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Saturday, 16 August 2014

What is Hinduism?

The word Hindu has been adapted from the word Sindhu or Indus, which is a river in the North-western part of India and current day Pakistan. It means the inhabitants of this region.

Hinduism is a philosophy. It is a way of living, which considers everything sacred. It has numerous gods and goddesses, which relate to every living or non-living entity. From rain god to wind god to fire god; hindus have a god for everything around them. This system of worshipping everything was created with an intention to preserve creation, to save ourselves and everything around from extinction. Relating any object with god automatically made it an object to be treated with respect, and also to be afraid of in case one displeased the gods. Hinduism teaches the ideal way of living. It is a well thought out system because when one worships or considers something sacred; one cannot misuse, disrespect or destroy it. He is bound to protect it. Hindu way of life is about having unbiased compassion, respect and love for every aspect of creation. It’s various rituals aim towards pacifying the uncontrollable mind and fill the thoughts with positive energy. It’s a practice to live amicably with nature and other living entities.
The numerous texts on hindu philosophy talk elaborately on life after death but at the same time, they are always insisting on the present. They are always focussing on how important the current form of life is and what is the best noble way of living it to the fullest and how to stay away from several sins which cause negativity inside and around.
Hinduism insists on ultimately relating with the Supreme, the creator. And, who is the ultimate creator? It is not Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, or any other god. It is that who created even the Gods. Gods are the paths through which one finds the supreme. The rituals performed to please any god aim at ultimately finding the Supreme through a positive mind, body and soul. We may address that Supreme with any name according to our beliefs, culture and convenience.
-Inspired from Srimad Bhagwatam




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