BELIEFS

 

BELIEFS

 Hinduism teaches one to see the presence of God in everything and thus honour the whole of creation. With this perspective, there are no heathens or enemies. Everyone has the right to evolve spiritually and will at some time realise the truth. Hinduism is, in a sense, generous; souls are not limited to one life - many lives offer many chances for elevation. At the same time, Hinduism is rigorous; people are responsible for every action they perform, through the Law of Karma.

 The major beliefs of Hinduism include:

 PARABRAHMAN: One supreme, all-powerful God. He is the Creator, has a divine form, is immanent, transcendent and the granter of moksha.

 AVATARVĀD: Manifestation of God on earth. God Himself manifests on earth in various forms to revive Dharma and grant moksha.

 KARMAVĀD: Law of Action. According to its past and present actions, the soul reaps fruits - good or bad - which are experienced either in this life or future lives.

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 PUNAR-JANMA: Reincarnation. The immortal soul is repeatedly born and reborn in one of millions of life-forms until it attains moksha.

 MOKSHA: Spiritual liberation. The liberation of the soul from the perpetual cycle of births and deaths, to remain eternally in the blissful presence of God in His transcendental abode and here on earth, is the ultimate goal of human life. GURU-SHISHYA SAMBANDH: Guru-disciple relationship. The guidance and grace of a spiritually enlightened teacher is essential for an aspirant seeking liberation.

 DHARMA: An all-encompassing term representing divine law, law of being, path of righteousness, religion, duty, responsibility, virtue, justice, goodness and truth. VEDA-PRAMĀNA: Authority of Vedic scriptures. Hindu faiths accept the spiritual authority of the four Vedas, each of which consists of the Samhitā, Bráhmana, Aranyaka and Upanishad texts.

 MURTI PUJĀ: Worship of sacred images of God. Devotees worship images ritually infused with the presence of God to develop and express their relationship with Him.

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