12 Concepts

1. The Atman (the Soul): Who are we? What is the real self?

We are composed of a mind, a body and our Atman. Our Atman is distinct from the other two components because it travels though many bodies and minds. It is like the actor behind a mask who plays many roles, never becoming any one of them. The Atman is the real self. We can see life through the Atman by separating our Atman from our mind, and observing our actions from the outside. The Atman is free of gender, color and all ascribing human factors.

2. Reincarnation and Samsara What happens after death, before birth?

Before birth our soul is part of a collective or Brahman. It has no conscious awareness without the body. When we are born, our bodies are a vessel for this Atman, our part of the collective soul. When we die, our Atman returns to this collective and awaits its next body. This cycle of rebirths for the Atman is called Samsara. It is continuous, until the Atman is freed. Hindus believe we are a soul, but possess a body.

3. The Law of Karma Why is there suffering?

Karma can only be affected in Human life because we have free choice. In animals, there is no free choice, and decisions are made on instinct.
Suffering is a combination of our own choices in life. There is suffering when we fail to see the bigger picture in life, and get caught up in our finite desires and issues Also, if we commit impious actions such as harming the five sections of society: women, children, animals (especially cows), saintly people, and the elderly this causes suffering. Suffering also includes being stuck in the cycle of Samsara and not escaping into Englightenment where there is endless fulfillment of desire.

4. Prakriti (Matter) and Guna How does the world work?

The eternal Atman is trapped inside many bodies made of matter (prakti). This matter has three stages (gunas):
1. Creation: fueled by passion (rajas)
2. Sustanance: fueled by goodness (sattva)
3. Destruction: fueled by ignorance (tamas)

People are inclined to focus on one of the modes, determining their life. Goodness: ascend to Enlightenment, Passion: stay on Earth, Destrution: move down to a lower species (one w/ no free will)
Each Guna is controlled by one of the three dieties: Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma.

5. Maya (Illusion) Why do we get into difficulty in this world?

We get into difficulty in this world because our soul identifies with our body, and believes they are one. The soul, or Atman, becomes focussed on worldly desires, and enters the circle of disappointment and desire, redoubling its efforts and getting trapped deeper in the circle.

6. moksha (Liberation) What is the goal of life?

Moksha is the goal of Hindu life. To escape Samsara, and free the soul from its attachment to the body. To unify one's Atman with God, and to step outside of worldly desires.

7.God (Brahman / Ishvara) Is there a God? If so, what is He/She like?

In Hinduism there is a god, Brahman; however, Brahman is perceived in many different ways. Here are two:

God Part I: Monism, or advaita. In this way, God is perceived as all inclusive, but his aspects are viewed through the different deities which are all a part of him.

God Part II: Monotheism. God is separate from the different deities, though they are associated and work with him. If one worships the other deities, one is also indirectly worshipping God.

8. Dharma (religious duties) Which is the right way to act?

Sanatana Dharma: duties dealing with faith that are performed by all people

Varnashana Dharms: duties dealing with one's specific role in society. For example, protector (in the military), teacher, service worker supporting the society etc.
Some religions just call themselves Sanatana Dharma because it is more specific than "Hinduism."
All people should adhere to their Varnashana Dharms, which are different for each group, but all people adhere to the same Sanatana Dharma because they are spiritual obligations.

9. One Goal, Different Paths How can we explain Hindu diversity?

There are four goals in Hinduism. They are each stepping stones to the last and ultimate goal, to achieve moksha and fulfill infinite desires. These four goals are:
harma-regulated living to achieve wealth, and to provide a basis for the material life
artha-economic development, growing material possessions and becoming more successful
kama- sensual pleasure, enjoying life's pleasures attained by artha
moksha- uniting the mind and soul and achieving infinite fulfillment of desire
(prema-loving of God, the 5th step)

Hindu diversity exists because each person is trying to achieve a different goal, as well as the million ways to achieve each of these goals. There is an infinite number of paths to achieve these goals. Many religions, such as Christianity and Buddhism, can be a part of Hinduism, because Hindus view them as a means to get to the same ultimate goal. However, the final goal that everyone tries to achieve is moksha, the connection of the mind to the soul to achieve infinite fulfillment of desire.

10. Scripture and Guru (Authority) How are the teachings preserved?

shastra is the term for Hindu scripture
Shabdabrahman- the term for oral teachings, which are considered the most orthodox

Hinduism uses scriptures and teachings to guide the experience of the believer, but from there heavily relies on individual discoveries and experiences to move the believer to his or her next goals.
Many teachings are preserved through oral tradition, not in books. This is because oral tradition is considered the most orthodox means of recording Hindu teachings.

11 .Time When did it all start and when will it finish?

The Hindu concept of time is cyclical and never ending. Every time something is destroyed, it is recreated, therefore showing the cycle of time. There are 4 ages, which are divisions of Brahman's time, which is much longer than time on Earth.
Brahman's one day is broken into 1,000 maha-yugas, or the term for 4 ages on Earth.
Time began when Brahman was born, and will end when Brahman dies.

12. Creation How and why was this world made?

The world was not created once, but many times. Within our universe there are 3 realms. There is the heavenly realm, the earthly realm and the lower realm. The atman, the most subtle of matter, is successively created and matched with a material body to fulfill its material desires. When it is ready, the atman will be returned to the spiritual world.

The world was created by Brahma who sprung from Vishnu's belly button and sacrificed himself for the creation of the world. Therefore everything in the world, including our souls is part of Brahma. The earth was created for those Atman who wished to be separate from God and enjoy worldly desires. However, they must realize these desires lead to a trail of suffering and that they must return to be a part of Brahma again.