Introduction
To Hinduism
page 2
The Vedic theology evolved through a collection of writings called the
Upanishads, which were compiled between 500 B.C. and A.D. 200, and then
concludes with the Vedantic writings, also known as Vedanta ("End
of the Vedas"), which were written between A. D. 200 and 800 (See
the section "Vedic Religion" in the special supplement.) Another
important set of spiritual texts that influenced the Hindu culture are
the Sutras and the Sastras, which were written from 500 B.C. to 200 B.C.
The Sutras consist of various instructions for the Brahman priests as
to how to conduct various religious acts and ceremonies, and serve as
a guide for human conduct. The Sastras are primarily concerned with matters
of personal conduct and a code of ethics. (See Brahmanic
Religion.)
With the advent of the teachings of Buddha around the year 500 B.C.,
a trend developed in India. Rather than relying on a Brahman priest or
rigorous austerities to relate or commune with the divine, individuals
were inspired to develop a personal relationship with God. This popular
Hinduism began to spread throughout India, evolving into the devotional,
or "Bhakti," form of worship that is most prevalent in India
today. These devotional practices are outlined in a collection of writings
known as the Puranas as well as in the Hindu epics, the Mahabharata and
the Ramayana. (See Bhakti
Hinduism.)
As the ancient wisdom was revealed and evolved through the different
cultures that existed in different parts of India, various forms were
adopted to depict the nature of God, and humanity's relationship with
God. There are literally thousands of gods and goddesses that are revered
in the Hindu traditions; all are generally accepted as personal forms
of the divine. Hindus don't typically argue about which god is "The"
god, but rather accept that God can represent itself through any and all
forms, or through no form at all. Hindu beliefs center on a universal
principal, or power, known as Brahma, which is omnipotent, omniscient,
and beyond all the confines of time, space, and causation. This universal
power is typically represented through three major principles: creation,
preservation, and destruction. These three attributes are represented
by the principal gods in the Hindu pantheon: Brahma, the creative aspect;
Vishnu, the preserver; and Shiva (or Siva), the destroyer (of illusion).
Thus, God incarnates into form, evolves through consciousness, and transcends
again, merging into Total Consciousness.
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