Hinduism "Hinduism" is not so much a spiritual path, as a way of living. It began around the 4th century B.C., when the Aryans conquered India, and brought their vast system of gods with them. The combination of the gods and the Indian tradition of meditation combined to form what is now known as Hinduism. In other words, Hinduism is for people who believe that life is all about escaping the endless cycles of reincarnation, and ultimately becoming one with the ultimate consciousness, Brahman. Below are some of the fundamentals of Hinduism. Hinduism: How Did We Get Here? According to Hinduism, the universe has no beginning and no end. The universe is in fact, only an illusion, since the one true reality is Brahman. Humans were not created. Instead, each human soul, like the universe, has no beginning and no end. The human soul has always been here, and goes through cycles of reincarnation and re-birth. Back | Top | Next Spiritual Path   Hinduism: What is the Purpose of Life? The purpose of life is to do more good things than bad things. This way, your next life will be in a better state than this life. This is the notion of "karma". Back | Top | Next Spiritual Path   Hinduism: Who/What is God? Hindus vary in their beliefs about god. Some Hindus believe there are no gods. Other Hindus believe there are at least 33 million gods. Usually, Brahman is seen as the supreme god. However, he is an impersonal being, completely above and uninvolved with the material universe (which is only an illusion anyway). Brahman is the one, ultimate reality. The other two powerful gods are Shiva and Vishnu. Shiva represents both the creative and destructive sides of godhood. Vishnu has shown himself many times through history. These include appearances as Rama, a good king, and as Krishna, an impetuous, violent and erotic figure. Back | Top | Next Spiritual Path   Hinduism: Who Are Humans? Humans, like every other aspect of the universe, are illusions. Back | Top | Next Spiritual Path   Hinduism: What is Sin? In Hinduism, there is no such thing as sin. Sin has no meaning. There is no sense of right or wrong; good or evil. Everything that happens in life is caused directly by previous choices that a person makes, and has nothing to do with whether those choices were morally correct or not. Back | Top | Next Spiritual Path   Hinduism: How Do You Explain Pain and Suffering? Pain and suffering are the results of things done in previous lives. Thus, all present suffering is completely deserved. This is the reason why the caste system in India has flourished so well. There is no reason to address the poverty and pain of the "untouchable" caste, since this poverty is the fault of those in this caste. Hinduism also teaches that all evil in this life will be repaid in the next life. Back | Top | Next Spiritual Path   Hinduism: Has God Communicated with Us? How? Brahman has not communicated with humans. However, some guidance is gained through the Hindu priesthood, the Vedic scriptures, the appearances of certain gods, and by following one's spiritual "guru" as a spiritual guide. Back | Top | Next Spiritual Path   Hinduism: How Do You Find God? Finding God (or gods) is not the issue. The important thing is to be released from the endless cycles of reincarnation, finally dissolve all personality, and become one with the ultimate consciousness, Brahman. This is achieved by practicing yoga, living according to the Vedic scriptures, and following a spirit guide. Back | Top | Next Spiritual Path   Hinduism: What Happens When You Die? You will be reincarnated. The condition of your next life will depend on how you lived this life. Then, you will eventually die again. Then, you will die again. This will continue for an unknown time, until if possible, you lose all personality, and become one with the impersonal consciousness. Back | Top | Next Spiritual Path