DEFINITION OF HINDUISM

Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion in the world, with
followers primarily located in India and Nepal. It is a complex
 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/DEFINITION
ABOUT HINDUISM
Hinduism is a major religion and way of life in South Asia, particularly in India
and Nepal. It is a diverse and complex religious tradition that encompasses a wide
range of beliefs, practices, and philosophical ideas. Hinduism has a rich history and
tradition that dates back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, and over time has
incorporated many different regional and cultural practices and beliefs. Hinduism
is characterized by a belief in reincarnation, karma, and dharma, which
emphasizes a person's responsibility to uphold moral and ethical principles and
fulfill their social and societal obligations.
 Hinduism also has a variety of gods, goddesses, and deities, which are
worshipped through rituals and prayers. These include Brahma, Vishnu,
Shiva, and many others. In addition, Hinduism incorporates a range of
spiritual practices, including yoga, meditation, and devotion to one's
chosen Deity. Hinduism has had a significant impact on Indian society and
culture, influencing everything from art and literature to politics and
philosophy. Today, there are approximately one billion Hindus worldwide,
making it the third-largest religion in the world after Christianity and
Islam.
 here are some of the key beliefs of Hinduism:
(BELIEF OF HINDUISM)
1. Dharma - the belief in living a righteous life by following one's duty and proper conduct
2. Karma - the concept of cause and effect, where every action has consequences that affect one's future.
3. Reincarnation - the belief that after death, the soul is reborn into another body.
4. Moksha - ultimate liberation from the cycle of rebirth and reaching enlightenment.
5. Brahma - the ultimate reality or God, the creator of the universe and all living beings.
6. Atman - the belief that every individual has a soul, and this soul is part of the universal soul or God.
7. Yoga and meditation – an important practice to achieve balance and harmony in life, and to attain
spiritual enlightenment.
 ln summary, the pillars of Hinduism are

1). Karma
2).Dharma
3). Satyam (Truth)
4). Moksha

Without these four, there is no Hinduism or Santana Dharma. If one do not

follow or try and achieve these four, then he is no Hindu.
Karma:

Karma is a natural law of the mind, just as gravity is a law of matter. Karma
is not fate, for man acts with free will, creating his own destiny. The Vedas tell
us, if we sow goodness, we will reap goodness; if we sow evil, we will reap evil.
Karma refers to the totality of our actions and their concomitant reactions.
The conquest of karma lies in intelligent action and dispassionate reaction.
The Vedas explain, “According as one acts, so does he become. One becomes
virtuous by virtuous action, bad by bad action” (Yajur Veda, Brihadaranyaka
Upanishad 4.4.5).
Dharma:

Dharma is God’s divine law prevailing on every level of existence, from the
sustaining cosmic order to religious and moral laws which bind us in harmony with
that order. In relation to the soul, dharma is the mode of conduct most conducive to
spiritual advancement, the right and righteous path. When we follow dharma, we are
in conformity with the Truth that inheres and instructs the universe, and we naturally
abide in closeness to God. The Tirukural (verses 31–32) reminds us, “Dharma yields
Heaven’s honor and Earth’s wealth. What is there then that is more fruitful for a man?
There is nothing more rewarding than dharma, nor anything more ruinous than its
neglect.”
 Hinduism is a faith, not a Religion. The four Vedas are the backbone of the
SANATANA DHARMA or what is also referred as HINDUISM. Hindus consider
the Vedas to be Apauruṣeya which means "not of a man, superhuman" and
"impersonal, Authorless". Vedas are also called śruti ("what is heard")
literature, distinguishing them from other religious texts, which are called
Smṛti ("what is remembered").The Veda, for orthodox Indian theologians, are
considered revelations seen by ancient sages after intense meditation, and
texts that have been more carefully preserved since ancient times.
Satyam (Truth):

From Sanskrit, sat, means “that which is true”; and yam, means “to hold,”
“to tame” or “to examine.” When translated into English, it is often used as a
synonym for the adjective Satya/Satyam.
Moksha:

Ultimate liberation from the cycle of rebirth and reaching

enlightenment.
WHAT IS DOCTRINE?

Doctrine refers to a set of beliefs or principles that guide an individual or an

organization. In a religious context, doctrine is a set of principles or beliefs that
form the foundation of a particular faith or religion. These beliefs can include
teachings on God, the afterlife, morality, ethics, and other important aspects
of a religion. In a broader sense, doctrine can also refer to a set of principles or
beliefs that guide a particular organization or institution, such as political
parties, businesses, or academic institutions.
 Doctrine (from Latin: Doctrina, meaning "teaching, instruction") is a
codification of beliefs or a body of teachings or instructions, taught principles
or positions, as the essence of teachings in a given branch of knowledge or in a
belief system. The etymological Greek analogue is "catechism".[1]Often the
word doctrine specifically suggests a body of religious principles as
promulgated by a church. Doctrine may also refer to a principle of law, in the
common-law traditions, established through a history of past decisions.
 The ten doctrines explained are: God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, Man,
Salvation, The Church, Scriptures, Angels, Satan, and The Last Things.
The creed proclaims belief in the Holy Trinity; the Incarnation, Passion,
and Resurrection of Christ; the Second Coming and Last Judgment of Christ;
the remission of sins; the church; and eternal life.