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Introduction to Hinduism

  • What Does “Hindu” Mean?

    What Does Hindu MeanThe term “Hindu” was first used by people outside of the tradition (particularly by the Greeks and the Persians) to refer to people who reside beyond the Indus/Sindhu River. Hindus today worship different deities and form complex social systems. The similarities of beliefs between Hindus include affirming that the Brahman or the Divine are always present in the universe in different forms, that it takes many lifetimes for self-realization to occur, and that one’s actions will contribute to the soul’s journey in the next life.... Read more about What Does “Hindu” Mean?

  • A Context for Diversity

    A Context for Diversity“The one and the many” reflects the Hindu philosophy of India as well as the exchanges between India and the West. Hindu practices influence and are influenced by other religious traditions in India; the diversity of different religions continue to create dynamic patterns of interrelation.... Read more about A Context for Diversity

  • Many Gods and One

    Many Gods and OneThe Hindu tradition acknowledges different forms and representations of the divine, all understood in their relation to the supreme being, Brahman. In a single temple, for example, there may be a central sanctum dedicated to Shiva or Vishnu along with auxiliary shrines to different deities. ... Read more about Many Gods and One

  • Agni: The Fire Altar

    Agni: The Fire AltarAgni and the fire altar occupy a central role in the Hindu tradition; they are integral to domestic rituals as well as temple consecration. The Vedas noted that historically, Brahmin priests were tasked with starting and handling the fire. ... Read more about Agni: The Fire Altar

  • Veda: Scripture and Authority

    Veda Scripture and AuthorityThe Vedas (literally “wisdom”), are key religious texts. They consist of four collections of hymns, philosophical teachings and instructions that are recited verbally: the Sama Veda (chants and melodies), the Rig Veda (hymns to different gods), the Yajur Veda (ritual instructions), and the Atharva Veda (popular incantations and folklore). Other prominent religious texts, like the epic Mahabharata, are often called “the Fifth Veda.”... Read more about Veda: Scripture and Authority

  • Bhakti: The Way of Devotion

    Bhakti: The Way of DevotionBhakti – devotion to the divine – is based on another interpretation of Vedanta: that the soul and the Divine are not One, but inexpressibly, mysteriously, both One and distinct, allowing for a relationship of love. This loving devotion, bhakti, is expressed through songs, hymns, offerings, dances, and plays. ... Read more about Bhakti: The Way of Devotion

  • Karma: The Way of Action

    Karma the Way of ActionKarma (literally “action”) is a teaching on the consequences of actions: every action that a human being performs will leave an “imprint” or have its consequences. Teachings on the path of karma from the Bhagavad Gita and Mahatma Gandhi encourage Hindus to live a life of renunciation while engaging actively in the world.... Read more about Karma: The Way of Action

  • Dharma: The Social Order

    Dharma The Social OrderDharma is a concept of social order and duty that sustains the whole universe. A person’s placement in a caste (varna) and birth group (jati) is one element of dharma. Jati is historically also used to determine social interactions and marriages, as dharma guides every aspect of daily life. ... Read more about Dharma: The Social Order

  • The Hindu Diaspora

    The Hindu DiasporaToday Hinduism is practiced and reinterpreted all over the world. There are Hindus in South Africa and East Africa, in Trinidad and Mauritius, in Australia and Austria, in the United Kingdom and in the United States.... Read more about The Hindu Diaspora