Understanding Hinduism - VEDICOLOGY INDIA

“Understanding Hinduism – An awareness workshop” is a 5-day program that can empower the participants to understand better Sanatana Dharma and what it means to be a Hindu – In the true sense.

Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma is diverse; no single doctrine (or set of beliefs) can represent its numerous traditions. However, the various schools share several basic concepts, which help us understand how most Hindu philosophy followers see and respond to the world.

An awareness course on Hinduism is an initiative by the Vedicology Center to encourage the practice of Sanatana Dharma. Vedicology team members Mr Praveen Saanker and Mr Eswaran Namboothiri facilitate a study on understanding the core philosophy and key concepts of Hinduism.

The concepts of Hinduism we discuss here are primarily based on Vedantic doctrines and accepted by most diverse modern traditions (but not all!). Hindu studies or research on Hinduism begins simply by differentiating between matter and spirit. Spirit is understood within two main categories: the individual self, the soul (the atman), the Supreme Self, or God (the Brahman).

Vedicology division for Hindu studies and Research on Hinduism have divided the core of Hindu or Sanatana Dharma philosophy into 12 concepts. These interwoven concepts form the basis for theological discussions in this program.

Key Concepts and Topics Covered in the Program

Key Concepts in Understanding Hinduism Program and the different questions that are addressed through these concepts

Concept 1. The Atman (the Soul)

Questions – Who am I? Who are we? What is our real self? What is Atman?

Concept 2. Reincarnation and Samsara

Questions – What is reincarnation? What happens before birth? What happens after death?

Concept 3. The Law of Karma

Questions – What is Karma? Why is there suffering? Is Karma real?

Concept 4. Prakriti (Matter) and Guna

Questions – How does the world work?, What is the difference between Purusha and Prakriti?

Concept 5. Maya (Illusion)

Questions – What is Maya ?, Why do we get into difficulty in this world? What is the meaning of Maya?

Concept 6. Moksha (Liberation)

Questions – What is the purpose of life? What is Moksha? How to attain Moksha?

Concept 7. God (Brahman/Ishvara)

Questions – What is the concept of God in Hinduism? Is there a God? If so, what is He/She like?

Is Hinduism monotheistic? Is Hinduism monotheistic or polytheistic

is Hinduism polytheistic? Who is God in Hinduism?

Concept 8. Dharma (Religious Duties)

Questions – What is Dharma? Which is the right way to act? How to follow Dharma? What does Dharma mean?

Concept 9. One Goal, Different Paths

Questions – How can we explain Hindu Diversity? Why does Hinduism have so many gods? What are the different paths to liberation?

Concept 10. Scripture and Guru (Authority)

Questions – What are the Hindu Scriptures? How are the teachings preserved?

Concept 11. Time

Question – When did it all start, and when will it finish?

Concept 12. Creation

Question – How and why was this world made?

Different Schools of Vedanta

Vedanta originates from the Upanishads, and there are various doctrines within Vedanta. The nature of the Supreme and the definition of the relationship between God and Soul is the main contention.

The Advaita Vedanta (monist) schools entirely equate the soul with God.

The Dvaita Vedanta (monotheistic) schools tend to emphasise distinction.

Different theologies synthesise these two elements. However, Mr Praveen Saanker presents the opinions of both these schools in a manner that is easy to understand.

An Overview of Hindu Theology by Vedicology

The Vedicology team facilitate the study of this course on Hinduism by introducing an overview of Hindu Theology. Almost all Hindus think that the actual self (atman) differs from the temporary body made from matter (Prakriti).

The eternal spirit identifies with matter and can be entrapped by Maya (illusion). Impelled by lust, greed, anger, etc. ), the human being experiences samsara (the cycle of repeated births and deaths).

Each soul creates its unique destiny according to the regulations of Karma (the universal law of action and response ). Under the sway of eternal time and the three Gunas (material attributes ), he moves through the creation, sometimes going to higher planets, occasionally moving into human culture, and at other times entering the lower species.

The goal of most Hindus is moksha, liberation from the Perpetual cycle, through re-identification with the eternal brahman (Supreme). Hinduism accepts different avenues towards this common goal (union with God). Nevertheless, It suggests strict adherence to principles through the custom of one’s dharma (ordained duty) as guided through sacred books and generally received through the guru (spiritual mentor).

Courses on Hindu philosophies are offered plenty by organisations worldwide, but this training program on Hinduism is unique. We respectfully analyse the views of various schools and present all the views to the participant in a simple to understand manner and let the participant decide on his/her path forward.