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An Introduction to Key Concepts

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Concepts
Key Concepts
Introduction
Atman: The Self
Reincarnation and Samsara
Karma
Prakriti: Matter
Maya: Illusion
Moksha: Liberation
God: Perceived in Three
Ways
God: Two Main
Understandings
Sanatana Dharma
Varnashrama Dharma

Key Points
Hinduism is diverse; no single doctrine (or set of beliefs) can represent its numerous
traditions.
Nonetheless, the various schools share several basic concepts, which help us to understand
how most Hindus see and respond to the world.
The concepts we discuss here are largely based on Vedanta, and accepted by most modern
traditions (but, keep in mind, not all!).
Hinduism begins simply by differentiating between matter and spirit. Spirit is understood
within two main categories, namely
the individual self, or soul (the atman)
the Supreme Self, or God (the paramatman).
Hence, there are these three main truths (see below), which form the basis for theological
discussion.
These three truths have been expanded in this section into twelve concepts. These twelve
are interwoven into a useful overview of Hindu thought (given below).

One Goal, Different Paths

This simple diagram shows the three basic

Scripture and Guru

concepts that form the basis for Hindu thought.

Kala: Time

Different schools present various opinions on the

Creation

nature of each "concept" and the relationships

Core Values

between them.

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Two Main Schools of Vedanta
Within Vedanta there are several doctrines. The main contention is about the nature of the
Supreme, and in defining the relationship between God and the soul.
1. The advaita (monist) schools entirely equate the soul with God.
2. The dvaita (monotheistic) schools tend to emphasise the distinction.
Many theologies synthesise these two elements. In this section, where relevant, we present the
opinions of both these schools.

Overview of Hindu Theology

Almost all Hindus believe that the real self (atman) is distinct from the temporary body made of
matter (prakriti).
The eternal soul identifies with matter and is entrapped by maya (illusion). Impelled by lust,
greed, anger, etc., he undergoes samsara (the cycle of repeated birth and death).
Each soul creates its unique destiny according to the law of karma (the universal law of action
and reaction). Under the influence of eternal time and the three gunas (material qualities) he

moves throughout the creation, sometimes going to higher planets, sometimes moving in
human society, and at other times entering the lower species.
The goal of most Hindus is moksha, liberation from this perpetual cycle, through reidentification with the eternal brahman (Supreme). Hinduism accepts different paths towards
this common goal (union with God). Nonetheless, it stresses strict adherence to universal
principles through the practice of one's dharma (ordained duty) as revealed through authorised
holy books and usually received through the guru (spiritual mentor).

Key Concept

Key Questions

1. The Atman (the Soul)

Who are we? What is the real self?

2. Reincarnation and Samsara

What happens after death, before birth?

3.The Law of Karma

Why is there suffering?

4. Prakriti (Matter) and Guna

How does the world work?

5. Maya (Illusion)

Why do we get into difficulty in this

world?

6. moksha (Liberation)

What is the goal of life?

7. God (Brahman/Ishvara)

Is there a God? If so, what is He/She

like?

8. Dharma (religious duties)

Which is the right way to act?

9. One Goal, Different Paths

How can we explain Hindu diversity?

10. Scripture and Guru

(Authority)

How are the teachings preserved?

11 .Time

When did it all start and when will it

finish?

12. Creation

How and why was this world made?

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"Heart of Hinduism" is Copyright: ISKCON Educational Services, 2004