Exploring the Principal Beliefs of Hinduism
- myNachiketa
- Oct 29
- 4 min read
In ancient India, wise sages taught that a truly happy life doesn’t come from wealth or power, but from goodness in our actions. They said that when we live with Dharma, Karma, Ahimsa, and Seva, our life shines like a lamp that brings light to others. Imagine a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers, each representing different beliefs. In Hinduism, these beliefs help shape our lives and the way we treat others, showing us the path to happiness. It teaches us about Dharma, Karma, Ahinsa, and Seva.
myNachiketa presents exploring the Principal Beliefs of Hinduism.
1. Dharma: Doing the Right Thing
Dharma means the right path or duty. It is doing what is right even when it is hard. Each of us has our own dharma - a student’s dharma is to learn, a friend’s dharma is to be loyal, and a human’s dharma is to be kind and fair. Dharma is like your inner compass. It helps you choose right over wrong, like telling the truth, helping others, or keeping promises.
In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 18, Verse 47), Shri Krishna reminds us of our responsibilities with these words:
श्रेयान् स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात् स्वनुष्ठितात्।
स्वभावनियतं कर्म कुर्वन्नाप्नोति किल्बिषम्॥
Shreyan swadharmo vigunah paradharmat swanushthitat
Swabhava-niyatam karma kurvan na apnoti kilbisham
It is better to follow your own dharma (duty): even if it is imperfect, than to follow someone else’s dharma perfectly. When you perform the work that matches your own nature (swabhava), you do not incur sin or confusion.
How can you apply Dharma?
Help your family with chores.
Be kind and share with your friends.
Always be truthful in your words and actions.
2. Karma: What You Do Comes Back to You
Karma means our actions have consequences. It is like a boomerang; what you throw out into the world comes back to you! If you sow kindness, happiness returns to you like a warm hug. Good deeds bring happiness, and unkind acts bring sorrow.
Shloka from Bhagavad Gita (2.47), Shri Krishna says:
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
Karmany evadhikaras te ma phaleshu kadachana
Ma karma-phala-hetur bhur ma te sango astvakarmani
This teaches us that our actions always have consequences. You have the right to perform your actions, but not to the fruits (results) of those actions. Never think yourself the cause of the results of your deeds, and never be attached to not doing your duty.
How can you apply Karma?
Do small acts of kindness, like helping classmates.
Say "thank you" and appreciate others.
Think before acting to ensure your actions are positive.
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3. Ahimsa – The Power of Non-Violence
Ahimsa means not hurting anyone: not with words, actions, or even thoughts. It is about showing compassion to all living beings, humans, animals, and nature. Ahimsa means being gentle. Speak softly, don’t fight, and treat everyone kindly. Even small acts like feeding birds or saving water are forms of ahimsa.
A famous teaching found in the Mahabharata (Anushasana Parva 115.1)
अहिंसा परमॊ धर्मः धर्म हिंसा तथैव च।
Ahimsa paramo dharmah dharma himsa tathaiva cha
Non-violence (Ahimsa) is the highest virtue, but sometimes, even righteous action (Dharma Himsa) when done to protect truth or justice, is also Dharma.
How can you apply Ahinsa?
Avoid hurting others in anger.
Be kind to animals.
Speak politely, even when upset.
Choose peace over fighting.
Seva: Serving with Love
Seva means selfless service: helping others without expecting anything in return. It comes from the heart, not from duty. When we serve others, we serve God. When you help your parents, share your lunch, or care for someone sad, that’s seva! It means giving your time and love to make someone’s day brighter.
Shloka from the Rig Veda and often quoted in Swami Vivekananda’s teachings:
आत्मनो मोक्षार्थम् जगत् हिताय च॥
Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha
It beautifully teaches that true spiritual life means growing within and helping the world around us; balancing self-realization with selfless service.
How can you apply Seva in daily life?
Help your family with chores.
Donate toys or clothes you don’t use.
Volunteer for a good cause.
Smile - sometimes, that’s the best seva!
As we learn about the principal beliefs of Hinduism, remember that they guide us in our everyday lives. When we walk with Dharma, act with good Karma, speak with Ahimsa, and serve with Seva, our life becomes peaceful and purposeful, and we become better individuals. So, the next time you’re unsure what to do, ask yourself: “Is this right? Is this kind? Is this helpful?” If yes, then you are already walking the path of truth.
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