Hinduism 101

Basics of Hinduism

What is Hinduism?

Hinduism is often referred to as one of the world’s “oldest living religions,” but in fact it’s much more than just a ‘religion’ in the sense that people in the West are usually taught to think of the concept. With over a billion adherents worldwide, ‘Hindu’ is a broad umbrella term which covers an incredibly rich tapestry of belief systems, practices, rituals, philosophies, and cultural expressions. It is both deeply personal and vastly global, embracing a diversity of interpretations and expressions that defy rigid definitions—some Hindus embrace Hinduism as a religious practice, with a clearly-defined set of doctrines and scriptures, while for others Hinduism is more of a philosophical outlook or way of life. 

At its core, Hinduism offers pathways to spiritual liberation and eco-social creativity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the eternal pursuit of truth, justice, and love. It is a tradition that honors the sacredness of all life, advocates for the principle of ahimsa (non-violence), and recognizes the interdependence of all beings. Hinduism is as much about the individual’s journey towards moksha (liberation) as it is about the collective responsibility to uphold dharma (righteousness) in the world.

At HfHR, we celebrate the diverse expressions of Hinduism as a powerful basis for liberatory social movements, and reject any attempts to impose a monolithic or exclusionary definition of what it means to be Hindu.

Historical Background

The diverse collection of traditions, philosophies, and spiritual practices that we collectively refer to today as ‘Hinduism’ has a deep historical background, stretching back thousands of years.

It has its roots in the ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley, which flourished around 2500 BCE. Over the centuries, Hinduism has absorbed and integrated various cultural and religious influences, from the ancient Vedic religion of the Indo-Aryans to the teachings of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as countless local and vernacular religious practices.

It has also been shaped by the bhakti (devotional) movements, which emphasized personal devotion to a chosen deity, and by the teachings of various saints and sages, from Adi Sankara to Ramakrishna Paramahansa to Kabir to Meerabai. Hinduism has evolved through countless historical developments, responding to the challenges of each era while retaining its core principles.

HfHR honors this rich historical heritage and seeks to build upon it to advocate for a Hinduism that is both true to its roots and responsive to the needs of the present.

Hinduism’s Evolution Over Time

Throughout its long history, Hinduism has undergone numerous significant developments that have shaped its current form. The composition of the Upanishads, between 800 and 200 BCE, marked a philosophical shift from ritualistic practices to a more introspective and spiritual understanding of the self and the universe.

The rise of the bhakti movement between the 7th and 12th centuries CE brought about a democratization of religious practice attempting to make it accessible to all, regardless of caste or gender. The 19th and 20th centuries saw the rise of social reform movements within Hinduism, led by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, and Mahatma Gandhi, who sought to address social injustices such as untouchability, sati, and child marriage. 

HfHR is committed to continuing this tradition of reform and renewal, advocating for a Hinduism that is free from the shackles of caste and committed to the principles of justice and equality for all.

Core Beliefs and Philosophy

Most schools of Hinduism share a set of core beliefs and philosophical concepts that form the foundation of the tradition. Among these are the concepts of dharma, karma, and moksha, which guide the ethical and spiritual lives of millions of Hindus around the world.

DHARMA, KARMA, MOKSHA,

DHARMA, KARMA, MOKSHA,

Dharma

refers to the moral and ethical duties that individuals must fulfill according to their position in society and their stage of life.

Karma

is the law of cause and effect, which holds that every action has consequences that will be experienced in this life or in future lives. It emphasizes mindful choices and moral responsibility.

Moksha

is the ultimate goal of human existence, representing the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) and its union with the divine.

 HfHR embraces these core beliefs while advocating for a reinterpretation of dharma that is inclusive, progressive, and responsive to the challenges of the modern world. It frees us for a transformed life of generosity and compassion in this world.

The Concept of Dharma

Dharma is one of the most central and complex concepts in Hinduism. Though it has no direct English translation, it is often translated as 'duty,' 'righteousness,' or 'moral law.'

It refers to the ethical obligations and responsibilities that each individual must fulfill in order to live a good life. However, dharma is not a fixed or static concept; it is dynamic and can be understood differently depending on the context.

The Mahabharata, one of Hinduism's most important epics, explores the concept of dharma in great depth, illustrating that it can sometimes be difficult to understand and requires wisdom, compassion, and discernment to apply correctly.

Historically, the concept of dharma has often been invoked as a means of upholding the hierarchy of the caste system by associating one’s dharma with their caste and therefore providing justification for severe social consequences against those who are perceived as transgressing caste norms.

At HfHR, we reject this oppressive understanding of dharma and believe instead that this concept must be reinterpreted in a way that promotes justice, equality, and the welfare of all beings. Dharma reminds us of our interdependent existence and our need to serve the common good.

Karma & Reincarnation

The concepts of karma and reincarnation are central to Hinduism's understanding of the human condition and the nature of the soul.

Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, which holds that every action, whether good or bad, generates consequences that will be experienced by the individual either in this life or in future lives.

Reincarnation, or samsara, is the belief that the soul is reborn into a new body after death, continuing the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth until it attains moksha, or liberation. These concepts encourage individuals to live ethically and responsibly, understanding that their actions have far-reaching consequences.

Like Dharma, these intertwined concepts have also historically been used to uphold the caste system by claiming that some people are born into so-called ‘lower’ castes due to their accumulation of bad karma in their past lives.

HfHR recognizes the profound ethical implications of karma and reincarnation and advocates for a Hinduism that encourages individuals to act in ways that promote social justice, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of all living things.

Sacred Texts

Unlike the Quran for Muslims or the Bible for Christians, Hinduism does not have one central ‘Holy Book’, although a significant number of Hindus acknowledge the Vedas as important sources of religious teaching. Rather, the tradition has a vast and diverse body of sacred texts that have been composed over thousands of years, and which vary in their religious and doctrinal significance for different people.

These texts can be broadly categorized into two groups: Shruti (that which is heard) and Smriti (that which is remembered).

The Shruti texts, which include the Vedas and Upanishads, are considered to be of divine origin and form the foundation of Hindu philosophy and theology.

The Smriti texts, which include the epics (Mahabharata and Ramayana), the Puranas, and various other scriptures, are considered to be human compositions that provide guidance on how to live a righteous life.

There are many scriptures––particularly those written in vernacular languages––that are also considered to be both shruthi and smriti texts by the communities that find them sacred.

HfHR values the wisdom of sacred texts while also advocating for their interpretation in ways that promote justice, equality, and the dignity of all beings. In addition, we believe Hindus may reject those elements of Shruthi and Smriti texts that perpetuate injustice, such as the Manu Smriti and Purusha Suktam which justify caste hierarchy. According to the teachings of Adi Sankara, one of the most revered scholars of Advaita, the Vedas should be considered pramana, a source of valid knowledge, but they cannot be considered authoritative when they contr something we know to be true or false from lived experience. We believe that the notion of pramana gives us the opportunity to challenge and reject texts that contradict contemporary ideas of morality and social justice.

Upanishads

The Vedas are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, composed between 1500 and 500 BCE. They are divided into four collections: the Rigveda, the Samaveda, the Yajurveda, and the Atharvaveda. The Vedas contain hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings that form the foundation of Hindu religious practices. The Upanishads, composed between 800 and 200 BCE, are philosophical texts that explore the nature of the self (atman) and its relationship with the ultimate reality (Brahman). They represent a shift from ritualistic practices to a more introspective and spiritual understanding of the universe. 

Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana

The Bhagavad Gita and the Ramayana are two of the most important and widely read texts in Hinduism. The Bhagavad Gita, which is part of the Mahabharata, is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. The Gita addresses fundamental questions about duty, righteousness, and the nature of reality, offering guidance on how to live a life of dharma and devotion. The Ramayana is an epic that tells the story of Prince Rama and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. It is a tale of virtue, devotion, and the triumph of good over evil. While these texts offer us much inspiration on how to live a good life, many Hindus have also developed critiques or rewritings of the Ramayana to challenge elements instances of injustice in the story,  such as Rama’s exile of Sita in the Uttara Kanda.

Other Significant Scriptures

In addition to the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana, Hinduism has a vast body of other significant scriptures, including the Puranas, the Dharma Shastras, the Agamas, and hundreds of texts written in vernacular South Asian languages. The Puranas are a genre of ancient texts that contain mythological stories, religious teachings, and genealogies of gods, goddesses, and saints. The Dharma Shastras are texts that provide guidelines for ethical and moral conduct, while the Agamas are scriptures that provide instructions for temple worship and rituals. Hundreds of other texts are considered to be sacred in particular regional contexts, such as the Kirtan Ghosha by Assamese Bhakti saint Srimanta Sankardev and the Abhanga poetry of Tukaram, texts that emphasized the idea that religion is best practiced through bhakti and equal treatment of everyone as God.