What is Hinduism?

I am a Hindu, and yet when asked questions such as "What is Hinduism?" or "What is the central book of Hinduism?" I often found myself unable to provide a satisfactory answer. When history textbooks and scholarly descriptions characterized Hinduism as a polytheistic religion, it felt incomplete, even misleading, though I couldn’t pinpoint why.

This year, during my sabbatical, I decided to spend some time understanding my religion and its theology. Through study and reflection, I feel I have gained a better grasp of its essence. This article is an attempt to answer those questions and offer insights into one of the world’s oldest religions: Hinduism.

The content reflects my understanding of Hinduism and one possible way of understanding the basics of this ancient tradition.

The Complexity of Defining Hinduism

Hinduism resists a singular definition, functioning more as a way of life than a structured religion in the conventional sense. It weaves philosophy, spirituality, and culture into a harmonious whole that has evolved over millennia. Often regarded as one of the world’s oldest spiritual systems, Hinduism can be understood as a pursuit of eternal truths guiding humanity toward harmony with the cosmos.

To better understand this complexity, it helps to explore the philosophical tenets that form its foundation.

Core Philosophical Tenets

At the heart of Hinduism is the idea that truth is multifaceted. This perspective is encapsulated in a verse from the Rig Veda: “Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti”—"Truth is one, but the wise call it by many names.” This verse underscores the unity underlying diverse forms of the divine, emphasizing that different deities and practices converge toward the same universal truth.

Hinduism offers four primary spiritual paths, each addressing different temperaments and inclinations:

1. Jnana Yoga (Path of Knowledge): Pursuit of wisdom and self-realization through intellectual inquiry.
2. Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): Devotional worship directed toward a personal deity.
3. Karma Yoga (Path of Action): Selfless action performed without attachment to outcomes.
4. Dhyana Yoga (Path of Meditation): Introspection and meditation to attain inner peace and enlightenment.

These pathways reflect the tradition’s inclusive nature, allowing individuals to shape their spiritual journeys according to personal needs and circumstances.

The Concept of Dharma

Central to Hindu philosophy is the concept of Dharma, often misunderstood as religion but encompassing duty, righteousness, and cosmic order. It guides individuals in living ethically and in harmony with the universe. For instance, a person might fulfill their Dharma by caring for their family, contributing positively to their community, or preserving the environment. Thus Dharma is both personal and universal, evolving with one’s stage of life and role in society.

The Mahabharata explains Dharma as that which sustains and upholds life, emphasizing that adherence to Dharma fosters balance and justice in the world. Dharma distinguishes humans from animals, elevating us beyond mere survival to ethical and spiritual existence. Unlike rigid doctrines, Dharma allows for adaptability, acknowledging that ethical living requires consideration of individual circumstances and societal contexts.

Karma: The Law of Cause and Effect

Closely intertwined with Dharma is the principle of Karma, the universal law of cause and effect. Together, they form the ethical foundation of Hinduism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of one’s duties and actions in maintaining harmony and spiritual growth. Every action generates consequences that ripple through one’s current life and future incarnations. This understanding encourages ethical behavior by showing how actions aligned with Dharma contribute to harmony and spiritual growth.

Sacred Texts and Shared Heritage

Hinduism’s philosophical depth is reflected in its sacred texts, composed over centuries and offering diverse perspectives on existence, duty, and the divine. Texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata are foundational, serving as both spiritual guides and ethical compasses.

These texts are interpreted in diverse ways across various schools of thought. For example, Bhagavad Gita is viewed by practitioners of Bhakti Yoga as a devotional call to worship, by Karma Yoga followers as a guide to selfless action, and by Jnana Yoga seekers as a philosophical treatise on self-realization. This adaptability underscores Hinduism’s respect for multiple perspectives and its capacity to remain relevant across time.

Interconnectedness and Ecology

The interconnectedness of all life is a recurring theme in Hinduism, reflected in its ecological consciousness. Scriptures venerate Earth, water, and air as sacred, urging humanity to act as stewards of the environment. For instance, the Atharva Veda (12.1.12) proclaims, "Earth, in which lie the sea and the river, in which food and cornfields have come to be, Earth, may she bestow on us the splendor of life." This verse emphasizes the reverence for nature as an integral part of existence. Similarly, the concept of Panchmahabhutas—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space—recognizes the five great elements as the building blocks of life, underscoring humanity's responsibility to maintain balance within the natural world.

This perspective resonates with contemporary efforts to address ecological crises, emphasizing humanity’s role within a greater cosmic order. For example, the Chipko Movement in India drew inspiration from Hindu teachings on protecting nature, where local women hugged trees to prevent their deforestation, embodying the principle of interconnectedness and care for the environment. These timeless values remind us that sustainable living is not a modern invention but deeply rooted in ancient wisdom.

Pluralism and Inclusivity

Hinduism’s distinctiveness lies in its origin as a way of living harmoniously with creation rather than as an organized religion. Historically, the term "Hindu" referred to the people living beyond the Sindhu (Indus) River, evolving later into “Hinduism” under English influence. Notably, Sanskrit has no equivalent word for "religion" in the Western sense, reflecting Hinduism’s ethos of inclusivity. This inclusivity is deeply rooted in the philosophical concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—"the world is one family"—which underscores the interconnectedness of all life and fosters a spirit of acceptance.

This inclusivity is evident in Hinduism's historical openness to diverse traditions and communities. Religions originating in the Indian subcontinent—Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism—share a foundational ethos of coexistence and have flourished alongside Hinduism for centuries. Their distinct philosophies and practices complement the shared values of respect for diversity and ethical living. For example, Buddhist principles of compassion and Jain emphasis on non-violence resonate deeply with Hindu ideals, enriching the collective cultural and spiritual fabric.

This spirit of inclusivity also extends to faiths from beyond India’s borders. Tibetan Buddhists, for instance, found refuge in India following the Chinese occupation of Tibet, preserving their culture and spiritual practices. Similarly, Parsis fleeing persecution in Persia were welcomed and allowed to safeguard their faith and culture. The Jewish community, present in India for over 2,000 years, thrived without facing discrimination or conflict. Additionally, Christianity, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and even newer faiths like the Bahá'í tradition have flourished in India’s pluralistic environment.

Today, nearly every major world religion has representation in India, further illustrating the nation’s deep-rooted respect for diversity and the harmonious coexistence fostered by Hinduism’s values. While modern challenges occasionally strain this pluralistic ethos, the enduring principles of interconnectedness and tolerance provide a resilient foundation for fostering harmony in an increasingly polarized world.

The Relevance of Hinduism Today

In an era marked by polarization and environmental challenges, Hinduism’s emphasis on pluralism, ethical living, and ecological harmony offers timeless guidance. Its teachings invite reflection on the interconnectedness of life and the need for actions that sustain harmony.

Hinduism is not merely a set of beliefs but a living tradition that evolves with humanity’s needs. By fostering respect for diversity and emphasizing ethical living, it continues to provide insights for navigating the complexities of modern existence.