Introduction to Hinduism

Overview

Oldest active religion with over a billion followers.
Sometimes considered more of a way of life than a religion.
Called Sanatana-Dharma by Hindus — the eternal tradition.
Originates from the merging of ancient Indus Valley Civilization and nomads circa 1500 BC.
Dates are controversial.
Sanskrit was the ancient language, and the name 'Hindu' comes from the ancient Persian pronunciation of the Sanskrit word Sindhu (Indus River).

Belief in One Universal Soul (Brahman) 🌀
- Brahman: the universal, formless, and genderless soul.
- Everything in the universe is an extension of Brahman.
Belief in an Immortal Individual Soul (Atman) 🌟
- Soul (Atman) transmigrates after death; determined by karma.
Belief in Karma ⚖️
- Actions (good or bad) impact future incarnations.
Belief in Moksha 🕊️
- Goal: liberation from the cycle of rebirth by realizing one's oneness with Brahman.
- Achieved through various means unique to the individual.
Belief in the Vedas 📜
- Sacred texts considered divinely revealed.
Belief in Cyclical Time ⏳
- Time is a perpetual cycle divided into four Yugas (ages): Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali Yuga.
Belief in Dharma ⚔️
- Proper behavior maintaining the balance in the universe.
- Specific to one's age and social class (caste).

Vedas
- Rig Veda: Songs praising truth, reality, and universe.
- Yajur Veda: Rites and rituals.
- Sama Veda: Songs (music) dedicated to gods.
- Atharva Veda: Charms, curses, and practical knowledge.
Upanishads
- Philosophical texts exploring ideas in the Vedas.
- Focus on the nature of reality and the self.
Puranas
- Encyclopedias of Hindu beliefs and traditions.
Bhagavad Gita
- Dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna on the battlefield.
- Covers Dharma and righteous duty.
Epics
- Ramayana: Story of Prince Rama, his exile, and battle against Ravana with the help of Hanuman.
- Mahabharata: Longest epic poem, covering the Kurukshetra War, themes of Dharma.

Brahma: The Creator; has four heads representing the four Vedas.
- Consort: Saraswati, Goddess of Learning.
Vishnu: The Preserver; maintains order and defends Dharma through avatars like Krishna and Rama.
- Consorts: Lakshmi (wealth) and Bhudevi (earth).
Shiva: The Destroyer; ends each universal cycle to prepare for renewal.
- Consorts: Parvati and Sati.
- Sons: Ganesha (remover of obstacles) and Murugan (God of War).
Ganesha: Remover of obstacles, identifiable by his elephant head.

Vaishnavism: Worship of Vishnu.
Shaivism: Worship of Shiva.
Smartism: Focus on a group of gods/goddesses including Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, and Surya.
Shaktism: Worship of Devi (the Goddess), seen as the ultimate reality.