Most Hindus believe in brahman, an uncreated, eternal, infinite, transcendent, and all-embracing principle. Brahman contains in itself both being and nonbeing, and it is the sole reality—the ultimate cause, foundation, source, and goal of all existence. As the All, brahman either causes the universe and all beings to emanate from itself, transforms itself into the universe, or assumes the appearance of the universe. Brahman is in all things and is the self (atman) of all living beings. Brahman is the creator, preserver, or transformer and reabsorber of everything. Hindus differ, however, as to whether this ultimate reality is best conceived as lacking attributes and qualities—the impersonal brahman—or as a personal God, especially Vishnu, Shiva, or Shakti (these being the preferences of adherents called Vaishnavas, Shaivas, and Shaktas, respectively). Belief in the importance of the search for a One that is the All has been a characteristic feature of India’s spiritual life for more than 3,000 years.
Ravana-the-10-headed-demon-king-detail-from-a-GulerRavana, the 10-headed demon king, detail from a Guler painting of the …[Credits : Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio, gift of George P. Bickford]
The-Great-Bath-Mohenjo-daroThe Great Bath, Mohenjo-daro.[Credits : Frederick M. Asher]
Vishnu-with-his-consort-Lakshmi-from-the-temple-dedicated-toVishnu with his consort Lakshmi, from the temple dedicated to Parsvanatha in the eastern temple …[Credits : © Anthony Cassidy]
Surya-Deula-Konarak-Orissa-IndiaSurya Deula, Konarak, Orissa, India.[Credits : Frederick M. Asher]
The-Chariot-Festival-of-the-Jagannatha-temple-Puri-Orissa-IndiaThe Chariot Festival of the Jagannatha temple, Puri, Orissa, India.[Credits : © Dinodia/Dinodia Photo Library]
Rabindranath-TagoreRabindranath Tagore.[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
Mahatma-GandhiMahatma Gandhi.[Credits : Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images]
Surya-stone-image-from-Deo-Barunarak-Bihar-India-9th-centurySurya, stone image from Deo-Barunarak, Bihar, India, 9th century ce.[Credits : Pramod Chandra]
Learn about the origins of Hinduism and its general principles.[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
Learn about the basic principles and goals of Hinduism, including reincarnation and karma.[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
Hinduism believes that the chains of Karmic law are broken by achieving union with the Divine.[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
Learn about the gods of the Hindu religion and their symbolisms.[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
Learn about the life and beliefs of Hindu monks.[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
Discover the many rituals of Hindu prayer, including breath control and the use of prayer beads.[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
Learn about the life and beliefs of Hinduism’s holy men, known as Sahdu.[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
Learn about the stages of Hindu life.[Credits : Acquired from Vast Video]
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