Overview of Hinduism

Hinduism

• Originated in the Indian subcontinent over 4,000 years ago, one of the world's oldest religions.
• Developed through a combination of cultural and religious traditions, lacking a single founder.
• Key scriptures include the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana.
• Brahman: The supreme universal spirit, encompassing all aspects of existence, with gods as manifestations.
• Trimurti: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer), representing different aspects of Brahman.
• Dharma: Duty, righteousness, and moral law, varying based on social roles and stages of life. Following dharma leads to positive karma.
• Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (reincarnation). Past actions (karma) influence future lives.
• Karma: The law of cause and effect, where good actions bring good results and vice versa, determining the form of the next life.
• Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of samsara, achieved through self-realization, devotion, and following dharma. Soul merges with Brahman.
• Puja (Worship): Form of devotion, often including offerings, chanting, and meditation, performed at home or temples.
• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): A central tenet emphasizing non-violence and compassion.
• Caste System: Historically structured society with four varnas (social classes), which is less prominent today.
• Major Festivals: Diwali (festival of lights), Holi (festival of colors), Navaratri/Durga Puja (celebrating goddess Durga).

Buddhism

• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) in ancient India.
• Emphasizes the Middle Way, balancing extremes in life.
• Core Features:
  • Four Noble Truths: Suffering exists, desire causes suffering, eliminating desire ends suffering, and the Eightfold Path leads to liberation.
  • Eightfold Path: A practical guide for ethical living and mental discipline (e.g., Right Speech, Right Action).
  • Anatta (No-Self): The denial of a permanent self or soul.
  • Karma & Rebirth: Actions shape future experiences, and beings are reborn until enlightenment is achieved.
• Origins: Siddhartha Gautama, born around 563 BCE, left a privileged life to seek answers to suffering, achieving enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
• Teachings:
  • Emphasized compassion, loving-kindness, mindfulness, meditation, and impermanence.
• Message: Aim for liberation (Nirvana) from suffering through wisdom, ethical living, and mental discipline. Spiritual growth is accessible to all.