“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Mahatma Gandhi

Beliefs

The term “Hinduism” was coined as recently as the 19th century to cover a wide range of ancient creeds, textual traditions and religious groups. Thus Hinduism has no single founder, doctrine or religious authority. Hinduism is best understood as a complete way of life, a path of sanctification and discipline that leads to a higher level of consciousness. This path is known as Dharma, the ancient law. Hindus are often thought to be polytheists but most claim to believe in one supreme god who is incarnated in many forms. Hindus revere a body of texts as sacred scriptures known as the Vedas. Veda is a Sanskrit word meaning knowledge and many of these scriptures are concerned with Dharma. Other important texts include the great epics of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

The Bhagavad Gita (part of the Mahabharata) is very popular in the West. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death and rebirth, governed by Karma, a concept whereby beneficial effects are derived from past beneficial actions. Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived.

Customs and practices

Hindus follow the lunar calendar and particular days are set aside during the week and month to honour particular manifestations of God. The main festivals are celebrated in different ways by different communities. The most commonly celebrated festivals are Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and Navrathi, nine nights which celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Practical information

Hindu Community in Lincoln

A small number of Hindus live in Lincoln and also there are Hindu students studying at the University of Lincoln. While studying if you want to make friends with other Hindu students please join in the Facebook group or contact the Chaplain who will put you in touch with Hindu networks.