Hinduism

        Hinduism is the oldest major religion still practiced today, with origins tracing back over 4,000 years in the Indus Valley (modern-day Pakistan and northwest India). It was not started by one person or singular event. It gradually developed through local traditions, philosophies, and rituals. It eventually became deeply tied to Indian society. Sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana form the spiritual and philosophical foundation of Hinduism. Over time it has evolved into a diverse tradition with many different branches of thought and practices. Hinduism has shaped art, politics, and daily life for millennia and is still practiced by over a billion people.

       It is not a one-size-fits-all religion. It includes many paths, deities, and philosophies, but some beliefs are commonly shared among Hindus:

• Brahman – The ultimate reality or divine force that exists in all things. Everything comes from and returns to Brahman.

• Atman – The soul or true self, which is eternal and part of Brahman.

• Reincarnation (Samsara) – Hindus believe the soul is reborn in a new body after death. This cycle continues until spiritual liberation is achieved.

• Karma – The belief that every action has consequences. Good actions bring positive karma; bad actions bring negative karma, affecting your future lives.

• Dharma – A person’s duty, which depends on age, caste, gender, and stage of life. Living according to dharma helps maintain cosmic order.

• Moksha – The ultimate goal: freedom from the cycle of rebirth and reunion with Brahman. Moksha is achieved through knowledge, good deeds, devotion, or meditation.

• Gods and Goddesses – Hinduism honors many deities, each representing different aspects of Brahman. Some of the most well-known include:

  • Brahma – the creator

  • Vishnu – the preserver, often appearing as avatars like Krishna and Rama

  • Shiva – the destroyer and transformer

  • Lakshmi – goddess of wealth and good fortune

  • Saraswati – goddess of wisdom

  • Durga and Kali – fierce warrior goddesses

• Ahimsa – Nonviolence and respect for all living things, which is why many Hindus are vegetarian.

Hindus also celebrate many festivals, such as Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors), and Navaratri, which honor gods and mark seasonal or spiritual events.

        In Hinduism death is not the end. The soul (atman) is eternal and will pass through many lifetimes as it is shaped by karma. A person's rebirth is based upon how they lived in their previous life. The ultimate goal is moksha, liberation from this cycle, which brings peace, freedom, and unity with the divine.

        Hinduism is more than a set of beliefs but rather it is a way of life that affects a person's identity. From family and food to festivals and philosophy, it invites followers to explore truth in all forms, honoring the divine in all things and encouraging balance.