There is no standard explanation to communicate what is Hinduism. There is no single book, no founder, no set path to follow. Instead it is a map, that shows many paths that individuals can choose from. It is a compendium of beliefs, many of which are at odds with each other. The rituals and beliefs that are derived from this compendium, constitutes the religion one follows.
The elements of Hinduism is described in a number of scriptures spanning the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagwad Gita and more. In essence, an individual has a library to refer to, to guide them, or follow a Guru who refers to these scriptures, or follow a tradition followed by their elders.
Hinduism is rich in symbolism with objects like Trishul (Trident), Swastika, Shiva Linga that portray certain characteristics.
Hinduism is Spiritual and entails the worship of Devas that embody Nature and Enlightened Spirits with specific attributes.
Hinduism is a way of life, wherein individuals follow a personalized combination of beliefs and rituals drawn from the scriptures, symbols, Devas and Devis.
The elements of Hinduism is described in a number of scriptures spanning the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagwad Gita and more. In essence, an individual has a library to refer to, to guide them, or follow a Guru who refers to these scriptures, or follow a tradition followed by their elders.
Hinduism is rich in symbolism with objects like Trishul (Trident), Swastika, Shiva Linga that portray certain characteristics.
Hinduism is Spiritual and entails the worship of Devas that embody Nature and Enlightened Spirits with specific attributes.
Hinduism is a way of life, wherein individuals follow a personalized combination of beliefs and rituals drawn from the scriptures, symbols, Devas and Devis.
Sanatana Dharma, commonly referred to as Hinduism consists of three parts, 1. Philosophy, 2. Tenets that describe concepts and 3. Rituals. An individual can pick and choose whatever they want from these three parts. So when one says I am a Hindu because, the answer will vary. From the philosophy aspect, one could be a Dvaitist; wherein Brahman is separate from the Universe or Advaitist; wherein everything living, non-living, known and unknown is Brahman, or Atheist based on their beliefs, also they could be a Shaivait; followers of Shiva Deva or Vaishnavite; followers of Vishnu Deva or none and finally they practice a set of rituals or none that will vary from community to community, person to person.
In that sense Sanatana Dharma in its entirety is more than a religion. What people personalise for themselves is the religion. Sanatana Dharma provides a wide choice for an individual to choose from. There is no specific book or individual or ritual one has to accept to be considered a good Hindu. A Hindu has the benefit of choosing from a library of books, like the Upanishad, Vedas, Puranas, Bhagvad Gita etc. A Hindu has to be a good human being to be considered a good Hindu. A person can be an atheist and yet be a good Hindu. Hinduism welcomes people of other faiths. There is no problem in revering Jesus and Shiva or Vishnu and Ganesha. It is up to the individual to choose.
Hinduism is consistent with Spiritual beliefs. The many Devas and Devis are spirits with attributes. They are not Gods or gods or Lords. These are abrahamic beliefs that have been adopted by Hindus resulting in Hinduism being cast as polytheist by monotheists.
Hinduism is consistent with the scientific theory on the Origin of the Universe. Scientists believe there was nothing prior to the birth of the Universe. There was a void. The void is Infinite, limitless. From the void came the Universe. The Universe is Infinite. Infinite plus Infinite is Infinite. Hinduism regards Brahman as the singular supreme entity. Brahman is Infinite. From Brahman came the Universe. While atheists may differ in accepting the attributes of Brahman, they cannot reject the notion that there was a void, the void was Infinite, and from that void the Universe came about. The Universe is Infinite. In the Atheist belief system Brahman is and was a void.
In the Dvaitist belief, the Birth of the Universe from Brahman is irreversible. Brahman and the Universe remain separate. Akin to the concept of the Abrahamic belief of God. The difference being God created the Universe, whereas in Sanatana Dharma, the Universe came from Brahman. In the Dvaitist belief, the human soul strives to break the cycle of rebirth through multiple rebirths.
In the Advaitist belief, the Birth of the Universe from Brahman is reversible. Everything that exists is a manifestation of Brahman. In the Advaitist belief, human soul strives to break the cycle of rebirth through multiple rebirths AND become part of Brahman
