I like
to thank Professor Vythilingam s/o Palaniandy Pillai for his reply to me about
Hinduism and Deepavali when I wrote an article on:
A Hind
Thought of Mine on Diwali Day on Material Possessions in This World vs
Spiritual Investment in Another World for Eternity
https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-hind-thought-of-mine-on-diwali-day-on.html
Her’s
what Prof Dr Vythi wrote to me.
https://scientificlogic.blogspot.com/2024/11/a-letter-from-prof-dr-vythilingam-on.html
I have
very little knowledge on Hinduism as I am a Christian. However, whatever I know
about Hinduism, I will be glad to dedicate this article to Prof Dr Vythi.
Here
is all I know about Hinduism:
Hinduism
is one of the world's oldest religions, with a rich history spanning over 4,000
years, originating in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is a highly diverse
religion, both in its beliefs and practices. Here’s a detailed overview:
Core
Beliefs of Hinduism
Dharma
(Duty/Righteousness): Hindus believe in the concept of dharma, which refers to
moral duties, ethical living, and righteous conduct. Dharma varies depending on
one's age, caste, gender, and occupation.
Karma
(Action and Consequence): Karma is the principle of cause and effect. Hindus
believe that one's actions (good or bad) in this life influence their future
lives. This is closely tied to the cycle of rebirth.
Samsara
(Cycle of Rebirth): Samsara refers to the endless cycle of birth, death, and
rebirth (reincarnation). The soul, or Atman, is reborn in various forms based
on accumulated karma.
Moksha
(Liberation): The ultimate goal in Hinduism is to achieve moksha, or liberation
from the cycle of samsara. Moksha is attained when the soul realizes its unity
with Brahman (the supreme cosmic power).
Brahman
and Atman: Hindus believe in a supreme, formless, eternal reality called
Brahman, which is the source of all creation. The individual soul, or Atman, is
considered a part of this universal Brahman. The realization of this oneness
leads to liberation.
Many
Gods and Goddesses
Hinduism
is known for its plurality of gods and goddesses. This is a common feature that
often surprises those new to the religion. However, it’s important to
understand that many Hindus see these deities as various aspects or
manifestations of the single supreme reality, Brahman. Here are some prominent
gods and goddesses:
Vishnu:
The preserver and protector of the universe. Vishnu is worshipped in various
forms, or avatars, such as Krishna and Rama.
Shiva:
The destroyer or transformer, representing the cycle of creation and
destruction. Shiva is worshipped in various forms, including Nataraja (Lord of
Dance) and Lingam (a symbol of energy and power).
Brahma:
The creator god, part of the Trimurti (trinity) along with Vishnu and Shiva.
Brahma is less commonly worshipped compared to Vishnu and Shiva.
Lakshmi:
The goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune, often worshipped during the
festival of Diwali.
Saraswati:
The goddess of knowledge, music, and wisdom.
Durga:
A fierce form of the goddess, representing strength and protection.
Kali: A
powerful goddess symbolizing destruction of evil and empowerment.
Ganesha:
The elephant-headed god of wisdom and remover of obstacles, widely revered
across India.
Each of
these deities has various myths, stories, and rituals associated with them. The
diversity of gods and goddesses allows followers to choose a personal deity
(Ishta Devata) for worship.
Belief
in Souls:
Hinduism
strongly believes in the concept of the soul, known as Atman. According to
Hindu philosophy:
The
Atman is eternal, indestructible, and divine. It is distinct from the physical
body, which is temporary and subject to birth, aging, and death.
The
Atman undergoes numerous cycles of birth and death in different forms
(reincarnation) based on the karma accumulated in each life.
The
ultimate aim is for the Atman to realize its true nature, which is one with
Brahman, leading to moksha or liberation. This is similar to the idea of a soul
returning to its divine source.
Hinduism
has a vast collection of sacred texts, divided broadly into two categories:
Shruti
(Heard/Divine Revelation): These are the oldest and most authoritative
scriptures, including the Vedas (Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda) and
Upanishads, which discuss metaphysical concepts and the nature of reality.
Smriti
(Remembered/Traditional Texts): These include texts like the Mahabharata (which
contains the Bhagavad Gita), Ramayana, and Puranas, which narrate stories of
gods, goddesses, and legendary figures.
Worship
and Practices:
Temples
and Home Altars:
Worship
can take place in temples, but it is also common in home altars. Rituals
include offerings of flowers, food, and incense, accompanied by prayers and
chants.
Festivals:
Hinduism
has numerous festivals, such as Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of
Colours), Navaratri (celebrating the goddess Durga), and Ganesh Chaturthi
(honouring Ganesha).
Yoga
and Meditation:
Hinduism
promotes various forms of yoga (spiritual practices) aimed at self-realization,
such as Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion), Karma Yoga (path of action), Jnana Yoga
(path of knowledge), and Raja Yoga (path of meditation).
Philosophical
Schools:
Hinduism
is philosophically diverse, with six main Darshanas (schools of thought):
1.
Nyaya (logic and
reasoning)
2.
Vaisheshika (atomism
and metaphysics)
3.
Sankhya (dualism of
spirit and matter)
4.
Yoga (spiritual
discipline and meditation)
5.
Purva Mimamsa
(rituals and Vedic exegesis)
6.
Vedanta (focus on
metaphysics and ultimate reality)
Among
these, Vedanta, particularly the Advaita Vedanta school (which emphasizes
non-dualism), has had a significant influence on Hindu beliefs.
Hinduism's
Diversity and Adaptability:
One of
the unique aspects of Hinduism is its tolerance and adaptability. It
encompasses a wide variety of beliefs, from polytheism to monotheism, monism,
and even atheism. Hindus may believe in one god, multiple gods, or an
impersonal cosmic force, depending on their philosophical outlook.
Hindu
views the entire universe as God's and everything in the universe as God.
Hindus believe that each person is intrinsically divine, and the purpose of
life is to seek and realise the divinity within all of us. The Hindu belief is
totally non-exclusive and accepts all other faiths and religious paths. A
supreme God who is present in everyone and everywhere and takes many forms. Is
that what they called it as Brahman? I think followers of Hinduism believe that
life is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, called samsara.
Hinduism's
view of the universe and divinity is deeply interconnected. Hindus believe in
Karma and the four Puruṣarthas. In Hinduism, Brahman is the supreme,
formless, eternal reality that permeates the entire universe. Everything that
exists, seen or unseen, is considered an expression of Brahman which is not a
"personal god" like in some monotheistic religions but an impersonal
cosmic principle or universal soul. It is beyond human comprehension, described
as infinite, unchanging, and the ultimate cause of all creation.
While
Brahman is the ultimate reality, it manifests in various forms, including the
many gods and goddesses worshipped by Hindus. This belief in multiple forms of
a single divine reality is called Henotheism (worship of one god without
denying the existence of others).
This
understanding makes Hinduism non-exclusive and open to various paths of
spirituality. For instance. A Hindu might worship Vishnu, Shiva, or Devi as
their personal deity, but they still acknowledge that these deities are aspects
of the same Brahman.
The
phrase "Ekam Sat, Vipra Bahudha Vadanti" from the Rigveda, meaning
"Truth is One, but the wise speak of it in many ways," encapsulates
this belief.
They
also have Samsara (The Cycle of Birth, Death, and Rebirth). Hindus believe in
samsara, the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth. In this cycle they
have the Atman (soul) is reborn into various forms—human, animal, or even
divine—depending on the karma accumulated in past lives. The cycle of samsara
is considered a source of suffering because it involves repeated births and
deaths, with all the associated pains and sorrows of worldly existence. The
ultimate goal of life, according to Hindu philosophy, is to break free from
samsara and attain moksha, or liberation, which is the realization of one’s
oneness with Brahman.
Karma
is a fundamental concept in Hinduism, and it refers to the law of
cause-and-effect governing actions. The term "karma" literally means
"action" or "deed," and it encompasses:
Karma
is generated by one's actions, whether they are thoughts, words, or deeds.
Every action, whether good or bad, has consequences.
The
consequences of one’s actions may not be immediate but can manifest in this
life or future lives. The effects of karma determine the circumstances of one's
future births.
They
believe in moral accountability in Karma, often described in terms of good
karma (positive actions) and bad karma (negative actions). Good karma leads to
favourable rebirths, while bad karma can lead to less favourable rebirths or
even suffering. Karma is the driving force behind the cycle of samsara. It
binds the soul to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Only by neutralizing
karma (through good deeds, spiritual practice, and self-realization) can one
attain moksha and end the cycle of rebirth.
In
essence, karma emphasizes personal responsibility for one's actions and their
effects on oneself and others. It is not seen as a form of divine punishment
but rather as a natural law, similar to the law of gravity.
Puruṣarthas
are the four aims or goals of a human life in Hindu philosophy. They provide a
framework for living a balanced and fulfilling life. The four Puruṣarthas are:
Dharma
(Righteousness, Duty):
Dharma
is the first and foremost goal. It represents moral duty, ethics, and
righteousness. It is the path of living in accordance with one’s purpose,
responsibilities, and social duties.
Dharma
helps maintain social harmony and personal integrity. It is believed to be the
foundation upon which the other goals are built.
Artha
(Wealth, Prosperity):
Artha
refers to the pursuit of material wealth, prosperity, and success. It is about
achieving economic stability and providing for oneself and one’s family. While
the pursuit of wealth is considered legitimate, it should be done in line with
dharma (righteous conduct). Wealth is seen as a means to support oneself and
society.
Kama
(Desire, Pleasure):
This
is the pursuit of pleasure, love, and emotional fulfilment. It includes all
forms of desires, such as sensual pleasures, artistic enjoyment, and personal
relationships.
The
goal is to experience life’s joys and pleasures, but it should be done with
moderation and within the boundaries of dharma.
Moksha
(Liberation, Enlightenment):
This is
the ultimate goal of life and represents spiritual liberation. It is the
realization of the soul’s oneness with Brahman, leading to freedom from the
cycle of samsara (rebirth).
Moksha
is attained through self-realization, spiritual practice, and the renunciation
of material attachments.
Balance
of Puruṣarthas:
The
first three goals—Dharma, Artha, and Kama—are considered worldly goals, guiding
individuals in their personal, social, and material life.
Moksha,
on the other hand, is the spiritual goal, transcending the worldly desires and
attachments.
Hindu
philosophy teaches that a balanced pursuit of Dharma, Artha, and Kama
ultimately leads to Moksha. It’s a comprehensive approach to life, allowing for
both material and spiritual fulfilment.
Summary:
In
essence, Hinduism is a complex, evolving, and highly inclusive religion that
allows individuals to follow their own spiritual paths. It teaches that the
divine exists within every living being, and the goal is to realize this divine
nature within oneself. Hinduism sees divinity in everything and everyone, which
aligns with the idea of Brahman as the ultimate reality present everywhere. The
beliefs in samsara and karma guide followers to live a life in accordance with
dharma, with the ultimate aim of achieving moksha. The Four Puruṣarthas provide
a structured path for leading a fulfilling life, combining material, emotional,
ethical, and spiritual pursuits
References for further reading:
Books:
1.
"The Bhagavad Gita" translated by Eknath Easwaran or
Swami Sivananda
A key scripture in Hinduism, this text is a dialogue between
Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, discussing life, duty, and spirituality.
2.
"The Upanishads" translated by Eknath Easwaran
These ancient philosophical texts explore the concepts of
ultimate reality (Brahman), the soul (Atman), and the nature of the universe.
3.
"Hinduism: A Very Short Introduction" by Kim Knott
An accessible overview of Hindu beliefs, practices, and history.
4.
"The Hindu Way: An Introduction to Hinduism" by Shashi
Tharoor
Offers a contemporary exploration of Hindu philosophy,
practices, and its modern relevance.
5.
"A History of Hinduism: The Past, Present, and Future"
by Gavin Flood
Provides a detailed historical account of Hinduism's development
over time.
Websites and Online Resources:
Encyclopaedia Britannica - Hinduism
A well-structured overview of the history, beliefs, and
practices of Hinduism.
Encyclopaedia Britannica - Hinduism
BBC - Religions - Hinduism
A great introductory resource covering key beliefs, deities,
rituals, and festivals in Hinduism.
BBC Religions - Hinduism
Hindu American Foundation (HAF)
Offers articles, explanations of practices, and resources to
understand Hindu beliefs and traditions.
Scholarly Articles and Journals:
Journal of Hindu Studies
A peer-reviewed academic journal covering various aspects of
Hindu philosophy, history, and cultural practices.
"Hinduism and its Historical Development" by Gavin
Flood in The Oxford Handbook of Hinduism. Provides a detailed scholarly
analysis of the evolution of Hindu thought and practices.
"Hinduism: Beliefs and Practices" by Julius Lipner in Religions
of the World. An excellent academic resource for understanding the core
beliefs and everyday practices of Hinduism.
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