Hinduism: Origin, Beliefs, and Practices
(These notes were prepared by Nathan Eda)
Origin
Theory 1 – It was believed that the Aryans (tribals and nomads in the far Euro-Asia regions) invaded the Indus Valley and lived along its banks. The Aryans brought some basic tenants of Hinduism to India. However, this theory is said to be a myth.
Theory 2 – According to scholars, the evolution of Hinduism may be divided into three periods: the ancient (6500 BCE-1000 AD), the medieval (1000-1800 AD), and the modern (1800 AD to present). Hinduism is commonly thought to be the oldest religion in the history of human civilization.
According to historians, the origin of Hinduism dates back to 5,000 or more years. The word “Hindu” is derived from the name of River Indus, which flows through northern India. In ancient times the river was called the ‘Sindhu’, but the Persians who migrated to India called the river ‘Hindu’, the land ‘Hindustan’ and its inhabitants ‘Hindus’. Thus the religion followed by the Hindus came to be known as ‘Hinduism’. (http://hinduism.about.com/od/hinduism101/a/origin.htm)
Beliefs
The beliefs are diverse according to the location of origin. Therefore, it becomes hard to point to one set of beliefs and practices and call them as the beliefs and practices of Hindus. However, there are a few basic tenants, at least in modern Hinduism, that can be delineated and beneficial for our understanding of Hinduism.
God – The Hindu beliefs in one transcendant Creator God, Brahma (Brahman). This god is not a personal being but a life force that invades into every aspect of an individual. They are gnostic (material = bad, immaterial = good) in their ideologies.
Hindus believe that god can be in anything since he is a force that cannot be defined (pantheism).
In other words, if one is living and not part of the Brahma, then he is part of this cycle called the samsara.
→ Birth →
↑ ↓
Reincarnation Karma
↑ ↓
← Death ←
How does one break the cycle of Samasara? One can break the cycle of samsara, by becoming part of the Brahma by means of good karma (works). Thus, the highest goal of Hinduism is liberation (moksha) from the karmic cycle of death and rebirth.
Scripture
•Veda 1) Rigveda 2) Samaveda 3) Yajurveda 4) Atharveda
•Upanishads: 10-14
•Mythology: 1) Ramayan 2) Mahabaratha, 3) Geeta
Summary of the Scriptures: The Scriptures are not necessarily authoratative, but guides to learn to avoid the samsara.
Practices
Certain practices of Hindus are as follows
Puja – the people show their bhakti (devotion) to the personification of their god by worshipping an idol. There are around 330 million gods and goddesses (since the force is in everything). By observation, it seems like people pick and choose what god or goddess they will worship based on their geographic location.
Yoga – Yoga is an out flowing of Hinduism. It was originally started to train your mind to become part of the brahma. However, in modern times its uses are for exercise purposes.
Conclusion
The Hindu lives in ambiguity in that he does not exactly know when or exactly how to become part of the Brahma. He devotes his life (whenever he can) to good works and hopes that what the next life will bring him is moksha (salvation) from the cycle of the samsara. He is hoping that his good will outweigh the bad and he will find favor with the brahma and be redeemed.
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