Download Quick Guide to Hinduism

What is Hinduism?
Hinduism is the world's oldest extant religion, with a billion
followers, which makes it the world's third largest religion.
Hinduism is a conglomeration of religious, philosophical, and
cultural ideas and practices that originated in India, characterized
by the belief in reincarnation, one absolute being of multiple
manifestations, the law of cause and effect, following the path of
righteousness, and the desire for liberation from the cycle of
births and deaths. Hinduism represents 50 percent of India's
population.
How is Hinduism unique from other religions?:
Hinduism cannot be neatly slotted into any particular belief system. Unlike other religions, Hinduism is
a way of life, a Dharma, that is, the law that governs all action. It has its own beliefs, traditions,
advanced system of ethics, meaningful rituals, philosophy and theology. The religious tradition of
Hinduism is solely responsible for the creation of such original concepts and practices as Yoga A Hindu
discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquillity.
How and when did Hinduism originate?:
Hinduism also known as Sanātana Dharma and Vaidika-Dharma is based on the Vedas and is the direct
descendant of the Vedic religion. The Indo- Europeans (Aryans) Introduced the Vedic Age into India.
Hindus evolved along with the Vedas adopting customs like the caste system as a way to regulate
society Hindu scriptures – The Rig Veda – written in conscript was composed well before 6500 B.C. The
Rig Veda and the Vedic Age occurred when Indo-European (Aryans) migrated into India.
Why Hindus don't Call themselves Hindus.
The word "Hinduism" is not to be found anywhere in the scriptures, and the term "Hindu" was
introduced by foreigners who referred to people living across the River Indus or Sindhu, in the north of
India, around which the Vedic religion is believed to have originated. Therefore
What are the basic tenets of Hinduism?
Hinduism lacks any unified system of beliefs and ideas. Hinduism represents a broad spectrum of
beliefs and practices which on one hand are akin to paganism, pantheism and the like, and on the
other very profound, abstract, metaphysical ideas.
Since religion and culture are nearly interchangeable terms in Hinduism, emotive expressions like
'bhakti' (devotion) or 'dharma' (what is right) and 'yoga' (discipline) are used to depict essential
aspects of the religion.
Hinduism believes in idol worship, reincarnation, karma, dharma (law of nature) and
moksha (liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth) Some moral ideals in Hinduism include non-violence,
truthfulness, friendship, compassion, fortitude, self-control, purity and generosity.
Human life is divided into four stages, and there are defined rites and rituals for each stage from birth
till death.
Traditional Hinduism has two life-long dharmas that one can follow: ‘Grihastha Dharma’
(Domestic Religion) and ‘Sannyasin Dharma’ (Ascetic Religion Extreme poverety). The ‘Grihastha
Dharma’ has four goals: ‘kāma’ (sensual pleasure), ‘artha’ (wealth and prosperity), ‘dharma’ (the laws
of life), and ‘moksha’ (liberation from the cycle of births). The ‘Sannyasin Dharma’ recognizes
‘moksha’ as its ultimate goal.
What are the key Hindu scriptures?:
The basic scriptures of Hinduism, which is collectively referred to as "Shastras", are essentially a
collection of spiritual laws discovered by different saints and sages at different points in its long
history. The Two types of sacred writings comprise the Hindu scriptures: "Shruti" (heard) and "Smriti"
(memorized). They were passed on from generation to generation orally for centuries before they
were written down mostly in the Sanskrit language. The major and most popular Hindu texts include
the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Rig Veda
Vedisism
What are the major Hindu deities?
Hinduism believes that there is only one supreme Absolute called "Brahman". However, it does
not advocate the worship of any one particular deity. The gods and goddesses of Hinduism amount to
thousands or even millions, all representing the many aspects of Brahman. Therefore, this faith
is characterized by the multiplicity of deities. The most fundamental of Hindu deities is the Trinity of
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - creator, preserver and destroyer respectively. Hindus also worship
spirits, trees, animals and even planets.
Therefore, to believe that the multiplicity of deities in Hinduism makes it polytheistic is erroneous. The
Rig Veda says: "Ekam sath, Vipraah bahudhaa vadanti" (The Truth is one). However, to equate
“Brahman” with “God” is imprecise. It is neither the “old man in the sky” concept, nor the idea of
something capable of being vengeful or fearful.
Thus, Hindus have a multitude of gods and goddesses. Deities are represented by a complexity of
images and idols symbolizing divine powers. Many of these idols are housed within ornate temples of
unparalleled beauty and grandeur. Hindus also worship spirits, trees, animals and even planets.
The most fundamental of Hindu deities, is the Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - creator,
preserver and destroyer respectively. Other popular deities include Ganesha, Krishna, Hanuman and a
number of Goddesses.