Hinduism is a loosely defined amalgamation of belief system, philosophy of life, and cultural traditions. There is no single text, no single religious leader (messiah) or no single path to enlightenment associated with Hinduism. Conversations with the young and the not-so-young suggest that there are many misconceptions about the basics of Hinduism. This is my humble attempt at providing a bit of clarity, processed through an engineer's analytical mind and presented as an ordered list.
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Hindu Core Beliefs
·
Brahman / Parambrahma (God) –
Source of all creation and all knowledge, Pure Consciousness, Supreme
Reality. Other “gods” and “goddesses”
are manifestations of some aspect of The Supreme Being – so Hinduism is really
a monotheistic religion.
·
Aatman (Soul) – Microcosmic aspect
of Brahman, which forms the core of every individual’s existence. This divinity within us is obscured by Maayaa,
the illusion of existence.
·
Samsaara (Cycle of Life) – Living
beings go through multiple cycles of birth and death until they attain Moksha
(liberation), when the Atman is united with the Brahman.
·
Karma (Destiny, Action) – Law of
cause and effect, which determines how living beings move through cycles of
birth and death based on their past and current actions. Past, modified by the present, is the future.
·
Dharma (Righteousness, Duty) – Law
maintaining cosmic, social and individual order, which provides moral and ethical
guidelines that sustain human existence.
·
Purushaartha (Aims of Life) –
Pursuit of artha (wealth) and kaama
(gratification of desires) based on the laws of dharma in order to
attain moksha.
·
Aaradhanaa (Rituals) – These give
manifestations to the Unmanifested Reality, and facilitate communion with
Divinity.
Hindu Code of Conduct (Dharma)
·
Recognizes the need for: (a) restraints (don’ts)
in dealing with the external world, and (b) observances (do’s) for individual
discipline
·
Includes both universal values + those dependent
on one’s particular stage of life
·
Core values (unique to Hinduism): (1)
Ahimsaa –
non-violence, tolerance; (2) Satyam –
truthfulness, absence of deceit; (3) Brahmacharya – control of senses;
·
Other virtues (universal in
nature): non-stealing, non-coveting, contentment,
austerity, self-study, humility, compassion, respect to elderly, forgiveness, control of
anger, etc.
