How Well Do You Know Hinduism?

Indian Religion: Hinduism

• Hinduism is a religion or dharma, with over 1.2-1.35 billion followers, making it the world's third-largest.

• Hinduism is a diverse system of thought with a range of philosophies, rituals, and shared concepts.

• Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include the four Puruṣārthas, karma, and saṃsāra.

• Hindu practices include worship, fire rituals, devotion, fasting, meditation, sacrifice, charity, selfless service, learning, and knowledge.

• Hindu texts are classified into Śruti and Smṛti, with the major scriptures being the Vedas, Upanishads, Purānas, Mahābhārata, Rāmāyana, and Āgamas.

• There are six āstika schools of Hindu philosophy, and the religion is a fusion or synthesis of Brahmanical orthopraxy with various Indian cultures.

• The four major denominations of Hinduism are Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and the Smarta tradition.

• Hinduism has no ecclesiastical order, unquestionable religious authorities, governing body, or binding holy book.

• Hinduism is difficult to define, but it has been variously defined as a religion, religious tradition, set of religious beliefs, and "a way of life."

• Hinduism can be subdivided into a number of major currents, including Brahmanic-Sanskritic Hinduism, folk religions and tribal religions, founded religions, and heroism.

• Hinduism is a traditional way of life, and many practitioners refer to the "orthodox" form of Hinduism as Sanātana Dharma, "the eternal law" or the "eternal way."

• All aspects of a Hindu life are part of dharma, which encapsulates the "right way of living" and eternal harmonious principles in their fulfillment.Summary Title: Understanding Hinduism

• Sanatana Dharma is a term used to refer to the eternal truth and teachings of Hinduism that transcend history and are ultimately nonsectarian.

• Hinduism is a tradition that can be traced back to the ancient Vedic era, and is based on a set of timeless, eternal truths.

• Vaidika Dharma means a code of practice that is "based on the Vedas", and is the earliest self-designation of Hinduism.

• Many Hindu religious sources see persons or groups who reject Vedic varṇāśrama (caste and life stage orthodoxy) as being heretics.

• Hinduism is a family of religions with diverse roots and no founder, and is difficult to define as a religion according to traditional Western conceptions.

• Hindu beliefs are vast and diverse, and thus Hinduism is often referred to as a family of religions rather than a single religion.

• Despite the differences, there is also a sense of unity among Hindus, and the Vedas are a reminder of the ancient cultural heritage and point of pride for Hindus.

• Brahmins played an essential role in the development of the post-Vedic Hindu synthesis, disseminating Vedic culture to local communities, and integrating local religiosity into the trans-regional Brahmanic culture.

• The establishment of a Hindu self-identity took place "through a process of mutual self-definition with a contrasting Muslim Other".

• The inclusivism of Hinduism was further developed in the 19th and 20th centuries by Hindu reform movements and Neo-Vedanta, and has become characteristic of modern Hinduism.

• The definition of Hinduism in Indian Law is: "Acceptance of the Vedas with reverence; recognition of the fact that the means or ways to Moksha are diverse; and realization of the truth that the number of gods to be worshipped is large".

• Hinduism emphasizes universal spiritual values such as social justice, peace and "the spiritual transformation of humanity".Overview of Hinduism

• Hinduism is a diverse system of thought with a wide variety of beliefs, and its concept of God is complex and depends upon each individual and the tradition and philosophy followed.

• Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religions, with its roots dating back to ancient India.

• The colonial era influenced Western perceptions of Hinduism, leading to fabricated stereotypes.

• The Hindutva movement argues for the unity of Hinduism, dismissing the differences and regarding India as a Hindu-country since ancient times.

• Hinduism is growing fast in many western nations and in some African nations due to the cultural influences such as Yoga and Hare Krishna movement by many missionary organizations.

• Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include Dharma, saṃsāra, Karma, moksha, and the various yogas.

• The classical Hindu thought accepts four proper goals or aims of human life, known as Puruṣārthas: Dharma, Artha, Kāma, and Mokṣa.

• The concept of God in Hinduism is complex and depends on individual beliefs and the tradition and philosophy followed.

• The followers of Dvaita (dualistic) schools believe that in the afterlife moksha state, individual essences are distinct from Brahman but infinitesimally close, and after attaining moksha they expect to spend eternity in a loka (heaven).

• The idea of reincarnation, or saṃsāra, is not mentioned in the early layers of historical Hindu texts such as the Rigveda, but it is present in the later Vedic texts such as the Aranyakas and the Upanisads.

• Hindus believe that all living creatures have a Self, which is called the ātman, and according to the Advaita school, this Atman is indistinct from Brahman, the supreme spirit or the Ultimate Reality.

• The Hindu scriptures name celestial entities called Devas, which may be translated into English as gods or heavenly beings, and they are an integral part of Hindu culture.Overview of Hinduism

• Hinduism is a diverse religion with different beliefs and practices.

• It encompasses various traditions, including Vaishnavism, Shaktism, Shaivism, and Smartism.

• The avatars of Vishnu are significant in Vaishnavism theology.

• The feminine aspect of deities is more pronounced in Hinduism, with goddesses such as Parvati, Kali, and Durga.

• Both theistic and atheistic ideas are present in different schools of Hinduism.

• The questioning of authority, internal debate, and challenging of religious texts are essential in Hinduism.

• Hinduism is traditionally a multi-ethnic religion, with adherents from different ethnic groups.

• The ancient scriptures of Hinduism are in Sanskrit, classified into two: Shruti and Smriti.

• The Upanishads are the foundation of Hindu philosophical thought.

• Most Hindus observe religious rituals at home, which vary greatly among regions, villages, and individuals.

• The words of mantras are considered primordial rhythms of creation, preceding the forms to which they refer.

• Hinduism has a strong presence of the divine feminine, particularly in the Saiva traditions.