What is Hinduism?
Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, dating back about 5,000 years (around 2500 B.C.E,) back to the time when the Aryans tried to invade the Indus Valley. Thanks to the Aryans, the caste system was created, making sure it was a very strict system, but loosened over time. The ethnic religion is mostly concentrated in India, (about 83%) but there are followers elsewhere as well. Originally, two overlapping religions slowly combined into one, which resulted the creation of the Hinduism religion. Hinduism is mostly considered polytheistic, because Hindus might believe in one God, or many Gods. Each God represents an aspect of the spirit, Brahman. Atman is what every living things' soul is called. Hinduism has a caste system, which are levels of fixed social classes, that give special rites and duties. Those fixed social classes, and their rites and duties shape the aspects of a Hindu's life and culture.
This link will take you to a list of only some of the Hindu Gods, and their history. Link
What are some customs that are practiced with Hinduism?
The customs and practices are divided into many different categories. The categories for Hindu customs and practices are:
Part of the Hindu culture, is heavily believing in the God, Brahman. He is a great soul who was believed to be the first to achieve nirvana. Humans are the most closest to Brahman. Since then, it has become a lifetime goal to be a good person, and someday, your soul will reincarnate enough so you too may reach nirvana. Hindu's also believe in nonviolence towards all living things.
Here is a link that goes more in-depth for the Hindu customs and rules. Link
- Respect
- Purity
- Exchange of Prana (Socialization)
- Modesty
- Women's Roles
- Guests in the Home
- Body Language
Part of the Hindu culture, is heavily believing in the God, Brahman. He is a great soul who was believed to be the first to achieve nirvana. Humans are the most closest to Brahman. Since then, it has become a lifetime goal to be a good person, and someday, your soul will reincarnate enough so you too may reach nirvana. Hindu's also believe in nonviolence towards all living things.
Here is a link that goes more in-depth for the Hindu customs and rules. Link
What is the Founding Story and Religious Authorities for Hinduism?
There is no real founder of Hinduism, nor a founding story of Hinduism. Hinduism has no specific moment of origin, it is believed the religion always existed, since the beginning of time. Unlike other religions, where people worship one certain text, Hinduism revolves around many pieces of text. One of the many sacred texts are Vedas, which are four ancient books of hymns, prayers, and magic spells. The Rig-Veda is the oldest text, which contains 1,000 hymns. The Upanishads, are texts which explain the Hindu philosophy. The Upanishads were written around 600 B.C. The series of sacred texts is called the Sanatana Dharma, or "The Eternal Teaching." The sacred texts explain different practices. The origin of Hinduism tradition started in India, then slowly spread throughout the world. A Hindu's view on the world is based on samsara (believing in the cycle of rebirth,) and karma (the law of cause and effect in the universe,) and that their actions might change and alter a person's life, and the life of future reincarnations. Although each Hindu is free to choose a favorite, most Hindus believe in many spiritual beings, devas, (gods and goddesses,) who influence the world and interact with humans. Spiritual leaders, called gurus, guide believers to practice the faith. The Hindu tradition is divided into four groups: (or sects)
Each group worships to that God/Goddess along with the others involved with them.
- Shaiva - people who devote themselves to the God, Shiva.
- Vaishnava - people who devote themselves to the God, Vishnu.
- Shakta - people who devote themselves to the Goddess.
- Smarta - people who devote themselves to understanding the ultimate form of the divine Brahman.
Each group worships to that God/Goddess along with the others involved with them.
What are some important Places and Symbols that involve Hinduism?
There are important and holy places that are important to Hinduism. This website explains major holy towns and places. Link
This website explains the symbols of Hinduism, what it means, and where does it show up in the Hindu culture. One of the symbols is a swastika, which has no relation to Nazi Germany, although Nazi Germany took their swastika, and turned it from a sign of peace to a sign of death and evil. To the Hindus, it represents the arms coming and separating into many directions, to show that the way to Brahman is difficult.
Link
Another thing Hindu's do that is important, is saying the sacred syllable 'om' when meditating, or beginning and ending a prayer. Om represents the sound of Brahman.
This website explains the symbols of Hinduism, what it means, and where does it show up in the Hindu culture. One of the symbols is a swastika, which has no relation to Nazi Germany, although Nazi Germany took their swastika, and turned it from a sign of peace to a sign of death and evil. To the Hindus, it represents the arms coming and separating into many directions, to show that the way to Brahman is difficult.
Link
Another thing Hindu's do that is important, is saying the sacred syllable 'om' when meditating, or beginning and ending a prayer. Om represents the sound of Brahman.
What are some things that Hindus believe in about the afterlife?
Afterlife in the Hinduism religion is different compared to other religions. Hindus believe that every living creature has a soul, and that each soul is part of a bigger spirit. In the Hinduism religion, when a person dies, their soul is reborn into a new body, which is called reincarnation. Every time a soul reincarnates, they move either up or down the social class ladder, depending on how they lived. The goal is to mature, achieve nirvana, meaning eternal peace.
What is the caste system related to Hinduism?
The caste system is a social class ladder, in which a person is born into. The early caste system was based on skin color. Due to reincarnations, a person can move up or down the caste system, if they were a good person in their previous life. At first, the caste system included four categories: (starting from the bottom to the top) Untouchables, who had no caste at all, Sudras, who were unskilled workers, Vasiyas, who were skilled traders, merchants and minor officials, Kshatriyas, who were warriors and rulers, and at the top, and Brahmins, who were priests. Over many years, the categories in the caste system had subcategories created, called jatis. Today, laws in Modern India were made to weaken and manipulate the caste system, such as giving the Untouchables the right to own property, despite still being treated very poorly.
-believed to have sprung from the arms of Brahma
-allowed to learn, but not teach the Vedas
-can consume alcohol
-highest honor is dying in battle
-duties are exhibiting courage, bravery, cleverness, fearlessness, generosity and the knowledge to rule a kingdom
-included storekeepers, traders, and craftsmen
-centered around agriculture, cattle tending, and trade
-aren't allowed to read, hear, or recite the Vedas, otherwise there will be severe punishments
-called the 'vermin' and were the 'dirty and polluted' ones
- Brahmins (Brahmans)
- -mostly priests and scholars
- -believed to spring from the mouth of Brahma
- -a king cannot tax them, if he dares to do so, a Brahmin could recite curses and mystical text that could destroy the king and his army, thus Brahmins cannot pay taxes
- -experts in education, literature, and the Vedas
- -had many privileges, recieved gifts and fees collected from religious functions
- -were expected to bathe everyday, and forbidden from eating onions, eggs, mushrooms and garlic, but the only thing they could drink was water
- Kshatriyas
-believed to have sprung from the arms of Brahma
-allowed to learn, but not teach the Vedas
-can consume alcohol
-highest honor is dying in battle
-duties are exhibiting courage, bravery, cleverness, fearlessness, generosity and the knowledge to rule a kingdom
- Vaishyas
-included storekeepers, traders, and craftsmen
-centered around agriculture, cattle tending, and trade
- Sudras
-aren't allowed to read, hear, or recite the Vedas, otherwise there will be severe punishments
- Untouchables
-called the 'vermin' and were the 'dirty and polluted' ones
What is Dharma, Karma, Samsara, and Moksba?
Dharma:
Dharma means truth, righteousness, law, justice and duty. The duties are to be a good Hindu, and not to hurt another animal or person. Dharma differs from person to person, depending on family background, etc.
Karma:
If Hindus fulfill their Dharma, it will result in good karma. Karma has to do with actions and behavior, despite how Americans say karma is just bad things coming back to you. In Hinduism, if a person had good karma, they will be reborn into a better social caste, and being reborn in a lower class, means you had bad karma in your past life.
Moksha:
Moksha is when Atman, the soul, reunites with Brahman. When it does, the never ending cycle of rebirth ends. There are four paths that lead to Moksha.
-Karma yoga: the path of good works
-Jnana yoga: the path of knowledge
-Bhaki yoga: the path of devotion
-Raja yoga: the path of meditation (also named yoga to those outside of Hinduism.)
Dharma means truth, righteousness, law, justice and duty. The duties are to be a good Hindu, and not to hurt another animal or person. Dharma differs from person to person, depending on family background, etc.
Karma:
If Hindus fulfill their Dharma, it will result in good karma. Karma has to do with actions and behavior, despite how Americans say karma is just bad things coming back to you. In Hinduism, if a person had good karma, they will be reborn into a better social caste, and being reborn in a lower class, means you had bad karma in your past life.
Moksha:
Moksha is when Atman, the soul, reunites with Brahman. When it does, the never ending cycle of rebirth ends. There are four paths that lead to Moksha.
-Karma yoga: the path of good works
-Jnana yoga: the path of knowledge
-Bhaki yoga: the path of devotion
-Raja yoga: the path of meditation (also named yoga to those outside of Hinduism.)
What are some traditions for worship?
Hindus go to a temple called a mandir. They believe that certain gods and goddesses live in different mandirs. In the main shrine room, there is a murti, which is a statue or image of the god(s)/goddess(es). Later on, larger mandirs were built near rivers or other water sources, as a symbol for worshippers, so they can bathe before entering the temple. It is to purify them before giving offerings to the gods. Before going inside, they must take off their shoes, as a sign of respect towards the god. While they enter, they ring a bell, as if they were knocking on the door before entering, to show that someone has come to worship the god. Later, people make offerings to the god, that included things such as fruit, nuts, flowers, and sometimes coins. Before the worshiping ceremony, the pujari must bathe the murti, apply sandalwood paste onto it, make a tilak mark on it's forehead, and finally, dressing the murti with red and gold clothing, along with flowers. There are no set days for Hindus to go worship in a mandir, although some people go everyday, or some people just go during special festivals.
At home, Hindus worship by either devoting a shelf, or an entire room to the gods, (depending on social class and the size of your house,) by placing a murti of the god/goddess they worship. Same ritual applies before worship, meaning bathing the murti, daubing it with sandalwood paste, and decorated nicely. The family give offerings to the murti, and reciting verses from the Hindu holy book. Basically, same rules apply inside a Hindu's home, as it is when entering a mandir.
At home, Hindus worship by either devoting a shelf, or an entire room to the gods, (depending on social class and the size of your house,) by placing a murti of the god/goddess they worship. Same ritual applies before worship, meaning bathing the murti, daubing it with sandalwood paste, and decorated nicely. The family give offerings to the murti, and reciting verses from the Hindu holy book. Basically, same rules apply inside a Hindu's home, as it is when entering a mandir.
Brahman - one great soul who has reached nirvana
Bhagavad Gita - sacred Hindu text that is in the format of philosophical dialogue (Hindu philosophy)
caste - social classes in the Hindu society
dharma - good behavior
karma - everything a person does that will influence that person eventually
reincarnation - souls re birthing into new bodies
Vedas - four ancient books of hymns
Upanishads - text that discusses Hindu philosophy
Bhagavad Gita - sacred Hindu text that is in the format of philosophical dialogue (Hindu philosophy)
caste - social classes in the Hindu society
dharma - good behavior
karma - everything a person does that will influence that person eventually
reincarnation - souls re birthing into new bodies
Vedas - four ancient books of hymns
Upanishads - text that discusses Hindu philosophy