History of Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions, with its roots dating back more than 4,000 years. Originating in India, Hinduism is made up of diverse traditions, beliefs and practices, yet all share a few common elements. These aspects of Hinduism include the belief in one supreme being, commitment to a moral code embraced by both its modern and ancient followers, and a reverence for the universal truths that connect individuals to the divine energy and spirit that all of humanity share.
Though the exact date of the founding of Hinduism is disputed, its earliest known origins are linked to the growth of the Indus Valley Civilization in India in the 4th or 5th millennium BC. During this period, the Aryans – one of whom was the author of the ancient Rigveda – migrated from Central Asia into the Indian subcontinent, bringing with them different customs, traditions and beliefs, which eventually evolved into Hinduism.
The Rigveda is believed to be the earliest Hindu scripture and contains many of the philosophical and spiritual ideas that form the basis of Hinduism. Over the centuries, many more sacred texts were composed, though the Rigveda is still regarded as the most important. The earliest of these writings detail the practices of the embryonic Hindu belief system, outlining certain principles and values, including the categories of ritual, social and cosmological duties, as well as rules of conduct, morality and the cycle of life.
Although the date of the founding of Hinduism is a contentious issue, many modern experts believe that it was between the 2nd and 4th century AD. This was a period of great creativity and artistic expression, as the many Hindu sculptures, temples and texts that survive to this day illustrate. This period also saw the rise of the ‘Three Great Philosophical Schools of Hinduism’: the Samkhya, Vaisheshika and Nyaya systems, which form the foundations of Indian philosophy and theology to this day.
Since then, Hinduism has grown in popularity, especially in its native India, where it is now the religion of almost two-thirds of the population. The religion has also spread far and wide, with large groups of Hindus living in the UK, the United States, Canada and Australia.
Practices and Rituals of Hinduism
The practice of Hinduism is based on both Vedic and Tantric ritual, each of which has unique features and ceremonies associated with it. Fundamental to these practices is the belief in one Supreme Being that is manifested in many forms. This concept of God is expressed in numerous ways, from the gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology to the holy scriptures known as the Vedas and Upanishads.
Hindus practice worship in a variety of forms, from bhakti (devotional) to jnana (wisdom). Devotional worship can involve murtis (statues) of gods and goddesses in temples, riverside ghats, or just at home. Hindus also observe many rituals related to birth, marriage, death and other life events.
Yajnas, or sacrificial rites, are important in Hinduism, and involve offerings of various items such as ghee and clarified butter to Agni (God in the form of fire). Puja, or offerings of fruits, flowers, incense and other items to the gods, is an important form of devotion. Additionally, many devotees head to holy sites such as the Ganges or the temple of Varanasi in order to perform worship programmes.
The philosophy and teachings behind Hinduism are also available in many yoga schools, meditation facilities and in numerous books and recordings.
worship and Devotion In Hinduism
Worship is an important component of Hindu practice, with devotees engaging in prayer and offerings to the gods and goddesses. These can be made in temples, at home, or anywhere else with an altar or shrine. Hindus may pray to deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti, but many also choose to pray to a personal deity – a god or goddess whose characteristics reflect the devotee’s own personality and traits.
Devotion to God is also expressed in the many hymns and prayers that are part of Hinduism. Hinduism is centred around the idea of self-realisation, or the process of gaining a deeper understanding of one’s true nature and how it fits into the greater universe. This process involves living with a regular and healthy moral code, emanating towards others with kindness and compassion, and connecting with God through prayer and meditation.
Apart from prayer, Hindu worship may take the form of chanting, singing, reading of scriptures or doing yoga. Bhakti yoga or ‘yoga of devotion’ is a highly regarded spiritual and emotional practice, incorporating the surrendering of one’s ego to the greater power.
The Bhagavad Gita is a Hindu scripture and is often studied by Hindus in order to gain a better understanding of their religious beliefs. As well as providing spiritual insight, this sacred text contains moral teachings, philosophy and guidance on living life as a good person.
Beliefs and Tradition of Hinduism
The basic belief system in Hinduism is rooted in the Vedic scriptures, which contain five ethical doctrines known as the ‘Pancha Karma’. These five codes of conduct symbolise the ideal lifestyle for the practising Hindu and include truth, non-violence, non-stealing, sexual reasonableness and cleanliness.
The category of Hinduism known as ‘Vaisnavism’ espouses the concept of ‘Karma’, which dictates that all actions have consequences. According to this belief, good actions bring rewards, while bad actions lead to negative outcomes. The religion also guides its followers to live by a code known as Dharma, which can be thought of as the highest law. This law is based on the principle of non-violence and respect for all sentient beings.
In addition to these beliefs, the Hindu tradition is rooted in the culture and customs of India. Polytheism, the worship of multiple gods and goddesses, is an essential part of Hindu mythology. Many of these deities are associated with certain times of the year, religious cycles, specific places, animals and plant life. Hinduism also has many associated festivals and rituals, from celebrations of the New Year to Diwali, a significant five-day harvest festival.
Though Hinduism has evolved over time, its core beliefs, traditions and practices remain fundamentally intact. Consequently, it remains as influential today as it was when it was founded centuries ago.
Reincarnation and Belief in the Soul
The belief in reincarnation is at the core of Hinduism. This is the cycle of death and rebirth, through which individuals are continually reborn into new bodies in the cycle of time. This cycle is governed by the concept of Karma. Hindus believe that one’s destiny is determined by one’s past actions, and actions taken in this life will affect reincarnations in the future.
Belief in the soul is also an important part of Hinduism. The soul, or Atman, is believed to be eternal and to guide a person through life and beyond. The ultimate goal of Hinduism, therefore, is to free the immortal spirit and break out of the cycle of death and rebirth. Hindus strive to reach a state of liberation known as ‘moksha’, which is said to result in an eternal rest in bliss.
Even though the concept of moksha is popularly accepted, individual interpretations of the path to achieving it differ from one Hindu sect to another. The four ‘classical paths of yoga’ are the most widely accepted paths to moksha. These include bhakti yoga, Karma yoga, Jnana yoga and Raja yoga, each of which is based around different ways of devotion and service to the Supreme Being.
Influence of Hinduism on India and the World
Hinduism has had a strong influence on India’s culture, traditions and values. Many aspects of Indian cuisine, clothing and social structure are all connected to Hindu teachings, while the intricate temple and palace architecture of India’s cities speaks of its religious roots. Outside of India, Hinduism has spread to countries around the world, and its teachings and principles have been embraced by people of many faiths and backgrounds.
The modern revival of Yoga is one of the biggest cultural imports of Hinduism, with practitioners of all backgrounds taking part in classes around the world. Hinduism has also provided the foundations for alternative therapy treatments based on ayurvedic principles. Meditation and mindfulness practices, as well as traditional Indian music, can also be found in many places today.
Hinduism has also been responsible for bringing people together across cultures and traditions, allowing them to appreciate, explore and gain insights into each other’s beliefs. In this way, Hinduism continues to provide a space for people anywhere in the world to share their spirituality and learn about their universal connection.
Symbolism In Hinduism
Symbols, names and images play an important role in Hinduism, conveying a system of beliefs based on the Supreme Being. Two of the most commonly seen symbols in Hinduism are the ‘Om’ and the ‘Swastika’. The Om symbol is usually represented by three curved lines and conveys the concept of ‘self-realization’, whilst the Swastika signifies good fortune and is commonly seen on temples, flags and coins.
The lotus is another common symbol associated with Hinduism. It is said to represent purity and divinity, and is used extensively in paintings, decorations and sculptures. Other symbols associated with Hinduism include the bindi, yantras, mandalas and deity images.
Hinduism also places a strong emphasis on gestures and body language, which can often convey an inner state. Most of these are based on mudras, which are hand gestures used in ceremonies, meditations and rituals to convey power, protection or a sign of divinity.
A major part of Hinduism is the veneration of animals, which is meant to exemplify the Hindu’s respect for all life. The cow, in particular, is viewed as a sacred animal, while tigers, monkeys and elephants are also often seen as symbols of the gods and goddesses in Hindu mythology.
