{{Hinduism small}}
'''Hinduism''' (Sanskrit ''{{IAST|Hindū Dharma}}''—{{lang|hi|हिन्दू धर्म}}, also known as '''''{{IAST|Sanātana Dharma}}''''' {{lang|sa|सनातन धर्म}}, and '''''{{IAST|Vaidika Dharma}}''''' {{lang|sa|वैदिक धर्म}}) is a religion or philosophy that originated from the Indian_subcontinent and nearby surrounding areas. The term ''Hinduism'' is Heterogeneous, as Hinduism consists of several schools of thought. It encompasses many religious rituals that widely vary in practice, as well as many diverse sects and philosophies. Many Hindus, influenced by Advaita philosophy, venerate an array of deities, considering them manifestations of the one supreme Monistic Cosmic Spirit, ''Brahman'', while many others focus on a singular concept of Brahman (God), as in Vaishnavism, Saivism and Shaktism."Concept of God". In India, clause 2(b), article 25 of Indian constitutionhttp://www.oefre.unibe.ch/law/icl/in00000_.html extends this definition of Hinduism to include Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism.
Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, with approximately 1 billion adherents (2005 figure), of whom approximately 890 million live in India.http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761555715/Hinduism.html "Adherents" It is also the oldest known Religion in the world today. Unlike many other religions, Hinduism has no main founder.Osborne, E: "Accessing R.E. Founders & Leaders, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism Teacher's Book Mainstream.", page 9. Folens Limited, 2005Klostermaier, K:"A Survey of Hinduism", page 1. SUNY Press, 1994.. It also has no single holy book — It has many, with all of them believed to be pointing to the same ultimate truth. Its original scriptures were the four ''Vedas'', but as time has passed, many other texts have also been embraced as scriptures.
== Etymology ==
The term '''Hindu''' is derived from ''Sindhu'' ({{lang|sa|सिन्धु}}, i.e. the Indus_River in particular, or any river in general)."Meaning of Hindu" In the Rig_Veda, the Indo-Aryans mention their land as ''Sapta Sindhu'' (the land of the seven rivers of the northwestern Indian_subcontinent, one of them being the Indus). The term was used for people who lived in the Indian subcontinent around or beyond the ''Sindhu''.
The Persian term was borrowed by the Ancient Greeks as ''Indos'', ''Indikos'' "Indian", from which was derived the name ''India'', ''Indianus'' in Latin."Indos" The term ''hindu'' was also loaned into Sanskrit, as ''{{IAST|hindu}}'' ({{lang|sa|हिन्दु}}), appearing in some early Medieval texts (e.g. ''{{IAST|Bhaviṣya Purāṇa, Kālikā Purāṇa, Rāmakośa, Hemantakavikośa}}'' and ''{{IAST|Adbhutarūpakośa}}'').
According to Historical_linguistics, Proto-Indo-Iranian / *s / is preserved in the Indo-Aryan_languages (including Sanskrit as / s /) but was changed to / h / in prevocalic position in the Iranian branch (including Avestan and Old Persian); see also Indo-European_sound_laws.
== Core concepts ==
The Hindu faiths, practices and philosophies have evolved from the Vedic_tradition (''Vaidika parampar{{Unicode|ā}}''). Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism all share common philosophical and spiritual traits with Hinduism in varying degrees.
===The Eternal Way (Sanatana Dharma)===
''{{IAST|Sanātana Dharma}}''—"The Eternal Dharma (Ethos, Law, Values)"—the traditional name of Hinduism, alludes to the idea that certain spiritual principles hold true forever, transcending man-made constructs and representing a pure science of consciousness. This consciousness is not merely that of the body or mind and intellect, but of a transcendental state that exists within and beyond our somatic existence, the unsullied 'Soul' of all. Religion to the Hindu is the eternal search for the divine ''Brahman'' (wordstem: {{lang|sa|}} / {{IPA|brəhmən}} /; nominative singular: ''{{IAST|brahma}}'' {{lang|sa|}} / {{IPA|brəhmə}} /), translated as the "Supreme Immanent and Transcendent Truth" or the '''Cosmic Spirit'''.
Hinduism teaches tolerance of other religions, as expressed in the ''Rig Veda'' verse:
:{{lang|sa|}}
:''{{Unicode|ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti}}''
:Truth is One, but sages call it by many names
:Rig Veda 1:164:46.
Hinduism teaches universal peace and brotherhood:
"This world is one family" (Vasudaiva Kutumbakam)
Hinduism's aspiration may be best expressed in the following ''Mantra'' from the ''Brihadaranyaka Upanishad'':{{lang|sa|}}Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1:3:28
:{{Unicode|'''OM''' ''Asato mā sadgamaya, tamaso mā jyotirgamaya, mrityormāmritam gamaya''}}
:''OM (Lead me) from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality.''
=== Basic beliefs ===
Image:Naradiyamahapuranam.jpg'' describes the mechanics of the cosmos. Depicted here are Vishnu the Maintainer with his consort Lakshmi resting on Shesha Nag. The great sage Narada and Brahma the Creator are also pictured.]]Themes common to the value system of Hindus are the belief in ''Dharma'' (individual ethics, duties and obligations), ''Samsara'' (Reincarnation/rebirth), ''Karma'' ("actions", leading to a cause-and-effect relationship), and ''Moksha'' (salvation) for every soul through a variety of paths (known as ''margs'' or ''yogas''), such as ''Bhakti'' (devotional service), ''Karma'' (selfless action) and ''Jnana'' (enlightenment, knowledge), Raja (meditation) and belief in God (Ishvara''). It should be noted that the view of 'God' varies from a monotheistic brand of a personality, father or mother figure, to that of a genderless, attributeless cosmic force or source. ''Reincarnation'', or the soul's transmigration through a cycle of birth and death until it attains {{Unicode|Mokṣha}}, is governed by ''Karma''. Yoga, in its various forms (devotional, selfless action, meditational, psychophysical rebalancing, etc.) is a central means of achieving oneness, enlightenment, and peace.
The philosophy of ''Karma'' lays forth the results of free-willed actions, which leave their imprint on the Soul or the self, called ''Atman_(Hinduism)''. These actions determine the course of life and the life cycle for the soul in its subsequent life. Virtuous actions take the soul closer to the Supreme Divine and lead to a birth with higher consciousness. Evil actions hinder this recognition of the Supreme Divine, and the soul takes lower forms of worldly life. It should also be noted, however, that in many major texts and schools of thoughts, though binary oppositions like good and evil, light and darkness, pleasure and pain, may seem real, they are only ''mithya'', or a skewed understanding of reality (a pseudoreality); in other words, it is ultimately the goal for such oppositions to be transcended in a state of dispassion or detachment, called ''vairagya''. Such detachment does not imply a departure from the activities of the world, but rather equanimity and balance in the face of constant change, the inevitable highs and lows of life. This idea, that even the traditional opposition of good and evil ultimately is negated in the oneness of 'true reality,' is exemplified in such key Hindu works as the Bhagavad_Gita, the Upanishads, works by such saints and yogis as Shri_Aurobindo, Shri_Shankaracharya, Swami_Vivekananda, and Patanjali, to name a few.
According to Hinduism, all existence, from vegetation to mankind, are subject to the eternal ''Dharma'', which is the natural law. Even Heaven (''Svarga Loka'') and Hell (''Naraka Loka'') are temporary. Liberation from material existence and the cycle of birth and death to join, reach or develop a relationship with the "universal spirit", is known as ''{{Unicode|Mokṣha}}'', which is the ultimate goal of all Hindus. (Whether one seeks to join an impersonal universal spirit or develop a relationship with the Supreme in a personal form is a matter of personal choice.)
Other principles include the ''Guru-shishya_tradition'', the divinity of the word OM, the power of ''Mantras'' and manifestations of the Divine's spirit in all forms of existence . According to Hinduism, the essential spark of the atman, that part of the individual which is Brahman, exists in every living being, consequently all living beings are divine. Another belief is although Hindu texts mention a class of foul-minded beings overcome by ego (demons, called Asuras or ''{{Unicode|Rākṣasas}}''), opposed to the celestial spirits (''Devas''), essential Hindu philosophy does not believe in any concept of a central Devil or Satan. Many of the asuras, for example, tread on the path of justice and were devotees of gods (not to be confused with deva). This does not mean that all the evil in the world is attributed to God, but that the evil (deed or thought) is ascribed to human ignorance.
'''Conversion'''
Since the Hindu scriptures are essentially silent on the issue of Religious_conversion, the issue of whether Hindus evangelize is open to interpretations. "Does Hinduism Accept Newcomers?" For the most part, though, Hindus do not evangelize. (''See Conversion to Hinduism''). Regarding conversion, those who view Hinduism as being an ethnicity more than a religion (as some secular Jews view Judaism) tend not to believe that one can convert to Hinduism. However, those who see Hinduism primarily as a philosophy, a set of beliefs, or a way of life generally believe that one can convert to Hinduism by incorporating Hindu beliefs into one's life and by considering oneself a Hindu. Hindus who emphasize the philosophical side of the religion (as opposed to the ethnic side) sometimes refer to their religion as "Vedanta" and to themselves as Vedantists or Vedantins.Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Vol. I, 6-7. There is no formal conversion process, although in many denominations the ritual called "dikshaa" or "initiation" is seen as being the beginning of spiritual life, much like baptism in many Christian denominations. In any case, most Hindu denominations do not actively seek to recruit converts because they believe that the goals of spiritual life can be attained through any religion, so long as the religion is practiced sincerely.See Swami Bhaskarananda, Essentials of Hinduism pp. 189-92(Viveka Press 1994) There are a number of Hindu "missionary" groups, however, that operate missions in non-Hindu countries for purposes of providing guidance to the public that can be applied to spiritual life within any religion, whether or not one converts to Hinduism. Examples are the Vedanta Society (also known as the Ramakrishna Mission) and the Self-Realization Fellowship.
=== The Hindu Concept of God===
Hinduism is sometimes called a polytheistic religion, but, strictly speaking, such a description is not accurate. The Hindu scriptures depict God as both as personal being (as in the Judeo-Christian religions) and also as a principle (as in Buddhism, although many Buddhists do not refer to the principle as "God"). The idea is that God, in the highest sense, is a principle, but in order for people to understand this principle, they may find it helpful to think of God in anthropomorphic forms--and sometimes this can mean thinking of the One God in many different forms.
When God is thought of as a principle, he--or, more accurately, "it"--is called ''Brahman'' a word which denotes God as the Ultimate Reality, the Absolute or Universal Soul (''Paramatman'') "Reality-Shift...". Page 3. When God is thought of as a person-like being with great powers, as in the Judeo-Christian religions, he is called "Ishwara."
"Brahman" refers to God as a principle, rather than as a person. Hindus believe that "God," in the final analysis, is a concept or an ideal rather than a person, but people have the natural tendency to imagine the personality of God based on their on personalities. However, imagining God with such a personality is not harmful--on the contrary, it is considered a helpful step toward realization of the highest truth.
The Hindu scriptures insist that Brahman cannot be described in words, but can only be understood through direct experience (like the concept of happiness, for example). Nevertheless, Hindu sages have endevored to describe Brahman as closely as possible within the limits of human language, and such attempts make up a large portion of the Hindu scriptures, particularly in the ancient Vedic texts known as the Upanishads. Several "mahaa-vaakyas," or great sayings, are said to come closest to describing what the principle of Brahman is: "Brahman is knowledge" (prajnaanam brahma), "Brahman is the Self" or "Brahman is the soul" (ayam aatmaa brahma), "I am brahman" (aham brahmaasmi), "You are brahman" (tat twam asi), and "All this [that we see in the world] is Brahman" (sarvam khalvidam brahma), and "Brahman is existence, consciousness, and happiness" (sachchidaananda brahma), and "unselfishness is God."
Thus, Brahman is conceived of as the very essence of existence and knowledge, which pervades the entire universe, including every living being. Moreover, Brahman is considered the only thing that ultimately exists. People think of themselves as individuals, but really they are Brahman, if only they could realize it. It is this realization that Hinduism considers the ultimate goal of life. All the other teachings and rituals found in Hinduism are merely tools that can help one to reach the highest attainment: direct perception of God.
When God is thought of as a powerful individual that has a personality (like the Judeo-Christian God), he is called "Ishwara." Most Hindus, in their daily devotional practices, worship some form of this personal aspect of God, although they believe in the more abstract concept of Brahman as well. "Ishwara," does not refer to any particular deity; it is just a word used to refer to the personal aspect of God in general. Depending on which aspect of Ishwara one is talking about, a different name will be used--and frequently a different image or picture. For instance, when God is being talked about in his aspect as the creator, he will be called Brahma''). When he is being referred to in his capacity as preserver of the world, he is called Vishnu. Many of these individual aspects of God have sub-categories that take the forms of other names and images. For example, the gods Krishna and Rama are considered to be forms of Vishnu. All the various deities and images one finds in Hinduism are considered to be aspects of the same God, which is called Ishwara when no particular aspect is being referred to. Hindus generally worship primarily one or another of these deities, known as their "ishta devataa," or chosen ideal. Although each Hindu has his or her chosen ideal, however, they may worship other deities from time to time as well, depending on the occasion.
''Brahman'' (not to be confused with the deity ''Brahma'') is seen as the unique panentheistic '''Cosmic Spirit'''. ''Brahman'' may be viewed as bereft of personal attributes — ''Nirguna_Brahman'' (except the qualities of infinite truth, infinite consciousness and infinite bliss), or with auspicious manifestable attributes — ''Saguna_Brahman''.
''God'', when thought of as a divine personal being is ''Ishvara'' (literally, the ''Supreme Lord'') Swami Krishnananda. "The Doctrine of the Upanishads". Page 7. In ''Advaita_Vedanta'' philosophy, ''{{Unicode|Īshvara}}'' is simply the form of Brahman manifested upon the human mind. According to ''Smarta'' views, the Supreme Being can be with attributes, ''Saguna_Brahman'', and also be viewed with whatever attributes (e.g., a Goddess) a devotee conceives. For the Hindus, ''{{Unicode|Īshvara}}'', who is one and only one, is full of innumerable auspicious qualities; He is omniscient, omnipotent, perfect, just, merciful, glorious, mysterious, and yet full of love. He is the Creator, the Ruler and the Destroyer of this universe. Some believe Him to be infinite and incorporeal. In Vaishnavism and Shaivism, ''Saguna_Brahman'' is viewed solely as ''Vishnu'' or ''Shiva.'' He is also called ''Bhagavan'' both in Sanskrit and in most modern Indian languages.
===The many deities (Parts and Parcels of God)===
Image:UniversalForm.jpg revealing his universal form to Arjuna in the ''Bhagavad_Gita'' ''Artwork © courtesy of The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust'']]
The Hindu religion also believes in many celestial entities, called ''Devas''. The word ''Devas'' may variously be translated into English as gods, demigods, deities, celestial spirits or angels, none of which is an exact translation. The feminine of ''deva'' is '''''{{Unicode|devī}}'''''. It is the worship of the ''devas'' that gives the impression that Hinduism is polytheistic. However, the terms ''{{Unicode|Īshvara}}'' and ''devas'' must not be confused. ''Devas'' could be said to be as numerous as 330 million. "Hindu God and Goddess" Hinduism is incorrect said to have 330 million ''Gods'', which are more correctly ''devas'', or celestial beings. The number is also not 330 million (or 33 crores) but the word 'koti' in sanskrit means crore as well as categories, representing 33 devas. Hinduism is ultimately monistic, which considers the One Reality, the Universal and non-dual Brahman, behind all forms.
# According to the philosophy of ''Mimamsa'', all the ''devas'' and ''{{Unicode|devīs}}'' are the sovereign rulers of the forces of nature, and there is no one Supreme ''{{Unicode|Īshvara}}'' as their Lord. To do a desired action, humans must please each or several of these ''devas'' by worshiping them with proper rituals. This view could be regarded as purely polytheistic. Although the later ''{{Unicode|Mīmāṃsakās}}'' retracted this view and accepted ''{{Unicode|Īshvara}}'', many Hindus today still hold it.
#According to the philosophy of ''Advaita_Vedanta,'' all the ''devas'' are simply mundane manifestations of the Supreme Lord (Ishvara'') in the human mind and hence, ultimately, different manifestations of the One ''Brahman'' that the human mind conceives.Arnold, Sir Edwin. "The Bhagavad Gita" Chapter 7 (Page 30). Advaita philosophy holds that in order to worship the formless ''{{Unicode|Īshvara}},'' the devotee conceives a physical form of God in his mind for the sake of worshiping Him with love ({{Unicode|Bhakti}}).
#According to the philosophies of ''Nyaya'', ''Vaisheshika'', and ''Yoga'', the Vaishnavite schools, and certain schools of Shaivite thought, the ''devas'' are those celestial beings who are subservient to the Supreme Lord ''{{Unicode|Īshvara}}'' but are above human beings. Thus they preside over the forces of nature and act as a link between God and the mortal world. They all derive their power from God, under whose control they always work.
Whatever their wider relation may be, the ''devas'' (also called ''{{Unicode|devatās}}'') are an integral part of the colorful Hindu culture. The 33 early Vedic ''devas'' included ''Indra'', ''Agni'', ''Soma'', ''Varuna'', ''Mitra'', ''Savitri'', ''Rudra'', ''Prajapati'', ''Vishnu'', ''Aryaman'' and the ''Ashvins''; important ''{{Unicode|devīs}}'' were ''Sarasvati'', ''Ushas'' and ''Prithvi''. ''Indra'' is traditionally called the king of the demigods. The ''Puranas'' laud ''Brahma'', ''Vishnu'' and ''Shiva'' (sometimes called the ''Trimurti''), signifying respectively the creative, ruling and destroying aspects of the same One God. ''{{Unicode|Brahmā}}'', ''{{Unicode|Viṣnu}}'' and ''Shiva'' are not regarded as ordinary ''devas'' but as '''''{{Unicode|Mahādevas}}'''''. The ''Puranas'' also laud other ''devas,'' such as ''Ganesha'' and ''Hanumān,'' and ''Avatar'' such as ''Rama'' and ''Krishna.'' ''{{Unicode|Devīs}}'', worshiped as the mother, include ''Lakshmi'', ''Sarasvatī'' and ''Parvati,'' and ''Durga'' and her forms such as ''Kali''.
In Hinduism the scriptures recommend that for the satisfaction of a particular material desire a person may worship a particular deity.''Bhagavata Purana'' 2.3.1-9. http://www.srimadbhagavatam.com/2/3/en
Hindus accept that ultimately there is only One Supreme Reality, diversely manifested. "The Ultimate Reality is the same, but different people call it by different names"
(''{{Unicode|ekam sat viprā bahudhā vadanti}}'' — ''Rigveda'' 1.164.46).
===Practice (Yoga Dharma)===
Hinduism includes a variety of practices, primarily spiritual service in devotion (''Bhakti_Yoga''), selfless service (''Karma_Yoga''), knowledge (''Jnana_Yoga'') and meditation (''Raja_Yoga''). These are described in the two principal texts of Hindu Yoga: The ''Bhagavad_Gita'' and the ''Yoga Sūtras''. The ''Upanishads'' are also important as a philosophical foundation for these practices. The Yogas provide a sort of alternate path (or faiths) that links together various Hindu beliefs, and can also be used to categorise non-Hindu beliefs that are seen as paths to {{Unicode|mokṣha}}, or ''Nirvana''.
===Puruṣhārthas - The four pursuits of life===
Another major aspect of Hindu ''dharma'' that is common to practically all Hindus is that of the ''Purusharthas'', the "four pursuits of life". They are ''Dharma'', ''Artha'', ''Kama_(Purusharthas)'' and ''Moksha''. It is said that all beings seek ''{{Unicode|kāma}}'' (pleasure, physical or emotional) and ''artha'' (material wealth), but soon, with maturity, learn to govern these legitimate desires within the higher framework of ''dharma'' (righteousness). Of course, the only goal that is truly ultimate, whose attainment results in ultimate happiness, is ''{{Unicode|mokṣha}}'' (salvation), also known as ''Mukti'' (spiritual liberation), ''Samadhi'', ''Nirvana'', or escape from ''Samsara'' (the cycle of births and deaths).
Another perspective on these (i.e. dharma, artha, kama, moksha) is that artha and kama are to be pursued like a river which is bounded by dharma and moksha on the two sides.
===Varnashrama Dharma===
====Ashramas - The four stages of life====
Ideally (though not feasible for most of today's lay Hindus), the human life is divided into four ''Ashramas'' ("phases" or "stages"). They are
* ''Brahmacharya'',
* ''Grihastha'',
* ''Vanaprastha'' and
* ''Sanyasa''.
The first quarter of one's life, ''Brahmacharya'' ("meditation, or study of the ''Brahman''") is spent in Celibate, controlled, Sober and pure contemplation under a Guru, building up the mind for the realization of truth. ''Grihastha'' is the Householder's stage, alternatively known as ''Samsara'', in which one marries and satisfies ''Kama_(Hinduism)'' and ''Artha'' within one's married and ''Professional'' life. ''Vanaprastha'' is gradual detachment from the Material_world. This may involve giving over duties to one's children, spending more time in Contemplation of the Divine, and making holy Pilgrimages. Finally, in ''Sannyasa'', one goes into renunciation, often envisioned as seclusion, to find the Divine through detachment from worldly life and peacefully shed the body for the next life (or for liberation).
====Varnas -The four classes of society====
Hindu society has traditionally been divided into four classes, based on profession —
* the ''Brahmin'' (also anglicised as Brahmins): teachers and priests;
* the ''Kshatriya'': warriors, kings and administrators;
* the ''Vaishya'': farmers, merchants, herdsmen and businessmen; and
* the ''Shudra'': servants and labourers.
Each of these classes was called a ''{{Unicode|varṇa}},'' and the system was called ''{{Unicode|Varna Vyavasthā}}''. Some say it is debatable whether the ''{{Unicode|Varna Vyavasthā}}'' system is an integral part of Hinduism or not and whether or not it is strictly sanctioned by the scriptures.Caste System View of Scholars The ''Shruti'' texts make very rare mentions of this system, without providing explicit definitions. But the ''Bhagavad Gītā'' (4.13) explicitly mentions that the four ''{{Unicode|varṇa}}'' divisions are created by Bhagavān, the Supreme Lord. And the ''{{Unicode|Smṛiti}}'' texts (including the ''Manusmriti'') are more explicit in their categorisation of the classes Manu Smriti Laws of Manu 1.87-1.91 and framing rather strict rules about this system. During its early development, the social structure was based upon the profession. The ''Gītā'' (4.13) explicitly says that one's ''{{Unicode|varṇa}}'' is to be understood from one's qualities and one's work, not one's birth. It is noteworthy that many great sages '''became''' Brahmins. ''Vishwamitra'' was a ''Kshatriya'' king before he became recognized as a great Brahmin sage. ''Valmiki'', once a robber, became a great sage while ''Veda_Vyasa'' was the son of a fisherwoman Sabhlok, Prem. "Glimpses of Vedic Metaphysics". Page 21. A hymn from the Rig Veda says :
:''"I am a bard, my father is a physician, my mother's job is to grind the corn......" ''
:(Rig Veda 9.112.3).
Though historians do not agree on the specific period, the social system later became hierarchical and based upon birth, leading to the evolution of several sub-castes (along with a class of outcastes — now known as Dalits — outside the ''{{Unicode|Varṇa Vyavasthā}}'') and the practice of social discrimination of the ''{{Unicode|Shūdra}}'' and ''Dalit'' classes, eventually forming the Caste_system as we know of today.
== Denominations ==
{{main|Hindu denominations}}
Image:Pashupatinathskc.JPG in Nepal is regarded as one of the most sacred places in Shaivism.]]
Contemporary Hinduism is now divided into four major divisions: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. The primary differences are between the sects of Vaishnavism, which conceives God as ''Vishnu'', and Shaivism, which conceives God as ''Shiva''. Vaishnavas make up the majority of Hindus in India. Shaktism worships a female divinity or goddess, ''Devi'', sometimes as the power of ''Shiva'' personified (in which case we could classify the approach as belonging to a subsect of Shaivism). Smartism, in contrast, believes that all religions are the same and lead to a pantheistic God. A number of movements have also given rise to sects like Swami Dayananda_Saraswati's ''Arya_Samaj'', which condemns Iconolatry and veneration of multiple deities and focuses on the ''Vedas'' and the Vedic fire sacrifices (''yajña'').
Each of the major denominations share Rituals, Beliefs, traditions and personal deities with each other, but each sect has a different philosophy on how to achieve life's ultimate goal (''Moksha'', salvation) and on their concept of God (''Ishvara''). However, each denomination respects all others, and conflict of any kind is rare. In fact, many Hindus will not claim to belong to any denomination at all.
== Hindu sacred texts ==
{{main|Hindu scripture}}
Image:Classification_Hindu_Scripture.gif
The overwhelming majority of Hindu sacred texts are composed in the Sanskrit_language. Indeed, much of the morphology and linguistic philosophy inherent in the learning of Sanskrit is sometimes claimed to be inextricably linked to study of the Vedas and relevant Hindu scriptures.
===Shruti===
{{main|Śruti (scripture)}}
Image:Rigveda_MS2097.jpg'' is one of the world's oldest Religious_texts. Shown here is a Rig Veda Manuscript in Devanagari, early 19th century.]]
The Hindus refer to the ''Vedas'' ({{Unicode|वेद}}, literally, "Knowledge") as ''Shruti'' (literally, "that which has been heard"). The Vedas are said to have been revealed by the ''Brahman'' to the ''Rishis'' while the latter were in deep meditation. While the overwhelming majority of Hindus may never read the ''Vedas'', Hindus revere the Vedas as a transcendental source of "Eternal Knowledge". The four ''Vedas'' (the ''Rig_Veda, Yajur-, Sama_Veda and Atharva_Vedas'') are various ''{{Unicode|shākhās}}'', or branches, of knowledge. Depending on the branch, different commentaries and instructions are associated with each Veda. The ''{{Unicode|Ṛig}}veda'' contains mantras to invoke the ''devas'' for the fire-sacrifice rituals, the ''{{Unicode|Sāma}}veda'' has chants to be sung there, the ''Yajurveda'' has actual prose instructions for the sacrifices, and the ''Atharvaveda'' comprises semi-magical spells against enemies, sorcerers, diseases and mistakes made during the sacrificial ritual. The Vedas, apart from the hymn (''Mantra'') or the ''Samhita'' (संहिता) portion, also have three layers of commentaries integrally incorporated within them. These are the ''Brāhmaṇas'' (ब्राह्मण, not to be confused with ''Brahman'', or the brahmin caste), which contain prose commentaries on the rituals; the ''Aranyaka'' (आरण्यक), which contain the mystical explanations of the mantras; and the ''Upanishad'' (उपनिषद्), which contain highly philosophical and metaphysical writings about the nature of, and the relationship between, the soul (''Atman'') and ''Brahman''. Each Veda also has various lawbooks and ritual manuals loosely associated with it, like the ''Dharmashastras'' and ''{{Unicode|Grihyasūtras}}'', but most people do not consider them an integral part of the ''Shruti'', or the Vedic literature.
The ''{{Unicode|Upaniṣhads}}'' set Hindu philosophy apart with their embrace of transcendent and yet multiple immanent forces, subjectively realized by each individual. Some see these forces as an identification of unity in diversity. Modern Indology suggests that early Hinduism relied mainly on the four Vedas whereas Classical Hinduism, from the ''Yoga'' and ''Vedanta'' to ''Tantra'' and ''Bhakti'' streams, was moulded around the ''{{Unicode|Upaniṣhads}}''. The Vedas are full of mysticism and allegories. Many Hindus consider the very sound of the Vedic mantras purifying. Hence the rigor in learning pronunciation. The rigorous oral tradition for transmitting the Vedas has helped preserve them.
''See also: Shrauta''
===Bhagavad Gita===
{{main|Bhagavad Gita}}
''{{Unicode|Bhagavad Gītā}}'' (भगवद् गीता), often referred to as the ''{{Unicode|Gītā}}'', is one of the most popular sacred texts of Hinduism. It is an integral part of the epic ''Mahabharata'' and contains philosophical sermons taught by ''Krishna'', an incarnation of ''{{Unicode|Viṣhṇu}}'', to the ''Pandava'' prince Arjuna just before a great war. Unlike the ''Vedas'', which are more Esoteric and intricate, the ''{{Unicode|Gītā}}'' is read by many practicing Hindus. It is a summary of the Vedic, Yogic, Vedantic and Tantric branches of philosophy. The ''{{Unicode|Bhagavad Gītā}}'' is described as the essence of the ''Vedas.''''{{Unicode|Sarvopaniṣado}} gāvo,'' etc. (''Gītā Māhātmya'' 6). Cited in the Introduction to Bhagavad-gītā As It Is.
===Smriti===
{{main|Smriti}}
The Hindu texts other than the Shrutis are called, as a group, the '''''{{IAST|Smṛitis}}''''' (lit., "memory"). All of them laud the ''Vedas''. The most notable of the Smritis are the ''Itihasa'' (epics), such as the ''Mahabharata'' and the ''Ramayana'', considered sacred by almost all followers of ''San{{Unicode|ā}}tana Dharma''. Their stories are arguably familiar to the vast majority of Hindus. Also widely known are the eighteen ''Puranas'' ("ancient histories"). The ''{{Unicode|Purāṇas}}'' (not historical in the usual Western sense) impart Vedic ideas through vivid narratives concerning various deities. Among the ''{{IAST|Purāṇas}}'' today's Hindus consider important is the Bhagavata_purana}}'', described as the spotless epic detailing devotion to ''{{Unicode|Viṣhnu}}'' as the highest goal. Many Vaishnavites regard it as being the essence of Vedic thought. Often considered important, too, are the ''{{IAST|Devī Mahātmya}}'', an ode to ''Devi'', and the ''Yoga_Sutras'', a key meditative yoga text of Shri Patanjali. Also commanding respect from Hindu sects of various persuasions are a number of revered Hindu ''Tantras'', the ''Manusmriti'', and various List_of_sutras. Among these are the ''{{Unicode|Mahanirvāṇa Tantra}}'', ''Tirumantiram'' and ''Shiva_Sutras''.
The ''{{Unicode|Rāmāyaṇa}}'', the ''{{Unicode|Mahābhārata}}'' and many ''{{Unicode|Purāṇas}}'', which today's Hindus read far more widely than the ''Vedas,'' do much to inspire the temple and icon worship of modern Hinduism. Many Hindus attach more importance to the ethics and the metaphorical meanings derived from these texts than to the literal narratives themselves. Other important scriptures are the sectarian ''Hindu_Agamas'', which are texts related to rituals and worship dedicated to ''{{Unicode|Viṣhnu}}'', ''Shiva'' and ''{{Unicode|Devī}}''. The ''Shruti'' is generally held to take precedence over the ''{{unicode|Smṛiti}}'' in any apparent dispute."The Smritis" by Swami Sivananda
== Origins and society ==
===Origins of Hinduism ===
{{main|History of Hinduism}}
_Image:Kailash_Tibet.jpg in Tibet is regarded as the spiritual center of the world.]]
The roots of Hinduism date from around 3000–1000 BCE. The earliest evidence for elements of the Hindu faith is sometimes claimed to date back as far as 3000 BCE"Hindu History" on bbc.co.uk names a bath and phallic symbols of the Harappan_civilization , though the beliefs and practices of pre-classical era (1500-500 BCE) are more accurately termed, "Vedic religion."
Fully-formed Hinduism did not emerge until these Vedic traditions interacted with the shramanical movements of Buddhism and Jainism.Webster's New World Dictionary The synthesis of Vedic ritual and pantheon with the non-violent and gnostic traditions of the shramanas yielded the complex we know today as "Hinduism."
From the perspective of a believing Hindu, however, the ''Sanatana_Dharma'' propounds eternal and universal principles with no beginning or end. According to the ''Puranas'', ''{{IAST|Kṛṣṇa}}'' spoke the Bhagavad-Gita on the battlefield of Kurukshetra in 3102 B.C.; just prior to the commencement of the Mahabharata war."Year of Bhagavad-Gita (acc. to Puranas)" Krishna's incarnation was preceded by ''Rama''’s in the Treta_Yuga according to the ''{{IAST|Rāmāyaṇa}}'' Epic. Many Hindus believe that their religious tradition was fully formed by the time of ''Rama'', the seventh incarnation of Lord ''Vishnu''. Modern Indology dates the roots of Hinduism to about 1500-500 BCE, based on linguistic and literary data from the Rigveda, believed to be composed from around the mid 2nd millennium BCE.
The origin of collective Hindu thought cannot be ascribed to any single founder (though most of its later schools of philosophy and belief can be), or associated with a specific time or a single place of foundation. The Vedas, the earliest Hindu scriptures, are the compilation of spiritual laws and truths binding upon all of creation. It is believed that each Veda was revealed to enlightened sages, called ''Rishis'', over a long period of time. Hinduism, along with Buddhism and Jainism, is regarded to be an ''Arya Dharma'', approximately translating to "noble religion". Many times Hindus (e.g. Arya_Samaj) call Hinduism itself as the Arya Dharma. More specifically Hinduism is the "Sanatan Arya Dharma."
===Vedic religion===
{{main|historical Vedic religion}}
Image:Babasteve-View_of_Varanasi_from_the_Ganges.jpg is the oldest living city in the world and is considered as one of the most sacred places of Pilgrimage for Hindus irrespective of denomination."Oldest City in the World" ]]
Modern Hinduism grew out of the knowledge described in the Vedas. The earliest of these, the ''Rigveda'' centers on worship of celestial spirits such as ''Indra'', ''Varuna'' and ''Agni'', and on the ''Soma'' ritual. The early Indo-Aryans would perform '''fire-sacrifices''', called ''Yagna'' (यज्ञ), with the chanting of the Vedic mantras, but they built no temples, idols or icons. Probably animals were also sacrificed in larger ''{{Unicode|yajñas}}'', as claimed by Buddhist and Jain texts. The age and origins of the Vedas themselves are disputed, but it is clear that they were transmitted orally for several centuries, if not several millennia. They show strong similarities to the language and religion of the ''Avesta'' (of Zoroastrianism), as well as more distantly to other Indo-European_languages and religions (see Indo-Aryan_migration). The ''Rigveda'' deity ''Dyaus'', regarded as the father of the other deities, is linguistically cognate with Zeus—the king of the gods in Greek_mythology, Iovis (''gen. of'' Jupiter)—the king of the gods in Roman_mythology, and Ziu in Germanic mythologyhttp://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/IE117.html. Other Vedic deities also have cognates with those found in other Indo-European speaking peoples' mythologies; see Proto-Indo-European_religion.
===Temples===
{{main|Mandir}}
Image:Tirumala_svtemple.jpg temple, the most visited religious shrine in the world and the second richest religious shrine after the Vatican."Tirupati temple"]]Hindu temples inherited rich and ancient rituals and customs, and have occupied a special place in Hindu society. They are usually dedicated to a primary deity, called the presiding deity, and other subordinate deities associated with the main deity. However, some ''mandirs'' are dedicated to multiple deities. Most major temples are constructed as per the ''Agama'' and many are sites of Pilgrimage. An important element of temple architecture and many Hindu households in general is Vaastu_Shastra, the science of aesthetic and auspicious design.
For many Hindus, the four '''''{{Unicode|Shankarāchāryas}}''''' (the abbots of the monasteries of Joshimath, Puri, Shringeri and Dwarka — four of the holiest pilgrimage centers — sometimes to which a fifth at Kanchi is also added) are viewed as the four highest Patriarchs of the Hindudom.
Temples are a place for ''darshan'' (vision of the Divine), ''Puja'', Meditation, and religious congregation — among other religious activities. ''Puja'' or worship, frequently involves veneration of a ''#Forms_of_worship:_icons_and_mantras'' (statue in which divine presence is invoked) in conjunction with the singing or chanting of meditational prayer in the form of Mantras. Devotional songs called ''Bhajans'' (written primarily from the 14th-17th centuries), ''Kirtan'' (devotional songs), and ''Arti'' are sometimes sung in conjunction with the performance of the ''{{Unicode|pūjā}}''. This rather organic system of devotion attempts to aid the individual in connecting with God.
===Current geographic distribution===
{{main|Hinduism by country}}
Image:Mahakumbh.jpg on Earth.
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn360http://www.karlgrobl.com/km/index.htm "Largest gathering on Earth" Around 70 million people from around the world participated in Kumbh_Mela at one of the Hindu Holy city Prayaga (also known as Allahabad) (India).]]
Of the total Hindu population of the world, approx. 900 million of them live in India. Significant numbers of Hindus reside in Bali, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Fiji, Guyana, Nepal, Mauritius, Suriname, Singapore and Trinidad_and_Tobago. In Nepal and Bali, Hinduism is the major religion, and is still reflected in the traditional culture and architecture. There are also sizeable Hindu populations in Sri_Lanka (1.42 million)[https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ce.html CIA factbook Sri Lanka], Pakistan (2 million)Pakistan 1998 Census, Malaysia (1.5 million)Malaysia 2000 Census, United_States (766,000)US Census p.55, South_Africa (654,714)PBS Country Profile: South Africa, the Middle_East (1.4 million)Lexicorient, Encyclopedia of the Orient. and the United_Kingdom (558,342)2001 Great Britain National Statistics.
==Hindu philosophy: the six Vedic schools of thought==
{{main|Hindu philosophy}}
The six ''{{Unicode|Āstika}}'' or orthodox schools (accepting the authority of the Vedas) of Hindu philosophy are ''Nyaya'', ''Vaisheshika'', ''Samkhya'', ''Yoga'', ''Purva_Mimamsa'' (also simply called ''{{Unicode|Mīmāṃsā}}''), and ''Vedanta'' (also called ''Vedanta'')."Schools of Philosophy" The non-Vedic schools are called ''{{Unicode|Nāstika}}'', or heterodox, and refer to Buddhism, Jainism and ''Lokayata'' although anyone who is not an Astik is a Nastik. The schools that continue to enrich Hinduism today are ''Yoga'', ''Purva_Mimamsa'', and ''Vedanta''.
The six schools are known as "Shat Astik (Hindu) Darshana."
===Yoga===
{{main|Yoga}}
Image:Yoga_instructor.jpg, which began to be codified between 1500 and 1200 BCE.]]
'''''Yoga''''' means ''union'' and is generally interpreted as union with the Divine, or integration of body, mind, and spirit. Its goal is ''Moksha'', or ''Samadhi''. It, like the ''Upanishads'', seeks liberation through the disunion of the spirit (''Purusha'') and the nature (''Prakriti''), through meditational, physical and spiritual practices, along with a firm belief in God (''Ishvara'').
The ''Upanishads'', sage ''Patanjali''’s ''Yoga_Sutra'' and the ''Bhagavad_Gita'' are indispensable literature to the study of ''Yoga''; they elaborate on ''Raja_Yoga'', ''Bhakti_Yoga'', ''Karma_Yoga'' and ''Jnana_Yoga''. Of these, the ''Yoga_Sutra'' is essentially a compilation and systematization of meditational ''Yoga'' philosophy.
===Purva Mimamsa===
{{main|Purva Mimamsa}}
Among the six schools of philosophy, a prominent school which advocates ritualistic sacrifices and karma for the freedom of the soul is called ''Purva_Mimamsa'' school (also simply called ''{{Unicode|Mīmāṃsā}}'') or Karma Mimamsa. Consequently, this school's most valuable contribution to Hinduism was its formulation of the rules of interpretation of Vedas. Its adherents believed that true knowledge is self-evidently proven, and tried to find out the basis of the Vedic ritualism through reasoning. This school of thought forms the basis of Modern Hindu ritualism (strictly followed only by a minority), which believes in the inherent power of rituals."Purva Mimamsa" An Analysis of the Brahma Sutra by Swami Krishnananda
===Uttara Mimamsa: The Three Schools of Vedanta===
{{main|Vedanta}}
The Uttara ("later") Mimamsa school is also known as Vedanta. Vedanta means the ''anta'' or culmination or essence of the ''Vedas''. It is a principal branch of Hindu_philosophy. Literally, the end of the Vedas is constituted by the series of literature termed as the Aranyakas (the forest scriptures), of which the Upanishads form the chief constituent. The primary philosophy captured in the Upanishads, that of one absolute reality termed as ''Brahman'' is the main principle of Vedanta. The Vedanta_Sutras, Vedanta thought split into three groups, initiated by the thinking and writing of Adi_Shankara."Schools of Vedanta"
====Non duality: Advaita Vedanta====
{{main|Advaita Vedanta}}
Advaita literally means "not two"; being non-dualistic, Advaita Vedanta encompasses oneness and goes even beyond (oneness is an affirmation, and "advaita" is a negation; the negation of duality encompasses the affirmation of unity). Its consolidator was Shankara (788-820). Adi Shankara expounded his theories largely based on previous teachings of the Upanishads and his own Guru Gaudapada. In this philosophy, when a human being tries to know the '''Cosmic Spirit''' (''Brahman'') through his mind, ''Brahman'' becomes the '''Supreme Lord''' (''{{Unicode|Īshvara}}''), under the effect of an illusionary power of ''Brahman'' called ''Maya_(Hinduism)''. An analogy is given that when the reflection of ''Brahman'' falls upon the mirror of ''{{Unicode|Māyā}}'', its image is seen as ''{{Unicode|Īshvara}}''. The material universe and the appearance of the single Atman to be seen as innumerable individual souls are also because of ''{{Unicode|Māyā}}''. Note that God is still perfect and untouched by the profanity of his divine power ''{{Unicode|Māyā}}'', just as a magician is not surprised by his own magic. In this level of reality—the pragmatic level, God creates and rules the world with the help of his ''{{Unicode|Māyā}}''. True knowledge of the ''Brahman'' (''{{Unicode|Jñāna}}'') is the only way to liberation; when the curtain of ''{{Unicode|Māyā}}'' gets removed, the person realizes that there is absolutely no difference between the individual soul (''{{Unicode|ātman}}'') and ''Brahman''—which is the transcendental level of reality. However, good ''Karma'' and ''Bhakti'' are recognized as great help in attaining true knowledge. Adi Shankara denounced Caste and meaningless Ritual as foolish, and in his own charismatic manner, exhorted the true devotee to meditate on God's love and apprehend truth.
====Qualified non-dualism: Vishistadvaita Bhakti-Vedanta====
{{main|Vishistadvaita}}
Ramanuja (1040 - 1137) was the foremost proponent of the concept of Sriman ''{{Unicode|Nārāyaṇa}}'' as the supreme ''Brahman''. He taught that Ultimate Reality had three aspects: ''{{Unicode|Īshvara}}'' (''Vishnu''), ''chit'' (soul) and ''achit'' (matter). ''{{Unicode|Viṣhṇu}}'' is the only independent reality, while souls and matter are dependent on God ''{{Unicode|Viṣhṇu}}'' for their existence. Because of this qualification of Ultimate reality, ''{{Unicode|Rāmānuja}}''’s system is known as qualified non-dualism. ''Karma'' along with ''Bhakti'' for is the true path for liberation.
====Dualism: Dvaita Vedanta ====
{{main|Dvaita}}
Like ''{{Unicode|Rāmānuja}}'', ''Madhva'' (1238 - 1317) identified God with ''{{Unicode|Viṣhṇu}}'', but his view was purely dualistic in that he understood a fundamental differentiation between the God, the individual soul and the material world and thus the system is called ''Dvaita'' (dualistic) ''{{Unicode|Vedānta}}'' or ''tattvavada'' (argument for reality). Dvaita provides a greater role to Bhakti than other schools of Vedanta.
== Important themes and symbols in Hinduism==
=== Tilaka (symbol on the forehead or between the eyebrows) ===
{{main|Tilaka}}
The ''tilaka'' (or ''tilak'') is a mark worn on the forehead and other parts of the body for spiritual reasons. Hindus traditionally wear ''tilaka,'' in one form or another, as a mark of faith in a particular tradition.{{cite web
| last = Monier-Williams
| first = Sir Monier
| coauthors = et al
| title = A Sanskrit-English Dictionary
| publisher = Oxford University Press
| date = 1899
| url = http://webapps.uni-koeln.de/tamil/
| accessdate = 2006-07-10 }} Entry: ''tilaka''
Hindus may wear tilaka always or especially on religious occasions.
The shape of the ''tilaka'' often represents devotion to a certain deity: a 'U' shape for Vishnu, three horizontal lines for Shiva. Some Hindus meld both in an amalgam marker signifying ''Hari-Hara'' (Vishnu-Shiva).
To denote marriage and auspiciousness, married women today commonly wear on the forehead a decorative dot, or ''{{Unicode|bindī}}.'' In Southern India, this is called pottu.
=== Ahimsa (non-violence), vegetarian diet and the cow ===
{{main|Ahimsa|Sacred cow|Vegetarianism}}
Ahimsa is a concept that advocates non-violence and a respect for all forms of life — human as well as animal. The term ''ahimsa'' first appears in the Upanishads, and is the first of the five ''Yamas'', or eternal vows/restraints in Raja_Yoga. In part at least, it has also been influenced from the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism.
A large section of Hindus embrace vegetarianism in a bid to respect higher forms of life. While vegetarianism is not a dogma or requirement, it is recommended as a sattwic (purifying) lifestyle. About 30% of today's Hindu population, especially in orthodox communities in South_India, states like Gujarat, which has had significant Jain influence, and in many Brahmin and Marwari enclaves around the subcontinent, are lacto-vegetarian.Deep Vegetarianism (1999) by: Michael Allen Fox. Some avoid even Onion and Garlic, as they are regarded as Rajasic/tamasic. Another 20% of the Hindu population practice vegetarianism on certain days, especially on the day of their deity of devotion.
Those Hindus who do eat meat (usually chicken, goat and fish) predominantly abstain from Beef. Some even avoid the use of cow's leather products. This is possibly because the largely pastoral Vedic people, and subsequent generations, relied so heavily on the cow for milk and dairy products, tilling of fields and fuel for fertilizer, that its status as a 'caretaker' led to identifying it as an almost maternal figure (hence the term ''gau mata'', or ''Cow Mother''). While most contemporary Hindus do not actually worship the cow (though many venerate her), it still holds an honored place in Hindu society — as the best representative of the benevolence of all animals on man. There exists a legal ban against cow-slaughter in almost all states of the Indian Union, however over 30,000 illegal slaughterhouses run in India.
=== Hindu symbolism ===
Among the most revered symbols in Hinduism, three are quintessentially a part of its culture, and representative of its general ethos:
Image:Om2.jpg (Om)]]
'''''Aum''''' (or Om, '''ॐ''') is the sacred symbol that represents God (Brahman). It is prefixed and sometimes suffixed to all Vedic Mantras and prayers. It is often said to represent God in the three aspects of Vishnu (A), Shiva (U) and Brahmā (M). As the divine primordial vibration, it represents the one ultimate reality, underlying and encompassing all of nature and all of existence. In the ''Upanishads'' it also appears as an affirmation, as in allowing or in saying 'yes'. The written syllable serves as a deeply significant and distinctly recognizable symbol for Hindu dharma.
Image:Hindu_swastika.svg]]
'''''Swastika''''' ('''卐''') is an Arya, or ''noble and auspicious'', symbol. It is a symbol of the action of the Principle on Manifestation. It also stands for purity of soul, Satya, truth, and stability within the power of Brahma or, alternatively, of Surya, the sun. Its rotation in four directions has been used to represent many ideas, but primarily describes the four directions, the four Vedas and their harmonious whole. It has been used predominantly in Hinduism since the early Vedic culture, and is still widespread in the Indian_subcontinent. Many other cultures continue to hold it as auspicious, in spite of its recent subversion by Nazism, which used a tilted version of this symbol under the name ''Hakenkreuz'', and purportedly associated it with the notion of "purity of race".
Image:Yantra-tripura-sundari.jpg]]
'''''Sri_Chakra_Yantra''''' or Yantra of Tripura Sundari (commonly referred to as '''''Sri_Yantra''''') is the most ubiquitous Yantra in Hinduism. The Sri Yantra is a Mandala primarily formed by nine interlocking triangles. Four of these triangles are orientated upright representing Shiva - the masculine. Five of these triangles are inverted triangles represent Shakti - the feminine. Together the nine triangles form a web symbolic of the entire cosmos, a womb symbolic of creation and together express non-duality. All other yantras are derivatives of this supreme yantra.
{{-}}
===Murtis (icons)===
{{main|Murti}}
Image:Nataraja.jpg, known as the Nataraja, is often said to be the supreme statement of Hindu art]]
Image:Lord_Ganesha.jpg is the son of Shiva and Parvati (pictured left). He is widely worshipped as ''Vignesh'', the remover of obstacles.]]
Worship of God (the unique truth that can be seen by humans in any manifestation) is often represented symbolically through the aid of icons (''{{IAST|mūrtiti}}'') which are conduits for the devotee's consciousness, markers for the human mind that signify the ineffable and illimitable nature of the power and grandeur of God. They are symbols of the greater principle and according to the understanding of the worshipper, the concept or entity is sometimes presumed to be present in them (in monotheistic doctrines) and sometimes not (in monistic doctrines). It bears mention that ''Shiva'' is almost always worshipped as a pillar-like stone called ''Lingam''. Some interpret the term ''lingam'' as a Phallus due to its shape and certain Puranic stories, but actually, this Sanskrit word means ''any'' sign, symbol, mark or badge in general. Others interpret it as a mystic column (''stambha'') trying to represent the infiniteness of ''Shiva''.
In a Hindu Temple, the divine spirit/energy is commonly invoked into the Murtis at the time of their consecration. Veneration of such Murtis is done everyday in a temple. Most practicing Hindus also maintain a Puja room like a temple in their homes for worship and meditation. The icons could be two-dimensional paintings or three-dimensional statues.
===Mantra===
{{main|Mantra}}
In Hindu thought, meditation according to Vedanta is the repetition of a sacred formula - a mantra. Many mantras are from the Vedas. Om is the first mantra in the Vedas and the Upanishads. Much of ''mantra yoga'', as it is called, is done through ''japa'' (repetition, usually through a Rosary). Mantras are chanted, through their meaning, sound, and chanting style, to help meditational focus for the Sadhaka (practitioner). They can also be used to aid in expression of love for the deity, another facet of Bhakti_yoga akin to the understanding of the Murti. They often give courage in exigent times and serve to help 'invoke' one's inner spiritual strength."Mantra and Japa" Indeed, Mahatma_Gandhi's dying words are said to have been a two-word Mantra to the Lord Rama: ''"Hé Ram!"'.
The most revered mantra in Hinduism is the famed Gayatri_Mantra of the Rig_Veda 3.62.10. Many Hindus to this day, in a tradition that has continued unbroken from the ancient times, perform morning ablutions at the bank of a sacred river (especially the Ganga/Ganges) while chanting Gayatri and Mahamrityunjaya mantra.{{fact}}Sanskrit is mostly used as a ceremonial language in Hindu religious rituals in the forms of Hymns and Mantras.
== Notes ==
{{cleanup-date|June 2006}}
==References==
#Read 150 Vedic scriptures online
#R. Balasubramanian, "Advaita Vedanta". ''History of Science, Philosophy, and Culture in Indian Civilization'', vol. II, part 2, 2000.
#Thom_Brooks, 'In Search of Shiva: Mahadeviyakka's Virashaivism', ''Asian Philosophy'' 12 (2002): 21-34.
# Mascaró, Juan (trans.). 2003. ''The Bhagavad Gita''. Penguin Classics. 160-page revised edition (originally published in 1962), with preface by author and introduction by Dr. Simon Brodbeck. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140449183
# Chaudhuri, Nirad C. 1979. ''Hinduism: A Religion to Live By''. Chatto & Windus, London. ISBN 0-7011-2225-0
# Easwaran, Eknath (trans.). 1988. ''The Upanishads''. Penguin Arkana.
# (Article on) Rigveda. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia
# Rigveda (English trans. by Griffith)
# "Hinduism" on Microsoft Encarta Online
# {{note|re}} Bhagavad Gita
# Sinha, H. S., 1993, ''Bhāratīya Darshan Kī Rūparekhā'' (Hindi), Motilal Banarasidas, Delhi–Mumbai–Varanasi.
# Acharya, S. S., (Ed. & Hindi trans.), 2004, ''(Shukla) Yajurveda'' (Sanskrit with Hindi translation), Sanskriti Sansthan, Bareily.
# Acharya, S. S., (Ed. & Hindi trans.), 2004, ''Brihadāranyakopanishad'' (Sanskrit with Hindi translation), Sanskriti Sansthan, Bareily.
#Vanita R., "The self is not gendered: Sulabha's debate with King Janaka". ''NWSA Journal'', Vol. 15, Iss. 2, pg. 76, 2003.
#René_Guénon "Introduction to the Study of the Hindu Doctrines" ("Introduction générale à l'étude des doctrines hindoues", 1921)
#René_Guénon "Man and His Becoming according to the Vedânta" ("L'homme et son devenir selon le Vêdânta", 1925)
#René_Guénon "Studies in Hinduism" ("Études sur l'Hindouisme", 1966)
#Benjamin_Walker ''Hindu World: An Encyclopedic Survey of Hinduism'', (Two Volumes), Allen & Unwin, London, 1968; Praeger, New York, 1968; Munshiram Manohar Lal, New Delhi, 1983; Harper Collins, New Delhi, 1985; Rupa, New Delhi, 2005, ISBN 8129106701.
==See also==
{{Hindu scriptures}}
{{portal}}
* Ayurveda
===Hinduism===
* Agama_Hindu_Dharma (Indonesian Hinduism)
* Contemporary_Hindu_movements
* Hinduism_by_country
* Hindu_calendar
* Hindu_deities
* Hindu_idealism
* Hindu_temples
* List of famous Hindu temples
* List_of_Hindu_denominations
* List_of_Hindus
* List_of_Hinduism-related_articles
* Sanskrit
* Vedic_science
* Puja
* Hinduism_and_other_religions
* Ayurveda
* Indology
* Criticism_of_Hinduism
* Apostasy_in_Hinduism
* Evolution_of_Shaivism
* Forgiveness (contains section on Hinduism)
* Yoga
* Tantra
* Kundalini
===Related systems and religions===
* Eastern_philosophy
* Buddhism
* Jainism
* Jainism_and_Hinduism
* Sikhism
* Hinduism_and_Sikh_Panth
* Zoroastrianism
* Taoism
==External links==
{{cleanup-spam}}
{{sisterlinks|Hinduism}}
{{Spoken Wikipedia-4|2006-03-03|En-Hinduism_part_1.ogg|En-Hinduism_part_2.ogg|En-Hinduism_part_3.ogg|En-Hinduism_part_4.ogg}}
* ''A Tribute To Hinduism'' - This site catalogs thoughts of world-renowned intellectuals regarding Hinduism, recommends books for further reading, and provides useful links for further research.
* Hinduism.co.za
* Heart of Hinduism: An overview of Hindu traditions produced by practitioners. Based on a widely-used UK schools text
* Paper on Hinduism by Swami Vivekananda - Presented at World Parliament of Religion in 1893 (Text + Audio Version)
* Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Lectures and seminars in MP3 Audio format by the OCHS as reference material for scholars and students.
* ''Authentic Hinduism'' Encyclopedia
* MSN Encarta - Hinduism
* BBC Religion and Ethics on Hinduism
* Dharma Central's facts about Hinduism
* Hindu.org
* Hindunet.org
* Hindu scriptures in streaming audio
* Hinduism and Hinduism resources
* International Society for Krishna Consciousness - From the Vaisnava Tradition of Hinduism.
{{Hinduism}}
{{HinduFestivals}}
*
Category:Indo-European
Category:Vegetarianism
Category:Eastern_culture
Category:Religious_faiths,_traditions,_and_movements
Category:Religion_in_India
{{Link FA|fr}}
Af:Hindoeïsme
Ar:هندوسية
Bg:Индуизъм
Bs:Hinduizam
Ca:Hinduisme
Cs:Hinduismus
Cy:Hindŵaeth
Da:Hinduisme
De:Hinduismus
Dv:{{PAGENAME}}
El:Ινδουϊσμός
Eo:Hinduismo
Es:Hinduismo
Et:Hinduism
Fa:هندوگرایی
Fi:Hindulaisuus
Fr:Hindouisme
He:הינדואיזם
Hi:हिन्दू_धर्म
Hr:Hinduizam
Hu:Hinduizmus
Id:Hindu
Ilo:Hinduismo
Io:Hinduismo
Is:Hindúismi
It:Induismo
Ja:ヒンドゥー教
Ko:힌두교
Kw:Hindoueth
Li:Hindoeïsme
Lt:Induizmas
Lv:Hinduisms
Ml:ഹിന്ദുത്വം
Nb:Hinduisme
Ne:हिन्दू_धर्म
Nl:Hindoeïsme
Nn:Hinduismen
Pl:Hinduizm
Pt:Hinduísmo
Ro:Hinduism
Ru:Индуизм
Sk:Hinduizmus
Sl:Hinduizem
Sv:Hinduism
Th:ศาสนาพราหมณ์-ฮินดู
Tr:Hinduizm
Uk:Індуїзм
Vi:Ấn_Độ_giáo
Yi:הינדויִסם
Zh:印度教
Kn:ಹಿಂದೂ_ಧರ್ಮ