Hinduism 101: An Introduction

Welcome to this introductory course on Hinduism. In this course, the student will learn the foundations of one of the oldest religions in the world. From the origins of Hinduism to the writings that shaped its historical development over centuries, non-Hindu students are introduced to a number of rather 'foreign' concepts.

While this course in no way claims to offer an in-depth view into every aspect of Hinduism and its concepts, we do want to touch upon the development and continual evolution of Hinduism in the past, and today. We'll talk briefly about the Indo-Aryan people from the Indus Valley region, known as the birthplace of Hinduism, and then focal points found in the practice of Hinduism. Topics relating to important scriptures found in Hinduism touch upon the Veda and the concept of Dharma.

 As students progress through the course, they'll learn about concepts like karma and the difference between mantras and tantras. Hindu deities will be explored, offering a glimpse into the most popular deities and holidays that still celebrate them today. You'll be introduced into concepts such as predestination and reincarnation and understand how such concepts helped shape Hindu society through the ages.

We'll then move on to talk about common Hindu customs and learn about the foods that Hindus can and cannot eat, customs regarding birth, marriage, death and funerals as well as how and why Yoga is such an important part of the practice of Hinduism. The functions of Hindu priests and temples and festivals is also briefly explored.

Hinduism is different than other major religions around the world, including Islam, Judaism or Christianity in that it does not claim one idea, person or entity as its founder. Hindus consider themselves monotheistic, while other cultures perceive them as being polytheistic. Hinduism is practiced in different ways depending on what region from India you come. Sages, teachers and gurus throughout history, as well as the lessons taught in epics, stories and poetry of the deities have influenced Hindu belief systems throughout its development. 

Hinduism is ever changing and yet finds its foundation in a constant theme - that God is found in everything and everybody. It's an exciting religion, one that, because it's so fluid, offers those who practice it not just one viewpoint or focal point in regard to morals, ethics, beliefs and religious practices, but many. Where you grew up in India also played a large role in how you or your family approached the religion. These differences are what make Hinduism different from other world religions such as Judaism or Christianity. Hinduism is not based so much on one holy book or perception of faith, but many.  

Hindus, unlike Christians or Muslims or Jews, do not rely on a single source (such as the Holy Bible, the Koran or the Torah) for the practice of their faith. Hundreds of Indians from throughout India contributed to Hindu practices and viewpoints over generations. This is why we say that Hinduism is a fluid religion. It is not static, but ever changing. Nevertheless, Hinduism, despite the changes, additions and different viewpoints offered by sages and philosophers, has always maintained a firm foundation in its roots. 

Hinduism is widely practiced by a majority of Indians today, although large Hindu communities are found throughout the world from Southeast Asia to South America to Africa, the United States, Europe and Australia. 

The word "Hindu" originated in the Indus Valley and the lands surrounding the river Indus, in India. Throughout history, various terms have been used to apply to this culture and society, from the British "Hindustan", meaning specifically the northwest portion of India, to Arabic text that referred to the individuals who lived in the Indus Valley as Al-Hind, a modern-day term for India. 

So what, exactly is Hinduism? In concept, Hinduism is not easily defined because it's made up of a wide range of ideas and traditions. Many of these traditions are based in sacred literature such as the Vedas, which will be explored more fully in this course.

People with differing viewpoints inside that religion compose Hinduism, like many other religions. For example, some Hindus consider certain rituals necessary for their salvation while others don't; some revere certain texts as sacred literature, while others don't. 

Hinduism, to a great extent, relies on the belief that all actions in life have certain consequences or effects. This concept is called karma. Many Hindus believe that their actions, and how those actions affect themselves or others, perpetuate an eternal cycle of death and birth. During this cycle, a person continues to improve in each and every consecutive life in a process known as reincarnation. Attaining the highest level of perfection possible results in salvation or freedom for the individual to break free of the reincarnation cycle. 

Other religions have similar beliefs, including Buddhism. The difficulty in defining Hinduism in a single sentence or two is that it has been, and it still being, created and developed from a variety of founders. Therefore, Hinduism is not defined by a specific creed or declaration. It's a combination of many teachings, beliefs and traditions. Because of this, Hinduism is different than the religions of Islam or Christianity, which are in essence, monotheistic. 

Following its independence, the first prime minister of India stated that Hinduism was "all things to all men" -- further illustrating that Hinduism in and of itself cannot be specifically defined as one thing or another. 

Throughout this course, in an effort to more specifically define the concepts and belief systems in Hinduism, we will explore various viewpoints when it comes to God, the Veda, Dharma, karma, and the writings of many of the holy books of Hinduism. We'll delve more deeply into the concepts of predestination and reincarnation, and how Hindu traditions developed into the form of religion as it's practiced today. 

Understanding Hindu deities and what place they have in Hindu and Indian society is an important aspect of understanding the Hindu religion. In a sense, Hinduism does not have boundaries. Its edges are often blurred and hard to define.