Key Points
Hinduism is diverse; no single doctrine (or set of beliefs) can represent its numerous traditions. Nonetheless, the various schools share several basic concepts, which help us to understand how most Hindus see and respond to the world.
The concepts we discuss here are largely based on Siddhanta and Vedanta, and accepted by most modern traditions (but, keep in mind, not all!).
Hinduism begins simply by differentiating between matter and spirit. Spirit is understood within two main categories, namely
the individual self, or soul (the atman)
the Supreme Self, or God (the paramatman).
Hence, there are these three main truths (see below), which form the basis for theological discussion.
These three truths have been expanded in this section into twelve concepts. These twelve are interwoven into a useful overview of Hindu thought (given below).
This simple diagram shows the three basic concepts that form the basis for Hindu thought. Different schools present various opinions on the nature of each "concept" and the relationships between them.
Overview of Hindu Theology
Almost all Hindus believe that the real self (atman) is distinct from the temporary body made of matter (prakriti).
The eternal soul identifies with matter and is entrapped by maya (illusion). Impelled by lust, greed, anger, etc., he undergoes samsara (the cycle of repeated birth and death).
Each soul creates its unique destiny according to the law of karma (the universal law of action and reaction). Under the influence of eternal time and the three gunas (material qualities) he moves throughout the creation, sometimes going to higher planets, sometimes moving in human society, and at other times entering the lower species.
*Key Concept -
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1. The Atman (the Soul)
2. Reincarnation and Samsara
3.The Law of Karma
4. Prakriti (Matter) and Guna
5. Maya (Illusion)
6. moksha (Liberation)
7. God (Brahman/Ishvara)
8. Dharma (religious duties)
9. One Goal, Different Paths
10. Scripture and Guru (Authority)
11 .Time
12. Creation
*Key Questions
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1. Who are we? What is the real self?
2. What happens after death, before birth?
3. Why is there suffering?
4. How does the world work?
5. Why do we get into difficulty in this
world?
6. What is the goal of life?
7. Is there a God? If so, what is He/She like?
8. Which is the right way to act?
9. How can we explain Hindu diversity?
10.How are the teachings preserved?
11.When did it all start and when will it
finish?
12.How and why was this world made?
* You can get answer for this quetions in our Classical Yoga - Class (every Sunday at 7am - place @ K.L.)
For more Info : call @ 012 9107301
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