Essentials of Hinduism

Essentials of Hinduism

'... if a Hindu is not spiritual, he does not deserve to be called a Hindu.'

--- Swami Vivekananda

I. Fundamentals of Hinduism

Basics

Hinduism is based on the spiritual principles and realisations of the sages, which over a great length of time got recorded in the books called the Vedas. Unlike other religions, it has no human founder, and hence its date of origin can never be fixed; it has existed since the dawn of spiritual thoughts in the world. Although the term "Hindu" is of relatively late origin, it has been accepted to signify the religion of the ethnic Indians.

Hinduism does not claim any exclusive right over the spiritual truths it preaches, and it believes that a person can reach the spiritual goal through any path. So it recognises every faith and religion with respect, and at the same time does not approve of religious conversion.

Hinduism -- The Religion and the Society

Hinduism is both a religion and a society, and their practices get overlapped. For example, caste is essentially a social system to safeguard the interests of particular groups with common ancestry. But over the years it has been identified as an integral part of Hinduism, the religion. Similarly, putting on the sacred thread was a religious practice. But later got transformed into a social custom for the upper caste Hindus.

Who is a Hindu?

Religion and Hinduism are synonymous, and hence Hinduism cannot be defined the way Islam or Christianity can be. However, for the sake of convenience, a Hindu is expected to have these basic beliefs and practices:

1. Acceptance of the spiritual truths as preached in the Vedas, and elaborated in any of its sacred books.

2. The belief in the transmigratory nature of the individual soul till it attains mukti, the absolute freedom from...