Creati̇on in Hinduism: the Universe and human perception

The subject of this study is "Creation in Hinduism: Universe and Human Perception". In the study, the perception of the universe and human beings in Hinduism is discussed based on the idea of creation. The subject is limited to the creation of the universe and man. The main purpose here is to reveal in a holistic way how the idea of creation shapes the perception of the universe and humans. The perception of the universe and humans also shapes life on earth and life after death. Therefore, another goal in the study is to present the idea of life after death, based on the idea of creation. In the study, the holy book corpus related to the idea of creation in Hinduism and sources based on the idea of creation were used. It has been concluded that creation, which shapes the perception of the universe and humans in Hinduism, takes place in four stages. There are five basic elements of creation in Hinduism. These elements constitute the material forms of the universe and man. The body, which is the material aspect of man, consists of the elements of creation. These elements arise from the soul. Therefore, the elements of creation are not negative and bad. It is the philosophy of the Upanishads that determines the basic teachings of Hinduism. In the Upanishads, the most basic concepts that shape the perception of the universe and human beings, and therefore the idea of life after death, are Brahman, Atman, karma, samsara and moksha. The realization of the unity of Atman and Brahman provides liberation from the wheel of samsara. Freedom from the wheel of samsara leads to absolute freedom moksha. In Hinduism, humans and the universe are subject to transmigration. The universe is destroyed and recreated in certain epochs of Kalpa. The idea of creation determines the meaning given to the world and man's perspective on worldly life. Therefore, the idea of creation is reflected in religious practices that lead the individual to salvation. In Hinduism, religious rituals and practices are practices that aim to return to the pure state of creation. Purity in creation leads to moksha, absolute freedom.