Hinduism Beliefs

"Truth is one; sages call it by different names" ~ Hindu saying

The saying probably explains it all about the two million Gods in India. One may worship God by different names, but ultimately it all meets The One. Hinduism is the third largest and oldest religion in world. Beliefs in this religion are an aggregation of cultural ideas, religious beliefs and philosophical thoughts. There are many practices that point towards reincarnations and liberation from the birth and death cycle. This religion is Dharma, or way of life, where all action is governed by laws. There are set ethics, traditions and faith that form the basis of the religion.

According to facts, it is a very ancient religion that is believed to be practiced even before circa 10000 BC. The term 'Hindu' was not found in any of the texts or scriptures related to Hinduism. It is believed the word was coined by foreigners who used it to describe people living across the river Indus in North India.

Basic Tenets of Beliefs

As mentioned earlier, the foundation of the religion is an aggregation of various traditions and practices. However, the basic theme consists of attaining the following goals:

• Dharma: This includes following the code of ethics and individual duties.
• Samsara: One of the beliefs about death is the cycle of action, reaction, birth, death and rebirth (Samsara).
• Karma: The literal translation of Karma is action, deed or work. It is a moral law of cause and effect.
• Moksha: The ultimate goal of life is attaining Moksha. This means self-realization of union with God or detachment from worldly desires. It may also indicate freedom from Samsara or cycle of life and death.

The Three Gods

The basic belief of the Hindu religion indicates that one's thoughts and attitudes of life direct our actions. These actions help one create their destiny. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion. There are many Gods and Goddesses worshiped by believers. However, a few people recognize this religion as a monotheistic one as it ultimately recognizes one supreme being or God. This belief is based on the pantheistic principle of Brahman. This means the entire universe is one divine entity. This religion is also viewed as a Trinitarian religion as Brahman is made up of three people making up one God. This means the Brahman is made up of three Gods namely:

• Brahma: He is the Creator, who continues to create life.
• Vishnu: He is the Preserver, who preserves the life created by Brahma. He also comes to save the earth from the heavens when Dharma (righteousness, religion, law, duty and eternal order) is under threat.
• Shiva: He is the Destroyer who is destructive, yet compassionate at times.

Denominations

One of the oldest beliefs revolves around the caste system. According to the history, it forms the basis of a Hindu society. There are four basic social castes in this religion. An individual caste is governed by their own set of rules and obligations. It is believed that one's Karma (action or deed) in the present life, will determine one's birth in the next life. This makes up the four varnas that determines one's occupation. The four varnas (color, form and appearance) that make up the caste system are as follows:

• Brahmins: They were teachers and priests who made up the élite caste.
• Kshatriyas: They were warriors, nobles and kings.
• Vaisyas: These included people who were farmers, businessmen and merchants.
• Shudras: They were servants and labors who did menial jobs.

The social outcasts were the Shudras or untouchables. This caste system was officially abolished in India in the 1940s. However, the caste system is still a part of the Indian society. It is said one does not get to choose their religion, but is born in it. However, there is evidence in the Upanishads, that one becomes a Brahman by attaining deep knowledge, and not just on the basis of his birth. Bhakti or devotion has always been associated with devotional texts and poems that praise God. Bhakti is what helps a believer in practicing his religion honestly.

There is no one single authority. Hinduism is categorized into four major classifications according to many academics.

• Vaishnavaism: It is seen 80% of all Hindus are Vaishnavites, that is followers of Lord Vishnu.
• Shivaism: These are people who are followers of Lord Shiva, who worship him as the Supreme God.
• Shaktas: These are followers of Shakti (power) who is a Devi or goddess.
• Smartas: These are believers of the Panchadeva or the essential oneness of five, and in case of Tamil Hindus, it is six or Shanmata.

Marriage

Marriage is a sacred institution according to Hindu principles. It is called Vivā ha in Sanskrit. It is viewed as one of the saṁskāras (sacraments). Marriage is not considered as a contract according to this religion. Marriage is considered to be a sacred union between a man and woman. They are committed to each other so that they can pursue their Dharma, Artha (possessions) and Karma (cranial needs) with each other. It considered to be a way to enjoy earthy pleasures, prosperity and joy. There are 8 types of Hindu marriages of which the last four are condemned and not religiously defined. These 8 different types of marriages are as follows:

• Brahma Marriage
• Daiva Marriage
• Arsha Marriage
• Prajapatya Marriage
• Gandharva Marriage
• Asura Marriage
• Rakshasa Marriage
• Paishacha Marriage

Hindu women wear Sindoor (vermilion), Mangalsutra (sacred thread of love and goodwill) and bangles. These are considered to be signs that a woman is married and her husband is alive. Women in South India wear a necklace with a distinct pendant and toe rings. If her husband dies, the widow needs to give up all these and wear white clothes. Marriage is considered to be a union not only in the present life, but for the next seven lives.

Death

Reincarnation is the major part of the beliefs that are being followed. This is called the Transmigration of the Soul. It means one's soul after death is transferred to another body. Thus, the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth continues. This is the basis of the tenet Samsara. The way one will live in the next life is determined by the Karma (action and deeds) of this life. Those who live a righteous life and carry out pure acts of kindness and devotion (Bhakti), will be reborn at a higher level or have a better life. The ultimate goal of life is to escape samsara and achieve Moksha (enlightenment). If one carries out many bad deeds in this life, he will be reborn as a low life or animal. The sufferings and the well-being of one's life are all associated with the karma of the past life. There is not just one purpose of life for man but he has to achieve four. These include the following:

• Dharma: This is fulfilling one's destiny or purpose.
• Artha: Artha means achieving success or prosperity in one's worldly pursuits.
• Kama: Kama (desire) relates to love and sexual pleasures of life.
• Moksha: The last and ultimate goal in life is moksha, that is, liberation from samsara or cycle of birth and death, enlightenment, self-realization and union with the Supreme being or God.

Hinduism is a very vast religion, steeping in rich culture and traditions. Family values are of utmost importance in this religion. One needs to respect their parents, elders and teachers. A Guru or teacher is believed to be next to God as he teaches one the way of life and imparts the ultimate treasure, knowledge.