People have many questions about Hinduism. We have just opened this page with a few fundamental questions and brief answers. We will keep adding more in the future.
There are numerous websites on Hinduism. In what way this website is different?
The problem is there are too many websites providing a plethora of information related to Hinduism. As a result, the main challenge is that many people do not know where to begin nor do they have the time to browse through these websites and elaborate scriptures. The purpose of this website is to provide an easier way to understand the basics of Hinduism and help people find a meaning in their lives.
Who founded Hinduism?
All religions barring Hinduism were established by single individuals. We do not know which individual founded Hinduism. Even the Vedas that are fundamental to Hinduism or Sanatana Dharma were not created by the ancient sages – they were only perceived by them during meditation. So, the sages are called ‘mantra-drishtas’ (saw or experienced the mantras) and not ‘mantra kartas’ (not creators of mantras).
Please listen to the lucid explanation quoted from the teachings of one of the greatest and most revered Gurus – the 68th Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, known as Mahaperiyavaa – in a short video “Guru Krupa #1, at https://youtu.be/dgo2HPnHZTg
Why are many Hindus ignorant about Hinduism?
Various answers are given to this question. Some say that Hinduism is not a religion in that is easily understood as there are too many Gods, too many rituals, too many scriptures. Some feel it is because India was under foreign rule for centuries and the education system followed the Western pattern. Another is that it is not easily reduced to a catechism. The answer could be a combination of all these factors.
How can Hinduism be made easy to understand?
Many people think of Hinduism as a complex faith. It is indeed difficult to understand but simple answers do exist to many questions. A lot can be learnt from the guidance provided by the great mahaans of India. Hinduism has the potential to help you discover your strengths and redefine happiness by following some easy steps.
How can I learn more about the basics of Hinduism?
Please visit the gallery section of this website and listen to the ‘Guru Krupa’ series of videos. These videos include ‘Glimpses from Kanchi MahaPeriyava’s Lectures.’ They provide simple explanations on the basics and the unique features of Hinduism.
Why there are so many Gods in Hinduism?
In Hinduism, all living and non-living beings are viewed as Gods. There are animals like monkeys, mice and elephants, non-living objects like mountains considered as Gods. A short video contained in the link http://shorturl.at/imELZ explains this concept vividly.
What is the meaning of Veda?
The word Veda is derived from the root word, “vid” meaning to know. Thus, Vedas refer to knowledge. Just as Holy Bible to Christians, Vedas are considered to be the Holy book of Hindus.
Who wrote the Vedas?
The Vedas are considered ‘apauruseya’ (not the work of any human author). The Vedas have been the foundation of Hinduism since time immemorial.
How many Vedas are there?
There are four Vedas: the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda.
Why should we believe the Vedas?
You don’t need to. In fact, the Vedas do not pressurize anyone to believe them. Instead, they provoke curiosity in one’s mind. Vedas (from the root ‘Vid’ to know) are intended to help you to gain knowledge and inspire you to expand your thoughts. So, go by your own experience; listen to some vedic chanting, recite them, and see if it makes any difference to you.
What are Mantras?
Mantra is a Sanskrit word that combines the roots ‘Mana’ (mind) and ‘Tra’ (to protect). Mantras are words or verses that protect a person by repetition. In Sanskrit, we say ‘Mananaa traayate iti mantrah’ meaning that which protects you by repetitiveness. Most often, mantras like Gayatri Mantra, Sri Rudram are repeated hundreds of times to enhance their effectiveness. Mantras create vibrations and healthy impulses in the mind that help you to access enhanced levels of peace and happiness.
Why recite the Vedic Mantras in Sanskrit?
Sound is produced by vibrations. Every sound has some properties like pitch, loudness and quality. Sounds impact us in different ways. While we enjoy good music, we find some sounds unbearable. Vedic Mantras, recited perfectly in Sanskrit, have been known to produce certain desirable impact on the listeners. Some cause a healing effect; others influence thoughts and contribute to happiness and peace. One needs to experience the sound effect to be able to relate to the benefits.
Is there some scientific proof? Please click the link here for an interesting article on the “Sanskrit Effect” based on the observations after a series of experiments by a neuroscientist.
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/a-neuroscientist-explores-the-sanskrit-effect/
I do not know Sanskrit. I am unable to recite mantras nor perform any rituals. Is there an easy way to worship God in Hinduism?
Indeed there is! The history of some of the great Hindu saints of India – like the Nayanmars and Azhwars. Saibaba, Sant Tukaram, Meerabhai and many others – shows that they were neither proficient in Sanskrit nor performed rituals to attain divine grace and salvation. In fact, many of them had no formal education. It was through utter devotion and leading a simple truthful life filled with compassion that they worshipped the Almighty. So, the easy way to worship is to follow them – be truthful and self-disciplined, develop implicit faith in whatever is your favourite deity, lead a simple life unmindful of ups and downs, and listen to or participate in naama sankeerthanam (sing the divine naamas).
Why rituals are important?
I have written an E-book answering this question. Please read it at http://goo.gl/FQ9aC9
Where can I find more information on Temples and Yoga?
Please visit our related FaceBook groups at:
Temples: https://www.facebook.com/groups/556244651140930/
Real Yoga: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1781269092123168/