As you know, Hinduism is the oldest religion on the planet. It is very vast and has many beliefs compared to other religions. It is tough to encompass all the beliefs of Hinduism in an article. So, here we will discuss only the basic and central beliefs of Hinduism.

Belief in the Soul (also called “Atma”):

This is one of the most significant and essential beliefs of Hinduism. Hinduism believes each living creature on this planet has a soul, and all these souls are a part of a Supreme Soul called “Parmatma.” Therefore, each animal in the universe has the same soul as a human being. Therefore, the ultimate aim of human life should be to be one with the Supreme Soul, Parmatma. This is called Nirvana or Moksha.

Before entering a human body, the soul travels through 84 million species and then can gain the human body. So, we should always strive to attain Nirvana or Moksha in our lives. We should not waste our lives collecting earthly things.

After death, our soul enters a new body depending on the karma of our past life. This process continues until we become one with the Supreme Soul.

Belief in Karma:

Hinduism believes that what we are now is the result of our Karma in the past life. Karma is what we do in our lives. The good things we do are called good Karma, and the bad things we do are called bad Karma or sin. Those who do evil Karma suffer in their present and coming lives until they get punished for their evil Karma. So, as human beings, we should always do good Karma, so that our present and future lives will be happy.

Depending on our past life, Karma, our soul enters the body of a human being or another species, such as animals, birds, etc.

Belief in reincarnation:

Not only Hinduism but also other major religions like Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism believe in the concept of reincarnation. The soul is immortal, and death is that of the body only. The soul changes the body as we change our clothes, and is reborn again. It travels from one body to another until it becomes one with the Supreme Soul. Thousands of proofs are available now on the internet that reincarnation is the truth.

Belief in multiple paths to reach God:

Hinduism does not believe in only one path to reach God. You can do it in multiple ways. That is what makes Hinduism a different religion.

What we eat is what we are:

As told by Lord Krishna (and accepted by scientists worldwide now), we tend to become what we eat. The food is divided into three categories:

1. Rajasic.

2. Satvik.

3. Tamasic.

Parents, Teachers, and Food are next to God:

Hindus believe that parents, teachers, and food are next to God. Parents give us birth, nurture us, and teach us values. Teachers give us the knowledge to survive in this world. Food is the thing by which we all live. Therefore, these three things have the utmost importance and reverence in Hinduism.

The incarnation of Vishnu:

Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya| Glanirbhavati Bharatha | Abhutthanam Adharmasya | Tadatmanam Srijanmyaham | Parithraanaay Sadhunam | Vinashach Dushkruteha | Dharmasansthapanarthaya | Sambhavami Yuge Yuge|

Hindus believe that whenever the darkness on Earth crosses its limit, and the Dharma is in peril, Lord Vishnu will reincarnate himself, save the Earth, and protect the good people from evil. He will destroy the evil and will reinstate the Dharma.

Lord Vishnu has incarnated himself 9 times so far. The 10th reincarnation will come soon, or might have been born. It will be called “Kalki Avatar.”

The 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu are:

1. Matsyavatar.

2. Kurmavatar.

3. Varaha avatar.

4. Narasimha avatar.

5. Vamanavatar.

6. Parashurama

7. Shree Rama.

8. Lord Krishna.

9. Gautam Buddha

10. Kalki Avatar.

Belief in the Horoscope:

Hindus believe that our destiny is decided at the time of our birth only. By making their horoscope, we can know what will happen in a person’s life. In a horoscope, known as Janma-Kundali, the positions of the nine planets, stars, and moon at the time of our birth are shown. Hindu marriages are arranged by matching the horoscopes of the bride and groom.

The World is an Illusion:

Hindus believe that this world is an illusion. What we see is not real. The best example is the color of the sky. The sky appears blue to our eyes, but actually, it is not. In the same way, this world is different from what it appears to us.

Belief in the Trinity:

Hindus believe that Lord Brahma created this universe, Lord Vishnu protects it, and Lord Shiva destroys it after a specific time so that Lord Brahma can recreate it.