What is Hinduism?
Hinduism is the world's oldest religion, with a billion followers, which makes it the world's third largest religion. Hinduism is a conglomeration of religious, philosophical, and cultural ideas and practices that originated in India.
Hinduism is characterized by:
? the belief in reincarnation
? one absolute being of multiple manifestations
? the law of cause and effect
? following the path of righteousness
? and the desire for liberation from the cycle of births and deaths
Hinduism is a way of life, a Dharma, that is, the law that governs all action. It is the dominant faith of India, practised by over 80% of the population. Since religion is a way of life in India, Hinduism forms an integral part of the entire Indian tradition.
Hinduism can best be defined as a way of life based on the teachings of ancient sages and scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads.
Hindu Dharma, as one scholar analogizes, can be compared to a fruit tree,
? with its roots representing the Vedas and Vedantas (the source of knowledge),
? the thick trunk symbolizing the spiritual experiences of numerous sages, gurus and saints, its branches representing various theological traditions,
? and the fruit itself, in different shapes and sizes symbolizing various sects and subsects.
10 Pillars of Hinduism
1. Satya (Truth)
2. Ahimsa (Non-violence)
3. Brahmacharya (Celibacy, non-adultery)
4. Asteya (No desire to possess or steal)
5. Aparighara (Non-corrupt)
6. Shaucha (Cleanliness)
7. Santosh (Contentment)
8. Swadhyaya (Reading of scriptures)
9. Tapas (Austerity, perseverance, penance)
10. Ishwarpranidhan (Regular prayers)
Who is a Hindu?