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Hinduism
Please note this is only a brief outline, of what is, a very complex and comprehensive religion and philosophy. The aim here is not to guide or serve tuition in any form of Hinduism, its religion or its philosophy, but serves only as a personal reference to explain both the differences and similarities to other eastern and western religions and philosophy.
For further information regarding Hinduism, links are provided throughout this site, and also on the links page.
Hinduism is an indo religion, which is very diverse and which incorporates very complex and profound philosophies. There are many divergent belief systems within Hinduism, which make it very difficult to identify and pinpoint a precise location and historical time for its origins. Although it is widely regarded that there are four main texts, which are central, and commonly interpreted as the root of this great religious and philosophical movement. These texts and scriptures are; the Vedas, the Brahma Sutras and Uphanishads, and the Bhagavad gita.
Although these great scriptures are preserved in the most ancient of languages, in Sanskrit, it is believed that their origins predate even these early written recordings. In fact, it is widely accepted that the Vedas and verses of the Brahma Sutras, were frequently practised, recited and memorised, and conveyed through spoken language alone. These teachings were thus passed down from generation to generation in oral form, from the elders to the young. This may sound surprising, yet on reflection, it should be noted that these early cultures had little or no education in the art of written communication, and had no skills to either read or write their own language. So it appears, the only way to pass on this knowledge and wisdom was to commit it to memory, and to learn it by heart. It is believed it is for this reason, that the texts and scriptures were often chanted and recited in small, concise verses that could easily be memorised and passed from one devotee to another.
Thus it has been difficult for religious scholars and historians to pinpoint entirely, the earliest beginnings of Hinduism, and to trace its origins, and its motivations.
These early beginnings in Hinduism have perhaps, arguably, helped to fuel and encourage the diverse nature of ideas within this religion and philosophy. And with only these four key ancient texts to draw from, has led to the ultimate reliance upon these ancient texts for clarity and purity. Thus these scriptures have proven to be the foundation for the evolution of ideas and interpretations by the great proponents of Hinduism, its religion and its philosophies. These four key and central ancient scriptures, have, over time and generations, been scrutinised for their wisdom, truth and understanding. And any new revelations or interpretations that have followed these early scriptures must have a solid grounding within the early texts to be accepted.
Reincarnation, rebirth, Karma, self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the deliverance from Samsara and final freedom in moksha through wisdom, knowledge and enlightenment, are all a part of the Hinduism philosophies and religion. And in this way, Hinduism bears similarity to the other great Asian philosophies of Jainism and Buddhism. In fact, it can be difficult to scrutinise the divergence of these beliefs to the exact point of origination. Although commonly it is known that Buddhism originated much later and even makes direct references to Hindu sanskrit terms, later interpretations by Hindu philosophers may in fact include a common grounding in understanding Karma, duality, connectedness, and collective consciousness, that may draw comparisons from Buddhism itself. Or at the very least, it shows a significant connection between these belief systems.
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