Hinduism differs from Western religions in that it does not have a single founder, a specific theological system, a single system of morality, or a central, religious organization. It consists of thousands of different
religious groups that have evolved in India since 1500 BC. Hinduism is generally regarded as the world’s oldest organised religion.
Hinduism has grown to become the world’s third-largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. It claims about 762-million followers – 13% of the world’s population. It is the dominant religion in India, Nepal and among the Tamils in Sri Lanka.
Hinduism is referred to as Sanatana Dharma, the eternal faith. It is based on the practice of Dharma, the code of life. Anyone who practices Dharma can call himself a Hindu.
Dharma means ‘to hold”. Though reading of the scriptures (shastras) would not directly lead you to self-realisation, the teachings of the seers provide a basis and a path for spirituality. The truth realised by the seers prove that the truth and path provided by Hinduism is beyond time.
Hindu scriptures are broadly classified into Shruti, Smriti and Nyaya, based on their different origins. Shruti means something that was heard directly from the gods by the sages, while Smriti refers to what was written down and remembered. Nyaya, which means logic, is reputed for its treatment of the theory of knowledge and logic that was adopted by all systems. Smitri and Nyaya always confirm what is said in the Shruti.
Vedanta, the basis of Hinduism, asserts that Brahman, the ‘impersonal’ God and the universal soul, is the Absolute Truth. Brahman has multiple roles to play: the creator, the maintainer and the destroyer all in one.
Vedanta states that the individual human soul (jiva-atman) originates from and then merges with the Brahman.
The trinity of gods in Hinduism are Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Vishnu (and his incarnations as Rama and Krishna) and Shiva (and his various incarnations) are the most popular with numerous temples and followers.
The wives of Brahma, Vishn, and Shiva are Saraswati, Laxmi and Parvati, respectively, and are also widely worshipped. Collectively, they are sometimes referred to as Divine mother (or Shakti). – www.himalayanacademy.com