|
Hinduism
has no one statement of beliefs (a creed.) A number
of texts are however sacred.
The
basis of Hindu philosophy is found in the four
Vedas. These are a collection of hymns, which
had been passed on orally up until 1200BCE which
is when the Vedas began to be written although
they took hundreds of years to complete. The Rg
Veda is the earliest and holiest (about 800BC).
The
Upanishads (about 600BC.) These consider the nature
of the individual soul (Atman) and the universal
soul (Brahman.) One of the Upanishads contains
the earliest reference to the reincarnation of
the soul in different bodies (transmigration)
of the soul.
The
Mahabharata is an epic poem. It tells the story
of a war between two branches of a family. The
Bhagavad-Gita forms part of this and means "The
Song of God." In it Vishnu relates his philosophy
through Krishna. Krishna has come down in human
form to the earth to help; he is an avartar of
Vishnu i.e.. At the end of the Gita, Arjuna, who
Krishna is talking to about his duty realises
that he is Vishnu. This sets out rules for daily
life that are still major sources of reference
for Hindus today.
One
of the most famous Hindu epics is the Ramayana.
This was probably based on the Mahabharata. It
tells the story of the god Rama's battle with
Ravana( the demon King.) One reason why it is
so respected can be found in the introduction.
This states:
"
He who reads and repeats this holy life giving
Ramayana is liberated from all his sins and exalted
with all his posterity to the highest heaven "
Other
important sacred books – Smriti (‘tradition)
are the Laws of Manu (250 BC) and the Puranas
(ancient tales) written at about the same time.
|