Introduction to Hinduism:
In Hinduism, the caste system is a social hierarchy that divides Indus according to their Dharma. Many studies say that this system dates back over 3,000 years. Hinduism is a religion that began in India and is still rehearsed by the utmost of its occupants, as well as by those whose families have migrated from India to other corridors of the world( primarily East Africa, South Africa, Southeast Asia, the East Indies, and England). The word Hindu is derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu ( “ River ” — more specifically, the Indus); the Persians in the 5th century BC called the Hindus by that name, relating them to the people of the land of the Indus.
Hinduism is a major world religion, not simply because of its numerous followers( estimated at further than 700 million) but also because of its profound influence on numerous other religions during its long, unbroken history, which dates from about 1500 BC. The matching influence of these colorful religions on Hinduism( it has an extraordinary tendency to absorb foreign rudiments) has greatly contributed to the religion’s syncretism — the wide variety of beliefs and practices that it encompasses. A, the geographic, rather than ideological, base of the religion( the fact that it comprises whatever all the people of India have believed and done) has given Hinduism the character of a social and doctrinal system that extends to every aspect of mortal life.
History of the term “Hindu”.
Hindu word was derived from the river inflow in northern India, Indus. In ancient times, this river was known as the Sindhu River but when Persians came to India they called it Hindu, and to the land Hindustan, and the people abiding then called Hindus. Likewise, the term ‘ Hindu ’ came into actuality in the 6th century BC about a geographical terrain rather than an artistic side. While defining the religious side, the reference to the word Hinduism for the first time comes from a Chinese textbook ‘ Record of the Western Regions’. But it’s also believed that to describe religious practices or beliefs the English term Hinduism isn’t so old. It’s said that for the first time, it was used by Rajaram Mohan Roy in the time 1816- 17. After this, around 1830 to oppose British colonialism and to show differences from the other religious groups, a side of Indians started calling themselves Hindus and ‘ Hinduism ’ as their religion. It was the time when Hindus were soul-searching for their identity.
The start of Hinduism.
Hindus believe in Sanatana dharma. And there is no evidence of a single founder of Hinduism, like Christianity and Islam. In the Indus civilization, there is some evidence that it’s a part of Hinduism or influences of Hinduism. The study of Indus civilization shows there such as the Proto-Shiva seal, mother goddess figures made from terracotta, Swastik, and Holy animal pictures. It is believed that Hinduism existed from that time.
It is believed that Vedic culture served as the foundation for organized Hinduism. That time the Vedic period is when the sacred texts of Hinduism emerged, which is the time when the earliest or the first written records of Hinduism existed. So it is clear that there is no founder of Hinduism.
The core significances of Hinduism as a religion or a way of life?
Hinduism is not an organized religion because it does not have a set of logically related principles or regulations. Hinduism’s concepts are influenced by caste, community, regional, and community-driven practices. However many beliefs can be found in all forms and these are the core beliefs.
First, Hindus hold the idea of Bhramin or the Supreme Being. Apart from the concepts of Karma, the concepts of “soul or (Atma)”, the concepts of “Punarjanam (Reincarnation)” and Moksha are the main belief systems in Hinduism.
The belief in Karma in Hinduism is very important; it states that people’s actions affect their past and future. According to Hinduism, there are only four goals in life: Darma, Artha, Karma, and Moksha. After attending salvation, the cycle of birth ends, and the Atma is contained as the supreme soul.
Other Indian religions, such as Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism, are closely related to Hinduism.
Hindus do puja to all living things and see the cow as a sacred animal. Food is a significant component of Hindu culture. Most people do not consume meat, and many are vegetarians. Hindus also worship ‘Nature’. Everything is worshiped in Hinduism, from Plants to animals. The Worship of nature is a scientific reason in Hinduism for worshiping the banyan tree, and we all know that this tree provides oxygen throughout the year. In the same way, the Tulsi plant has medicinal properties. Ayurveda is known as a superfood and advised to take it daily. In the Vedic duration, Lord Indra was adored as a major god. Later on, the idea of the Trinity evolved, consisting of three major gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva Hindus worship multiple gods and goddesses. In addition, Brahman is presumed to be the highest God power present in all things.
Among the most prominent deities are:
- Brahma: This is the god who built the universe and all living creatures.
- Vishnu: This is the god who safeguards and conserves the universe.
- Shiva: This is the god who annihilates the universe to regenerate it.
- Devi: This is a goddess who battles for the restoration of dharma
- Krishna: This is a compassionate, gentle, and adoring god.
- Lakshmi: This is a Hindu goddess of prosperity and purity.
- Saraswati: This is the goddess of knowledge.
The main four categories are:
- Bhramins – The spiritual and intellectual leaders.
- Kshatriyas – The public protector and public servant of the society.
- Vaisyas – The capable producers.
- Shudras- The laborers or unskilled people.
Within each caste, there are many sub-castes. The untouchables are the class of people who are not part of the caste system and are supposed to be at the underneath of society.
Final Verdict:
No evidence or text is not there under Hinduism or any single god-like other religions. So the reason it’s difficult to understand Hinduism is that traditionally Hinduism is a way of life rather than a religion. Hinduism started to evolve as a religion. The Dharma in Hinduism is referred to as Sanatan Dharm, but the definition of Dharma is different from religion. Dharma is a system of regulations, and Sanatan Dharma uses those rules that have always been valid.
What is Hinduism, a religion or a way of life Frequently asked questions?
- Which religion is a way of life?
Hinduism is a religion that is a way of life
- Is Hinduism karma?
Karma is a concept of Hinduism that says a system in which beneficial beauty and harmful effects from past harmful actions, create a system of actions and reactions throughout a soul’s (jivatman) reincarnated lives, forming a cycle of rebirth.
- Why do Hindus worship cows?
It represents Mother Earth since it is a source of goodness and its milk feeds all living things. Krishna, an important Hindu god, is frequently depicted in myths about his life as a cowherd and as the boy who protects cows.
- How old is Hinduism?
Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion with roots of customs dating back 4000 years.
- Which religion came first in the world?
Hinduism is the first religion that came to the world
