Basic Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the oldest religion and thought system to ever exist on this planet. Some historians assert its existence to be 4000 years ago; some says its 5000 years ago while another group came with archeological evidence claiming it’s more than 15 000 years old. But what one can definitely state proudly that Hinduism is a highly spiritual, philosophical and tolerant religion which believes in guiding rather than ordering its followers. This segment consists of allowing you to understand the basics of Hinduism without any complexity.
Hinduism Scriptures: What are they?
Hinduism has several sacred writings as opposed to one holy book. With the multitudes of sacred books, some Hindus tend to want to know which one is the main and most important of all. There are two categories for Hinduism Scriptures; one being the Shruti which means “what is heard” and the Smriti translating to “what is remembered”.
The Vedas (Shruti)
It is The Vedas that imparts a big deal of knowledge about the way of life (Sanatana Dharma which also mean Eternal Path). The Vedas are the primary sacred scriptures known to the Hindus and also the most ancient religious works to have been composed during the 1500 B.C (a period known as the Vedic period). It is a collection of verses and hymns written in Sanskrit. Veda translates to “Knowledge” which means that it contains transcended understanding on the causes and functions of personal experiences. There is a belief that these scriptures have been passed on to scholars from God with the mission of spreading its teachings to the masses.
The Vedas come in four parts namely the Rig Veda, Sama Ved, Yajur Ved and the Atharva Ved. And each Veda consists of the four compositions that are explained below:
- The Samhitas, the oldest part of The Vedas entailing hymns (mantras) praising the God
- The Brahmanas being prayers and rites conducted by priests with commentaries
- The Aranyakas focusing on worship and meditation
- The Upanishads stating philosophical teachings of Hinduism
- The Upanishads remain the most popular and read about Veda.
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is a part of the great Epic Mahabharata and the world longest poem with 700 verses. Its date of composition is suggested to be around 200 CE by scholars. The Bhagavad Gita recounts the dialogues between Arjuna, the Pandava prince and Lord Krishna, his charioteer. Seeing his uncles, gurus and brothers as his adversaries in the battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna wants to withdraw from this war. And it is the wisdom conveyed by Lord Krishna that constitutes the Bhagavad Gita. Their conversation sheds light on what constitutes as right, the importance of carrying our dharma and the meaning of life and salvation. Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna to take the bow (gandivam) and fight because as a warrior, Arjuna must fulfill his duty.
Ramayana
The Ramayana is unquestionably the best known and most widely read epic among Hindus with 24 000 couplets in seven books.
Ramayana is a Sanskrit narrative by the poet Valmiki which tells the life of Rama (incarnation of Lord Vishnu), an exemplary prince of Ayodhya, of Sita (incarnation of Lakshmi) his faithful wife and of Ravana, the evil demon. Ravana commits the sin of abducting Sita. Ultimately, Rama comes to Ravana Lanka and saves his beloved wife with the help of Hanuman and eventually kills Ravana. The end of Ravana symbolizes the victory of good over evil, which is why every year Hindus celebrate Diwali.