HINDUISM
Krishna
Hinduism is derived from the Persian word for Indian. It differs from Christianity and other Western religions in
that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or religious
organization. Its roots are traceable to the Indus valley civilization circa 4000 to 2200 BCE. Its development was
influenced by many invasions over thousands of years. One of the major influences occurred when
Indo-Europeans invaded Northern India (circa 1500 to 500 BCE) from the steppes of Russia and Central Asia.
They brought with them their religion of Vedism. These beliefs became mixed with the indigenous Indian native
beliefs. During the first few centuries CE, many sects were created, each dedicated to a specific deity. Typical among
these were the Goddesses Shakti and Lakshmi, and the Gods Skanda and Surya.
At the heart of Hinduism is the monotheistic principle of Brahman, that all reality is a unity; the entire universe is
one divine entity. Deity is simultaneously visualized as a triad:
- Brahma the Creator who is continuing to create new realities
- Vishnu, the Preserver, who preservers these new creations. Whenever dharma (eternal order,
righteousness, religion, law and duty) is threatened, Vishnu travels from heaven to earth in one of ten
incarnations.
- Siva, the Destroyer, is at times compassionate, erotic and destructive.
Simultaneously, many hundreds of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are worshipped as various aspects of that
unity. Depending upon ones view, Hinduism can be looked upon as a monotheistic, trinitarian or polytheistic
religion.
Humans are perceived as being trapped in samsara, a meaningless cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.
Karma is the accumulated sum of ones good and bad deeds. Karma determines how you will live your next life.
Through pure acts, thoughts and devotion, one can be reborn at a higher level. Eventually, one can escape
samsara and achieve enlightenment. Bad deeds can cause a person to be reborn as a lower level, or even as
an animal. The unequal distribution of wealth, prestige, suffering are thus seen as natural consequences for
ones previous acts, both in this life and in previous lives.
Meditation is often practiced, with Yoga being the most common form.
Jnana yoga is for people who are reflective and seek knowledge to find their divinity through rationality and
spirituality.
Bhakti yoga is the path to God through love and devoted service. It insists on God's otherness and
teaches love of God through adoration.
Karma yoga is the path to God through work. Be productive and strive to work towards high rewards and
work unselfishly.
Raja yoga is known as the path to reintegration, a way to God through psychophysical experiments.
Self-searching could be one way of describing Raja Yoga. Looking inward to discern the humanness from
the Godness and bringing them together. It involves meditation and self discipline.