Have you ever heard the saying, “If nothing else, Fear God”? Do you understand its meaning? According to Sanatan Dharma, Sins in Hinduism are referred to as Paap or Papam, which signifies wrongful actions that go against the teachings of the religion. Divine beings observe everything you do in your daily life.
Well, according to various hindu scriptures, some of the actions are considered sins and are unforgivable. Human life is affected not only by intoxicants but also by ignorance, egoism, selfishness, delusion, desires, and attachments.
With that being said, allow us to take you forward by learning more about the top 5 sins in Hinduism that go against the Hindu Dharam.
The Concept of Sins in Hinduism
In Hinduism, Sins or Paap are the enemies of the mind. The ancient Hindu text Manu Smriti and scriptures like the Bhagwat Gita reveal that lust, greed, jealousy, attachment, and laziness are sins. If something does not let your mind be at peace, it’s a sin, and thus, that goes beyond the teaching of the Hindu religion.
Moreover, in simple words, Sins (Paap) mean disobedience to God’s eternal law (Dharma). Going against the Gods’ will and teachings of their religion is the greatest sin in the world. Therefore, fearing God and not indulging in activities that disconnect you from God is the best way to respect your Dharam.
Also Read: What are Various Important Threads in Hinduism?
5 Sins in Hinduism: Violations of the Hindu Dharm
Some actions undertaken by individuals are sinful in Hinduism. However, these are some of the top five dreadful sins (Mahapaap) deemed unjustifiable.
1. Killing Cow or Brahmin
As per the Agni Purana, harming or killing a cow is a great sin in Hinduism, and thus, doing such acts will have to bear terrible consequences. Also, the Cow or Gau Mata is a sacred symbol of life, and it’s the beloved creature of Lord krishna. Feeding and caring for a cow can bring peace, prosperity and harmony.
Moreover, killing a Brahmin is the greatest sin, as they are the most powerful ones in the Hindu community. Also, Brahmins are priests and scholars who share knowledge and wisdom. Therefore, harming, disrespecting and killing them has no escape than to face the curse.
2. Disrespecting your Guru and casting lustful eyes on your Guru’s wife
In the ancient and modern world, Gurus (teachers or scholars) guide their students to bring spiritual progress. They share their lifelong knowledge and understanding with their students. So, if you disrespect or try to talk ill about gurus, it counts as your wrongdoings, and you need to pay for it in your life.
In ancient times, students used to stay in Gurukul (the home of the guru), where they gained knowledge and teachings from Gurus. The Guru’s wife used to care for all the Gurukul students like a mother. So, if someone puts lustful eyes on the Guru’s wife, who is more like a mother, it is a sin in Hinduism.
3. Stealing and Dishonesty
Stealing someone’s property, gold, or anything else will not be forgiven, as per Sutras and the Asteya. One should forbid such behaviour because it says so much about an individual’s personality and intentions. Even the thought of stealing is wickedness, which makes the natives lose their moral values and goodness.
Moreover, sins in Hinduism involve dishonesty, which goes against the principles of righteousness, truth, and dharma. The habit of lying and dishonesty question individuals’ values, resulting in negative karma that can make them suffer for life. So, one should always be truthful to maintain a righteous and virtuous life in Hinduism.
4. Violence and Having Sinful Thoughts
In Hinduism, both physical and mental violence are akusala karma (Sinful deeds) for which individuals have to suffer due to a curse from the divine. Violence and sinful thoughts hinder spiritual practice (sadhana), making individuals. Doing such acts disrespects the principles of non-violence (ahimsa) and righteousness.
Moreover, sinful thoughts such as jealousy, hatred, ego, lust, and greed can hinder an individual’s spiritual and moral growth. This can lead to a lack of inner peace and a sense of purpose and objective in life. According to Hindu principles, the universe and everything in it is associated with God. Therefore, one must always have good karma and maintain personal ethics.
5. Consumption of Alcohol and other intoxicating substances
When an individual consumes alcohol or any intoxicants, they tend to weaken their spirit and mind. They start to hamper your mind, resulting in negative thoughts and actions. The intoxicated individuals are incapable of making decisions, leading to criminal behaviours.
As per sins in Hinduism, intoxicated individuals lose their sense and the ability to think wisely. This leads to making them fall into the trap of unlawful acts. The Vedas and Upanishads say that an intoxicated body tends to become impure, violating the principles of Hinduism.
Also Read: What are the 18 Puranas in Hinduism?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are sins in Hinduism?
2. What actions are sins as per Hindu Principles?
3. What are the five sins of Bhagwat Gita?
4. Is killing Brahmans a sin in Hinduism?
5. Are sins forgivable in Hinduism?
6. What is the punishment for sin in Hinduism?
Also Read: The Three Pillars Of Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu And Mahesh
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