Hinduism

What is Hinduism?

Basically, Hinduism is one of the major world religions. It is generally accepted as a generic term to identify the religious practices of the majority of the people of India. However, there is no specific definition of Hinduism. It may broadly be described as a way of life. This way of life consists of the religious, moral, cultural, ethical sides and every other aspect of life. Hinduism is unique as it allows a massively amount of freedom of thought, faith and worship, and there are many religious sects in Hinduism. Yet these sects have a certain unity amongst all the differences, in that their basic principles are based on the “eternal laws of nature“- Santana (eternal) Dharma (laws of nature) based on the teachings of various scriptures, such as the Vedas.

Dharma…

The word “dharma” is derived from the word “dhru” meaning to support or sustain. Hinduism’s broad-based ways of thinking, its nature can be termed “Hindu dharma”. It promotes a way of thinking where a human or whatever creature is “spiritually uplifted” and ultimately prevented from falling down. “Dharma” is loosely translated as one’s righteousness, morality, religious code and duty. The main fundamental belief of “Hindu dharma” is the concept of one God, who has many appearances, many attributes and many functions. This is an example of the free thinking of Hindu dharma, in that one can picture God in any physical form they want to associate the concept of God with. Closely related to Dharma or one’s duty, is Karma (the law of action). Karma stipulates that for every action there will be a reaction. In addition, reincarnation- the concept of rebirth is also a key fundamental belief. The idea that the human body is the physical aspect and it is this that degenerates, and the everlasting soul that exists within the body. The ultimate “goal” of a Hindu devotee is for the soul to attain “moksha”- a term described in Hinduism as “joining with God”.

There are many important festivals in the Hindu calendar, click here to view the calendar.

Aum is a familiar sound to all Hindus. It is considered the most potent, powerful word-symbol for use in prayers and meditation and is often chanted at the beginning and end of prayers. The main representation of Aum is that of the all-seeing, all-knowing qualities of the One God. The symbol is the common religious symbol in Hinduism.

Common Prayers:

Gayatri mantra is the one of the oldest incantations or mantras. Its main significance is in the meaning and it is one of the most well known prayers used by Hindus.

AUM bhur bhuvah Swaha
Tatsavitur varenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi
Dhiyo yo naha prachodayaat

O God, the giver of life, remover of sorrow and instiller of happiness
Creator of the universe, the most pure and loving. We meditate on you.
May you inspire and guide our intellect in the right direction.