Probably the world's oldest major religion, Hinduism evolved from the Vedic religion of the ancient Aryans who invaded northern India in about 1400 B.C. In the centuries after the invasion, this Vedic religion gradually intermixed with the indigenous religions of the conquered natives to form Hinduism. During this process, gods and goddesses from the native religions were added to the original pantheon of the Aryans. Differences in the native religions led to the development of a number of different sects.
Hinduism's oldest sacred texts are the Vedas, a collection of rituals, mythological stories, and philosophical commentaries brought into the country by the Aryans. In addition, there are a great number of epic stories about gods, heroes and saints, including the Bhagavadgita, a part of the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Puranas. Different sects emphasize different parts of this literature.
Hindus believe that there is only one divine principle, and that the various gods and goddesses are different aspects of that unity. All life forms are also aspects of that same divine unity, but appear as a separate existence. Every living being goes through a continuous cycle of birth and rebirth, with the level of each stage determined by the purity or impurity of the previous stage. An individual being can climb to a higher stage, or possibly even completely escape from the cycle, by pure thoughts and acts.
There is a special realm called Naraka which is similar to the Christian hell, except that the punishment is temporary rather than eternal, and after the individual's sins are paid for, he or she re-enters the normal cycle of successive incarnations.
In an effort to reach a higher level of understanding, and greater peace of mind, some Hindus practice strict disciplines known as yogas. Janana Yoga emphasizes meditation and contemplation, Bhaka Yoga focuses on directing one's love toward God, and Karma yoga emphasizes selfless service toward others.
The greatest Hindu deities are the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, and the goddess Shakti. Many minor deities are local gods and goddesses that have survived from the pre-Aryan era and were incorporated into Hinduism. It has been estimated that there are more than three million gods and goddesses altogether.
One controversial aspect of Hinduism is the caste system. The Aryan conquerors may have brought this with them, and then expanded it when they imposed their rule over the natives. Temples and religious orders are usually presided over by the Brahmins, or priestly caste. Fortunately this system has lost much of its influence in modern times.
Kauai's Hindu Monastery -- This is the website of a traditional Hindu monastery-temple complex located on Hawaii's Garden Island. This site contains information about the spiritual teachings, publications, and study programs offered at the monastery.
Hinduism Today Magazine -- This quarterly News magazine is published in both on-line and printed editions. Founded in 1979, one of its main purposes is to inspire and inform all Hindus and all people interested in the religion. The on-line edition also includes a daily news summary.
Hindu Temples -- Go to this site for photgraphs and descriptions of some of the ancient Hindu temples found in India and the surrounding region.
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