It is natural to unknowingly approach Hinduism with foreign notions of God, soul, heaven, hell and sin in mind. We translate brahman as God, atman as soul, papa as sin, dharma as religion. But brahman is not the same as God; atman is not equivalent to the soul, papa is not sin and dharma is much more than mere religion.
Hinduism is a way of life, a dharma. Dharma does not mean religion; it is the law that governs all action. Hinduism was not founded by one person, it does not have a core doctrine, there is no central authority, it does not require followers to accept any one idea, and no one can agree on when or even where it began.
Hinduism is
essentially a conglomeration of diverse religious, philosophical, and cultural
ideas, beliefs and traditions. In reality, Hindus worship a reminder of
God. No Hindu will say he or she is worshiping an idol.
Instead, Hindus believe a physical representation of God in the form of an idol which helps them focus on an aspect of prayer or meditation. For instance, a person who has just opened up a new business may worship Ganesh, the elephant god who represents success. The images of Gods and Goddesses, or murtis, are used as focal points to help aid in meditation and prayer.
