The 10 Commandments of H. I. N. D. U. I. S. M.

The 10 Commandments of H. I. N. D. U. I. S. M.

"H" for harmony: Hinduism respects all religions and thus aspires for mutual tolerance and respect

"I" for incarnation (Avatār): God descends to Earth inany form and under any sky as may be needed to uphold dharma (righteousness). There is no space, time, form ornumerical limitation to an avataar.

"N" for nonviolence (Ahisṃsa): Hinduism recognizes that life supports life. One should avoid causing unnecessary injury (in thoughts, words or deeds) to oneself or other fellow beings, including other life forms. Vegetarianism is a desired outcome, but never a prerequisite to be a Hindu.

"D" for dharma (righteousness): Always support what is right. This is a necessity: Dharma is the basis of harmonious life. If we don't support Dharma, it is as if chopping branches of the tree (of life) we are taking shade under.

"U" for unity of existence: Everything and all beings are interconnected or interrelated and are essentially the manifestation or extension of the Supreme (God).

"I" for inherent value: God is omnipresent and omnipotent. Both the manifest and the unmanifest are a projection of God. They are supported, directed and controlled by God as well. The God can be worshipped in any 'form' or 'no form.' Just as the flag is a symbol of a nation, an idol for the Hindu is symbolic of the God. A Hindu worships the God enshrined in the idol.

"S" for supreme reality (Brahman, another name for God; not to be confused with Brahma or Brahmin): Supreme reality is both formless and with form, impersonal and personal, transcendent and imminent. The supreme realityis known by many names.

"M" for moksha and mantra: Dharma (Virtue), Artha (Material prosperity), Kama (pleasures) and Moksha (liberation from cycles of birth & death, harmonious union with God) are the goals of life.