Hinduism Worlds Oldest Religion

Hinduism is the world’s oldest religion with billions of followers and it is the world’s third largest religion. In ancient Hindu scriptures Hinduism is referred as ‘Vaidika Dharma’ meaning “Religion of the Vedas”.

Origin of Hinduism

Unlike other religions Hinduism did not originate from a single person, single book or at a single point in time. It originated around such remote past that it is traced to 10000 B.C. One of the major Hindu scriptures known as Rig Veda was composed well before 6500 B.C. The term “Hindu” was first used by foreigners about the people living across the river Indus in the north of India around which the religion must have originated.

Attributes of Hinduism

Hinduism does not have any particular belief system and it is treated as a way of life or Dharma that governs all actions. The tradition of Hinduism is responsible for the creation of practices such as Yoga, Ayurveda, Vastu, Jyotish, Yajna, Puja, Tantra, Vedanta and Karma. The religion has its own beliefs, traditions, rituals theology and philosophy. Hinduism is a combination of diverse beliefs and traditions and also believes in truth, honesty, non-violence, cleanliness, pious company and prayers.

Hindu Scriptures

Basic scriptures in Hinduism are collectively referred to as “Shastras” done by the ancient rishis who taught their disciples the eternal principles of life through meditations. Two types of sacred writings are “Shruti” and “Smriti”. This has been passed on from generation to generation fro centuries. The scriptures are mostly written in Sanskrit language. Some of the major Hindu texts include Bhagavat Gita, Upanishads and the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Hindu scriptures teach that an Individual is an ‘Atma’ clothed in a physical body. Hindu scriptures say that ‘Atma’, a source of mind and intellect, is immortal and divine.