FAQ about Hinduism

What is Hinduism?
Hinduism is a set of beliefs and traditions, not a religion. Hinduism is a way of life based upon a number of religious movements and is not based upon a single scripture or the teachings of a single prophet. There is no central organization in Hinduism to control its movements or progress.

What is the Meaning of the word Hindu?
Hindu is a secular word with no religious meaning. It is derived from the name of a major river in India, the Sindhu. The Greeks and Armenians called the people of this region Sindhus. When the Muslims arrived they called the people Hindustanis. The British identified the local religions collectively under the name of Hinduism.

Does Hinduism have a founder?
No, Hinduism is based upon the experiences of many saints, sages and seers.

Who is Brahman?
Brahmin is the Absolute, Eternal, Impersonal state of Being.

What is the Atman?
The Atman is the expression of Brahman in each individual.

What is Hinduism's sacred book?
The Vedas are the closest thing to a sacred text as they could be said to be the core of Hinduism. But Hinduism is not based on one single textbook.

Why do Hindus have so many gods and goddesses?
In generalHindus believe in only one God.But there are many devas. The devas are actually the powers that support life. The Sun, Moon, and Air can all have deities to represent them. God is called devadeva because all other things need it to survive.

Do Hindus worship idols?
There is only one God who is beyond a definite form with specifiable attributes. For those unable to realize God in his divinity he appears in various forms for easy comprehension.

What do Hindus believe?
At the highest level of understanding Hindu teachings are in fundamental agreement with Buddhism. Both Buddhism and Hinduism stress the need of letting go of the ego or the self, so that we can realize The True Self, or selflessness. At more a more popular level, Hinduism differs with traditional Buddhism in that it has many ornate rituals.

What is Yoga?
Yoga is a spiritual path one takes toward realization of his true self. The Hindu yogas are jnana yoga (the path of knowledge), bhakti yoga (the path of love and devotion), karma yoga (the path of work and resolving personal conflicts), and raja yoga (the royal path or path of the mind).

What does Advaita mean?
The philosophy of Advaita was founded around 50-250 BC by Shankara. Advaita means non-duality. Brahman and being are one. "Aham brahmaasmi", I am Brahman. "Tat tvam asi", you are 'That'. ‘That’ is god.

What does Vishishtadvaita mean?
The philosophy of Vishishtadvaita is a type of non-duality. It states that there is an inseparable unity which is one and has no second, but matter and individual souls are attributes of that reality.

What does Dvaita or Tattvavda mean?
The philosophy of Dvaita was founded around the 13th century CE by Madhava. Dvaita means duality and it maintains that there is an eternal distinction between the individual self and the absolute.

What does AUM or OM mean?
Om is the most sacred syllable of any Hindu rite. It is composted of three different letters of the Sanskrit alphabet "a", "u", and "m". It represents the Trinity. The Trinity is composed of the three supreme Hindu Gods: Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver, and Shiva, the destroyer.

Are Hindus vegetarian?
Hindu scriptures do not say specifically not to eat non-vegetarian food, but they do emphasize the mode of goodness in considering the selecting of the foods we eat. Also meat eating could be avoided for spiritual benefits and kindness towards fellow creatures.
The selection between the two types of foods is up to the individual.

How can I become a Hindu?
A belief in Hinduism does not require you to join any group. You are not compelled to worship god, only to live a way of life compatible with Hindu ideals. You may follow any religion, as it is your Karma, but the Religion should speak correctly of God.

What is the Hare Krishna movement?
Hare Krishna is a sect within Hinduism. In general Hinduism can be divided into those who worship through Shiva, and those who worship through Vishnu. Krishna was the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. Hare Krishna is a type of Bhakti yoga, a form of worship. Hare Krishna focuses on the adoration of Krishna.

What is the Bhagavad-Gita?
The Bhagavad-Gita tells of the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna, a warrior on a battlefield. Krishna, who has been Arjuna's charioteer, tells the meaning of life to Arjuna. The Gita is to Hare Krishnas what the Gospels would be to a Christian.

Is Hinduism compatible with Christianity?
Hinduism tolerates Christianity, but Christianity has an uncompromising attitude in matters such as the infallibility of the Bible and allegiance to Jesus Christ.

What is the caste system?
The caste system was created during the Vedic age to bring about a smooth and ordered social life. The four castes were the Brahmins (intellectual class), the Kshatriyas (warrior class), the Vaishyas (trader class), and the Shudras (service people). Over time the original system was corrupted into rigid birth determined occupations and abuse due to superiority complexes of certain castes. The caste system has been virtually dismantled.

What are the marks on the forehead of Hindus?
Kumkum or chandan dots protect a power locus located between the eyebrows.

These questions are offered as a simple introduction to Hinduism.
They are presented as an opportunity for further exploration and understanding. No claim is made as to their accuracy or validity.
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