief in Brahman, Hinduism also encourages its practitioners to embrace the cycle of samsara, or reincarnation. Hindus believe that everyone has an essential spark of divine energy, and that this spark exists in many lifetimes in order to learn from its experiences. This adds a layer of morality and metaphysical consideration to the practice that many adherents find attractive.
Another key element of Hinduism is Dharma, which is one’s duty in life. Dharma is an ever-evolving experience that guides adherents to become better people, living life in accordance to their unique individual virtues. This process helps people to “attach” to parts of the Hindu faith, making them more engaged in the teachings and practices of the religion.
Finally, Hinduism also has a strong emphasis on yogic practices, both inward and outward. Inward yoga focuses heavily on spiritual growth, while outward yoga aims to create more flexibility of the body. Both are key to Hindus, with many seeing yogic practices as essential to find balance in their lives and draw closer to the divine.
The Goals of Hindus
The ultimate goal of a Hindu is to reach a state of moksha, or liberation from the cycle of samsara. This is done by cultivating an understanding of Brahman, which is believed to be the central source of divinity. Through this understanding, one can be freed from suffering and reach a state of joy known as ānanda.
Similarly, instead of attempting to “heal” the physical aspects of a person, Hindus focus more on helping that person come to terms with life, no matter their condition. Through cultivating inner peace and understanding, a Hindu believes they can ultimately transcend suffering and transform their existence.
Finally, Hindus also strive for māyā, or a type of oneness with the divine energy of Brahman. This is seen as the ultimate goal of the religion, as it is thought to lead to everlasting joy and contentment.
How to Practice Hinduism
As Hinduism is an ever-evolving and diverse faith, there are numerous ways to practice it. Each path requires different levels of commitment, depending on one’s goals. Some of the key ways Hindus practice their faith include:
- Praying: Hindus pray daily to show devotion to their gods and to work toward achieving moksha.
- Worship: Hindus worship using rituals to strengthen their bond with their gods and to better understand the power of Brahman.
- Meditation: Hindus meditate regularly to quiet their minds and reflect on their spirituality.
- Compassion: Compassion for all creatures and forms of life is central to Hinduism and is seen as a way to draw closer to māyā.
- Atheism: Atheism is respected in Hinduism, and neither supports nor encourages atheistic worship.
No matter how one chooses to practice, Hinduism emphasizes personal exploration and non-judgment of others. As such, proponents can operate freely in their individual faiths and views, so long as they remain respectful of the Hindu faith and its doctrines.
Hindu Texts
Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, and many Hindu texts and scriptures exist. The most largely accepted religious text is the Bhagavad Gita, which is comprised of a conversation between god and man. The Gita focuses on educating the reader on the power of Brahman, as well as how to reach moksha.
The Hindu Pantheon is also an important part of the religion, and includes numerous powerful gods and goddesses. Among these are Vishnu and Shiva, two of the most powerful gods in the religion. Vishnu is believed to be the preserver of the world, while Shiva is believed to be the destroyer of the world. There are numerous other deities in the Pantheon, each offering different aspects of the Hindu faith.
Additionally, the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas are also important scriptures in Hinduism that cover topics ranging from mathematics and science to religious ceremonies. Each of these scriptures helps to provide insight into the Hindu faith and guide adherents to a greater understanding of the diverse aspects of the religion.
Conclusion
Hinduism is one of the most intricate, vibrant, and engaging religions in the world. Filled with ancient scriptures, gods and goddesses, and a unique view on life, Hinduism offers something for everyone. From dharma and samsara to moksha and māyā, there is much to explore and gain from this ancient faith. Whether seeking partnership or personal growth, the principles of Hinduism may well be inspiring enough to help everyone reach the answers they seek.
