Vedic_Temple

Hinduism

Hinduism - In a nutshell

Hinduism is as ancient as civilisation itself whose origins are lost in the mists of time. The religion, which evolved in India from the profound experiences of great seers and sages, is practised by about 80% of the 1 billion population and continues to flourish both in India as well as overseas. A single person did not found the religion, nor is it based on a single historical event. Hinduism has produced an extraordinary wealth of art, architecture, literature and philosophy. The values and insights of the tradition have contributed to the enrichment of human culture and civilisation in general.

The essence of Hinduism is the following of the ancient scriptures called the Vedas. These Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Saama and Atharva) are the complete body of universal knowledge and also teach the principles of daily life and order. For the spiritual journey, they are also the guideposts and the destinations.

No civilisation anywhere in the world, with the probable exception of China, has been as continuous as that of India. While the civilisations of Egypt, Babylon and Assyria have disappeared, in India the ideas emanating from the Vedic times continue to be a living force. The very strength of Hinduism lies in the fact that it has survived thousands of years of intense prejudice, neglect, criticism, and misinterpretation.

So if the Hindus practice the Vedic teachings, why is the religion not called Vedanta or something else? The answer is simple, when the Aryans came over, they saw what was being practised in the Indus valley (i.e. the Vedic teachings) and gave it the name Hindu. Hence this name has stuck ever since. As the teachings of the Vedas have stood the test of time and are universal, the Hindu religion can also be referred to as Sanathan Dharma (Sanathan means timeless, ever-existing, eternal; while Dharma means right conduct).

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Hinduism – Some Main Beliefs

God is One, but also Many. The One becomes many and the many have to begin their journey finally towards the One as a process of creation.

Reincarnation or rebirth. The soul reincarnates through many births until all karma has been resolved.

Union with God. Everyone will attain this union and ultimately find spiritual knowledge and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Not a single soul will be deprived from this destiny.

The concept of incarnation of God. According to this concept God is an active and dynamic principle, who sometimes descends onto the earth's consciousness directly and assumes human form to protect the weak and restore world order.

Man is divine in nature. The basic purpose of a human life is to realise this divine nature.

The law of karma. You reap what you sow, either in this life or next. There is however no scope here for fatalism. Actions done as an offering to God do not affect us. Sacrifice through surrendering to God is therefore the basis of salvation. Hinduism offers the best way to live a life devoid of anxieties and worries. It says, "Live your normal life, offering all your actions and possessions mentally to God in the spirit of sacrifice without bothering about the results of your actions."

All are equal. All beings that have souls, are equally important in the scheme of creation and that they all evolve continuously till they achieve final freedom. Man is but one stage in this evolution of life and in the soul's upward journey towards such liberation.

Why do Hindus have many Gods?

As mentioned earlier, God is one. However, God incarnates in various forms from age to age. Depending upon your beliefs, you pray to the form of your choose. God also has many facets; different aspects of Godhead are represented for the prayer of your choice. An analogy is a person; different people refer to him as a father, son, uncle, nephew, husband, brother, etc… However, he is one – people just call him by different names depending upon their relationship. So it is with God and your relationship with Him. There are many ways in which one can approach God. All paths in the end lead to singular Him only.

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Where Can I find out more about Hinduism?

There are many sources of reference that are available both through books and internet.

In Southampton, Hindu Vedic Society Temple has been established to further the spiritual growth of the aspirants. It provides a focal point for the community and a place of worship. It welcomes worshipers of all faiths.

The Southampton Vedic society, being the only temple in at least a 50-mile radius, provides spiritual guidance and upliftment for a wider community. Indeed during religious festival celebrations, people come from afar.

The Vedic Temple Society also caters for school visits from around the Hampshire region and assist the fostering/imparting of better understanding of Hinduism and its teachings. Indeed the Temple has also been visited from schools in Dorset and Sussex.

The Southampton Hindu Vedic Society Temple is open seven days a week; Monday to Saturday its open from 9:00am to 12:00 noon and 5:00pm to 7:00pm while on Sundays its open from 9:00am to 1:30pm and 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

For further information please contact the Southampton Hindu Vedic Society Temple, 79-195 Radcliffe Road, Southampton, SO14 0PS. Telephone 023 8063 2275.

Author: Mr. Ravindrabhai Parmar
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