Hinduism

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What is Hinduism? Sanatana Dharma, otherwise known as Hinduism, means "eternal religion". Defining Hinduism may be difficult due to multiple variations of religions, such as Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, which have steamed from Sanatana Dharma beliefs. Instead of focusing on a direct definition of Hinduism, it might be easier to identify Hindu philosophies and key practices that make up Hindu beliefs.

Is it a religion or is it a culture? The truth is - it is both a religion and a way of life. Hinduism is also known as "Sanatana Dharma" to Hindus. Hinduism was founded and in India. India gave to the world the original, oldest and most profound philosophy of life. The brilliant ancestors of present-day Indians explored the Truth behind our existence and gave several philosophies and theories to define the Truth. At the same time, they created a set of rules for "good living" on this earth.

The philosophical concepts that Indians gave to mankind are eternal and constitute no religion by themselves. However, the rules for good or "Dharmic" living that they laid down constitute the Hindu religion. Sanatana Dharma does not have a starting point in history, does not have a founder, and has no Church. The sages who shaped the Hindu religion merely reiterated the teachings of the Vedas, the Hindu scriptures (most of which is unwritten). The Vedas are believed to have no origin. In ancient India, the Vedas formed the educational system and broadly comprised all the different spheres of life, such as spiritual, scientific, medical and so on. Having knowledge on Hinduism means understanding a lifestyle of people where Hindu originated, India. The cultures and societies in India is what helped to develop Hinduism and keep historical be...

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... samsara and can only be broken when moksha is obtained.

Understanding the very basic philosophies of Hinduism only gives a general idea of Hinduism. Among the philosophies presented here, are numerous other practices and beliefs that make up Hinduism but it is not possible to explain or comprehend a religion within a few pages of text. What is possible is to gain a greater understanding that motivates questioning, and curiosity.

REFERENCES

Knapp, S (n.d.). A complete review of Vedic literature and the knowledge within. Retrieved January 5, 2007, from: http://www.stephen-knapp.com/complete_review_of_vedic_literature.htm

Wikipedia.org Hinduism Retrieved January 5, 2007 from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism

S Balasubramaniam Hinduism, The World's Oldest Religion Retrieved January 5, 2007 from: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/forum/9410/hindu1.html

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