Hindu sacred symbol.
Hindu scriptures are called Vedas. The Rig Veda was written more than 3800 years ago, making Hinduism one of, if not the oldest religion in the world.
Both male and female deities are worshiped with equal reverence in Hinduism. This is also because in Hinduism, god is considered both male and female, or as the one who has no sex or both.
Hindu sacred symbol.
HINDUISM
Hinduism, referred to as Sanatana Dharma or “Eternal way.”
Dharma, in Hindu belief and practice, is what holds the universe together. It means “duty,” “correct practice,” and “truth.”
It is the cycle of birth-death-rebirth. Reincarnation happens when the soul has not achieved the sufficient level of enlightenment.
The most common way to express worship for deities in Hinduism is the puja. It consist of offering mostly material goods and ritual acts to the altar of a god or goddess.
Hinduism has relied on accretions of various texts, school of thought, devotional practices, and manifestations.
Om (Aum) is the sacred symbol of Hinduism.
Karma, meaning 'action,' is generally the Hindu term for the consequences of one's action in the present that might affect the person's future life.
The traditional social structure that closely follows Hindu practices of karma and samsara is called the caste system.
MAJOR SCRIPTURAL TEXTS
1. The Sruti Scriptures
"that which is heard"
2. The Smriti Scriptures
"that which is remembered"
TRIMURTHI
In Hinduism, there is a belief in three highest deities called Trimurthi who fulfill different functions in the universe.
1. Brahma, the creator
2. Vishnu, the preserver
3. Shiva, the destroyer
Karma, Samsara, and Moksha
For Hinduism, karma means "action," but more so, the consequence of one's action.
Samsara is the cycle of birth-death-rebirth.
To end the wheel of samsara, moksha must be achieved. This is when the soul no longer looks for material things and is practiced through religious rituals.
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Introduction to Hinduism by Oprah Winfrey Network
