What are the basic tenets of Hinduism?

Answer 1

The truth (Ultimate Reality) is one, Sages call it by different names - there is one God, (Supreme Reality) perceived differently.
Supreme Reality - Brahman has two aspects, transcendent (impersonal) and immanent (personal).
In the impersonal aspect Brahman is without attributes (nirguna Brahman).
In personal aspect (saguna Brahman) the God is creator, preserver and controller of the universe.
Saguna Brahman is worshipped in male and female form.
Hindu Deities represent various perceptions of a one God.
Hindus believe in monotheistic polytheism, rather than polytheism.


Essential elements:

Harmony of religions : All religions lead to the same goal i.e. to understand and connect with the infinite God. Revere all great teachers of all religions, respect their teachings as the same eternal truths adopted to the needs of different peoples at different times. Hindus do not seek to convert.

Incarnation : Whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness rises, God incarnates himself on earth to restore righteousness.

Non Violence : All life is sacred, to be loved and revered hence the the doctrine of Non-violence, non-injury and non-killing (Ahimsa).

Doctrine of Karma : Belief in the doctrine of Karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by thoughts, words and deeds. Ignorance viewed as cause of bondage.

Unity of Existence : All things and beings are the manifestation of one Supreme Being. When the mind is transcendent through spiritual experience, the Universal spirit is seen as the sole essence of the universe.

Dharma : Righteousness and good moral and ethical practices in accordance with the scriptures. Includes all duties -- individual, social and religious.

Humanism : Equality of all human beings, regardless of caste, color and creed. Respect and reverence for womanhood.

Atman : Essence of all living things and beings is Atman, infinite and eternal, unchanging and indivisible. True nature of the individual is the Atman, which is one with the underlying reality of the Universe. There is but one being, one reality "Thou art That".

Reality : The Supreme Reality (Brahman) is both formless and with form, impersonal and personal, transcendent and imminent. The supreme reality becomes manifest in various aspects and forms, and is known by various names. There are various ways by which individuals, in accordance with his/her temperament can realize God.

Moksha : Freedom from cycle of birth and death. To make an individual a better person, so that he/she can live harmoniously in this world and seek union with God.

Authority : Non-reliance on a single book. Has many sacred writings Vedas, Upanishads, Brahma sutra, Sutras, Bhagwad Gita etc.

No particular religion teaches the only way to salvation above all others, but that all genuine religious paths are facets of God's pure love and light, deserving tolerance and understanding.


Some observances:

Patience, firmness and stability (Dhruti)

Forgiveness (Kshama)

Self-control and contentment (Dama)

Not to steal or conceal, or be selfish (Asteya)

Cleanliness, purity and honesty (Saucham)

Control over senses and sexual energy (Indriya Nigraha)

Right knowledge of the scripture (Dhee)

Material and spiritual knowledge or study (Vidya)

Truth (Satya)

Absence of anger (Akrodha)

Answer 2

Hinduism Basic Tenets

Answer 3

Hinduism isn't a religion in the traditional western sense. Hindus believe in tolerance and don't decree any one faith as 'supreme' over all others. There are many paths to God; each person is free to choose his or her own path. But all paths lead to Him.

God is not confined to a single, celestial being. God is in everything; we just have to search for Him within us. Our souls are bound to the cylce of birth and rebirth until we achieve spiritual purity, detachment from desire of all worldly things, and ultimate union with the Supreme Being. Our mortal soul is like a drop of water seeking its way to the river. The goal of each life is to move closer to God by performing our duty on Earth, without seeking personal rewards. The enlightened person will come to the realization that there is no 'self' -- we are all a part of the Supreme.

To learn more, I would suggest reading the Bhagavad Gita.

Answer 4

I cant believe that comment.

If it isn't Christianity it must be satanism..
Gosh get it right..
In some of the comments made though out this forum i have seen no respect for other beliefs.
It is so nice that you don't judge others..even in so many comments you say God judges us no one else dose.
yet you are always the first to cast the stone.

Hinduism is not Satanism.. Get your facts right
I am not a Hindu but I also did my research on the Religion.
It is very Respectful and Peaceful.