What is Hinduism? Sanatana Dharma, otherwise known as Hinduism, means "eternal religion". Defining Hinduism can be difficult due to the multiple variations of religions, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, which derive from Sanatana Dharma beliefs. Instead of focusing on a direct definition of Hinduism, it may be simpler to identify the key Hindu philosophies and practices that make up Hindu beliefs. Is it a religion or is it a culture? The truth is that 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 has given the world the original, oldest and deepest philosophy of life. The brilliant ancestors of today's Indians explored the truth behind our existence and provided several philosophies and theories to define the truth. At the same time, they created a set of rules for the "good life" on this earth. The philosophical concepts that the Indians have given to humanity are eternal and do not in themselves constitute a religion. However, the rules for a good or "dharmic" life established by them constitute the Hindu religion. Sanatana Dharma has no starting point in history, it has no founder and it has no Church. The sages who shaped the Hindu religion simply repeated the teachings of the Vedas, the Hindu scriptures (most of which are unwritten). It is believed that the Vedas have no origin. In ancient India, the Vedas formed the educational system and generally encompassed all different spheres of life, such as spiritual, scientific, medical, and so on. Having knowledge of Hinduism means understanding the lifestyle of people of Hindu origin, India. The cultures and societies in India are what helped develop Hinduism and maintain historical history...... at the heart of the card...... samsara and can only be broken when moksha is achieved. Understanding just the basic philosophies of Hinduism gives a general idea of Hinduism. Among the philosophies presented here, there are numerous other practices and beliefs that make up Hinduism, but it is not possible to explain or understand a religion in a few pages of text. What is possible is gaining greater understanding that motivates questions and curiosity. REFERENCES SKnapp, S (nd). A comprehensive review of Vedic literature and the knowledge within it. Retrieved January 5, 2007, from: http://www.stephen-knapp.com/complete_review_of_vedic_literature.htmWikipedia.org Hinduism Retrieved January 5, 2007, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HinduismS Balasubramaniam Hinduism, The La oldest religion in the world. Retrieved January 5, 2007, from: http://www.geocities.com/Athens/forum/9410/hindu1.html
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