Introduction
Hinduism is a major world religion that has complex origins and endures even today among millions of people worldwide. It is a religion which often brings along with it its own language, spiritual customs, and practices. The founding of Hinduism is often said to date back to the Vedic Age period, which is believed to have occurred from 1500-1000 BCE. It is often accepted that during this period, the fundamentals of Hinduism were created, with the roots of the religion being traced back to the nomadic tribes coming from Central Asia.
Origins
More specifically, Hinduism is said to have been founded in the ancient civilization of the Indus Valley, located in modern-day India and Pakistan. This civilization is said to have flourished until approximately 1500 BCE, when it mysteriously disappeared. Even today, the exact cause of its downfall is unknown. During its peak, the Indus Valley boasted of villages, cities and public infrastructure, such as drainage systems and public baths. The Indus Valley civilization is believed to have spawned artistic, religious and philosophical systems, with many of the beliefs and practices being adopted into the Hindu religion which we know today.
Vedic Age
As previously mentioned, the period from 1500-1000 BCE is referred to as the Vedic Age. This was the period in which the ancient Indian people began to compose and recite the Vedas and Brahmanas, the most important of the four Hindu sacred texts. It is believed to be during this period that a notable shift began to take place within the religious customs of the people. Within the ancient texts, it is possible to find glimpses into the religious practices of the people as well as their philosophical beliefs. It is also during this period where many of the gods of Hinduism first formed, such as Brahma – the god of creation, Shiva – the god of destruction, and Vishnu – the god of preservation.
Influence Of Other Religions
As time went on, the original beliefs of Hinduism were shaped and modified by the influence of several other religions which were prominent throughout India during the later part of the period. These included Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Buddhism, in particular, had a great influence on the Hindu religion. Many of its teachings were adopted, such as the belief in karma and reincarnation. This belief in karma and reincarnation remain integral parts of the Hindu religion to this day.
Spread Of Hinduism
Hinduism first began to spread beyond the Indian subcontinent during the time of the Gupta Empire, which was located in India and lasted from 320-550 CE. During this time, Hinduism found its way out of India and into Southeast Asia, particularly countries such as Thailand and Indonesia, where it is still heavily practiced and revered to this day. Later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the religion of Hinduism found its way to Europe and the Americas, where it has further been spread and practiced by people from around the world.
A Loosely Organized Religion
The history of Hinduism is one which is constantly evolving. As there is no specific dogma behind Hinduism, it has been allowed to develop over the centuries without any single unified source of authority. This is what has enabled Hinduism to remain such a representative and diverse religion until this day. Therefore, it is often accepted that Hinduism does not have a single founder, but rather its founding can be attributed to a combination of many separate sources.
Conclusion
Hinduism is a major world religion that has steep roots in the ancient history of India. It is often said to have been founded around the same time as the Indus Valley civilization and witnessed a significant shift during the Vedic Age period, approximately between 1500-1000 BCE. It has been shaped and modified over time by the influences of other religions and adapted over time to newer cultural beliefs and customs. From 1500 BCE to modern-day, Hinduism has remained a popular and unique religion that continues to be practiced throughout the world.
Rituals And Celebrations
Though there is no single definitive code of practice for Hinduism, there are a variety of rituals and celebrations that are central to daily lives of Hindus. Festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Durga Puja are important anniversaries that are celebrated yearly. These celebrations can be seen as signifying a main theme found within Hinduism, which is the conflict between darkness and light / life and death. Diwali marks the beginning of a new spiritual year and Holi signifies the start of spring and the end of winter. Durga Puja marks the victory of good over evil, signifying the annual celebration of good triumphing over evil.
Social Hierarchy
An important concept of Hinduism is the notion of dharma, which is used to determine a person’s social responsibility and station within the framework of Hinduism. There are four primary varnas, or classes, in Hinduism which consist of brahmins (priests and scholars), kshatriyas (rulers, warriors), vaishyas (merchants), and shudras (servants). These paired with one’s own personal dharma determines what is often referred to as one’s ‘karmic path’.
Elements Of Hinduism
Hinduism makes use of a variety of elements including deities, philosophies, scriptures, rituals and everyday practices. Some of the main deities worshipped in Hinduism include Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Philosophy plays an important role in Hinduism, with the main philosophical texts being the Vedanta, which means ‘end of the Vedas’, and Upanishads, which means ‘secret teachings’. Additionally, Hinduism also makes use of various rituals, such as daily puja, which is a devotional practice of offering flowers and food to the gods, as well as other traditional practices such as yoga, chanting and meditation.
Main Teachings
A central theme found in Hinduism are the principles of Brahman, Atman and Karma. Brahman is the belief in a singular universal spirit which is the source of all creation. Atman is the notion of the soul, which is an individual spark of the creator and is seen as inherently divine. Karma is the belief that one’s actions have consequences in this lifetime and in future lifetimes. This principle emphasizes the importance of performing good deeds.
Modern Hinduism
In modern times, Hinduism is generally categorized as a major world religion alongside Islam, Christianity and Judaism. There are a variety of practitioners who adhere to its beliefs and teachings across the world. Additionally, there are numerous publications, organizations, and websites that deal specifically with Hinduism. It is also noteworthy that many of the practices found in Hinduism have seeped into mainstream society, such as the practice of yoga and secular versions of Hindu rituals. Thus, it is safe to say that Hinduism has left a lasting impression on the world.
