| Introduction |
| Hinduism is India's indigenious and cultural system, followed oday by nearly one billion adherents, mostly in India, but with the large populations in many other countries. Also called Sanatana Dharma, 'Eternal Religion', and Vaidika Dharma, 'Religion of the Vedas', Hinduism encompasses a broad spectrum of philosophies ranging from pluralistic theism to absolute monism. It is a family of numerous faiths with four primary denominations: Saivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Smartism. These four hold such divergent beliefs that each is a complete and independent religion. Yet they share a vast heritage of culture and belief: karma, dharma, reincarnation, all-pervasive Divinity, temple worship, sacraments, manifold Deities, the many yogas, the guru-nishya tradition and a reliance on the Vedas as scriptural authority. |
| From the rich soil of Hinduism long ago sprang the various other traditions. Among these were Jainism, Buddhism and Sikkhism, which rejected the Vedas and thus emerged as completely distinct religions, disassociated from Hinduism, while still sharing many philosophical insights and culrtural values with their parent faith. Not unlike all the other religions of the world, Hinduism has no central headquarters. Neither do the Christians, Jews, Muslims or Buddists. They all have many who represent and are the secretaries for their various denominations. Hinduism is no different in today's world. It has had many founders in the past and will in the futures of its sects, its teaching lineages within them, each headed by a pontiff. Then there are exemplary few spiritual beings to whom all flock for upliftment and solace, who have renounced sectretarianism, lineage and formalities for the Self and all the greatness it contains. |
| Critics have claimed Hinduism as not being an organized religion. In truth, they are somewhat correct. Islamic and Christian rule in India, Hinduism's central citadel, for 1,200 years eroded greatly upon its perpetuation. Yet it survived. In today's world it may be accused of being a purely unorganized religion, but its getting better daily. Its temples and active organizations surround the world. Whatever its faults, it has kept the fires of sadhana and renunciation, of unbashed spiritual life and yoga disciplines, alive. No other faith has done that to the same extent. Hinduism's nearly three million swamis, gurus and sadhus work tirelessly within and upon themselves and then, when ready, serve others, leading them from darkness into light, from death to immortality. |
| Hinduism is also known as 'Sanatana Dharma' to Hindus. In Sanskrit, the original language of India, 'Sanatana' means Everlasting and 'Dharma', by a crude translation, means Religion. The Everlasting Religion, Hinduism was founded, exists and flourishes in India. Hinduism is probably known to most people outside India as a religion. The truth is - it is both a religion and a way of life. India gave to the world the original, oldest and most profound philosophy of life. The brilliant ancestors of present-day indians explored one truth behind our existence and defined multiple philosophies and theories that explained this truth. However, they also created a set of rules for 'good living' on this earth. The philosophical concepts that Indians gave to mankind are eternal and constitute no religion by themselves. However, the rules for good or 'Dhamic' living that they laid down constitute `the Hindu religion. Most people mistake the term 'Hinduism' to be only a religion. The message of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) is perrennial and will never become outdated with time. The religion does not have a starting point in history and the sages who shaped it merely reiterated the teachings of the Vedas, which are the Hindu scriptures. The Vedas are believed to have no origin. In ancient India, the Vedas formed the educational system and broadly compromised all the different spheres of life such as spiritual, science, biology, mathematics and more. |
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| The symbol on the left is an alphabet in the Sanskrit language and is the most important symbol in the HIndu religion. In a sense, it could be equated to the Cross of the Christians and the Crescent of the Muslims. It is pronounced - OM - and signifies God almighty. Om literally means 'That which hath No Beginning nor End'. The chanting of Om and meditation on the symbol are believed to bring health, prosperity, and longevity to the spiritual aspirant. |
| Many people worldwide have misconceptions about important concepts in the Hindu religion and Hindu philosophy. A popular misconception is that Hinduism is polytheistic - believes in multiple gods. The truth is - Hinduism is monotheistic (believes in one God). However, Hinduism believes not only in one God, but also in His Supreme Personality. This personality of the Supreme Being is manifested in different forms around us within us perpetually. To meditate on the Supreme Being, man would have to absorb all these infinite manifestations (which are continually taking place without a satrting point or an ened) with his finite or limited capabilities. Clearly, this is not possible. Therefore, the infinite manifests Himself in billions of ways to help mankind visualize him. This belief of Hinduism is often confused with polytheism. |
| Apart from the 'Aum', there are a few other significant symbols in the Hindu religion. The Lotus symbolizes beauty and purity manifesting itself from the impure. The Swastika denotes good luck from all corners of the world, and is a symbol of auspiciousness. |
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| The swastika is used when praying to the Gods. It is drawn out on the thali with saffron powder and water. You may not be able to see clearly the symbol on the green pot to the left, but it should appear red, and should look something like a geometric shape. It is symmetrical, and is the symbol in the middle which looks like a 'plus' sign. |
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