Table of Contents
What were the three main gods of Hinduism and what are they responsible for?
Hindus recognise three principal gods:
- Brahma, who creates the universe.
- Vishnu, who preserves the universe.
- Shiva, who destroys the universe.
What role do the Gods and goddesses play in Hinduism?
Hinduism is a religion with various Gods and Goddesses. According to Hinduism, three Gods rule the world. Brahma: the creator; Vishnu: the preserver and Shiva: the destroyer. Vishnu’s consort is Lakshmi; goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Why is Hinduism known as a way of life?
To its adherents, Hinduism is a traditional way of life. All aspects of a Hindu life, namely acquiring wealth (artha), fulfillment of desires (kama), and attaining liberation (moksha), are part of dharma, which encapsulates the “right way of living” and eternal harmonious principles in their fulfillment.
What are the effects of Hinduism on society?
Hinduism reinforced a strict social hierarchy called a caste system that made it nearly impossible for people to move outside of their social station. Emperors during the Gupta empire used Hinduism as a unifying religion and focused on Hinduism as a means for personal salvation.
What is the spiritual meaning of breath in Hinduism?
The archetypal meaning, cultural significance and symbolism of breath (prana) or life energy in Hinduism In Hinduism breath symbolizes life, energy, life support, movement, purity, fire, soul, divinity, protecting power, source of speech, measure of time, and lord of the senses.
What does Hinduism teach about the nature of consciousness?
According to Hindu teachings, the conscious mind has its existence independently in divinity within and beyond creation. This is the real “meat” of the issue! Ancient rishis taught that the mind can expand to such a degree that it gradually begins to become one with its former Self.
What does Hinduism say about sin and liberation?
Hindu scriptures make it abundantly clear that when a person lives for himself he incurs sin, whereas when he lives for God or in the service of God he attains liberation. In other words, the life of a human being upon earth is not for his enjoyment but for service to God.
What is the significance of pranayama (breathing)?
Breath is also a purifier. With the help of breath and regulating its flow through pranayama, you can purify your mind and body and stabilize it. In cultural expressions, breath symbolizes love, loyalty, intimacy and sacrifice. Children are described as the breath of parents.