Human Life

• In Hinduism, human life is considered sacred and it is respected as a divine gift.
• The main aim of a Hindu’s life is to achieve Moksha, which refers to liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (Samsara).
• Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause and effect where actions in this life have consequences for the next life.
• Dharma refers to the moral and ethical duties and responsibilities that need to be followed for pleasant living and spiritual growth.
• Artha and Kama are two of the four Purusharthas (the goals of human life). Artha refers to wealth or material success whilst Kama refers to desire or pursuit of pleasure.
• The stages of life (Ashrama) are regarded as a framework for leading a fulfilling life: Brahmacarya (student stage), Grihastha (householder stage), Vanaprastha (hermit stage) and Sannyasa (renunciation stage).
• Hindu teachings emphasise on Ahimsa, the practise of non-violence and respect to all forms of life.
• Hindus believe in the transmigration of souls; the Atman (soul) is eternal and never dies, only the physical body does. Death is considered as a natural part of life.
• In Hinduism, the birth of a human being is the highest possible stage in the cycle of Samsara.
• Life events such as birth, marriage and death are marked by Sanskara, special ceremonies.
• Hindus affirm the equality and respect of all beings, rejecting discrimination based on caste, gender, or race. However, the practise of the caste system is still prevalent in parts of India.
• There is a belief in the divinity of the Guru; Gurus are often revered as representations of the divine.
• Hindu ethics include Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), Aparigraha (non-possession), Dama (control of mind), Daya (compassion), Arjava (honesty) and others.
• Prayers, rituals, and yoga are part of daily life in Hinduism, helping individuals to cultivate a spiritual mind and gain inner peace.
• The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text, provides guidance on how to face challenges in life while remaining devoted to the pursuit of truth and spiritual enlightenment.
• According to Hindu philosophy, the ultimate truth or purpose in life is to realise one’s oneness with the divine, or Brahman.
• Hinduism endorses a vegetarian diet due to its principle of Ahimsa, seeing all forms of life as sacred. However, not all Hindus are vegetarians.