Who is a Hindu? What are the core beliefs of Hinduism? In the Western world, I have often noticed that even proud Hindus sometimes struggle to articulate their faith when these questions arise in the workplace or other social settings. The recent successful completion of the Maha Kumbh and the growing prominence of high-profile Hindus in public life have sparked curiosity about Hinduism. This essay is my humble attempt to describe key aspects of Hinduism for those unfamiliar with the tradition. Hindu parents may also find it useful in explaining the religion’s essence to their children.

To be fair, defining Hinduism is no easy task. It is vast in scope, embracing a complex tapestry of belief systems and diverse practices. Just as India is a land of myriad languages, varied cuisines, and distinct subcultures, Hinduism, too, is richly diverse. This breadth can often make it appear confusing to outsiders.

Moreover, Western media coverage of Hinduism has long been skewed toward negativity, focusing on the caste system, superstitions, and the politics of Hindu nationalism. Events like the Kumbh Mela are often covered only in the context of stampedes rather than it’s sheer scale and spiritual significance.

Who, then, is a Hindu?

Swami Medhananda, a renowned Vedanta scholar, has explored this subject in depth. According to him, Hinduism is grounded in the following core beliefs:

• Truth: There is one infinite, divine reality, known by various names and manifesting in many forms.
• Soul: Each of us, as immortal souls, is intimately connected to this infinite divine presence.
• Goal: The purpose of life is to attain liberation (moksha)—freedom from suffering and the realization of limitless fulfillment through direct experiential knowledge of this Truth.
• Paths: There are many valid paths to this goal, each suited to different temperaments and inclinations.

The Bhagavad Gita

Hindu scriptures encompass an immense repository of wisdom, including the Vedas, Puranas, epics, and numerous other texts. Some are so ancient that they were transmitted orally long before written language existed.

The Bhagavad Gita (“The Song Divine”) is the most widely recognized Hindu text. In it, Lord Krishna consoles the despondent warrior Arjuna and spurs him to action, explaining the nature of dharma (righteous duty), the goal of life, and the four paths to liberation. Krishna even grants Arjuna a divine vision of his cosmic form.

The four paths described in the Gita are:

• Jnana Yoga – the path of knowledge
• Karma Yoga – the path of selfless action
• Raja Yoga – the path of meditation
• Bhakti Yoga – the path of loving devotion

The Doctrine of Karma and Rebirth

The doctrine of karma and rebirth teaches that our actions shape our destiny. Every deed—good or bad—creates consequences that determine future experiences. Death is not an end but a transition, leading to rebirth based on past actions. This cycle, samsara, continues until one attains moksha, breaking free from karma. Life is thus a journey of self-evolution, where moral and spiritual growth are key. The ultimate goal is self-realization, merging the individual soul with the Supreme.

Polytheistic?

Contrary to popular belief, Hinduism is not polytheistic at its core. The Rigveda states:

“Ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti” (एकं सद् विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति)

“Truth is one; the wise call it by many names.”

Hinduism is fundamentally monotheistic, centered on the belief in one Supreme Reality, Brahman, which manifests in various forms. The creator, sustainer, and destroyer aspects of this Supreme Reality are personified as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, respectively. Shakti is considered the active principle of Brahman, manifesting as female deities such as Durga or Kali.

Additionally, natural forces (e.g., Varuna—god of water, Indra—god of thunder) and divine attributes (e.g., Saraswati—goddess of knowledge, Lakshmi—goddess of wealth) have their own presiding deities. However, just as rivers merge into the ocean, all deities ultimately lead to the same truth. This diversity allows devotees to choose their Ishta-devata—a personal deity for individualized worship—while recognizing the underlying unity of all divine forms.

Idol Worship

Another source of confusion arises when people see Hindu shrines filled with multiple deities. Hindu philosophy holds that Brahman (the Supreme Reality) is both formless and with form, beyond human comprehension. Ancient sages realized that symbols and images serve as powerful tools for spiritual advancement. Just as a flag represents a nation, idols represent divine qualities, virtues, or cosmic forces.

The Bhagavad Gita states that whenever morality declines, God manifests in human form as an Avatar (e.g. Rama, Krishna). Hence, temples contain idols of these Avatars. One is free to have a personal shrine and worship whichever aspect of the divine resonates with them.

Why is the Cow Sacred?

Another common question in the Western world is why Hindus venerate cows. The history behind this is significant. Cows have been central to Hindu society for thousands of years—they provided milk, and bullocks were used for farming and transportation. Even today, in many traditional Hindu households, cows are lovingly cared for, much like family pets.

Additionally, Lord Krishna, one of Hinduism’s most beloved deities, was raised as a cowherd, and many of his childhood stories involve divine play with cows and butter. The cow came to be seen as a symbol of nurturing motherhood, and thus, it is treated with reverence.

Non-Proselytizing and Inclusivity

Unlike many major religions, Hinduism does not actively seek converts. Its original name, Sanatana Dharma (the Eternal Way), signifies an all-inclusive tradition. There is no formal conversion process—one may choose to identify as Hindu or not, and it makes no difference.

Hinduism teaches that all beings, regardless of belief, are expressions of the divine and deserve respect. Even atheists are not condemned. All spiritual paths—including those of other religions—are considered valid. This inclusivity is unique, allowing Hinduism to coexist peacefully with other faiths.

The Caste System

Originally, the varna system was meant to be a flexible, merit-based division of labor based on an individual’s qualities (guna) and work (karma). The four varnas were:

• Brahmins – scholars, teachers
• Kshatriyas – warriors, rulers
• Vaishyas – merchants, farmers
• Shudras – artisans, laborers

However, over time, this system became rigid and birth-based, leading to discrimination and injustice. This distortion–largely corrected in modern times–contradicts Hinduism’s core belief that divinity resides in every soul and that the path to liberation is open to all. 

Conclusion

No single definition can fully circumscribe the vastness, depth, and diversity of Hinduism. It is a religion of profound spirituality, expressed through striking imagery, rich symbolism, and deeply philosophical ideas interwoven with ancient tradition. Yoga and meditation-now commonplace everywhere-find their earliest roots here. As the world’s most ancient major religion, its practices range from simple japa (chanting the name of a chosen deity) to elaborate yajnas and pujas (ritualistic offerings). While Hindu sects—such as Vaishnavas (worshippers of Vishnu), Shaivas (worshippers of Shiva), and Shaktas (worshippers of the divine in feminine form)—may differ in their traditions, they share fundamental commonalities.

Hinduism is both deeply individualistic, allowing for the personal worship of an Ishta-devata, and naturally congregational, expressed through devotional singing (kirtans) and collective worship (pujas). While Hindu scriptures sometimes diverge in their perspectives (e.g., Vedas vs. Tantras), together they form a treasure trove of literature offering illuminating perspectives into life’s enduring mysteries.

So, who is a Hindu? While I have discussed some basic guidelines, they are by no means exhaustive. Hinduism offers a place for almost everyone, welcoming all with open arms.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“The whole universe is but one family!”

Bidur Mukherjee Las Vegas resident Bidur Mukherjee is a Physical Therapist with 27 years of professional experience and is currently working at a local hospital in Las Vegas.

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