Understanding Hinduism

Hinduism is the world’s oldest extant religion, originated in the Indian subcontinent somewhere between 5500-3300 BCE, as a conglomerate of diverse beliefs and traditions. It is said to have grown out of Vedas (perhaps the world’s oldest scriptural texts originated in ancient India). It differs from Christianity and other Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or a central religious organization, but it is the world’s third largest religion, with about a billion followers – about 900 million in India. Scriptures: Hinduism is based on "the accumulated treasury of spiritual laws discovered by different persons in different times." The majority of the sacred texts are composed in the Sanskrit language. The scripture are collectively referred to as Shastras and are classified into two classes: Shruti – it refers to Vedic literature that forms the earliest record of the Hindu scriptures, believed to have originated in 1200 BCE or earlier. Hindus revere the Vedas as eternal truths, revealed to ancient sages through meditation. While the Vedas are not read by most lay Hindus, they are yet revered as the eternal knowledge whose sacred sounds help bring spiritual and material benefits There are four Vedas: Rigveda Samaveda Yajusveda Atharvaveda Smriti - Hindu texts other than the Shrutis are collectively called the Smritis (memory). The most notable of the smritis are the epics, which consist of the Mahabharta and the Ramayana. Bhagwat Gita is an integral part of the epic Mahabharata and one of the most popular sacred texts of Hinduism. Some Hindus even venerate the scriptures of other religions, since they believe that God reveals itself in innumerable ways. One much-quoted verse from the Rigveda that emphasizes the diversity of paths to the one goal is: ekam sad vipra bahudha vadanty Truth is one, the wise call it in many different ways — Rig Veda 1.164.46 Schools of philosophy: The six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy, which accept the authority of the Vedas, are – Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sa?khya, Yoga, Purva Mima?sa (also called Mima?sa), and Uttara Mima?sa (also called Vedanta).[85] The Heterodox Nastika schools, which do not rely on the authority of the Vedas, are Buddhism, Jainism and Lokayata. Although these philosophies are studied formally mainly by scholars, they influence the beliefs of average Hindus Core concepts: Concept of God – most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic; they recognize a single deity, and recognizes other gods and goddesses as facets, forms, manifestations, or aspects of that supreme God. Mantra - Mantras are prayers or chants that through their meaning, sound, and chanting style help a person focus their mind on holy thoughts or to express devotion to God. “Aum” and Gayatri mantra are the most revered mantras in Hinduism. Non-Violence (Ahimsa) and Vegetarianism - Hindus advocate the practice of non-violence and respect for all life because divinity is believed to permeate all beings, including plants, insects, and non-human animals. In accordance with this many Hindus embrace vegetarianism to respect higher forms of life. it is recommended for a satvic (purifying) lifestyle. Hinduism and Cow - Observant Hindus who do eat meat almost always abstain from beef. The largely pastoral Vedic people and subsequent generations relied heavily on the cow for protein-rich milk and dairy products, tilling of fields and as a provider of fuel and fertilizer. Thus, it was identified as a caretaker and a maternal figure. While most contemporary Hindus do not worship the cow, it holds an honored place in Hindu society as a symbol of unselfish giving among all animals. Conversion – Hinduism is different for different people, it’s a philosophy, a set of beliefs, a way of life, or an ethnicity more than a religion. Most Hindu sects do not actively recruit converts because they believe that the goals of spiritual life can be attained through any religion, as long as it is practiced sincerely. Transmigration of the Soul - Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived. It is only through good Karma (accumulated sum of ones good and bad deeds), thoughts, and devotion that one can eventually escape this cycle and achieve enlightenment. Hinduism advances the four tenets of living - dharma (righteousness in their religious life), artha (success in their economic life), kama (gratification of the senses), moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death, thus the supreme goal). Who told me all this: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism.htm www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism