Contents 

1. Introduction
2. Sacred Scriptures of Hinduism
3. The Vedas
4. The Upanishads
5. The Bhagavad Gita
6. Dharma: The principle of right living in Hinduism.
7. Reincarnation: The belief that souls are reborn into new bodies after death.
8. Yoga and Meditation: Practices that help Hindus connect with the divine.
9. Conclusion

Introduction

Hinduism is the world’s oldest polytheistic religion, dating back to 3000 BCE. It is also the largest religion in the world, with over 1 billion followers. Hinduism is a complex and diverse religion, with many different beliefs and practices. However, some of the core beliefs of Hinduism include belief in karma, reincarnation, and dharma. Hindus also worship a variety of gods and goddesses, as well as revered figures such as gurus and saints.

Sacred Scriptures of Hinduism

Hinduism has two types of sacred Scriptures, the revealed scriptures and the remembered texts or the post-Vedic texts. The Vedas have revealed texts according to Hinduism and the Upanishads, Ramayana, and Bhagavad Gita are the post-Vedic Texts. Details are as under below. 

The Vedas

According to Hindu tradition, the Vedas are the oldest scriptures, written in Sanskrit. These ancient texts were first passed down orally, before being written down around 1,500 BCE. The Vedas contain a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics, including cosmology, philosophy, ritual instructions, and more. While the exact origins of the Vedas are unknown, they are thought to have been composed over a period of several centuries by a number of different authors. The four main Vedas are the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Each Veda contains hymns, prayers, and rituals designed to be used in specific sacrificial ceremonies. The Vedas remain an important part of Hindu religious life today. The language of these sacred scriptures is Sanskrit.

The Upanishads

The Upanishads are a collection of philosophical texts that form the basis of Hinduism. The texts are believed to have been written between 900 and 600 BCE, and they are considered some of the oldest religious texts in the world. The Upanishads consist of a series of short dialogues or essays, each one exploring a different aspect of existence. The texts cover topics such as the nature of reality, the relationship between Atman (the individual soul) and Brahman (the universal Soul), and the path to liberation from rebirth. The Upanishads have had a profound impact on Hindu thought, and they continue to be studied by Hindus today. They provide an important glimpse into the early development of one of the world’s major religions.

The Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred Hindu text that is considered to be a central text of the Hindu religion. It comprises a dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and the god Krishna, and it is thought to have been authored by the sage Vyasa. Hindus have treasured the text for ages and consider it to be a treasure trove of spiritual knowledge and insights.

Hindu Gods and Goddesses

The many gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. The Hindu pantheon is teeming with gods and goddesses. Some of the most popular include  Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of good luck; Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity; and Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Each god or goddess has their own unique story and attributes. For example, Ganesha is believed to be the son of Shiva, one of the most important deities in Hinduism. He is often depicted holding a broken tusk, which he uses to write down his devotees’ prayers. Lakshmi is another popular goddess. She is often shown sitting or standing on a lotus flower and is sometimes accompanied by elephants. Lakshmi is associated with fertility, abundance, and good fortune. Saraswati is another important goddess in Hinduism. Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music and art, is one of the most important goddesses in Hinduism. She is the wife of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, and is often depicted riding a white swan or sitting on a lotus flower. Saraswati is known as the “mother of the Vedas” and is revered by Hindus as the goddess of wisdom and learning. In some schools of Hindu thought, she is considered to be the supreme goddess, while in others she is seen as an aspect of Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) or Parvati (the goddess of love and fertility).

Dharma: The principle of right living in Hinduism.

Dharma is a central concept in Hinduism. It is the principle of right living, and it encompasses everything from how one should act toward others to how one should live one’s life. Dharma is an important part of Hinduism because it helps Hindus to live harmoniously with others and with nature. By following dharma, Hindus can maintain balance and order in their lives.

Reincarnation: The belief that souls are reborn into new bodies after death.

Those who believe in reincarnation think that the soul never dies but instead is reborn into a new body after death. This belief is found in Hinduism and Buddhism, among other religions. There is evidence to support the idea of reincarnation. For example, some people claim to remember past lives. And sometimes, people are born with birthmarks or deformities that correspond to injuries they supposedly received in a previous life. Reincarnation is a complex belief, and there is much still unknown about it. But for those who believe in it, it offers a way to make sense of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Yoga and Meditation: Practices that help Hindus connect with the divine.

Hinduism is a religion that has been around for centuries and it is based on the belief in karma, dharma, and reincarnation. Hindus believe in a cycle of life, death, and rebirth. They also believe in a Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent. In order to connect with the divine, Hindus practice yoga and meditation. Yoga is a system of physical and mental exercises that originated in India. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means “to yoke” or “to unite.” Yoga is often practised as a way to achieve inner peace and self-realization. There are many different types of yoga, but all of them emphasize the union of mind, body, and spirit. Meditation is the practice that helps Hindus connect with the divine.

Conclusion

Hinduism is a complex and ancient religion, with a long and varied history. It is the largest religion in India and has a significant presence in other countries too. Hinduism has many different beliefs and practices, which can be confusing for outsiders. However, there are some key concepts that all Hindus share. These include the belief in karma (the law of cause and effect), reincarnation (the cycle of birth, death and rebirth), and the importance of Dharma (living in accordance with natural law). Hinduism also teaches that there is no single way to achieve salvation or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This makes it a very inclusive religion, which values diversity.

Sources 

A Brief Introduction to Hinduism by Tim Doweley 2019

Hinduism: A Very Short Introduction by Kim Knott 2016