
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.
