Hindusim - From the Exhibition of Hinduism at the Sri Swaminarayan Mandir, London

Hinduism has no single founder, but is a revelation of the world of the spirit by ancient seers and mystics living in India utilising prayer, meditation and austerities as a means of receiving eternal truths. Their collective experiences form the foundation of Vedic scripture and knowledge.

Hinduism teaches one to see the presence of God in everything, and thus honour the whole of creation. From this perspective, there are no heathens or enemies. Everyone has the right to evolve spiritually and will in time realise the truth. Hinduism is therefore in every sense generous: souls are not limited to one life - many lives offer many chances of elevation. At the same time it is rigorous: people are responsible for every action they perform, through the Law of Karma.

The major beliefs of Hinduism include:

Parabrahman: One supreme all-powerful God. he is the creator, has divine form, is immanent, transcendent and the granter of moksha.

Moksha: Ultimate liberation and the goal of human life. The liberation of the soul from the perpetual cycle of births and deaths; to remain in blissful presence of God. 

Avararvad: The Manifestation of God on earth. God himself manifests himself on earth in various forms to revive Dharma and grant moksha.  Sathya Sai Baba was the most recent such manifestation.

Dharma: An all-encompassing term representing divine law, the law of existence, the path of righteousness, religion, duty, responsibilty, virtue, justice goodness and truth.

Punar-Janma: Reincarnation. The immortal soul (known as the Atma), is repeatedly born in one of millions of life forms until it attains moksha.

Vedas: Hindu faiths accept the spiritual authority of the four Vedas, each of which consists of the Samhita, Brahmana, Aranyaka and Upanishad texts. 

Hindusim existed before the kingdoms of Egypt or the Roman Empire, even before the rise of Chinese civilization and well before the Renaissance in Europe. 

The growth and spread of Hinduism has been possible because it encourages scientific and social developments while remaining focused on spiritual principles. It is more than a religion and has been called Hindu Dharma - 'that which sustains'. Hinduism aims to sustain the whole of creation; not just one particular species or group. Hence Hinduism has survived for millennia in the face of both foreign invasions and internal challenges. Presently Hindus account for about one seventh of the world's population and is spread over 150 countries.

From the 'Understanding Hinduism' Exhibition at the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neadesn, North London


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