Hinduism

1. Axioms

The following axioms function as foundational assumptions shared, in varying forms, across the family of traditions commonly grouped under Hinduism.

1. Ultimate reality: Reality includes an ultimate principle (often termed Brahman) that underlies or transcends phenomenal existence.
2. Cyclical existence: Existence unfolds through cycles of birth, death, and rebirth (saṃsāra).
3. Moral causality: Actions have consequences that shape present and future states of existence (karma).
4. Liberation as a central aim: Release from saṃsāra (mokṣa) is a fundamental religious objective.
5. Plurality of valid paths: There are multiple legitimate ways to orient life toward truth and liberation.

2. Derived Doctrinal Commitments

From these axioms, Hindu traditions develop diverse metaphysical, theological, and cosmological models.

• Metaphysical plurality: Ultimate reality may be understood as non-dual, dual, or qualified non-dual depending on the school.
• Selfhood: The relationship between the individual self (ātman) and ultimate reality is a central question.
• Scriptural plurality: Authority is distributed across multiple textual layers and interpretive traditions.
• Cosmic order: The universe is structured by an intelligible order sustaining moral and ritual life.
• Theistic and non-theistic forms: Devotional theism and philosophical non-theism coexist within the tradition.

3. Ethical Framework

Hindu ethics are contextual, teleological, and integrative of social and spiritual dimensions.

• Dharma: Moral duty is shaped by role, life stage, and cosmic order.
• Restraint and non-harm: Ethical ideals include non-violence, moderation, and self-discipline.
• Orientation toward liberation: Ethical action is evaluated in light of long-term spiritual aims.

4. Practices

Practices vary widely and correspond to different paths toward liberation.

• Ritual worship (pūjā)
• Devotional paths centered on chosen forms of the divine (bhakti)
• Disciplined action and service (karma-yoga)
• Meditation, inquiry, and knowledge cultivation (jñāna-yoga)
• Physical and contemplative disciplines (yoga traditions)

5. Internal Diversity

Hinduism is internally plural by structure rather than by exception.

• Multiple philosophical schools and metaphysical systems
• Devotional traditions centered on different deities
• Regional, linguistic, and cultural variation
• Coexistence of ritual, devotional, ascetic, and philosophical modes