A brief description of Hinduism

Hinduism is the oldest religion and possibly the first practiced on Earth, the followers are innumerable. Calling Hinduism a religion is not justified, as it is more than that, it is a way of life. It is Sahdeva Kutumbekam

“Hinduism” is an umbrella term that encompasses various religions and does not refer to a single religion. “Hinduism is both a civilization and a congregation of religions; It has no beginning, no founder, no central authority, no hierarchy, and no organization. It is the glorious catholicity of Hinduism that one can be a believer in one God, or in the multiplicity of gods, or even none at all. Hinduism does not expel and much less crucify alleged non-believers. Every attempt at a specific definition of Hinduism has been unsuccessful in one way or another… Hinduism is not a revealed religion and therefore has neither a founder nor definite teachings or common system of doctrines… It has no organization, there is no dogma or accepted creeds. There is no authority with recognized jurisdiction. A man, therefore, could neglect any of the prescribed duties of his group and still be regarded as a good Hindu.”

All Hindus worship a Supreme Reality; yet they call it by numerous names. In Hinduism there is no endless hellfire, no condemnation, no natural abhorrence, no sinister restriction that contradicts the will of God. Hindus trust that the universe was created by God and is saturated by Him, a Supreme Being who is both form and framework of plagues, who makes, manages and devastates the universe only to reproduce it again in endless cycles. Each spirit is allowed to find its own particular way, whether through dedication, severity, reflection, yoga, or benevolent stewardship.

The three columns of Hinduism are the love of the sanctuary, the sacred text and the custom of the main supporter. Hinduism unequivocally proclaims the legitimacy of the three universes of presence – physical, astral and profound – and the multitude of gods and devas that dwell within the inner universes. Celebrations, travel, the buzz of blessed psalms, and homely love are shifting practices. Family life is solid and valuable. Appreciation, peace, great openness and the law of dharma characterize the Hindu path.

Hindus are generously tolerant of different religions. Hinduism makes it clear that the spirit is resurrected until all karmas are determined and God Realization is achieved. All souls, come what may, will attain this remarkable deep summit; however, it could take numerous lifetimes. This is a supernatural religion, leading enthusiasts little by little to experience its eternal truths within themselves, finally achieving the zenith of knowledge where man and God are always one.

Hindus favor cremation of the body at death, rather than internment, trusting that the spirit lives on and will possess another body on Earth.