The Core Beliefs of Hinduism
There is not a singular definition of Hinduism nor is it a singular religion. Hinduism values and embraces many traditions. Just as in other religions, there are denominations of Hinduism. The four main denominations are Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and Smartism. Hinduism also shares many beliefs and traditions with the other Indian religions Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Each of the different denominations of Hinduism have their own unique set of practices and beliefs. However, there are bedrock concepts that most Hindus
agree are the basis for all Hindu traditions.
One Supreme Being
Most Hindus believe in one Supreme Being that is omnipotent; the creator, sustainer, and destroyer of the universe. This Supreme Being is known as Brahman. As an all powerful being, most Hindus believe Brahman is able to take any form. The different Hindu denominations venerate the many aspects, both male and female form, of the Supreme Being because to Hindus they are one and the same. Three of the forms Brahman can take are Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. The Supreme Being is both an impersonal being that is and is within everything and a personal being that takes a different form for each believer.
The Four Vedas
The Vedic texts are one of the world's most ancient texts. Most Hindus believe the texts come directly from God and were passed orally from generation to generation for hundreds, possibly thousands of years before their first written form was compiled from 1200 - 200 BCE. The Vedas are four compositions and each one with four parts that are chronologically ordered. The most ancient composition is the Samhitas and it contains hymns of praise to God. The composition that guides priests in their duties is the Brahmanas and the Aranyakas composition speaks of worship and meditation. The Upinshads composition contains the philosophical
teachings of Hinduism.
teachings of Hinduism.
Cycles of the Universe
Most Hindus believe this world, galaxy, and universe that we inhabit presently are not the first nor will they be the last. Hinduism teaches that the universe is in a constant cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution
by the different aspects of the Supreme Being.
by the different aspects of the Supreme Being.
Karma
Karma, a core concept of Hinduism, is a retributive force governed by the law of cause and effect. Hinduism, along with many other religions, teaches that an individual reaps the benefits and repercussions of what they sow. However, Hindus believe that the effects of an individual's karma may be felt in this life from a previous lifetime, or the effects from actions taken in the present lifetime may not be felt for many more lifetimes. Hindus also believe negative karma may be counteracted through worship, religious pilgrimages, and offerings to the gods.
Reincarnation
Most Hindus believe their soul reincarnates over and over until the karma their soul acquired in their lifetimes is resolved and Moksha is achieved. This process of reincarnation is known as Samsara. Moksha is liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth and is achieved by living a life of moral integrity and religious devotion. Each lifetime is an opportunity for the individual to balance their karma, but that balance may take many lifetimes to accomplish. Most Hindus believe we all are on a path to Moksha where we will be
united with God, regardless of how many lifetimes it takes.
united with God, regardless of how many lifetimes it takes.
Communion with Devas and Gods
Hindus believe the Supreme Being along with the many devas and gods exist in a dimension that cannot be seen. However, most Hindus believe there are actions they can take to commune with the Supreme Being and the many devas and gods. Some of these actions include: worship in a temple and at an individual's home, rituals, and personal devotionals.
Yoga and Meditation
Another practice that many Hindus believe helps them on their path to Moksha is that of yoga and meditation. Yoga is the connection of mind and body toward the same purpose which, for Hindus, is spiritual transformation. Yoga and meditation focus the mind and body on the one purpose of stilling the mind. Many Hindus believe that in this stillness is where we best commune with God.
Guru
For thousands of years the Vedas were passed orally from teacher, or guru, to disciple. A guru is a trusted guide or a teacher in spiritual and philosophical matters. A guru teaches through example and is very highly revered. Even though the Vedas are easily accessed today, many Hindus believe that a guru is still essential for an individual on their path to Moksha.
Ahimsa
One of the major tenets of Hinduism is the doctrine of ahimsa. Ahimsa means abstinence from violence through thought, word, or deed. But Hinduism teaches not only the avoidance of violence but also the avoidance of causing any harm to another living being. This doctrine is followed not only out of benevolence for others but also out of self preservation because Hindus believe any harm or unkindness they inflict on others will eventually return to them through karma. Ghandi, one of the strongest proponents of ahimsa in modern times, believed the doctrine was the highest duty of a human.
Tolerance and Understanding
A major determinant in the development of the different denominations of Hinduism is the tolerance the different denominations have for one another. The choice of one denomination to worship one form of the Supreme Being rather than the form worshiped by another denomination is understood and welcomed. One example of this tolerance is the evolution of the design of Hindu temples. In India, the Hindu temple is not shared between the different Gods or Devas, it is a singular temple. But the temples in America have evolved to be shared temples such as the "Shiva-Vishnu" temple in Livermore, California. This tolerance not only extends from one Hindu denomination to another but to other religions as well. Hindus believe that no religion, not even their own, is the only path to God. They believe there are many genuine paths to God and that each one deserves their tolerance and understanding.
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http://www.hinduismtoday.com