Hinduism is a path to realize the Self. It is known as Sanatana Dharma – the Eternal Right Path. It is a sincere way of life! It tells you to look within. It encourages thinking for the well-being of all.

You aren’t forced to believe any thing. But the right things are logically explained and seeking those right things is Dharma. It does not forbid you from pursuing your work or wealth or enjoy the various pleasures of life but urges you to pursue them in a rightful manner. The four important pursuits in living are described as Dharma, Artha, Kaama and Moksham, meaning righteousness, pursuit of wealth, enjoyment of pleasures and ultimately bliss.

In Hinduism, God is not an entity who creates fear in us. You need not fear God. Inside everyone, there is a consciousness that is living and loving – call it a tiny God. It will offer you endless chances for everyone to realize his true self and eventually merge in Brahman or the Paramatma.

Hinduism proclaims in Maha Upanishad “वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्” that means “Humanity is one family.”

Prayers are for not just for individuals but for everyone irrespective of caste or creed. The following verse that appears in Taittiriya Upanisad prays:

ॐ सह नाववतु ।
सह नौ भुनक्तु ।
सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।
तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

“May we be protected together, may we be nourished together, may we work together with great vigour, may our study be enlightening, may no obstacle arise between us.” Peace, Peace and Peace!

It is a “universal” prayer, and it is non sectarian. There is no word in it referring to any specific God.

ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः
सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः ।
सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु
मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Om, May All become Happy, May All be Free from Illness, May All See what is Auspicious, May no one Suffer, Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

There is another Vedic mantra ( Rig_Veda 1.89.1) that proclaims आ नो भद्राः क्रतवो यन्तु विश्वतः representing the core belief of Hinduism and the openness to all. It means “Let noble thoughts come to us from all sides.”

In short, Hinduism encourages individuals to form a good community for the well-being of everyone in the world. Such is the greatness of Hinduism!