1.1 Definition and key characteristics of Hinduism

Hinduism is a diverse religion with over 1.2 billion followers worldwide. It's based on ancient texts called the Vedas and centers around core beliefs like dharma, karma, and reincarnation.

Unlike other major religions, Hinduism has no single founder or prophet. It's incredibly varied, with different practices and beliefs across regions. This diversity is a key feature that sets Hinduism apart.

Hinduism: Core Beliefs and Practices

Defining Hinduism

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• Hinduism is a diverse set of religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions originating in the Indian subcontinent
• It is the world's third-largest religion, with over 1.2 billion followers
• The Vedas, a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts, form the scriptural foundation of Hinduism and are considered to be the oldest religious texts in the world

Core Beliefs

• Core beliefs of Hinduism include the concepts of:
  • Dharma: duty, ethics, cosmic order
  • Karma: action and its consequences
  • Samsara: the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
  • Moksha: liberation from samsara
• Hindus believe in one supreme being, Brahman, who is the source of all creation and is manifested in various forms and deities, such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Shakti
• Hindus believe in the concept of atman, the eternal, unchanging soul or self, which is distinct from the physical body and mind

Hinduism vs Other World Religions

Non-Prophetic and Henotheistic

• Hinduism is a non-prophetic religion, as it does not have a single founder or prophet, unlike Christianity (Jesus Christ), Islam (Prophet Muhammad), or Buddhism (Gautama Buddha)
• It is a henotheistic religion, meaning that it recognizes one supreme being while also acknowledging the existence of other deities who are seen as manifestations or aspects of the supreme being

Diversity and Reincarnation

• Hinduism embraces a wide range of practices, beliefs, and traditions, allowing for a high degree of personal interpretation and expression of faith
• The concept of reincarnation, or the belief in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, is a central tenet of Hinduism, setting it apart from Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism)
• Hinduism does not have a central authority or a single set of dogmas, resulting in a diverse array of regional and sectarian variations in beliefs and practices

Dharma in Hinduism

Defining Dharma

• Dharma is a fundamental concept in Hinduism that encompasses duty, ethics, cosmic order, and the inherent nature of things
• It is the moral law that governs the universe and the conduct of individuals

Dharma's Significance

• In Hinduism, each individual has a specific dharma based on their social role (varna), stage of life (ashrama), and personal circumstances
• Fulfilling one's dharma is considered essential for maintaining cosmic order and achieving spiritual progress
• The four main goals of life in Hinduism, known as the purusharthas, are dharma (righteousness), artha (prosperity), kama (pleasure), and moksha (liberation). Dharma is considered the most important of these goals, as it provides the foundation for the others
• The concept of dharma is closely linked to the ideas of karma and reincarnation. It is believed that adherence to one's dharma leads to positive karma and spiritual advancement, while neglecting one's dharma results in negative consequences and hindered spiritual growth

Diversity of Hindu Traditions

Rituals and Worship

• Hindu practices and traditions encompass a wide range of rituals, ceremonies, and forms of worship, which vary depending on region, sect, and personal preference
• Puja, or worship, is a central practice in Hinduism and can be performed at home, in temples, or at other sacred sites. It typically involves offerings (flowers, fruits, incense), prayers, and devotional acts directed towards deities or divine beings
• Yoga and meditation are important spiritual practices in Hinduism, aimed at promoting mental and physical well-being, self-realization, and union with the divine

Festivals and Pilgrimage

• Hindu festivals and celebrations, such as Diwali (festival of lights), Holi (festival of colors), and Navaratri (nine nights of worship), are diverse and often tied to regional customs, seasonal changes, and mythological events
• Pilgrimage to sacred sites, such as the Ganges River, the city of Varanasi, and the temples of Tirupati and Madurai, is a significant aspect of Hindu devotional practice

Philosophical Schools

• The diversity of Hindu practices and traditions is reflected in the various schools of philosophy, such as Vedanta, Samkhya, and Yoga, which offer different perspectives on the nature of reality, the self, and the path to liberation
• These schools contribute to the rich tapestry of Hindu thought and provide a framework for understanding the complex and multifaceted nature of Hinduism