Hinduism

Hinduism a major religious and cultural tradition of the Indian subcontinent, which developed from Vedic religion.

Hinduism is a diverse family of devotional and ascetic cults and philosophical schools, all sharing a belief in reincarnation and involving the worship of one or more of a large pantheon of gods and goddesses, including Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu (incarnate as Rama and Krishna), Kali, Durga, Parvati, and Ganesh. Hindu society was traditionally based on a caste system.

Hinduism Traditional religion of India, characterized by a philosophy and a way of life rather than by a dogmatic structure. It was not founded by an individual and has been developing gradually since c.3000 bc, absorbing external influences. There are several schools within Hinduism, but all Hindus recognize the Vedas as sacred texts. Dharma is the eternal moral law underpinning existence. Karma is the law of cause of effect that energises reincarnation. Liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth (moksha) and a return to Brahman is the chief aim in life. One of the features of Hindu society is the caste system, but modern Hindu scholars maintain that it is not part of the religion. The main Hindu gods are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the Trimurti). Popular deities include Krishna, Ganesh, Parvati, Lakshmi, and Indra. Brahmanism, the early phase of Hinduism, culminated in the classic texts of the Mahabharata (incorporating the Bhagavad Gita) and the Ramayana (relating the adventures of Rama). Today, there are c.800 million Hindus worldwide. See also Advaita; ahimsa; Hare Krishna; mantra; Upanishads; Vedanta