What is Hinduism?
Hinduism is the predominant religion of the Indian subcontinent, and one of its indigenous religions. Among other practices and philosophies, Hinduism includes a wide spectrum of laws and prescriptions of "daily morality" based on the notion of karma, dharma and societal norms. Hinduism is a conglomeration of distinct intellectual or philosophical points of view, rather than a rigid common set of beliefs.
In some ways Hinduism is the oldest living religion in the world, or at least elements within it stretch back many thousands of years. Yet Hinduism resists easy definition partly because of the vast array of practices and beliefs found within it. It is also closely associated conceptually and historically with the other Indian religions Jainism, Buddhism & Sikhism.
Unlike most other religions, Hinduism has no single founder, no single scripture, and no commonly agreed set of teachings. Throughout its extensive history, there have been many key figures teaching different philosophies and writing numerous holy books. For these reasons, writers often refer to Hinduism as 'a way of life' or 'a family of religions' rather than a single religion.
The term 'Hindu' was derived from the river or river complex of the northwest, the Sindhu. Sindhu is a Sanskrit word used by the inhabitants of the region, the Aryans in the second millennium BCE. The origins of the term 'hindu' are thus cultural, political and geographical. Now the term is widely accepted although any definition is subject to much debate. In some ways it is true to say that Hinduism is a religion of recent origin yet its roots and formation go back thousands of years.
Some claim that one is 'born a Hindu', but there are now many Hindus of non-Indian descent. Others claim that its core feature is belief in an impersonal Supreme, but important strands have long described and worshipped a personal God. Outsiders often criticise Hindus as being polytheistic, but many adherents claim to be monotheists.
Although it is not easy to define Hinduism, we can say that it is rooted in India, most Hindus revere a body of texts as sacred scripture known as the Veda, and most Hindus draw on a common system of values known as dharma.
Hindus in the diaspora are particularly concerned about the perpetuation of their tradition and felt obliged to respond to Hindu youth, who sought a rational basis for practices previously passed down by family custom. They are now particularly concerned about how to deal with contentious issues such as Caste, intermarriage and the position of women.
When Christians, Muslims or Jews first encounter Hinduism they are likely to be struck by the profusion of gods and goddesses vividly represented in paintings, sculpture and other art forms. Colorful, often sensuous, sometimes humorous. After a visit to India, Mark Twain wrote: "India has two million gods, and worships them all. In religion all other countries are paupers; India is the only millionaire."
In religion, a pilgrimage is a long journey or search of great moral significance and it enables people to link their natural desire for travel with spiritual goals. Sometimes, it is a journey to a sacred place or shrine of importance. Unlike some other religions, Hindus are not required to undertake pilgrimages during their lifetime but most Hindus who can afford to go on such journeys travel to numerous iconic sites. Almost all holy sites lie within India which remains a special place and Hindus who often combine pilgrimage with visits to relatives.
To demonstrate the continuing importance of pilgrimage for the Hindu people, it is noted that an estimated 80 million people visited the 2001 Kumbha -mela at Prayag (Allahabad, India) making it the world's biggest-ever public event.
We present to you several Programs which will help you experience the Journeys.
