Introduction
Understanding Hinduism
The term Hinduism includes a wide variety of traditions in the Indian subcontinent, which do not share a single founder or a uniform creed, but have historical, ritual and philosophical ties.
Depending on the schools, the ultimate reality can be thought of as Brahman, as a personal divinity or through several divine forms. Dharma, karma, sasāra and moksa are frequent landmarks, without being interpreted in the same way everywhere.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- Hinduism is not a homogeneous tradition.
- The paths of knowledge, action and devotion can be complementary.
- Divinities are understood in various ways according to the schools.
- Practices are related to families, temples, regions and lineages.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Vedic crops
Composition and transmission of the Vedas.
Upani
Development of thoughts about self, action and liberation.
Temples, devotions and Purā
Essor of traditions vai
Reforms and global dissemination
New movements, modern yoga and diasporas.
History and plurality
The traditions grouped under the name of Hinduism have been established over a long period of time. Vedic rites, Upani-ad speculations, epics, Purās and temple traditions have contributed to a living and plural ensemble.
Western classifications have sometimes simplified this diversity. Orabel therefore favours the names of schools and practices when they are known.
Common concepts
Dharma can designate the order, duty or right way of acting. Karma connects acts with their consequences, sasāra the cycle of existences, and moksa liberation.
The representations of l-ātman, Brahman and deities vary according to dualistic, non-dualistic or devotional schools.
- Dharma
- Karma
- Sasāra
- Mok
Schools and devotions
Vai
What research can and cannot say
Yoga, breathing and certain forms of meditation have been studied on mobility, pain, stress and wellbeing. The results concern specific contemporary protocols and do not demonstrate metaphysical notions such as karma, reincarnation or the existence of deities.
References