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Hinduism
It is no easy task to define Hinduism, since it has no definite creed, priestly hierarchy,
or governing agency. However, it does have swamis (teachers) and gurus (spiritual
guides). A broad definition of Hinduism given by one history book states that it is “the
whole complex of beliefs and institutions that have appeared from the time when their
ancient (and most sacred) scriptures, the Vedas, were composed until now.”
While Hinduism may not be as widespread as some other major religions,
nevertheless, it commands the loyalty of over 760 million followers (13% of the world’s
population) however, most of these are found in India.
Some historians say that Hinduism had its roots over 3,500 years ago in a wave of
migration that brought a pale-skinned, Aryan people down from the northwest into the
Indus Valley. From there they spread into the Ganges River plains and across India.
Some experts say that the religious ideas of the migrants were based on ancient
Iranian and Babylonian teachings. In the course of time, the beliefs, myths, and
legends of India were put into writing, and today they form the holy writings of
Hinduism. Although these sacred works are extensive, they do not attempt to propose
a unified Hindu doctrine.
The oldest writings are the Vedas, a collection of prayers and hymns. They were
composed during several centuries and were and were completed about 900 B.C.E.
The Vedas were later supplemented by other writings, including the Brahmanas and
the Upanishads. The Brahmanas specify how rituals and sacrifices both domestic and
public, are to be performed and go into great detail on their deep meaning. The
Upanishads (literally, “sittings near a teacher”), also known as the Vedanta are
treatises that set out the reason for all thought and action, according to Hindu
philosophy.
In Hinduism, as in other religions, there are certain basic concepts that influence
thinking and daily conduct. An outstanding one is that of ahimsa, or nonviolence, for
which Mohandas Gandhi, known as the "Mahatma", was so famous. On the basis of
this philosophy, Hindus are not supposed to kill or do violence to other creatures,
which is one of the reasons why they venerate some animals, such as cows, snakes,
and monkeys.
A universally known aspect of Hinduism is varna, or the caste system, which divides
society into rigid classes. In India a person is born into a rigid caste system, and there
is almost no way out. Furthermore, the average Hindu does not seek a way out. He
views it as his predetermined, inescapable lot in life, the result of his deeds in a prior
existence, or Karma. According to Hindu mythology, there were originally four major
castes based on the body parts of Purusha (mankind’s original father-figure):
Mouth or his highest part): The priests (Brahmans)
Arms: The governing or Warrior class
Thighs: The merchant and farmer class
Feet: Laborer class
Over the centuries even lower castes came into existence, the outcastes and the
Untouchables. (Although untouchability has been illegal in India since 1948, the
Untouchables still have a very hard existence.
In the course of time, the castes multiplied to match just about every profession and
artisanship in Indian society.
Another basic belief that affects Hindu ethics and conduct, and one of the most vital, is
the teaching of Karma. This is the principle that every action has its consequences,
positive or negative; it determines each existence of the reincarnated soul. On what
does this belief hinge? The immortal soul is essential to the teaching of Karma, and
Karma is what makes the Hindu view of the soul differ from that of Christendom. The
Hindu believes that each personal soul passes through many reincarnations and
possibly “hell”. It must strive to unite with the “Supreme Reality,” also called Brahman,
(not to be confused with the Hindu God Brahma). As a consequence of Karma, Hindus
tend to be fatalistic. They believe that one’s present status and condition is the result
of a previous existence and is therefore deserved, whether good or bad. The Hindu
can try to establish a better record so that the next existence might be more bearable.
Thus, he more readily accepts his lot in life than does a Westerner.
So, what is the ultimate aim in the Hindu faith? To achieve moksha, which means
liberation, or release, from the grinding wheel of rebirths and different existences.
Therefore, it is an escape from embodied existence, not for the body, but for the “soul”.
To be reunited with Brahman (Supreme Reality)
Three of the most prominent gods are included in what Hindus call Trimurti, a trinity of
Gods. The triad consists of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva
(the Destroyer). All three members of the triad are considered part of that “Supreme
Being”, and all other gods are viewed as different manifestations. Whichever god is
then worshiped as supreme, that deity is thought to be all embracing. So while Hindus
openly venerate millions of gods, most acknowledge only one true God, who can take
many forms: male, female, or even animal. Therefore Hindu scholars are quick to point
out that Hinduism is actually monotheistic, not polytheistic.