“Hinduism, often termed Sanatana Dharma (“eternal tradition”), is the world’s oldest living religion and a comprehensive way of life with no single founder, originating in India over 4,000 years ago. It encompasses diverse philosophies, including polytheism, monotheism, and pantheism, with central beliefs in karma (action), reincarnation (samsara), dharma (duty/order), and the ultimate, all-pervasive reality, Brahman. “
While in India in Pondicherry in the south of India in 2000 to early 2001 I saw a decorated elephant in the street and it made me so happy as only a year or so before I had made a live size paper, mache sculpture of an elephant based on a small wooden elephant that my grandfather had bought during the Second World War during a stopover in India on an Australian hospital ship and I think he was a nurse.
Also, while in Pondicherry I met a devout Hindu man who took me in to explain the basics of Hinduism.
I also found a paper factory in Pondicherry and stayed in a large hut right on the beach and made many small and medium ink drawings on beautiful paper from the local paper factory.
“Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, widely worshipped as the elephant-headed remover of obstacles, God of wisdom, prosperity, and new beginnings. Son of Shiva and Parvati, he is honoured globally, particularly during the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival.”
Other Hindu gods include Shiva, Krishna and Kali.
One of the main festivals of Hinduism is Diwali.
“Diwali projects the rich and glorious past and teaches its observers to uphold the true values of life. For the Hindus, the holiday symbolizes the return of Prince Rama of Ayodhya with his wife, Sita, and brother, Lakshman, from a 14-year-long exile and a war in which Prince Rama stood victorious.”
The Dalai Lama often talks of the spirituality of India and the history of Buddhism in India coming out of Hindu culture too.
I think the best thing I have ever done is imitate the Dalai Lama both literally as in this photo and metaphorically by studying his teachings and trying to amalgamate them into my daily life.
“Buddhism was born in the 6th–5th century BCE in northeastern India as a reform movement within the context of ancient Vedic traditions (precursor to Hinduism). Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, a Hindu prince, it arose from discontent with Brahmanic rituals, the caste system, and the search for an alternative path to end suffering.”
In conclusion Hinduism is incredibly powerful, complex and ancient and India has a rich religious culture with many different religions living together including Hindus, Christians, Islamic, Buddhists and Jains. I think harmony between religions is incredibly important and each religion can enrich each other through tolerance, kindness and understanding. Perhaps the most wellknown Hindu inside and outside of India was Mahatma Ghandi who brought self-governance of India from British Colonialism via passive resistance and non-violence.