On Hinduism

Aim of Human life is known as Purushartha (endeavours), “goals of human existence” or “the Atma’s purpose.” The Hindu Human Pursuit is a progression through the four endeavors – Dhama, Kama, Artha, and Moksha.
Dharma is the right way of living, being conscious in your actions, words and thoughts and living a life that is lawful and harmonious.
Kama is desire. We cannot live without a desire or a goal in life. Desire should follow Dharma.
Artha is money. Money is an important goal in human life and should be earned according to Dharma and is best when utilized towards Moksha.
The ultimate goal for a human life is to attain Moksha, which means liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Other reading material:

Relevant videos: Swami Nikhil Anand Hinduism Q & A: What is the aim of life?, 

Contribution: Geetha Ravula

Location of this file (6a): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-is-the-goal-of-human-life/

The ultimate purpose and goal for a Hindu’s religious and spiritual practice is to attain moksha. Moksha is Self-realization (atma-jnana) or realization of one’s true divine nature. Hindus Consider each individual (anything living) to be a divine self (atman, soul, life principle, consciousness), but that spiritual ignorance leads one to identify the self completely with the body and ego, thereby forgetting the divine nature of not only one’s self, but all of existence.  Self realization is knowledge of the true self beyond both delusion and identification with material phenomena.

Other reading material:

Relevant videos: Swami Nikhil Anand Hinduism Q & A: What is Self Realization

Contribution: Kaushik Macherla

Location of this post (6b): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/what-is-self-realization/

Hinduism does not teach ideas such as eternal Heaven or Hell. It sees life as a process of evolution where we grow spiritually over many lives. 

Behavior in a past life, combined with dharma (the duty you are born with) for this life, creates the lives we live in the present.

With each incarnation we get new lessons, based on what lessons we passed and failed in the last life. If you were an abusive person in a past life, your karma dictates you will be on the receiving end of abuse in this or future lives. Forgiving your abuser where appropriate, and asking for forgiveness for yourself, frees you from the karma. 

When an Atman persists in not learning lessons, abusing, not forgiving; a vicious cycle of birth and death is created until the Atman evolves and attains moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).

Other reading material: The Momentum of Karma

Relevant videos: Swami Nikhil Anand Hinduism Q & A: What is Good Action, Why I become Hindu, Transcending Karma, The Deeper Meaning of Dharma,  

Contributor: Swamini VishwaPratibha

Location of this page (15c): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/c-how-much-has-ones-past-life-had-an-impact-on-the-current-life/

Religion is an integral part of a Hindu’s daily and weekly life. Most Hindus maintain a small shrine (altar) at home, where they pray or meditate—often early in the morning—to feel grounded and begin the day with a positive mindset. Many also visit temples regularly, where they find not only worship but also community activities such as children’s language classes, study of scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, and various educational and cultural programs.

During festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri, Hindus gather in large numbers for celebrations that can last several days. Many also join havan groups, meditation circles, or chanting clubs, which provide both spiritual support and social bonding.

Equally important are everyday values drawn from the Dharma Shastras and the Vedas. These include speaking the truth, practicing ahimsa (nonviolence) and often vegetarianism, respecting parents, teachers, elders, and the wise, and greeting others with folded hands and “Namaste.” These are not tied to a strict daily or weekly schedule—they are woven into the fabric of life, guiding Hindus in all times and settings.

Contributor: Mukta Vadera

Location of this post (19d): https://www.hinduspeakers.org/ufaqs/how-does-your-religion-play-into-your-life-daily-weekly/