Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hinduism
Hinduism has no founder or central authority and it isn't a proselytising religion. Essen-
tially, Hindus believe in Brahman, who is eternal, uncreated and infinite. Everything that
exists emanates from Brahman and will ultimately return to it. The multitude of gods and
goddesses are merely manifestations - knowable aspects of this formless phenomenon.
Hindus believe that earthly life is cyclical: you are born again and again (a process
known as 'samsara'), the quality of these rebirths being dependent upon your karma (con-
duct or action) in previous lives. Living a righteous life and fulfilling your dharma (moral
code of behaviour; social duty) will enhance your chances of being born into a higher caste
and better circumstances. Alternatively, if enough bad karma has accumulated, rebirth may
take animal form. But it's only as a human that you can gain sufficient self-knowledge to
escape the cycle of reincarnation and achieve moksha (liberation).
Gods & Goddesses
All Hindu deities are regarded as a manifestation of Brahman, who is often described as
having three main representations, the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Brahman
The One; the ultimate reality. Brahman is formless, eternal and the source of all existence.
Brahman is
nirguna
(without attributes), as opposed to all the other gods and goddesses,
which are manifestations of Brahman and therefore
saguna
(with attributes).
Brahma
Only during the creation of the universe does Brahma play an active role. At other times he
is in meditation. His consort is Saraswati, the goddess of learning, and his vehicle is a
swan. He is sometimes shown sitting on a lotus that rises from Vishnu's navel, symbolising
the interdependence of the gods. Brahma is generally depicted with four (crowned and
bearded) heads, each turned towards a point of the compass.
