Hinduism is a religion that includes a diversity of ideas on spirituality and traditions, but has no ecclesiastical order, no unquestionable religious authorities, no governing body, no prophet(s) nor any binding holy book. Hindus can choose to be polytheistic, pantheistic, panentheistic, pandeistic, henotheistic, monotheistic, monistic, agnostic, atheistic or humanist. The following are some of the key beliefs of Hinduism:
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One Supreme Being: Hindus believe in a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality.
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Divinity of Scriptures: Hindus believe in the divinity of the four Vedas, the worlds most ancient scripture, and venerate the Agamas as equally revealed.
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Endless Cycles of Creation: Hindus believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation, and dissolution.
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Karma: Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates their own destiny by their thoughts, words, and deeds.
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Reincarnation: Hindus believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until all karmas have been resolved, and moksha, liberation from the cycle of rebirth, is achieved.
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Pluralism: Hinduism is a deeply pluralistic tradition, promoting respect for other religions and acknowledging the potential for truth in them. Hindus see the varieties of religions and philosophies as different ways to understand and relate to God.
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Intrinsic Divinity: Hindus believe that each person is intrinsically divine and the purpose of life is to seek and realize the divinity within all of us.
Hindu families conduct their daily worship at home altars and also at temples on special occasions. Many Hindus consult gurus (recognized spiritual teachers and guides) for advice or answers to spiritual questions.
