'Hinduism'
is a Western term which refers to the diverse religious and cultural traditions stemming
from the Vedas, the ancient Sanskrit writings of India. Followers themselves often prefer
the term 'Sanatan Dharma' (the Eternal Religion) indicating belief in universal and everlasting
truths. The tradition, therefore, has no clearly definable beginning, though scholars
date it back more than five thousand years. Hinduism, we can say with certainty, has no
single founder and no common set of beliefs and practices.
Key Concepts
Despite
the diversity of the tradition, there are a number of philosophical concepts which are
widely accepted and are usually passed down by spiritual teachers (gurus) appearing in
disciplic succession. The main concepts are as follows:
atman: the real, eternal self (soul), distinct from the body
and mind. brahman: spirit, or the Supreme (God). deva: demigod, one of the controlling superintendents of the
material nature. dharma: duty, or adherence to natural laws. karma: the universal law of action and reaction maya: illusion, whereby the eternal soul identifies with temporary
matter. reincarnation: transmigration of the soul from one
body to another. moksha: liberation from samsara through union with God. samsara: the perpetual cycle of birth and death.
The Vedic Scriptures
The
Sanskrit term 'Veda' means knowledge. Tradition holds that before the present age (Kali
yuga), the Vedic wisdom was transmitted orally. Five thousand years ago, the sage Vyasa
compiled it into scripture under two broad categories:
the shruti (that which is heard)
and
the smriti (that which is remembered)
The shruti consists of the four Vedas. The smriti includes the Puranas
(historical stories), the Ramayana (the epic of Rama & Sita) and the Mahabharata,
which includes the most popular text, the Bhagavad
Gita.
Ideas of God
Despite
the acceptance of a multitude of higher beings, most Hindus believe that God is one, either
as the all-pervading world-soul or as the Supreme Person. The Supreme, however conceived,
is worshipped in, or through, a variety of forms, of which three arc principal, namely
Vishnu, Shiva and Shakti (the goddess). Especially popular amongst British Hindus today
are Rama and Krishna, who most consider to be two of the incarnations (avatars) of Vishnu.
Worship
Worship
regularly takes place at home as well as in the temple. Families usually have a shrine
devoted to a particular deity in a part of the house set aside for puja (worship). Devotions
are usually focused on sacred statues (murtis), especially in temples, and the most popular
ceremony is called arti.
Other forms of congregational worship include bhajan (devotional songs), havan (the fire
ceremony) and pravachan (religious discourses). Personal observances include fasting,
meditation and taking darshan (audience) of the deity or holy person.
Hindu Society in Britain Today
The
system of four stages in life (ashrams), together with four occupational classes (varnas),
is called Varnashram Dharma and forms the basis of the Hindu social system. Although home
life and family structures are greatly valued, a striking feature of Hinduism is its emphasis
on celibacy and renunciation, especially in later life. In the U.K. today there are at
least four hundred thousand Hindus, originating mainly from Gujarat and Punjab and often
coming via East Africa. There are around 150 temples (mandirs) throughout the UK, which
serve as social and community centres, as well as places of worship. With successive generations,
social and religious trends are rapidly changing, and yet the Hindu community appears
to be preserving its ancient heritage whilst applying its principles to life in
modern Britain.
Four of the motifs on this page are taken from wood block prints on a popular handloomed
prayer shawl. They depict various symbols of Vishnu.
'Hinduism'
is a Western term which refers to the diverse religious and cultural traditions stemming
from the Vedas, the ancient Sanskrit writings of India. Followers themselves often prefer
the term 'Sanatan Dharma' (the Eternal Religion) indicating belief in universal and everlasting
truths. The tradition, therefore, has no clearly definable beginning, though scholars
date it back more than five thousand years. Hinduism, we can say with certainty, has no
single founder and no common set of beliefs and practices.
Despite
the diversity of the tradition, there are a number of philosophical concepts which are
widely accepted and are usually passed down by spiritual teachers (gurus) appearing in
disciplic succession. The main concepts are as follows:
The
Sanskrit term 'Veda' means knowledge. Tradition holds that before the present age (Kali
yuga), the Vedic wisdom was transmitted orally. Five thousand years ago, the sage Vyasa
compiled it into scripture under two broad categories:
Despite
the acceptance of a multitude of higher beings, most Hindus believe that God is one, either
as the all-pervading world-soul or as the Supreme Person. The Supreme, however conceived,
is worshipped in, or through, a variety of forms, of which three arc principal, namely
Vishnu, Shiva and Shakti (the goddess). Especially popular amongst British Hindus today
are Rama and Krishna, who most consider to be two of the incarnations (avatars) of Vishnu.
Worship
regularly takes place at home as well as in the temple. Families usually have a shrine
devoted to a particular deity in a part of the house set aside for puja (worship). Devotions
are usually focused on sacred statues (murtis), especially in temples, and the most popular
ceremony is called arti.
The
system of four stages in life (ashrams), together with four occupational classes (varnas),
is called Varnashram Dharma and forms the basis of the Hindu social system. Although home
life and family structures are greatly valued, a striking feature of Hinduism is its emphasis
on celibacy and renunciation, especially in later life. In the U.K. today there are at
least four hundred thousand Hindus, originating mainly from Gujarat and Punjab and often
coming via East Africa. There are around 150 temples (mandirs) throughout the UK, which
serve as social and community centres, as well as places of worship. With successive generations,
social and religious trends are rapidly changing, and yet the Hindu community appears
to be preserving its ancient heritage whilst applying its principles to life in
modern Britain.
