Hinduism - Hindu Religion - a positive way of Life (part-1)

Hinduism is among the oldest of the world's faiths. It is a total way of life. It is a dharma or way of life evolved by the great sages and seers of ancient India. Its traditions extend back before recorded history. The early phase of the Vedic tradition in India is dated between 10,000 - 7,000 BCE. Yet, in spite of the fact that it first evolved more than 5,000 years ago, Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) is also very much a living tradition. And as such, Hindus are arguably the most intensely religious people on the earth.

Hinduism was inspired by divine revelations, the ancient rishis (sages and seers) who sang divine songs in the forests and on the river banks of India, many thousands of years before Moses, Buddha or Christ. The correct name for the religion of the Hindus is “Sanatana Dharma (Eternal or Universal Righteousness). The word Hindu is derived from the ancient Persians who called people living on the other side of the river Indus (then called Sindhu in Sanksrit) and called them Sindhus. In the Persian language, the word Sindhu became Hindu and the people living in India came to be known as Hindus.
Hinduism is mankind's oldest spiritual declaration, the very fountainhead of faith on the planet. It is the only religion, that is not founded in a single historic event or prophet, but which itself precedes recorded history. Hinduism has been called the "cradle of spirituality" and "the mother of all religions," partly because it has influenced virtually every major religion. In Hinduism, the divine can be conceived as a feminine form - another uniqueness.

Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. For thousands of years India has been a veritable laboratory of religion: everything imaginable has been tried out, and nothing ever has completely been rejected. India remains a predominantly Hindu country. Its ethos has evolved down the ages through its the ancient Hindu traditions, customs, philosophy and culture. In spite of many attacks on Hinduism by varied invaders, in spite of rumors of decay and disarray, Hinduism has outlived all announcements of its impending demise.

It is a positive religion. There is no fear of fire and brimstone, hell or damnation to encourage the listeners to fear divine wrath and punishment.


Graceful Lord Shiva Vinadhara, 11th century, India.



Lord Ganesha - God of Wisdom.

Hinduism may not be called religion in the sense other religions are known. It has no founder. It is much more than a religion. It is a total way of life.

This article is a part-1 of the multi part article and remaining parts will be published in coming day.