Hinduism is the
principal religious tradition of India, characterized by the worship of many
gods, a belief in reincarnation, and the concept of karma, which is the basis
of the caste system. Hinduism is the
world’s third largest religion with more than 900 million followers worldwide.
The largest population of Hindus resides in
India and Nepal. Despite this vast following, many people have misconceptions
about the religion. The following important facts are what you’ll want to know
about what is considered to be one of the oldest religions:
1. A caste
system is a class structure that is determined by birth. It means that in some societies if your
parents are poor, you’re going to be poor, too. Same goes for being rich. You
are stuck in the job (or social position) you’re in.
It is illegal in India to discriminate against anyone
on the basis of caste. The phrase caste
system has been around since the 1840’s, but Hindus have been using caste since the 1500’s. There are
caste systems all over the world. America does not have a caste system.
2.
A Hindu’s Bible is called the Veda. It means
"wisdom.” The Verda is comprised of four ancient and Holy Scriptures which
all Hindus revere as the revealed word of God.
3. Both males and females will have their ears pierced as
children. The piercing is believed to have acupuncture benefits even for males
who may not wear earrings.
4. Each home has a personal deity they pray to. Find
out to whom your friend prays to by asking them, but mainly ask why! For
example, Maharashtrians pray to Ganpati (Ganesh), who is known as the remover
of obstacles. Gods and Goddesses can have anything they want, except your free
will, so when you pray, they are pleased you chose to pray!
Hindu temples do not have set days or times for Hindus
to visit. Anyone can come pray anytime. There aren’t chairs or pews to sit on.
People sit on the floor, pray, receive blessed food from a priest and then
leave when they feel like they’ve finished their prayers.
6.
Hinduism believes God resides in
every individual. By respecting an individual, Hindus value God himself.
Hinduism teaches one to respect the nature and surrounding around them.
7. Hinduism is the only major religion that has nearly an
equal number of female and male deities. Both female and male deities are
revered and worshipped throughout the year. The number 108 is considered a holy
number to Hindus, especially on prayer beads called malas.
Hindus will chant
the names of their beloved divine 108 times while praying. Another reason
people believe the number to be holy is that there are 54 letters in the
Sanskrit alphabet, and each has masculine and feminine designations. 54 times 2
equal 108.
8.
Hindus all believe in one supreme God who created
the universe. He is all-powerful. He created many gods that are highly advanced
spiritual beings to be the supreme God’s helpers. Hindus believe the soul is
immortal and takes birth time and time again. Through this process, Hindus have
experiences, learn lessons and evolve spiritually.
9.
Hindus don't
worship cows. They respect the cow. By honoring this gentle animal who gives
more than she takes, all creatures are honored. Hinduism respects every animal
species. Almost all animals are associated with some deity.
Hindus teach vegetarianism as a way to live with a
minimum of hurt to other beings. But in today's world not all Hindus are
vegetarians. Food is considered as blessings of
the goddess Annapurna. Wasting food is considered as an insult.
10.
In
religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, karma is the
belief that the totality of a person's actions in this life affects all
future lives. Actions (both good and bad)
come back in the future, which help’s to learn from life's lessons and become
better people.
11.
The dot worn on a
person’s forehead is a religious symbol. It represents divine sight and shows
that one is a Hindu. For women, it is also a beauty mark.
12.
Yoga, meditation,
and Ayurveda all came from Hinduism and are widely practiced not only by Hindus,
but by people of all religions throughout the world. Did you know that zero (the
number) came from India? The decimal system also came from India, and can be
found in early Hindu texts. Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism are offshoots of
Hinduism.
“II am a Hindu because it is Hinduism which makes the
world worth living. I am a Hindu hence I Love not only human beings, but all
living beings.” (Mahatma
Gandhi) [i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“5 Facts You Didn't Know About Hinduism” by Chhaya Nene
·
“Caste System” from Vocabulary.com
·
“Hinduism” from Your Dictionary
·
“Karma” from Collins English Dictionary
·
“Ten Questions People Ask About Hinduism...and ten terrific answers
Plus...Hinduism's Code of Conduct: the Yamas & Niyamas” by Hinduism Today
·
“What are five things that we should learn from
Hinduism?” by Sandip Pandey
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