Hinduism

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hINDUISM

Hearth: India

Only two of the major religious traditions do not trace their origins to a specific individual teacher or foundation figure. Hinduism is one of those religions

Considered an ethnic religion

It is the world's third-largest religion

Most adherents live in India

It is generally regarded as the world's oldest organized religion

Facts about hINDUISM

The word "Hinduism" comes from an ancient Persian word meaning "river"

About 80% of India's population regard themselves as Hindus and 30 million Hindus live outside of India

There are close to one billion Hindus worldwide

Beliefs in hINDUISM

The religion has no central god or single holy book

There is a belief in the existence of a universal spirit (Brahman) that manifests itself in many shapes and forms, including Vishnu and Shiva

There are numerous traditions in Hinduism

Hindus believe that there are many paths to "god"

Original language: Sanskrit

Scholars describe modern Hinduism as the product of religious development in India that spans nearly four thousand years, making it the oldest surviving world religion.

organization of space and holidays

Place of worship: temple or home shrine

Major holidays: Diwali "Festival of Lights" (mid-November); Holi: Spring

Caste system

The subject remains controversial in India today

Theoretically, there has been a movement away from the caste system

(i.e. Brahmans-highest caste-priests)

The concept of untouchables has been outlawed