With over a billion followers, many of whom reside in India, Hinduism is one of the most popular religions in the world. With communities and followers in nearly every country around the world, there are surprisingly only three countries with a Hindu majority; Nepal, India and Mauritius.
While the origins of Hinduism are relatively unknown, with no set founder and much of the history lost to the eras of time, it’s a religion that has survived and flourished through thousands of years, one that we celebrate here at Antaryami all the time.
Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the religion and celebrate the very best aspects of it. If you’re a follower already, you’ll already know the beauty and wondrous perspective that this religion provides. If not, then you’re in for a treat.
Here are four of some of the amazing attributes that Hinduism has and the effects that have on the lives of its followers.
#1 – Reaping Only What You Sow
This is one of my personal favourites. While other religions speak of sin and damnation, there isn’t present in Hindu teachings. There is, however, karma, the belief and that all actions have consequences.
This is not a foreign concept to anybody and is based on the unique governance of cause and effect. However, actions taken will affect you over multiple lifetimes. If you’re a good person in this life, then you’ll have a good life in the next, and so on and so forth.
On the other hand, if you live a greedy life where you are cruel to other people, your next life, as well as parts of this one, will be burdened with hardships. However, in Hinduism, you can’t be cursed by another person’s action in your last life, you make your own karma and determine your own future.
#2 – Life is Beautiful
In short, Hinduism is one of the most beautiful religions in the world. There are numerous festivals held throughout the year which are all filled with colour and music. You may have heard of Holi, one of the biggest celebrations of the year.
During this holiday, Hindu men and women are renowned for covering each other in colourful powers in a celebration of joy and happiness. Even out of festive periods, examples of Hindu temples and art is simply stunning.
Offerings are made within these temples and places of worship, often involved beautiful candles, spices and vibrant flowers. Many of the temples will be home to hundreds of statues and carvings of idols and deities.
#3 – Your Path is Your Own
Unlike many other religions, Hinduism has dozens of gods and goddesses, each with their own purpose, personality and wisdom. This means that individuals aren’t restricted to the beliefs and nor have to stick to worshipping a single deity.
This gives Hindus flexibility when it comes to following the path they want to take, depending on the individual situation in their own lives.
#4 – The Oldest Religion
Of course, nobody wants to join a religion simply because it’s the oldest, but it’s simply a hard fact. Hinduism has been present in the world for over 5,000 years, with the origins stretching back even further than that. The origins have been traced back to the Indus River Valley, from which the word originates.
Upon projects of excavation in the valley, dozens of idols and statues were uncovered, alongside an ancient script. However, the language has long since been lost, and there’s no way to transcribe what has been written accurately.