Hinduism: The World's Oldest Living Religion
Explore the comprehensive guide to Hinduism - the world's oldest living religion, with over 1.2 billion followers worldwide. Discover its ancient wisdom, diverse traditions, and profound spiritual insights that have shaped human civilization for millennia.
History
Ancient origins to modern era
Scriptures
Sacred texts and wisdom
Deities
Gods and goddesses
Articles
In-depth studies
Core Beliefs
The cosmic law and moral duty that upholds the order of the universe
Significance:
Provides ethical framework and guides righteous living in all aspects of life
Key Aspects:
- Individual dharma (svadharma)
- Social dharma (varnashrama)
- Universal dharma (sanatana dharma)
- Duty-based ethics
The law of cause and effect governing all actions and their consequences
Significance:
Explains moral responsibility and the cycle of rebirth
Key Aspects:
- Actions determine future experiences
- Moral responsibility for choices
- Purification through good deeds
- Liberation from karma cycle
The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth until liberation
Significance:
Explains the soul's journey toward ultimate freedom
Key Aspects:
- Soul (atman) is eternal
- Reincarnation based on karma
- Different realms of existence
- Path to liberation (moksha)
Freedom from the cycle of rebirth and union with the divine
Significance:
Ultimate goal of human life and spiritual practice
Key Aspects:
- Realization of true self
- Union with Brahman
- Freedom from desires
- Transcendence of duality
The Four Goals of Life (Purusharthas)
The four legitimate goals of human life provide a comprehensive framework for balanced living, integrating material and spiritual aspirations.
Fulfilling one's moral and social duties
Importance:
Foundation for ethical living and social harmony
Key Elements:
- Following moral principles
- Fulfilling social responsibilities
- Maintaining cosmic order
- Living virtuously
Achieving material success and wealth
Importance:
Provides resources for dharma and supports family
Key Elements:
- Honest livelihood
- Economic security
- Supporting family
- Contributing to society
Enjoying legitimate pleasures and desires
Importance:
Balances material and spiritual aspects of life
Key Elements:
- Aesthetic enjoyment
- Family relationships
- Artistic expression
- Sensory pleasures
Ultimate spiritual freedom and union with divine
Importance:
Highest goal of human life and spiritual practice
Key Elements:
- Self-realization
- Freedom from rebirth
- Union with Brahman
- Transcendence of ego
Historical Development
The earliest phase of Hinduism, characterized by Vedic texts and rituals
Key Events:
- Composition of Rig Veda
- Vedic sacrifices and rituals
- Indo-Aryan migration
- Early philosophical concepts
Development of philosophical thought and spiritual inquiry
Key Events:
- Composition of Upanishads
- Concept of Brahman and Atman
- Meditation and yoga
- Renunciation tradition
Formation of major texts and philosophical systems
Key Events:
- Composition of Mahabharata and Ramayana
- Development of six darshanas
- Bhakti movement beginnings
- Temple construction
Development of devotional traditions and regional variations
Key Events:
- Bhakti movement expansion
- Tantric traditions
- Regional temple cultures
- Philosophical schools
Hinduism in the modern world and contemporary developments
Key Events:
- European colonialism impact
- Hindu reform movements
- Global Hindu diaspora
- Contemporary Hindu thought
Major Hindu Traditions
Largest Hindu tradition
Devotion to Vishnu and his avatars, emphasizing bhakti (devotion)
Characteristics:
- Worship of Vishnu and avatars
- Emphasis on bhakti yoga
- Sacred texts: Bhagavad Gita
- Major sects: Sri Vaishnavism, Gaudiya
Second largest tradition
Devotion to Shiva, emphasizing asceticism and meditation
Characteristics:
- Worship of Shiva
- Emphasis on yoga and meditation
- Ascetic traditions
- Tantric practices
Significant tradition
Worship of the Divine Mother (Shakti) in various forms
Characteristics:
- Worship of goddesses
- Tantric practices
- Emphasis on feminine divine
- Kundalini yoga
Intellectual tradition
Liberal tradition worshiping multiple deities equally
Characteristics:
- Worship of five deities
- Emphasis on jnana yoga
- Adi Shankara's influence
- Philosophical approach
Contemporary Significance
- Population: Over 1.2 billion Hindus worldwide
- Geographic Spread: Primarily in India and diaspora
- Cultural Diversity: Rich variety of regional traditions
- Modern Adaptations: Integration with contemporary life
- Environmental Ethics: Sacred nature and sustainability
- Social Justice: Addressing caste and inequality
- Women's Rights: Reinterpreting traditional roles
- Interfaith Dialogue: Building bridges with other faiths
Explore Further
Explore the ancient historical development of Hinduism from Vedic times to the modern era.
Discover the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred texts.
Learn about the major gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon.
Read in-depth articles about Hindu philosophy, practices, and contemporary issues.
Learn about yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices from Hindu tradition.
Compare Hinduism with other world religions and explore interfaith dialogue.