Hinduism is a set of beliefs that coexist in such a way that they form a culture that involves supernatural, philosophical and social aspects. Therefore, it is difficult to determine Hinduism as a consistent and harmonious religion. It is essentially a long religious field where there are different tendencies, schools and different considerations with regard to metaphysics. However, despite this great difference, it is possible to establish some central points that can serve as a guide for this complex network and, from these aspects, have a clearer view on this issue.
Hinduism, a composition of heterogeneous beliefs
In the territory that is currently occupied by India, a civilization developed that we know little about today due to the passage of time. This civilization had several gods, many of which remain to this day in what is known as Hinduism. However, it would be a mistake to understand that Hinduism is an offshoot of this culture; it was only an influencing factor for the set of beliefs to which we refer, in this sense, there are other factors that also contributed. Thus, from the XNUMXth century BC onwards, the territory was invaded by the Arians, a people who spread their own beliefs. The Aryans were polytheists and attributed to the deities the different processes of natural order.
As we can see, Hinduism was gradually forming from the contribution of different peoples. This circumstance means that there is no individual who has functioned as an element of cohesion of beliefs. On the other hand, Hinduism is a process of different beliefs, coexisting with each other that have developed over time and, in some cases, can be antagonistic.
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However, as we have already commented, despite this distance it is possible to establish some criteria to consider them. An example is Brahma, who in some variants is regarded as a deity but is also an underlying principle of reality; for Hinduism this principle is the cause of creation. Another very publicized element is that of reincarnation, which can occur in higher or lower forms of life, according to the behavior one had in life; in this sense there is for Hinduism a law called Karma that considers the actions that a person has had during his existence are taken into account for his future life, his next reincarnation.
