hinduism essay questions

139 Hinduism Essay Topics & Examples

Looking for Hinduism topics to write about? The world’s third largest religion is definitely worth exploring!

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☸️ free hinduism essay examples, 💡 interesting hinduism project ideas, 🥇 hinduism topics to write about, 📌 hinduism research paper topics, ❓ questions about hinduism.

In your Hinduism essay, you might want to focus on the beliefs, practices, or symbols in this religion. Another option is to concentrate on the concept of God. One more idea is to compare Hinduism and Buddhism. Whether you need to write an argumentative, persuasive, or critique essay, our article will be helpful. Here you will find everything you might need to write a Hinduism essay. We’ve collected topics for essays and research papers, Hinduism project ideas and prompts, as well as essay examples.

• Hinduism and Christianity: Comparison and Contrast Sufficient knowledge regarding the history and the fundamental values of Hinduism may be the key to sharing Christ with Hindus. Therefore, it is closely linked with the concept of Karma, and Hindus strive to achieve […]
• Hinduism and Christianity In Christianity, it is believed that, the human soul enters heaven after going through the process of subjective perfection and not pure perfection as in Hinduism. Both religions believe in God who has the power […]
• Buddhism and Hinduism: Similarities and Differences The most conspicuous similarity is the origin of the two religions in sub-continent India. Some worship and religious practices are similar but there is a profound difference in the style and purpose of life in […]
• Christianity and Hinduism: Comparative Analysis In Christianity, the Holy Trinity consists of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit while in Hinduism,the concept is analogous to Trimurti.
• Hinduism in ‘The World’s Religions’ by Huston Smith Prior to the aforementioned passage, Smith explains the concept of the Path of Desire that is used in Hinduism to summarize possible people’s desires and their causes.
• ”The History of God” by Karen Armstrong: An Overview of the History of Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism “The History of God” by Karen Armstrong is a comprehensive overview of the history of the development of Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
• Dharma in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism This essay aims to describe the ideas of dharma in the religions of Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism in terms of their doctrines, rituals, origin tales, and modes of worship.
• Dharma in Hinduism Therefore, various Hindu translations have defined dharma as “that which sustains or upholds the right or positive order of the world, a person, the family, society, nation and the entire world”. In the texts, Dharma […]
• Essential Beliefs in Hinduism: Analysis The three forms of deities allow Hindus to understand the nature of God and the universe. The social and religious life of a Hindu in the Dalit group is different from others.
• Hinduism: Origin and Development, the Basic Concept Hinduism, many believe, is not a religion; it is a way of life, a set of beliefs and traditions evolved over a period of time in the Indian subcontinent.
• Hinduism Definition and Characteristics The Hindu religion also has some followers in the United Kingdom that amount to approximately 1% of the UK population; in the UK it developed in the 1960s and 1970s following the migration of people […]
• Reflection on Self in Buddhism and Hinduism The specificity of the Buddhist concept of the human self lies in the acceptance of the distinction between self and general in a spiritual aspect.
• Hinduism Philosophy in “The Upanishads” The following paper will discuss the relationship between Atman and Brahman in “The Upanishads”, observe the tractate’s perspective regarding pantheism or panentheism, and explain differences between both higher and lower selves to prove that the […]
• Comparison of Hinduism and Buddhism Rituals Buddhism and Hinduism are some of the popular religions in the world with their origins dating back to the Common Era in India.
• Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism Elements Hindus, the last power is discovered in the Vedas and the writing of the religious leaders willing to view the fact nature of reality.
• Worldview Questions in Christianity and Hinduism In turn, Brahman is referred to as the source of everything existent and non-existent, which means responsible for establishing the sky, earth, and atmosphere, and is generally the creator of reality.
• Hinduism and Christianity: Comparative Analysis Hinduism and Christianity are respectively eastern and western religions that share few similarities and differences in terms of origins, core beliefs and doctrines, historical and geographic, and core rituals and practices.
• Hinduism and Buddhism: Comparative Analysis One of the basic concepts in Indian philosophy: the soul, drowning in the “ocean of samsara,” seeks liberation and deliverance from the results of its past actions, which are part of the “net of samsara”.
• Religions: Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism Comparison Primal religions, the religions of antiquity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism are all united by their understanding of religious meaning which the followers of these religions see in different rituals, as well as by the presence […]
• Caste System in Hinduism The caste system is a description of the way the people in the Hindu society were divided based on their talents and the corresponding vocations; it was once supposedly devised to bring order, discipline, and […]
• Buddhism and Hinduism Thus it is each individuals role to return the soul but this is not possible because of the sins and impurities one becomes exposed to once living in this world and since the process of […]
• History: Women in Hinduism and Buddhism For instance, one of the main problems that arise when examining the situation of women in Karimpur is the fact that there is a considerable level of disparity in the survival rates between male and […]
• Buddhism and Hinduism: A Comparison Both of Hinduism and Buddhism have shared beliefs but they are different in the practice of duties, worshipped, the founders of the religions.
• The Confluence of Buddhism and Hinduism in India The basis of Buddhism is found in the answers to two questions that Gautama attempted to answer. Buddhism was spread to other parts of the world with different doctrines and beliefs.
• Hinduism’s Main Principles Overall, one can identify the following characteristics of Hinduism, namely the acceptance of different religious views, the belief in reincarnation of soul, and the idea that God can take many different forms.
• Free Will in Hinduism and Christianity: Ideologies on Both Religious Practices and Philosophy On the basis of the aspect of free will, the determination of the laws of karma is not favoring to particular people as everyone is treated the same, and has the same opportunity for personal […]
• Religious Studies: Hinduism and Buddhism Samsara refers to the processor rebirth whereby the individual is reincarnated in a succession of lives. This is what has led to the many differences that arise, causing Buddhism to be viewed as a religious […]
• Theories about Human Nature: Hinduism and Christianity Christianity and Hinduism are certainly at the top of the list of important attempts at explaining the origin of the universe and human nature, since approximately 47% of the world’s population belongs to these two […]
• Paths to Enlightenment in Hinduism and Buddhism This paper will compare the paths to moksha with the Four Noble Truths and argue that raja yoga would best utilize the Buddhist method of the Eightfold Path.
• Anatman and Atman Concepts in Buddhism and Hinduism Rendering to the Atman notion, Atman is eventually in the custody of people’s reactions to what happens in the outside world. The idea of the self in assembly to God is where Hinduism and Buddhism […]
• Hinduism: Mythology, Rituals, and Symbols Hindus hold that the purpose of Buddha’s arrival on earth was to distract an individual from the appropriate awe of the Vedas, causing the world to deteriorate and eventually end as the cosmic pattern dictates.
• Indigenous Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism For example, Confucianism is one of the modern national religions of China, which was formed at the turn of the new era based on the ethical-philosophical teachings of Confucius and his followers.
• Hinduism as the Oldest Religion in the World Hinduism believers esteem the teachings of Karma and samsara, that is, the cycle of life, death, and reincarnation. Mercifulness is embraced as one of the critical teachings of the Hinduism religion.
• Buddhism and Hinduism: A Comparative Study While in the case of Hinduism, samsara is the cyclical rebirth of the soul that remains unchanged, Buddhism teaches that samsara is the transformation of a person into something else.
• Hinduism, Buddhism, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Ramayana in the News Media It also implies that the government of the country where Hinduism is the predominant religion is concerned because of the mistakes revealed by mass media.
• Comparison of Islam and Hinduism: Core Beliefs and the Perception of the Central Problem of Humanity The goal of the Mulsims’ life is to follow the Five Pillars and regularly pray to Allah. The continuous cycle of death and rebirths in Hinduism is opposed to a single life of devotion in […]
• Hinduism in Palliative and End of Life Care: Practice Guidelines for Medical Professionals The knowledge gap here is the fact that the medical professionals and patients or their families may have different opinions regarding end-of-life care and since this topic is sensitive, it is vital to examine how […]
• Unique Characteristics of Hinduism and Its Methods: Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Raja Yoga It is a part of Vedanta tradition, which is a school of Hindu philosophy. That is why there is a platform with sacred religious books, such as The Texts of Taoism and The Bible.
• Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism in America: A Country of Many Religions This paper aims to explore the impact of Islam, Hindu, and Buddhism on the diversity in America today and answer the question what role they are playing in the society.
• Hinduism: What Is Its Essence and Uniqueness? These are “the manifestation creation and the creator, the manifestation of survival and protection and the manifestation of extinction and transformation.
• The Major Aspects of the Hinduism: The Concept of Karma and Samsara The body of the person who has passed on is believed to undergo a transformation. The quietness of the spirit of this person is also escalated.
• Hinduism History and Its Epics This essay gives an overview of historic development of Hinduism and the importance of epics in Hinduism. Hinduism basically encompasses the development of religion in India from the time of Iron Age, which dates back […]
• Vedic Hinduism, Classical Hinduism, and Buddhism: A Uniting Belief Systems The difference between Vedic and Classical Hinduism is fundamentally approach towards life rather than beliefs or reformation and the progression from the former to latter is not clear in terms of time.
• Nirvana in Buddhism and Atman in Hinduism The Mantras which is the text of the Vedas are the personification of the Brahman and are divided into two forms which are the karma-Kanda and the Jnana-Kanda.
• Christian & Hinduist Religions and Ecology: Human Life and Its Interaction With the Environment It was in this writing whereby he tried to explain that the universe is the most Gods revelation since the universe in this case is trying to unfold hence can reveal the nature of God […]
• Religious Studies and Theology: Hinduism The religion places emphasis upon the importance of truth, like any other religion the main aim of Hinduism is to make the people aware of the supreme power and considering the same the people under […]
• Hinduism: Religious Adaptation in Britain They began to grow in numbers and had to move into the interior and south of India, mingling with the Dravidians who were probably the people of the Indus civilization.
• Hinduism as a Religion of South Florida There are many predominant themes in the religion, and they can be grouped as ethics and duties called as “Dharma”, the cycle of life that includes birth, living, death, and again rebirth or “Samsara”; the […]
• Salvation and Self in Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism The accomplishment of the elevating state of ‘Moksha’ is the final goal of Hinduism, whereas Buddhism aspires to attain the elevating state of ‘Nirvana’ as its final aim.’Moksha’, the final outcome of which is ultimate […]
• Hinduism in the West and Transformation of Yoga The religious encounter issue examined in this case study is appropriation and transition of the Hindu religious and cultural practice of yoga for mass adoption in the West.
• Hinduism Beliefs and Western Philosophy of Religion The Ramayana is an epic poem by Valmiki, and it majors on the life of the Kosala Prince, Rama, by exploring how his father, King Dasaratha, kicked him out of the kingdom and his adventures […]
• Hinduism and Buddhism: Definition and Comparison The only technique required in this context is wouldevotion.’ The followers of this religious group are required to demonstrate outstanding devotion as they strive to serve their religious faiths.
• Hinduism and Its Understandings of the Divine Vishnu – known as the “preserver”, Vishnu is credited as being the protector of the world as we know it and is responsible for the restoration of moral order in society.
• Buddhism and Hinduism: Religious Differences In Hinduism, only representatives of higher varnas, Brahmins, can attain moksha with the help of gods. Hinduists believe in the multitude of gods who can be the manifestations of one Great God.
• Zoroastrianism and Hinduism Religious Practices The religion set forth in the Zend-Avesta bases its teachings on the concept of struggle between good and evil. Once ranked as the most influential religions in the world, Zoroastrianism started fading during the turn […]
• Buddhism and Hinduism Differences One of the main differences between Buddhism and Hinduism is the fact that Theravada Buddhism has no gods, as Buddha is not a god, he is an enlightened being that has reached and realised the […]
• Religious Studies Discussion: Hinduism and Buddhism It is believed that Hinduism evolved and later spread to other areas in India. In conclusion, the objectives and practices of Hinduism and Buddhism are similar in many ways.
• Religious Teachings: Jainism vs. Buddhism and Hinduism The Jains believe in the existence of a divine being, and they attribute the forces that govern their fate in life to the Supreme Being.
• Hinduism Religion: Food and Asceticism The concept of meagerness asserts the need to supply the body with “just enough food to sustain the body for the service for which it is made”. Food is an important part of the Hindu […]
• Islam and Hinduism Development in India There are various reasons that led to the flourishing of Hinduism and Islam in the country while Christianity and Buddhism took a beating in the country.
• Hinduism: History, Teachings, Ethics and Beliefs One of the main elements of Hinduism is the Veda. Hinduism provides a lot of teaching in regard to the principles of right and wrong as accepted in the society.
• Women Status in Hinduism and Islam This paper explores the meaning of women in Hinduism and Islam and the possible sources of such aggressive opposition to gender equality in some areas of Hindu and Islamic majority countries.
• Hinduism and Judaism’ Religions: Practices and Rituals Practices and rituals signify the activities that the followers of a religion are required to engage in. Practices and rituals are the physical manifestations of the activities of religion.
• Three Concepts of Hinduism Tradition The concept mainly involves the ability of an individual to do the right thing both in the family and beyond the universe.
• Teachings of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism Karma is partly determined by the will of God, in addition to the actions of an individual. Hindus believe that Karma is partly determined by the will of God, in addition to the actions of […]
• Contemporary Accounts of Nature and Grace: Karl Rahner’s Christian Theology and Hindu Theology The studies have helped in the elimination of stereotypes against the followers of Hindu religion and encouraged Christian thinkers to reflect on the foundations of their religious beliefs through the motifs of Hindu.
• Comparison Between Hinduism and Buddhism The Afghans, Persians, and Arabs first used the term “Hindu” to denote the inhabitants of the aforementioned regions. The aspect of worship is one of the most vital religious practices in Hinduism.
• Interactions between Hinduism and Modernity Hinduism which is one of the religions in the world has a lot of interactions with the modern world despite being an ancient religion.
• Hinduism’s Religion and Its Scriptures The scriptures that determined the practices of Rishis are regarded as the basis of the religion of Hinduism. Irrespective of the differences in religious practices among different sections of the Hindu, the perception of the […]
• The Concept of Hinduism Religion All the different denominations endorse the belief in the Brahman which is the ultimate reality seen as the universal soul as well as the individual soul called Aatman.
• Hinduism and the Issue of Mortality In discussing the concept of mortality in Hinduism, it is vital to appreciate the fact that liberation of the souls ensures that life remains permanent, before death and after the natural process of recuperation.
• Evil in the Theology and Practice of Hinduism and Christianity To understand the concept of evil in Hinduism one should understand the meaning the concept of karma, which is believed to be one of the simplest and at the same time one of the most […]
• The History of Judaism and Hinduism This essay aims at providing a brief history of Judaism as well as Hinduism in an attempt to provide a better understanding of the similarities and differences of the two religions from their places of […]
• Christianity and Hinduism Religions Comparison Western religions are mostly monotheism and are separate from the western religions which are generally distinguished as polytheist.generally, western religions such as Christianity are based on the believe of a supreme being or one deity […]
• Hinduism’s Cultural and Religious Opinions As a result, it is not easy to trace the history of Hinduism and the Hindus are not concerned about the specific dates when the religion might have started.
• Buddhism & Hinduism: Comparisons and Contractions To start with the two religions share many things in their beliefs in that they both believe in rebirth which is determined by the actions one does in the daily life.
• A Brief Comparison of Native American Religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, and Taoism
• A History of the Ancient Cultures and Religions of Hinduism and Greek Rationalism
• The Diffferences In Marriage Between Islam And Hinduism
• A Look at the Beliefs of Karma, Reincarnation, Samsara and Enlightenment as Depicted in Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism
• An Analysis of the Beliefs, Rituals of Life, Worship, Holy Books and Pilgrimage in Hinduism
• Comparison between the Beliefs and Ideas of Plato, Freud and Hinduism
• The Significance of Cow Protection and Vegetarianism in Hinduism
• An Analysis of the Similarities and Differences between Mesopotamian and Egyptian Civilizations, and the Religion of Hinduism
• Hinduism is an Umbrella Term for a Group of Similar Religions
• An Overview of the Origins and Examples of Buddhism and Hinduism in the United States
• Compare and Contrast the Role of Women in the Following Belief Systems Buddhism Christianity Confucianism Hinduism
• Cultural Influences on Economic Thought in India: Resistance to diffusion of neo-classical economics and the principles of Hinduism
• The Funeral/Burial Rituals Of The Hinduism Tradition
• Evaluation of the Principle of Ahimsa is Hinduism’s Greatest Gift to the World
• Explain the Impact on Hinduism of One Significant Person or School of Thought Other Than the Vedas
• Hinduism and Its Relation to the Indus Valley Civilization
• The Central Scriptures in Hinduism, the Role of the Caste System in India, the Path to Moksha in Hinduism, and the Gods and Goddesses in Hinduism
• Hinduism Composition – Religious beliefs Religious Values Spirituality Works
• How Buddhism and Hinduism Share a Belief That Life Suffering is Caused by Desire
• The Diwali Festival, Its Importance to Hinduism, and Pollution in Diwali
• Major Gods of Hinduism
• The Different Reactions of Women and Dalits to the Persecution by Religion, Hinduism, and Society in Hinduism
• Women Of Hinduism : A Religious And Cultural Tradition Of India
• The Idea of Human Perfection in Three Major Eastern Religions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Daoism
• Yoga And Hinduism
• The Similarities between Hinduism and Greek Mythology and Their Rulers of All Gods Indra and Zeus
• Considering that Hinduism lacks a uniting belief system, what makes up the Hindu religion?
• Why Hinduism Does not Have a Founder and a Common Scripture?
• Are Hinduism’s Practices Philosophical or Strictly Religious?
• How Hinduism is Very Different from Christianity and Other Western Religions?
• What Are the Core Moral Teachings of Hinduism and Budhism? On What Are They Based?
• How Rituals Permit the Practice of Worship in Hinduism?
• What Everyone Needs to Know About Hinduism the Sacred Cow?
• Why Rama is the Most Popularly Worshiped Deity in Hinduism
• What is a Worldview and Compare and contrast Hinduism to a Biblical Christian?
• How Buddhism and Hinduism Are Alike and Are Also Different?
• How Buddhism and Hinduism Share a Belief That Life Suffering Is Caused by Desire?
• How Did the Revival of Hinduism Influence Buddhist Followers?
• How Christianity and Hinduism Contribute to World Peace?
• How Does Sibi Reflects the Values Shown in Hinduism?
• What Are Some Similarities Between Hinduism and Buddhism?
• What Cultural and Societal Influences Made Hinduism Vital to the Region Where It Originated?
• What Are the Roles of the Female Deities in Hinduism?
• What Hinduism Conclude About the Afterlife?
• What Does Hinduism Say About Holy Spirit?
• What Impact Has Hinduism Had on Modern India’s Society?
• Why Did Hinduism Need to Reform?
• Does Hinduism Believe in God?
• What Are the Five Fundamental Beliefs of Hinduism?
• What Kind of Religion Is Hinduism?
• What Does the Hinduism Religion Believe?
• Does Hinduism Celebrate Christmas?
• Is Eating Meat a Sin in Hinduism?
• Why Do Hindus in Hinduism Have Red Dots on Their Foreheads?
• What Is Not Allowed in Hinduism?
• How Many Gods Does Hinduism Have?
• Do in Hinduism Believe One God?
• Who Is the Supreme God in Hinduism?
• Who Is World First God in Hinduism?
• Who Is the Real God in Hinduism?
• Is Krishna Above All Gods in Hinduism?
• How Does the Bhagavad-Gita Reveal the Fundamental Teachings of Hinduism?
• How to Explain the Difference Between Varṇa and JāTi and Their Place in Hinduism?
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104 Hinduism Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on hinduism, 👍 good hinduism research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting hinduism research titles, 💡 simple hinduism essay ideas, ❓ questions about hinduism.

• The Main Characteristics of Hinduism
• Similarities and Differences Between Islam and Hinduism
• Karma and Rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism Religions
• Hinduism and Buddhism: Similarities and Differences
• Hinduism Judaism, Christianity, and Islam: Comparison
• Religious Syncretism: Islam and Hinduism
• The Two Conceptions of Brahman in Hinduism
• Gender Roles in Society: Hinduism and Buddhism Both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs have a strained relationship with the concept of gender, while in the two cases, men and women are supposed to be equal, it is not really true.
• Hinduism’s Early Beginnings: The Origin of Hinduism and Its Development Hindu religion is the prevalent religion in most parts of South Asia and indeed, the third largest religion after Islam and Christianity.
• Are Hinduism’s Practices Philosophical or Strictly Religious? Millions of individuals worldwide follow the main principles of Hinduism, thereby making this system of thought the third-largest religion after Christianity and Islam.
• Christian Approaches to Hinduism Hinduism is an integral part of the world’s religions, and there is no doubt that Christianity has succeeded in building its attitude toward this denomination.
• Four Stages of Life in Hinduism The first writings about the main stages of life in Hinduism appeared thousands of years ago, and they are closely connected with the Vedic tradition.
• The Key Texts of Hinduism Religion Hinduism is a unique monotheistic religion in its structure, essence, nature, and content, in which God embodies not one but many images.
• Hinduism and Christian Doctrine Investigation Taking into consideration the differences between Hinduism and Christian doctrine it seems that it is difficult to engage a follower of Hinduism with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Mahatma Gandhi and His Influences on Hinduism Mahatma Gandhi, one of the greatest and most recognized spiritual leaders globally, was born on the 2nd of October, 1869.
• Buddhism and Classical Hinduism Each religion of the East teaches separate principles from one another. This paper compares and contrasts the fundamental concepts and values of Buddhism and Classical Hinduism.
• Hinduism and Its Fundamental Concepts Hinduism divides human life into two distinctive paths: the Path of Desire and the Path of Renunciation. The concepts of God and reincarnation constitute the essence of Hinduism.
• Islam and Hinduism: Commonalities and Differences The current paper states that the comparison of Hinduism and Islam confirms that seemingly different religions can have commonalities.
• Hinduism vs. Buddhism: Similarities & Differences The differences and similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism do not reveal their weaknesses or strengths but prove how diverse and critical human beliefs can be.
• Buddhism and Hinduism: Differences and Comparisons Buddhism and Hinduism are two ancient world religions, which have their origins in India. These religions share many similar concepts and terminologies.
• Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism: The Afterlife Concepts The purpose of this paper is to compare the afterlife, as presented in Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism, through an examination of both primary and secondary sources.
• Religion Research: Hinduism and Buddhism The paper describes and compares two religion: Hinduism and Buddhism from aspects of history, popularity and areas of rerligion.
• Hinduism: Aspects and Characteristics Hinduism is an ancient philosophy developed from the Vedic religion. This paper analyzes different aspects and characteristics of Hinduism.
• Basic Beliefs of Hinduism and Buddhism This paper gives an insight into how the concepts of Karma and Rebirth are practiced in the religious traditions of both Hinduism and Buddhism.
• “An Introduction to Hinduism” by Anantanand Rambachan The book “An Introduction to Hinduism” introduces the common practices, beliefs, and elements of the Hindu way of life.
• Hinduism History and Links to Other Religions The paper describes characteristics of Hinduism, analyzes the Islamic-Hindu conflict by identifying points of contact, and compares Hinduism with Christianity.
• Components of Abraham’s Legacy and Hinduism Buddhism and Hinduism are similar in the sense of their originating from India. They are considered nowadays to be the most influential religions in India.
• Death & Dying Ethics in Hinduism and Christianity Death and dying are essential notions in belief systems. In some religions, death brings an end to a person’s existence, in others, the soul continues to exist in the afterlife.
• The Concept of Death in Perspectives of Christianity and Hinduism Each individual interprets and deals with such situations according to personal values. This perspective is often based on a system of beliefs such as a religion.
• Beliefs in Buddhism and Classical Hinduism This paper shows that Buddhism progressed from Hinduism, with the main difference being that they do not share similar beliefs.
• Spiritual Philosophy: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism as spiritual philosophies stress on the acceptance of things the way they are, overcoming desires and humility.
• Buddhism and Classical Hinduism Concept and Values Buddhism and classical Hinduism are the oldest religions in the world. It is worth to note that both religions originated from India.
• Aryans Brahmanism and Classical Hinduism: Concepts and Values Aryans Brahmanism and Classical Hinduism all believe in nature gods. There doctrines revolve around things such as rain, oceans, sun, and other unique physical features.
• Deities in Hinduism and Buddhism This paper dwells upon the differences in roles of Hindu and Buddhist deities from mythological and scientific perspectives.
• Hinduism Can Change the World for the Better
• Parallels Between Daoism and Hinduism
• Hinduism and the Concepts of Life and Death
• The Argument for Reincarnation in Hinduism
• Hinduism Religious Traditions and Sacred Elements
• Compare and Contrast the Teachings in the Foundation Period of Hinduism and Buddhism
• Hinduism and the Quest Escape Earthly Boundaries
• Saivism: The Oldest Practice of Hinduism
• Hinduism and Historical Vedic Religion
• Varanasi Hinduism and Christianity Two Religions One Aim
• Ancient India, Religion, Hinduism, and Jainism
• Hinduism, the Four Yogas, and You
• Ancient Greek Philosophy, Buddhism, and Vedanta Hinduism
• Comparing Indian Hinduism With Chinese Taoism and Confucianism
• Beliefs and Practices: Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism
• The History and Uniqueness of Hinduism and the Buddhist Faith
• Hinduism and Its Multiple Belief Systems
• Cultural Beliefs and Practices of Hinduism and Buddhism
• Hinduism and Its Intrinsic Beauty
• Corporal Punishment and Hinduism
• Hinduism and Monk Swami Vivekananda
• The Christian Cosmology and the Cosmology of Hinduism
• Hinduism and Its Effect on the Position on Abortion
• The Desire for Liberation From Earthly Existence in Hinduism
• Hinduism and Buddhism and Their Respective Elements
• Ritual and Religious Understanding of Food in Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity
• Hinduism and Buddhism’s Influence on Indian Culture in Southeast Asia
• Different Meanings and Meanings of the Religion of Hinduism
• Bhakti and Sufi Movement in Hinduism
• Hinduism, the Worlds Third Largest Religion
• Cultural: Hinduism and Kathmandu Valley
• The Ramayana and the Core Values of Hinduism Represented in the Epic
• Hinduism and Buddhist Perspective on Suicide and Euthanasia
• The Effects Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam Have Been on the People of a Specific Area
• Hinduism and Sanskrit Philosophical Treatises
• Body, Gender, and the Discourses of Mexico, Islam, and Hinduism
• Comparing Hinduism and the Indus Valley Civilization
• Hinduism and Its Impact on Society
• Krishna and Hinduism Worldview
• Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and Christian Religious Practices and Food
• Why Is Samsara Important to Hinduism?
• What Is the Significance of Nirvana in Hinduism?
• How Is the Importance of the Extended Family Manifested in Hindu Religious Traditions?
• What Are the Basic Teachings of Hinduism?
• Where Did Hinduism Originate?
• Is Hinduism Polytheistic or Monotheistic?
• What Is the Sacred Building of Hinduism?
• Is Hinduism the Largest Religion in the World?
• What Is the Difference Between Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism?
• Is Atheism Accepted in Hinduism?
• What Is the Importance of Brahman in Hinduism?
• Who Is the Most Important God in Hinduism?
• How Did Hinduism Impact World History?
• What Is a Follower of Hinduism Called?
• What Sacred Writings Contain the Religious Beliefs of Hinduism?
• How Did Hinduism Spread by Relocation Diffusion?
• What Is the Concept of Enlightenment in Hinduism?
• How Did the Vedas Influence Hinduism?
• What Are the Historical Circumstances Leading to the Development of Hinduism?
• What Are the Castes Prescribed by Orthodox Hinduism?
• What Is the Holy Book of Hinduism?
• How Jainism and Sikhism Related With Hinduism?
• How Is the Dead Body Disposed of in Hinduism?
• In Which Asian Countries Is Hinduism the Major Religion?
• What Is the Role of Reincarnation in Achieving Moksha in Hinduism?
• What Are the Values of Hinduism on the Environment?
• Why Is the Bhagavad Gita Important in Hinduism?
• Which Offshoot Religion of Hinduism Adheres to Strict Asceticism?
• What Was the Appeal of Hinduism That Made It Spread Beyond the Indian Subcontinent?
• How Did Hinduism Change When It Came to the West?

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StudyCorgi. (2022, May 10). 104 Hinduism Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/hinduism-essay-topics/

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AP®︎/College Art History

Course: ap®︎/college art history   >   unit 2, hinduism and buddhism, an introduction.

• Beliefs made visible: Hindu art in South Asia
• Hindu temples
• Varanasi: sacred city

Origins of Hinduism

Hindu gods and worship of the gods, hindu worship, the hindu world, buddhism and the buddha, the middle way, the buddha’s teachings.

Life is suffering: it is suffering because we are not perfect nor is the world in which we live perfect. The origin of suffering is attachment or desire: attachment to transient things and ignorance thereof. Objects of attachment also include the idea of a “self” which is a delusion, because there is no abiding self. What we call “self” is just an imagined entity, and we are merely a part of the ceaseless becoming of the universe. The cessation of suffering can be attained through the detachment of desire and craving. The end of suffering is achieved by seeking the middle path. It is the middle way between the two extremes of excessive self-indulgence and excessive self-mortification, leading to the end of the cycle of rebirth.

Right or Perfect View: is the beginning and the end of the path, it simply means to see and to understand things as they really are and to realize the Four Noble Truths. Right Intention: can be described as a commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement. Right Speech: is abstaining from the use of false, slanderous, and harmful words which hurt others. Right Action: means to abstain from harming others, abstain from taking what is not given to you, and avoid sexual misconduct. Right livelihood: means that one should earn one's living in a righteous way and that wealth should be gained legally and peacefully. Right Effort: is the prerequisite for the other principles of the path as one needs the will to act or else nothing will be achieved. Right Mindfulness: the ability to contemplate actively one’s mind, body, and soul. Right Concentration: the ability to focus on the right thoughts and actions through meditation.

Buddhist practice

Theravada buddhism, mahayana buddhism, differences, decline of buddhism in india, want to join the conversation.

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Updated: November 16, 2023 | Original: October 6, 2017

Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion, according to many scholars, with roots and customs dating back more than 4,000 years. Today, with more than 1 billion followers , Hinduism is the third-largest religion worldwide, after Christianity and Islam . Roughly 94 percent of the world’s Hindus live in India. Because the religion has no specific founder, it’s difficult to trace its origins and history. Hinduism is unique in that it’s not a single religion but a compilation of many traditions and philosophies: Hindus worship a number of different gods and minor deities, honor a range of symbols, respect several different holy books and celebrate with a wide variety of traditions, holidays and customs. Though the development of the caste system in India was influenced by Hindu concepts , it has been shaped throughout history by political as well as religious movements, and today is much less rigidly enforced. Today there are four major sects of Hinduism: Shaivism, Vaishnava, Shaktism and Smarta, as well as a number of smaller sects with their own religious practices.

Hinduism Beliefs, Symbols

Some basic Hindu concepts include:

• Hinduism embraces many religious ideas. For this reason, it’s sometimes referred to as a “way of life” or a “family of religions,” as opposed to a single, organized religion.
• Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic, which means they worship a single deity, known as “Brahman,” but still recognize other gods and goddesses. Followers believe there are multiple paths to reaching their god.
• Hindus believe in the doctrines of samsara (the continuous cycle of life, death, and reincarnation) and karma (the universal law of cause and effect).
• One of the key thoughts of Hinduism is “atman,” or the belief in soul. This philosophy holds that living creatures have a soul, and they’re all part of the supreme soul. The goal is to achieve “moksha,” or salvation, which ends the cycle of rebirths to become part of the absolute soul.
• One fundamental principle of the religion is the idea that people’s actions and thoughts directly determine their current life and future lives.
• Hindus strive to achieve dharma, which is a code of living that emphasizes good conduct and morality.
• Hindus revere all living creatures and consider the cow a sacred animal.
• Food is an important part of life for Hindus. Most don’t eat beef or pork, and many are vegetarians.
• Hinduism is closely related to other Indian religions, including Buddhism , Sikhism and Jainism.

There are two primary symbols associated with Hinduism, the om and the swastika. The word swastika means "good fortune" or "being happy" in Sanskrit, and the symbol represents good luck . (A hooked, diagonal variation of the swastika later became associated with Germany’s Nazi Party  when they made it their symbol in 1920.)

The om symbol is composed of three Sanskrit letters and represents three sounds (a, u and m), which when combined are considered a sacred sound. The om symbol is often found at family shrines and in Hindu temples.

Hinduism Holy Books

Hindus value many sacred writings as opposed to one holy book.

The primary sacred texts, known as the Vedas, were composed around 1500 B.C. This collection of verses and hymns was written in Sanskrit and contains revelations received by ancient saints and sages.

The Vedas are made up of:

• The Rig Veda
• The Samaveda
• Atharvaveda

Hindus believe that the Vedas transcend all time and don’t have a beginning or an end.

The Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, 18 Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharata are also considered important texts in Hinduism.

Origins of Hinduism

Most scholars believe Hinduism started somewhere between 2300 B.C. and 1500 B.C. in the Indus Valley, near modern-day Pakistan. But many Hindus argue that their faith is timeless and has always existed.

Unlike other religions, Hinduism has no one founder but is instead a fusion of various beliefs.

Around 1500 B.C., the Indo-Aryan people migrated to the Indus Valley, and their language and culture blended with that of the indigenous people living in the region. There’s some debate over who influenced whom more during this time.

The period when the Vedas were composed became known as the “Vedic Period” and lasted from about 1500 B.C. to 500 B.C. Rituals, such as sacrifices and chanting, were common in the Vedic Period.

The Epic, Puranic and Classic Periods took place between 500 B.C. and A.D. 500. Hindus began to emphasize the worship of deities, especially Vishnu, Shiva and Devi.

The concept of dharma was introduced in new texts, and other faiths, such as Buddhism and Jainism, spread rapidly.

Hinduism vs. Buddhism

Hinduism and Buddhism have many similarities. Buddhism, in fact, arose out of Hinduism, and both believe in reincarnation, karma and that a life of devotion and honor is a path to salvation and enlightenment. 

But some key differences exist between the two religions: Many strains of Buddhism reject the caste system, and do away with many of the rituals, the priesthood, and the gods that are integral to Hindu faith.

Medieval and Modern Hindu History

The Medieval Period of Hinduism lasted from about A.D. 500 to 1500. New texts emerged, and poet-saints recorded their spiritual sentiments during this time.

In the 7th century, Muslim Arabs began invading areas in India. During parts of the Muslim Period, which lasted from about 1200 to 1757, Islamic rulers prevented Hindus from worshipping their deities, and some temples were destroyed.

Mahatma Gandhi

Between 1757 and 1947, the British controlled India. At first, the new rulers allowed Hindus to practice their religion without interference, but the British soon attempted to exploit aspects of Indian culture as leverage points for political control, in some cases exacerbating Hindu caste divisions even as they promoted westernized, Christian approaches.

Many reformers emerged during the British Period. The well-known politician and peace activist, Mahatma Gandhi , led a movement that pushed for India’s independence.

The partition of India occurred in 1947, and Gandhi was assassinated in 1948. British India was split into what are now the independent nations of India and Pakistan , and Hinduism became the major religion of India.

Starting in the 1960s, many Hindus migrated to North America and Britain, spreading their faith and philosophies to the western world.

Hindus worship many gods and goddesses in addition to Brahman, who is believed to be the supreme God force present in all things.

Some of the most prominent deities include:

• Brahma: the god responsible for the creation of the world and all living things
• Vishnu: the god that preserves and protects the universe
• Shiva: the god that destroys the universe in order to recreate it
• Devi: the goddess that fights to restore dharma
• Krishna: the god of compassion, tenderness and love
• Lakshmi: the goddess of wealth and purity
• Saraswati: the goddess of learning

Places of Worship

Hindu worship, which is known as “puja,” typically takes place in the Mandir (temple). Followers of Hinduism can visit the Mandir any time they please.

Hindus can also worship at home, and many have a special shrine dedicated to certain gods and goddesses.

The giving of offerings is an important part of Hindu worship. It’s a common practice to present gifts, such as flowers or oils, to a god or goddess.

Additionally, many Hindus take pilgrimages to temples and other sacred sites in India.

Hinduism Sects

Hinduism has many sects, and the following are often considered the four major denominations.

Shaivism is one of the largest denominations of Hinduism, and its followers worship Shiva, sometimes known as “The Destroyer,” as their supreme deity.

Shaivism spread from southern India into Southeast Asia and is practiced in Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia as well as India. Like the other major sects of Hinduism, Shaivism considers the Vedas and the Upanishads to be sacred texts.

Vaishnavism is considered the largest Hindu sect, with an estimated 640 million followers, and is practiced worldwide. It includes sub-sects that are familiar to many non-Hindus, including Ramaism and Krishnaism.

Vaishnavism recognizes many deities, including Vishnu, Lakshmi, Krishna and Rama, and the religious practices of Vaishnavism vary from region to region across the Indian subcontinent.

Shaktism is somewhat unique among the four major traditions of Hinduism in that its followers worship a female deity, the goddess Shakti (also known as Devi).

Shaktism is sometimes practiced as a monotheistic religion, while other followers of this tradition worship a number of goddesses. This female-centered denomination is sometimes considered complementary to Shaivism, which recognizes a male deity as supreme.

The Smarta or Smartism tradition of Hinduism is somewhat more orthodox and restrictive than the other four mainstream denominations. It tends to draw its followers from the Brahman upper caste of Indian society.

Smartism followers worship five deities: Vishnu, Shiva, Devi, Ganesh and Surya. Their temple at Sringeri is generally recognized as the center of worship for the denomination.

Some Hindus elevate the Hindu trinity, which consists of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Others believe that all the deities are a manifestation of one.

Hindu Caste System

The caste system is a social hierarchy in India that divides Hindus based on their karma and dharma. Although the word “caste” is of Portuguese origin, it is used to describe aspects of the related Hindu concepts of varna (color or race) and jati (birth). Many scholars believe the system dates back more than 3,000 years.

The four main castes (in order of prominence) include:

• Brahmin: the intellectual and spiritual leaders
• Kshatriyas: the protectors and public servants of society
• Vaisyas: the skillful producers
• Shudras: the unskilled laborers

Many subcategories also exist within each caste. The “Untouchables” are a class of citizens that are outside the caste system and considered to be in the lowest level of the social hierarchy.

For centuries, the caste system determined most aspect of a person’s social, professional and religious status in India.

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When India became an independent nation, its constitution banned discrimination based on caste.

Today, the caste system still exists in India but is loosely followed. Many of the old customs are overlooked, but some traditions, such as only marrying within a specific caste, are still embraced.

Hindus observe numerous sacred days, holidays and festivals.

Some of the most well-known include:

• Diwali : the festival of lights
• Navaratri: a celebration of fertility and harvest
• Holi: a spring festival
• Krishna Janmashtami: a tribute to Krishna’s birthday
• Raksha Bandhan: a celebration of the bond between brother and sister
• Maha Shivaratri: the great festival of Shiva

Hinduism Facts. Sects of Hinduism . Hindu American Foundation. Hinduism Basics . History of Hinduism, BBC . Hinduism Fast Facts, CNN .

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Home » Indian Heritage & Culture » Religion » Hinduism

Originally the word Hindu did not have a religious connotation, but merely denoted the people in a geographical area- the river Indus . Later the word assumed a religious connotation, to some extent under Mughal rule but more firmly under British rule.

Hinduism is the World’s third largest religion having approximately 16% of the global population or 1.25 billion people followers.

Main features associated with Hinduism

• Hinduism derives its basic ideas and tradition from the Vedas , considered as Sruti, ‘that which is heard or revealed’. Ex: Rigveda consists of collection of prayers to gods like Agni, Vayu, Varuna, Indra, Mitra, Soma, Ushas etc. Samaveda is a collection of certain verses of the Rigveda for melodic rendering. Yajurveda contains sacrificial formulae to be pronounced by priests. Atharvaveda consists of magical incantations and medicines.
• The rite of homa (havan) was basic to Hinduism in the initial stages. However, the religion assimilated the practices and ways of other cults and earlier inhabitants. Thus the ‘ puja’ form of workshop to an image or symbol of divinity was incorporated. This power of assimilation is one of the major reasons for the survival of Hinduism.
• The fundamental goal for a Hindu is to achieve Until the attainment of Moksha, human beings are subject to rebirth.
• Law of Karma is another important aspect associated with the religion. Karma is a concept of Hinduism which explains through a system where beneficial effects are derived from past beneficial actions and harmful effects from past harmful actions, creating a system of actions and reactions throughout a soul’s reincarnated lives forming a cycle of rebirth.
• Another aspect associated with Hinduism is- the concept of four stages of life (celibate student, a householder, a hermit and as ascetic)
• The Hindu view of life does not preclude worldly pleasure and artha ( prosperity )
• Hinduism believes leading life in a righteous (Dharma) manner to realize the fundamental goal of Moksha .
• Upanishads  are the philosophical-religious texts of  Hinduism  (also known as  Sanatan Dharma   meaning “Eternal Order” or “Eternal Path”) which develop and explain the fundamental tenets of the  religion .
• Emergence of Jainism and Buddhism led to stimulating and refreshing inspiration to the minds of Vedic Hindu thinkers who now left the beaten track and ventured on new paths of speculation and reasoning. The result of this was the emergence of six new systems of Hindu philosophy. Four of these- Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya and Vaisheshika , were not influenced by the Vedas, while the Purva Mimamsa and Uttara Mimamsa was based on the teachings of the Upanishads.
• Apart from the above scriptures of Hinduism, perhaps the most noted philosophy throughout the world is- Bhagvad Gita .
• Bhagvad Gita is a supplement to Upanishads. Bhagvad Gita has tried to make a synthesis of three ways of attaining salvation- the way of knowledge through speculation and ascetic discipline, the way of faith and devotion, and the way of action.
• However, the mainstay of popular Hinduism is the later Vedic literature- the Puranas.
• The Puranas, along with the Smritis, were composed to elucidate the principles of Vedanta and in form of stories for easy understanding of common folks and also to inculcate to ethical values.

Modern Hinduism

• Modern Hinduism or what we regard today as Hinduism, maybe dated from the days of Shankara (8 th CE). He expounded the theory of Advaita or monism .
• In 12 th century AD came Ramanuja with his Visishtadvaita or qualified monism. He laid emphasis on Bhakthi marga rather than deliverance through Vedic rites.
• Madhva in the thirteenth century propounded Dvaita or dualism philosophy.
• The revival movement started by these reformers received further impetus during the Bhakthi movement.
• This movement emphasized on the single souled devotion of the worshipper to a personal god. This movement led to the evolution of different religious sects like Vaishnavism (Alvars who composed Prabhandams), Shaivism (Nayanars who composed Tevarams), and Shaktism.
• The influence of Islam led to the revival of anti-caste and monotheistic ideas which had crept into Hinduism.
• The famous Bhakthi reformers during this time are: Ramananda of Allahabad, Vallabhacharya of Varanasi, Namadeva of Maharashtra, Mirabai of Rajasthan etc
• Further social evils like female infanticide, Sati, child marriage which had crept into Hinduism was systematically fought by early nationalists like Raja Ram Mohun Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayanand Saraswati etc
• These early nationalists highlighted the core essential aspects of Hinduism such as Vedas and Upanishads to counter the social evils that had crept into the religion. The social reform movements complimented the freedom movement throughout 19 th and 20 th century across all parts of the country.
• Post-independence many relevant provisions were included in the constitution to combat the social evils associated with Hinduism (Casteism, untouchability etc)

In the present times, Hinduism much like other religions faces existential crisis such as radicalization, emphasis on obsolete practices and rituals etc. However, this crisis could be tackled successfully if emphasis given to the core aspect of Hinduism which prophesizes on universal love and brotherhood.

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10 Big Questions About Hinduism, Answered

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With approximately 1 billion followers , Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world. Hinduism was born in ancient India (modern day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh) more than 5,000 years ago, and 90 percent of today's Hindus still live in the Indian subcontinent. In the United States, Hindus make up 0.7 percent of the population (2 million), roughly the same as Buddhists and slightly fewer than Muslims .

Yet many Americans and other Westerners remain ignorant of even the most basic tenets and practices of Hinduism. Are Hindus polytheistic? Are they all vegetarians ? Do they have their own holy scriptures and places of worship? Do they worship cows?

Here's a chance to dispel some of the most pernicious myths about Hinduism, and to learn more about a rich and profound religious tradition that recognizes the divine nature of all creation and invites everyone, regardless of one's religious background, to walk their own path of righteous living.

We'd like to thank Suhag Shukla, executive director and co-founder of the Hindu American Foundation , for her generous help in answering our 10 big questions about Hinduism.

• Do Hindus Believe in God or Gods?
• Is There a Hindu "Bible"?
• What Does Hinduism Teach About Karma and Reincarnation?
• Are All Hindus Vegetarian?
• Do Hindus Worship Idols?
• Do Hindus Attend Weekly Services?
• What's the Role of Gurus in Hinduism?
• How Is Hinduism Related to Yoga?
• What Are the Major Hindu Holidays?
• Is Hinduism Responsible for the Caste System in India?

10: Do Hindus Believe in God or Gods?

There are so many Hindu gods and goddesses — Vishnu, Shiva, Indra, Lakshmi and many more — that it may seem obvious that Hinduism is polytheistic. But that's not really true.

Hinduism teaches that there is a single "Divine" that many Hindus call Brahman that is manifested in a multitude of forms, including gods and goddesses. Brahman itself is formless and unknowable, beyond words and human attributes like gender. It is the ultimate reality that exists beyond matter, thought, life and death.

Lucky for us humans, elements of Brahman are made knowable and accessible to us through various manifestations. One of those manifestations is the material world — everything in the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest insect . In that sense, all of existence is imbued with the Divine.

Hindus also believe that Brahman manifests through gods and goddesses and their many " avatars " or divine earthly forms. Each of these powerful beings represents certain aspects of the Divine that become knowable by reading and retelling the stories of the gods and goddesses found in Hindu scriptures.

But just because Hindus believe in the existence of many gods doesn't mean that they are polytheistic. Shukla says that the Western idea of polytheism better suits the Greek gods and goddesses, who each served their individual desires, not that of a unified Divine.

"Think of clay as an analogy for Brahman ," says Shukla. "Clay can take the form of a pot or of a dish, but the underlying reality of all of those different utensils is clay. Without clay, those forms can't exist."

The Hindu belief in one ultimate reality with diverse manifestations is better described as "monism" or "one-ness." Different schools of Hinduism also qualify as pantheistic ("all existence is Divine") or panentheistic ("all existence is within the Divine").

There's a Sanskrit hymn found in the Vedas , the most ancient Hindu holy text, that reads:

Truth is one, the wise call it by many names.

And just as Hindus believe that Truth is one, called by many names, so too is the Ultimate Reality called by many names.

So, to answer the question: Do Hindus believe in God or gods? The answer is Yes.

9: Is There a Hindu "Bible"?

Hinduism is rich with ancient and sacred texts that serve a role in some ways similar to the Torah in Judaism, the Bible in Christianity, and the Quran in Islam.

While there is no central Hindu text that carries the singular authority of the Bible, each book in the Hindu canon contributes to deeper understanding and worship of the Divine.

For example, there are sacred Hindu texts that read like hymns of praise (the Samhitas ) and others that tell stories of gods, goddesses and ancient wars (the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita ). Other Hindu texts are focused on priestly matters of worship and ritual (the Brahmanas ), while some dive deep into the mystical mysteries of ultimate reality (the Upanishads ).

The holy texts of Hinduism began as oral traditions passed down for centuries before being written down and codified between 1200 B.C.E. and 200 C.E . The oldest texts are the Vedas , which serve as a foundational Hindu text from which most other holy works expand upon.

Hindus have a slightly different relationship with scriptures than other faiths, Shukla explains. Hinduism teaches that enlightenment is ultimately achieved through personal experience of great truths that come about through study, prayer and introspection (realization), not through faith alone (revelation). Another difference is that Hindus believe that the words of a living, enlightened teacher like a guru are as important and valid as words found in the holy texts. The most important thing is how you live those eternal truths and how they change you.

8: What Does Hinduism Teach About Karma and Reincarnation?

Both Hinduism and Buddhism (as well as Jainism and Sikhism) share a belief in karma and reincarnation. Hinduism teaches that when the Divine takes form, it is encapsulated as atman or the "soul." This soul, which exists within every form of reality (not just humans and animals, but even nonliving things like rivers and rocks), is eternal and cannot be destroyed. Instead, when one form passes away — through death , decay or destruction — the soul moves on to inhabit a new form.

Reincarnation, or samsara , is the continuous process of death and rebirth in which the soul repeatedly takes on new forms and new experiences. However, the nature of samsara is suffering, so the ultimate goal of Hinduism is moksha, liberating the soul from the endless cycle of death and rebirth, and allowing it to return to the Divine.

Moksha can only be obtained when a soul inhabits a human form, so humans are considered the most spiritually evolved lifeforms.

The force that governs the transmigration of souls from one form to another is called karma . In its simplest form, karma is the law of cause and effect. Righteous and selfless thoughts, speech and actions have a positive effect on your soul, while lying, stealing, cheating and hurting others will have negative effects.

Dharma , which often translates as "duty" or "morality," points to a way of righteous living that's most conducive to spiritual growth and the accumulation of good karma. Part of righteous living is detachment, including detachment from the rewards or "fruits" of righteousness. Only when one works for the benefit of all beings without any expectation of, or attachment to reward will they achieve liberation.

We'll talk more about this in the section on India's caste system, but Shukla emphasizes that Hinduism does not teach that people who suffer in poverty or illness are being "punished" for evil actions in a past life. For starters, a poor person may suffer on a physical level, but may otherwise have a kind and giving disposition, while a rich person may enjoy physical comforts, but is plagued with meanness and jealousy.

"That's a serious misunderstanding of this concept," says Shukla. "Karma acts as a positive motivator and does not give permission to judge the suffering of others or absolve us from helping others. We have a duty to better the circumstances of family, society and our country."

7: Are All Hindus Vegetarian?

Contrary to popular belief, not all Hindus are vegetarian , but it's estimated that 30 percent of all Hindus, Buddhists , Jains and Sikhs in India are vegetarian due to a shared belief in nonviolence.

This belief is rooted in the understanding that all living creatures are manifestations of the Divine. Violence against any living being will therefore have a negative effect on one's karma. Various Hindu scriptures teach that a meat-free diet is not required, but "meritorious" to the welfare of the soul.

Mahatma Gandhi was famously vegetarian, adding credence to the belief (outside of India, at least) that all Hindus were vegetarian. In reality, that's never been the case. Even the gods and goddesses of Hindu scripture would occasionally feast on meat. For modern Hindus, the choice to eat vegetarian or not largely depends on regional food traditions. For example, large percentages of Hindus in the northern Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab are vegetarian, while relatively few Hindus living in southern India keep a strictly vegetarian diet. A 2014 study out of India found that 71 percent of the population over 15 was not vegetarian.

Cows hold a special reverence among Hindus, but they are not "worshipped." In the Vedas , the cow is associated with Aditi, who is the mother of the gods. Cows are revered because they're seen as docile creatures who give to people more than they take from them. In India, cows are allowed to roam the streets and are given bits of food for good luck. Gandhi once wrote , "If someone were to ask me what the most important outward manifestation of Hinduism was, I would suggest that it was the idea of cow protection."

6: Do Hindus Worship Idols?

In Hinduism, sacred images of the gods and goddesses are called murti and are a central part of home and temple worship. Because murti is sometimes translated as an "idol," there's a misconception (especially among Westerners) that Hindus are "idol worshippers," one of the chief sins of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Shukla says that a better translation of murti is "embodiment." Much like all of existence is believed to be an embodiment of the Divine, the image of a Hindu god or goddess is understood to be an embodiment of a certain aspect of the Divine. A murti of the goddess Saraswati embodies learning and wisdom, while a murti of the goddess Lakshmi embodies prosperity.

In a Hindu home, one or more murti are typically placed on a small altar and serve as visual tools for contemplating a particular attribute of the Divine. The murti is sanctified or made holy through a priestly blessing called prana prathista. Once sanctified, the image is incorporated into daily rituals ( nitya ) of prayer and meditation.

"There's a specialness that comes with the form of a murti , because of the divine attributes that we're seeking to honor through that form," says Shukla, "and also through the ceremonies that are conducted in order to elevate that material form into something even more sacred."

One of the most common home-based ceremonies is called puja , in which the murti serves as a focal point on which to train all the senses on the Divine. The sense of smell is stimulated by incense and fragrant flowers. The ears are awakened with the sound of traditional mantras and tingling bells. The eyes soak up the colors and contours of the murti and the light of candles . The sense of taste is satisfied by eating prasad , small treats offered by the god or goddess. And touch is engaged throughout the ceremony.

Again, it's important to clarify that Hindus are not worshipping these "idols," or even worshipping the god or goddess represented by the murti . Rather, they use the murti as a sacred tool for focusing their minds and spirits on righteous qualities that they wish to bring into their daily lives and interactions with others.

5: Do Hindus Attend Weekly Services?

Unlike most Western religions, Hinduism doesn't establish a set time or place for worship. It's largely up to the individual. While many elements of Hindu worship are practiced at home, there is also community-based worship available at Hindu temples.

At home, most Hindu families will have a small altar adorned with a murti and maybe some photos of ancestors that have passed on. In addition to the puja ceremony we just described, there are other home-based rituals that involve purifying the murti by bathing the image and sprinkling it with crimson vermillion powder. Fruits and sweets are laid out on the altar to be blessed by the deity, and candles and incense are lit, often daily. According to different Hindu traditions, family members might chant hymns and mantras, or use prayer beads as part of home worship.

Hindu temples are called mandirs and are open to both Hindu and non-Hindu worshippers. Some Hindu temples are large, ornate buildings that look like their ancient counterparts in India, while others resemble community centers.

Temple worship is similar to home worship in that there are usually one or more murti that serve as the focal point for various ceremonies and rituals . The difference in the temple is that the rituals are mostly conducted by a Hindu priest and attended by members of the community. Like a church service, some rituals are scheduled to take place on specific days and times.

If you visit a temple, it's helpful to know what's expected. Visitors take off their shoes before entering in order to keep the temple clean. Leather products are discouraged out of respect for cows. Modesty is shown by avoiding shorts and sleeveless tops. Many people also bring gifts of fruit or flowers to the temple as offerings to the deities.

4: What's the Role of Gurus in Hinduism?

The word guru means "dispeller of darkness." In Hinduism, a guru is an enlightened spiritual teacher who dispels the "darkness" of ignorance and guides his or her students on a path toward moksha .

In the Hindu tradition, the words and teachings of a guru are just as holy and sacred as the ancient Hindu texts. While Hindus are not required to have a guru, it's considered advantageous to seek the help and direction of a wise teacher.

While there is no recognized Hindu authority that confers the title of guru, many gurus claim a sacred lineage. Often they were students of a well-known guru who was himself or herself the student of other famous gurus going back centuries. A guru is not only expected to be wise, but to have had his or her own direct experiences with the Divine that inform their teachings.

The students or disciples of a guru are called shishya , and the close relationship between a guru and his or her loyal followers has been central for transmitting Hindu truths and practices, especially when Hinduism was primarily an oral tradition. In the past, students lived with or near their guru so that their spiritual education could be individualized to their needs, but now many gurus take students remotely or publish their teachings in books and online.

Although students are expected to show devotion and respect to their guru, they don't worship the teacher or follow him or her blindly. Gurus aren't gods; they are still human beings with human frailties, and students are expected to use their judgment about inappropriate behavior or unethical teachings.

It's also perfectly OK for Hindus to switch gurus for any reason , including if they feel that their spiritual needs have changed or would be better served by somebody else.

3: How Is Hinduism Related to Yoga?

Yoga is one of the six schools of thought in Hinduism that originate from different interpretations of the Vedas , the most ancient of Hindu texts. But yoga as it's traditionally understood and practiced in Hinduism is very different from what's been popularized in the West. The original Hindu yoga wasn't intended as an exercise regimen for increasing flexibility and strength, but as a path to enlightenment through focusing the mind and controlling the senses.

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit for "union" and is broadly defined as any practice that helps an individual experience God. Yoga is not just a set of physical postures and breathing exercises, but includes moral values, ethical practices, focused awareness, scriptural study and worship of the Divine.

In the Bhagavad Gita , Krishna describes four kinds of yoga, each representing separate but interdependent paths to achieving moksha :

• bhakti yoga (devotion)
• jnana yoga (knowledge)
• karma yoga (selfless action)
• raja yoga (meditation)

With the help of a guru, individuals can learn what type of yoga is best for their personal spiritual growth, though the different types of yoga are not mutually exclusive. Of the four mentioned by Krishna, raja yoga is closest to what Westerners would recognize as yoga. The Bhagavad Gita describes it like this:

In the West, yoga has mostly been reduced to a series of poses known as asanas . And while those poses absolutely have their physical benefits, including lowering stress levels and blood pressure, the practice of yoga is less about strengthening the body than strengthening the mind and changing our very being. "While practicing asana for improved health is perfectly acceptable, it is not the goal or purpose of yoga," says the Hindu American Foundation website .

"Yoga in its broadest sense is a spiritual path and practice with the ultimate goal of allowing us to calm our minds, control our senses, and go inward to recognize our divine nature and how that divine nature is shared across all of existence," says Shukla. "Which then would, in turn, create a shift in our behavior toward others. A shift toward being more compassionate, loving and kind toward everyone and everything."

2: What Are the Major Hindu Holidays?

There are festive and important Hindu holidays year-round, although some are primarily celebrated in specific geographic regions of India or by devotees to a certain god or goddess. Hindu holidays follow the lunar calendar, so they can fall on different days and even months every year in the West.

First, there are a host of deity-specific celebrations that could include visits to temples dedicated to the specific god or goddess, the singing of special devotional prayers, dancing, all-night vigils and more. A few of these major celebrations are:

• Shivaratri : a springtime festival in honor of Shiva, the divine embodiment of change and regeneration
• Ganesha or Vinayaka Chaturti : an August/September holiday dedicated to the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune
• Navaratri : a nine-night celebration observed five times each year, dedicated to female manifestations of the Divine, including the mother goddess Durga and Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, speech and the arts. Many of the rituals associated with Navaratri are attended exclusively by women.

Holi is a colorful and widely observed seasonal holiday. Celebrated throughout India by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddists, Holi is a joyous spring festival (February/March) that's celebrated by tossing colored dyes into the air and feasting late into the night in an atmosphere of unity and peace.

Perhaps the most popular holiday throughout India and the Hindu diaspora is Diwali or Deepawali , the Hindu festival of lights. During the multiday winter holiday, families light traditional clay lamps (or hang cheerful holiday lights) to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. They also gather in the homes of friends to share Diwali treats.

1: Is Hinduism Responsible for the Caste System in India?

There is no scriptural or spiritual basis in Hinduism for the discriminatory and oppressive caste system that developed in India, including the labeling of the very lowest social class as "untouchables."

India's birth-based caste system, later codified by the British during imperial rule, was partially the result of an unfortunate distortion of the Hindu concept of varna or personality types. The Vedas taught that individuals generally fall into four different personality types, each essential for a well-functioning society:

• intellectuals who study and teach ( brahmin )
• government officials who protect and lead ( kshatriya )
• businessmen and landowners who make money ( vaishya )
• laborers who grow the food and make the goods ( shudra )

In the Vedas , none of these personality types was "lower" or less important than the rest, but over time, the personality types got lumped together with an occupation-based social system called jati .

Jati are similar to medieval European trade guilds, where people with the same profession established their own rules and communities. In India, those rules included specific religious practices and rituals. Eventually, membership in a particular jati became a birthright passed on from one generation to the next. Every religious community in India has their own jati groups and affiliations.

Over time, many Hindus mistakenly concluded that being born into the laboring classes was a reflection of the state of one's soul — bad karma meant that you were stuck with a torturous existence. When the British arrived in India, they noted a group of people whose position in society was so low that they fell outside of both varna and jati . The British called them the "untouchables."

Discrimination on the basis of caste or class was officially outlawed in 1948 with Indian independence, but like racial bias in America it remains engrained for some Indians, regardless of religion. It's important to re-emphasize, however, that the caste system was never rooted in Hindu teachings. In fact, the Vedas teach exactly the opposite, as expressed by this ancient hymn:

"No one is superior, none inferior. All are brothers marching forward to prosperity."

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