Hinduism encompasses a diverse range of beliefs and philosophical systems rather than a single set of doctrines. This section explores the core theological and philosophical concepts that form the foundation of Hindu thought.
Fundamental Concepts
- Brahman - The ultimate reality, universal consciousness, and absolute truth
- Atman - The eternal self or soul
- Dharma - Cosmic order, duty, and righteous conduct
- Karma - The law of cause and effect
- Samsara - The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
- Moksha - Liberation from the cycle of rebirth
The Divine and Worship
- Concepts of God - Different perspectives on divinity in Hinduism
- Ishvara - The personal God or Supreme Being
- Trimurti - The triple deity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva)
- Shakti - The divine feminine power
- Avatars - Divine incarnations
- Bhakti - Devotional worship
Philosophical Schools
- Six Darshanas - The six orthodox schools of Hindu philosophy
- Nyaya - Logic
- Vaisheshika - Atomism
- Samkhya - Enumeration
- Yoga - Mind-body discipline
- Mimamsa - Investigation
- Vedanta - End of the Vedas
- Advaita Vedanta - Non-dualism, the unity of Atman and Brahman
- Dvaita Vedanta - Dualism, the distinction between God and individual souls
- Vishishtadvaita - Qualified non-dualism
Ethical and Social Concepts
- Purushartha - The four aims of human life
- Dharma (righteousness)
- Artha (prosperity)
- Kama (pleasure)
- Moksha (liberation)
- Varnashrama Dharma - The system of social classes and life stages
- Ahimsa - Non-violence towards all living beings
- Satya - Truthfulness in thought, speech, and action
Cosmology and Time
- Hindu Cosmology - The structure and creation of the universe
- Yugas - The four cosmic ages or world cycles
- Kalpas - Cosmic time cycles
- Lokas - Different worlds or planes of existence
Connections to Related Practices
- Yogic Philosophy - Philosophical foundations of yoga
- Tantric Concepts - Esoteric traditions and their philosophies
- Ayurvedic Principles - Philosophical basis of traditional Hindu medicine
Comparative Studies
- Hinduism and Buddhism - Shared and divergent concepts
- Hinduism and Jainism - Comparative philosophical perspectives