Introduction to Hinduism

• Hinduism: World's oldest religion, over a billion followers.
• Some see it as a way of life rather than a religion.
• Also known as Sanatana Dharma or the eternal tradition.
• Originated from the Indus Valley Civilization and nomads around 1500 BC.
• Dates in Hinduism are controversial, but it is very ancient.
• Hindu and India derive from the word Sindhu, the Sanskrit name for the Indus River.
• Persian and Greek linguistic influences shaped the names Hindu and India.

Core Beliefs of Hinduism

1. Belief in One Universal Soul

• Brahman: The universal soul, formless and genderless, source of all reality.
• Analogy: Ocean (Brahman) and individual drops (individuals).

2. Belief in an Immortal Individual Soul

• Atman: The soul, which transmigrates into a new body after death.
• Karma determines the next life's form.

3. Belief in Karma

• Karma: Actions (good or bad) impacting one's present and future.

4. Belief in Moksha

• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth, achieved by realizing oneness with Brahman.

5. Belief in the Vedas

• Vedas: Four sacred texts believed to be divinely revealed.

6. Belief in Cyclical Time

• Time is cyclic, consisting of four ages (yugas): Krita, Treta, Dwapara, Kali.
• Cycles last about 4.32 million years and end with destruction due to declining morality.

7. Belief in Dharma

• Dharma: Proper behavior, maintaining cosmic balance.
• Specific to one's age and caste.

Sacred Texts

The Vedas

• Rig Veda: Songs about truth, reality, war, weddings, and rituals.
• Yajur Veda: Sacrificial rites and rituals.
• Sama Veda: Songs praising gods, set to music.
• Atharva Veda: Charms, curses, and practical advice.

The Upanishads

• Philosophical texts exploring deep questions and ideas.
• Emphasize the Atman as the true self.

Other Texts

• Puranas: Encyclopedias covering various Hindu topics.
• Bhagavad Gita: Philosophical dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna on Dharma.
• Ramayana and Mahabharata: Epic stories reinforcing Dharma and cosmic order.

Major Hindu Gods

The Hindu Trinity

• Brahma: The creator, associated with the Vedas.
• Vishnu: The preserver, with avatars like Krishna and Rama.
• Shiva: The destroyer, associated with renewal.

Other Deities

• Saraswati: Goddess of learning (Brahma's consort).
• Lakshmi and Bhudevi: Goddesses related to Vishnu.
• Ganesha: Remover of obstacles with an elephant head.

Denominations and Beliefs

• Vaishnavas: Worship Vishnu.
• Shaivas: Worship Shiva and his sons.
• Smarthas: Follow texts like Puranas, worship five deities.
• Shaktas: Worship the goddess Devi.

Avatars

• Divine intervention to restore Dharma.
• Vishnu's avatars, like Rama and Krishna, embody this.

The Caste System

• Four primary castes: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras.
• Originated from texts like Bhagavad Gita and Rig Veda.
• The Laws of Manu solidified caste hierarchy and immobility.
• Modern changes have led to more inter-caste interaction, though marriage often remains caste-specific.

Conclusion

• Hinduism's diversity and depth make it challenging to capture fully.
• Understanding the basics offers insight into the world's third-largest religion.