Origins and Diversity of Hinduism

Origin of Hinduism

• Hinduism originated with the migration of the Aryans into the Indian subcontinent around 1500 BCE
• The Aryans brought with them their religious ideals and beliefs, which were captured in the Rigveda, the earliest of all Hindu texts
• The Aryans' religion was polytheistic, encompassing the veneration of gods and goddesses associated with natural forces
• Hinduism spread to Southeast Asia (Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sumatra, Java) in the 1st century CE, establishing Hindu kingdoms
• Angkor Wat is a well-known example of Hindu temple architecture built in this period

Hinduism: Key Facts

• Hinduism is an ancient organized religion with sacred writings dating back to 1400-1500 BCE
• It is one of the most diverse and complex religions, characterized by its pantheon of deities
• Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, with approximately 1.2 billion followers
• It is primarily practiced in India and Nepal

Schools of Thought in Hinduism

• Hinduism encompasses a variety of schools of thought:
  • Monistic: The belief that only one thing exists (Sankara's school)
  • Pantheistic: God is identical to the world (Brahmanism)
  • Panentheistic: The world is part of God (Ramanuja's school)
  • Theistic: One God distinct from creation (Bhakti Hinduism)

Hindu Terminology

• "Hinduism" is a relatively recent term, introduced by Persians in the 9th century BCE to refer to people living near the Indus River
• Hindus themselves often prefer to call their religion "Dharma" or "Sanātana Dharma," meaning "timeless and universal law"

Creation Stories in Hinduism

• Hinduism encompasses a variety of creation myths, including:
  • Vishnu creating the world from a lotus flower
  • Brahma emerging from a cosmic egg
  • The world being created from darkness

Key Texts in Hinduism

• The Vedas: A collection of sacred hymns and texts, the Rigveda being the oldest
• The Upanishads: Philosophical texts that discuss the nature of reality, the soul, and liberation
• The Mahabharata: An epic poem that includes a major religious text, the Bhagavad Gita
• The Ramayana: An epic poem that narrates the story of Rama, a divine prince, and his journey to rescue his wife Sita
• The Bhagavad Gita: A dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and Krishna, a god who serves as Arjuna's charioteer, discussing dharma and duty

Hindu Concepts

• Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
• Karma: The law of action and consequence, where thoughts, words, and deeds impact future lives
• Reincarnation: The belief that after death, the soul is reborn into a new life, the circumstances of which are determined by karma
• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of Samsara and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment
• Four Yogas/Margas: Four paths to achieving moksha:
  • Karma Yoga: Path of action
  • Jnana Yoga: Path of knowledge
  • Raja Yoga: Path of discipline
  • Bhakti Yoga: Path of devotion
• Dharma: One's duty or righteous conduct, aligned with natural laws and principles
• Atman: The eternal self, the true essence of a being, often referred to as "spirit" or "soul"
• Namaste: A greeting of respect, meaning "I bow to you"

Hindu Deities

• Brahman: The ultimate reality, encompassing all existence, from which all other deities originate
• Trimurti: Three major aspects of Brahman, representing creation, preservation, and destruction:
  • Brahma: The creator god
  • Vishnu: The preserver god
  • Shiva: The destroyer god
• Other Important Deities:
  • Vaishnava Gods: Deities associated with Vishnu, including his various incarnations (avatars)
  • Shaiva Gods: Deities associated with Shiva, including his consort, sons, and other forms
  • Sakthi/Saktha/Durga: Forms of the goddess Sakthi

Tridevi: The Hindu Trinity of Goddesses

• Saraswati: The goddess of knowledge, the consort of Brahma
• Laxmi: The goddess of wealth, beauty, and love, the consort of Vishnu

Festivals in Hinduism

• Diwali: The "festival of lights," celebrated over five days
• Makar Sankranti: The first Hindu holiday on the Western calendar, also known as Lohri
• Maha Shivarati: Celebrated the night and day before the new moon, in honor of Shiva
• Holi: The festival of colors, celebrated in northern India
• Ram Navami: Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama

Caste System

• It is a social hierarchy based on family lineage, influencing professions and social interactions, including marriage

Sects in Hinduism

• Shaivism (Shaiva): The oldest Hindu sect, worshiping Shiva as the supreme being
• Vaishnavism: Focused on the worship of Vishnu and his avatars

Explore the rich and ancient origins of Hinduism, tracing its roots back to the migration of the Aryans and the earliest Hindu texts like the Rigveda. Understand the complex pantheon of deities and the spread of Hindu beliefs across Southeast Asia. Discover key facts and schools of thought that define this diverse religion.