What is Hinduism?

Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religion. It is originated in India and the predominant religion of the Indian subcontinent. It is a way of life for many people around the world whose origin are in Asian continent. It is shared and practiced by about 800 million people, or one-sixth the world’s population. Its knowledge and belief system are based on vedic teachings of saints and enlightened masters. Its teachings and knowledge believed to be eternal.

The roots of Hinduism can be traced several thousand years. The earliest evidence date back to Harappan period (5500–2600 BCE). The era around 1500-500 BCE is known as the “historical Vedic religion”

The oldest Veda is the Rigveda, dated to 1700–1100 BCE. The conclusion of the Veda is called the Vedanta and it forms the theoretical basis of the classical Hinduism.

The three Pillars of Hinduism are:

1. Jnana: Knowledge of how one can fulfill one’s duties and live a complete life while accumulating Artha (wealth) and Kama (pleasures) with Dharma (universal order, righteousness, values, duties) as its base and foundation. Spiritual pursuits are obtained through a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
2. Bhakti: Devotion to God is one of the highest devotion in life. One can worship God through prayers, puja, bhajans, japa, chanting of shlokas, meditation and yoga amongst many others.
3. Seva: Service to any being is equal to service to God. Seva can be done through praying for others, doing community work, helping the elderly, helping offenders through the prison counselling programme or through the aftercare programme, through donations and even by helping to educate others.