WHAT IS HINDUISM?

Hinduism is considered the world’s oldest religion comprised of thousands of different religious groups, beliefs, cultural ideas and philosophies that have evolved in India. This diversity of beliefs have led to Hindu traditions that incorporate freedom of belief and practice.

Reference: www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism.htm

What sets Hinduism apart from other religions?

Hinduism is different from other religions in that the origin of Hinduism is not linked to any one founder, nor does it have only one holy book.

Hinduism is said to be more cultural, a way of life, with worship toward one Supreme Being of multiple deities.

Hinduism has four main denominations, each with hundreds of lineages that represent diverse beliefs:

• Saivism
• Shaktism 
• Vaisbnavism
• Smartism

Reference: (Hinduism Today; Jan-Mar2007, Vol. 29 Issue 1, p17-23)

What are the three pillars of Hinduism?

• Temple Worship
• Scripture
• The Guru-Disciple Tradition

 Reference: (Hinduism Today; Jan-Mar2007, Vol. 29 Issue 1, p17-23)

Common beliefs within Hinduism are:

• The belief in reincarnation
• One absolute being of multiple manifestations
• The law of cause and effect (karma)
• Following the path of righteousness
• The desire for liberation from the cycle of births and deaths

Reference: http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm

Predominant themes include:

• Dharma (ethics and duties)
• Samsara (rebirth)
• Karma (right action)
• Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara)

Reference: http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm

What are the Major Hindu Deities?

Hinduism believes in one “Supreme Absolute” called "Brahman” but does not advocate the worship of any one particular deity! There are thousands of gods and goddesses that represent the many aspects of Brahman.  

The literature references that while there are thousands, the most fundamental of Hindu deities are the:

• Trinity of Brahma
• Vishnu   
• Shiva

Reference: http://hinduism.about.com/od/basics/p/hinduismbasics.htm

Inside one of the temples dedicated to one of their many Gods and Goddesses

The Navagraha Temple at the Austin Hindu Temple and Community Center



A food offering to one of the many Gods and Goddesses, thanking them for everything they have done



Representation of two of the different Gods and Goddesses that Hinduism recognizes

Where is Hinduism Practiced?

The literature references India to be the most prevalent population of Hindus with roughly 80% of the population practicing Hinduism. Most Hindus are referenced in the literature as living in South Asia.

According to the "Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches," there were about 1.1 million Hindus in the U.S. during 1999.

This number seems to have increased only slightly according to www.religioustolerance.org, which estimates roughly 1.5 million Hindus in the U.S. in mid-2010.

What are The Sacred Texts of Hinduism?

The primary sacred texts are called Vedas, to which there are four:

• The Rig Veda – “Royal Knowledge” (the oldest of the four Vedas)
• Sama Veda – “Knowledge of Chants”
• Yajur Veda – “Knowledge of Sacrificial Rituals”      
• Atharva Veda – “Knowledge of Incarnations”

The Vedas include ancient rituals, hymns, and incantations from India and discusses multiple deities, the universe, and creation.

Reference: www.sacred-texts.com/hin/

Reference: http://hinduism.about.com/od/hinduism101/a/scriptures.htm

What do Hindus Call Themselves? 
Hinduism is actually what western culture has called the religion. Hindus actually call it Sanatana Dharma, which means “eternal virtue or eternal religion.”

Reference: http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religionet/er/hinduism/HTERMS.HTM