Hinduism Hinduism (Sanskrit: Sanatana Dharma "eternal law"; in several modern Indian languages also known as Hindu Dharma), is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent. With its foundations in the Vedic civilization, it has no known founder[2] being itself a conglomerate of diverse beliefs and traditions. It is the world's third largest religion after Christianity and Islam with approximately a billion adherents (2005 figure), of whom about 890 million live in India. Other countries with large Hindu populations include Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Theologically Hinduism is based on a number of religious texts developed over many centuries that contain purported spiritual insights along with guidance concerning the practice of dharma, or religious life. Among such texts, the Vedas are the most ancient, and they along with the Upanishads are the most important and foundational texts for Hindu philosophy. Other important scriptures include the eighteen Pura?as and the epics: the Mahabharata and the Ramaya?a. The Bhagavad Gita, which is contained within the Mahabharata, is a widely studied scripture that is seen as summarising the spiritual teachings of the Vedas. Hinduism encompasses many religious beliefs, traditions, practices, and denominations. Hinduism centres around a variety of practices that are meant to help one experience the Divinity that is everywhere and realise the true nature of the Self (atman). Most Hindus believe in a Supreme Cosmic Spirit, which may be understood in abstract terms as Brahman or which may be worshipped in personal forms such as Vishnu, Shiva or Shakti. Source: Wikipedia. |