| Hinduism is more than an outer religion of certain rituals | | | | people of different temperaments. For example in |
| and formalities. Hinduism is in fact a way of life; a | | | | bhakti yoga the seeker meditates and concentrates |
| spiritual code. This spiritual code or Dharma is at the | | | | on his chosen deity (Be it Sri Krishna or Maha Kali), |
| heart of Hinduism and governs the moral and spiritual | | | | feeling they are approaching God through the personal |
| practices of its believers. Through the practise of | | | | aspect of God. Another path of Hinduism, primarily the |
| Yoga proscribed in Hindu scripture adherents can seek | | | | philosophy of Vedanta, stresses the Impersonal aspect |
| to attain union with God. As Sri Chinmoy writes: | | | | of God and leads the adherent to see beyond the |
| "Know Thyself." This is what Hinduism stands for. This | | | | realm of matter or "maya". Another confusion to |
| is the quintessence of Hinduism" | | | | outsiders is the multiplicity of Gods and Goddesses |
| As well as stressing the need for self-discovery, | | | | within Hinduism, but the Hindu scriptures teach these |
| another notable feature of Hinduism is its tolerance. | | | | are but the various aspects and manifestations of the |
| This is tolerance of other religions, other cultures and | | | | One Supreme God who embodies both the finite and |
| other spiritual paths. Inevitably certain fanatics have | | | | infinite and at the same time transcends both. Hinduism |
| ignored this aspect, but the heart of Hinduism is notable | | | | happily embraces these diverse paths. |
| for its inclusivity and oneness. "Unity in Diversity" is its | | | | Hinduism is an adaptable religion it stems from the |
| goal. Hinduism as a religion is perhaps unique in not | | | | great Vedic Sages who wrote down the eternal truths |
| stressing the need for conversion. The Great Rishis | | | | of their meditations. Over the course of the centuries |
| and Saints offer the sublime truth that many are the | | | | Hinduism has picked up new ideas, methods and has |
| paths to the goal. Sri Chinmoy states: | | | | adapted to different cultures. However at the heart of |
| " True Hinduism abjures all that divides and separates. | | | | Hinduism remains man's essential quest for union with |
| Hinduism gives due importance to all the spiritual figures | | | | the Absolute Supreme. Sometimes the outer body of |
| of the world. It recognises a great harmony in their | | | | Hinduism appears to veer away from this truth. But |
| teachings." | | | | Saints and sages throughout the ages have sought to |
| As well as embracing the spiritual wisdom of other | | | | reinvigorate Hinduism with the timeless and eternal |
| cultures, there is also great diversity within Hinduism | | | | message that Hinduism stands for. |
| itself. The different branches of Hinduism will appeal to | | | | |