INTERFAITH WISDOM

The religion of 80% of the people of India is Hinduism.  It is the oldest of religions.  Here is a quick overview.

Hinduism is not organized and has no hierarchical structure. It has no written set of rules like the Ten Commandments.

At it's core, the religion believes in a Supreme Being and the ancient writings of their scripture called the Vedas.  But, there is no universally agreed upon teaching.  Interpretations and practices are set at the local level - they can vary from place to place.  Many gods and goddesses are worshiped who embody a single attribute of the one Supreme Being.  The guiding concepts of Truth, Dharma and Karma are held in common.

Truth is eternal and is to be sought throughout one's life.  Dharma is conformance to one's duties... doing what is right.  Karma is the force one produces.  Do right and produce good Karma.  Do wrong and produce bad Karma.

Here is a Hindu prayer for peace (shanti).

Oh God, lead us from the unreal to the real
Oh God, lead us from darkness to light
Oh God, lead us from death to immortality
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti unto all.
Oh Lord God Almighty, may there be peace in celestial regions.
May there be peace on Earth.
May the waters be appeasing.
May herbs be wholesome, and may trees and plants bring peace to all.
May all beneficent beings bring peace to us.
May the Vedic Law propagate peace all through the world.  (Vedic = from the Vedas)
May all things be a source of peace to us.
And may thy peace itself bestow peace on all and may that peace come to me also.
❤