3.1 Hinduism

Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, traces its roots to ancient Indian civilization. It evolved over thousands of years, shaping cultural and philosophical foundations while influencing various aspects of Indian society, including art, literature, and social structures.

Core Hindu beliefs encompass the interconnectedness of existence and the cyclical nature of life and death. Key concepts include Brahman (ultimate reality), Atman (individual soul), karma (cause and effect), reincarnation, dharma (duty), and moksha (liberation from rebirth).

Origins and history

• Hinduism's roots trace back to ancient Indian civilization, shaping cultural and philosophical foundations
• Considered one of the world's oldest religions, Hinduism evolved over thousands of years
• Influences various aspects of Indian society, including art, literature, and social structures

Ancient Indus Valley civilization

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• Flourished around 3300-1300 BCE along the Indus River (modern-day Pakistan and northwest India)
• Advanced urban planning with grid-like street layouts and sophisticated drainage systems
• Religious practices included worship of a proto-Shiva figure and animal deities
• Decline attributed to climate change and shifts in river courses

Vedic period

• Began around 1500 BCE with the arrival of Indo-Aryan peoples in the Indian subcontinent
• Introduced the Vedas, oldest known Hindu scriptures composed in Sanskrit
• Established complex ritual practices and sacrificial ceremonies (yajnas)
• Developed the concept of rita, cosmic order maintained through proper ritual observance

Development of classical Hinduism

• Emerged during the Upanishadic period (800-200 BCE) with philosophical explorations
• Synthesized Vedic traditions with local beliefs and practices
• Introduced key concepts like karma, reincarnation, and moksha
• Developed diverse schools of thought and interpretations of sacred texts

Core beliefs and concepts

• Hinduism encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices unified by common themes
• Emphasizes the interconnectedness of all existence and the cyclical nature of life and death
• Provides a framework for understanding the nature of reality and the purpose of human existence

Brahman and Atman

• Brahman represents the ultimate reality, the all-encompassing divine essence of the universe
• Atman refers to the individual soul or self, believed to be a part of Brahman
• Goal of spiritual practice involves realizing the unity of Atman with Brahman
• Concept of "Tat Tvam Asi" (That Thou Art) expresses the fundamental identity of self and ultimate reality

Karma and reincarnation

• Karma refers to the law of cause and effect governing actions and their consequences
• Accumulated karma determines the circumstances of future lives through reincarnation
• Samsara describes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth driven by karma
• Offers explanation for inequality and suffering in life as results of past actions

Dharma and moksha

• Dharma encompasses moral, ethical, and social duties specific to an individual's role in society
• Adherence to dharma promotes harmony and balance in personal and communal life
• Moksha represents the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of rebirth
• Achieved through various paths including knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti), and action (karma)

Major Hindu texts

• Hindu scriptures form a vast and diverse body of literature spanning millennia
• Provide spiritual guidance, philosophical insights, and mythological narratives
• Interpreted and applied differently across various Hindu traditions and schools of thought

Vedas and Upanishads

• Vedas comprise the oldest known Hindu texts, considered divinely revealed knowledge
• Four main Vedas: Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda
• Contain hymns, rituals, philosophical speculations, and magical formulas
• Upanishads form the philosophical portion of the Vedas, exploring metaphysical concepts
• Introduce ideas of Brahman, Atman, and the nature of reality

Bhagavad Gita

• Part of the epic Mahabharata, considered one of the most important Hindu texts
• Dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna on the battlefield
• Explores concepts of duty, righteousness, and different paths to spiritual realization
• Emphasizes the importance of detachment from results while performing one's duties

Puranas and epics

• Puranas contain mythological accounts of the universe, gods, and cosmic cycles
• 18 major Puranas dedicated to different deities (Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma)
• Epics include the Ramayana and Mahabharata, central to Hindu culture and ethics
• Provide moral and spiritual teachings through engaging narratives and characters