hinduizm

Hinduism, often described as sanatana dharma by its adherents, is a diverse set of religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions native to the Indian subcontinent. It has no single founder, no central authority, and has developed over many centuries from Vedic and regional traditions. Hinduism encompasses a variety of beliefs, practices, and organizational forms, reflecting the social and geographic diversity of its followers.

Core concepts commonly shared across many Hindu traditions include dharma (duty, ethics, and living in accordance with cosmic law), karma (the moral law of cause and effect), samsara (the cycle of rebirth), and moksha (liberation from that cycle). The ultimate reality is often described as Brahman, the supreme, eternal principle, with the atman (the individual self) understood in relation to Brahman in various ways. Devotion, knowledge, and disciplined action are seen as complementary paths, with worship of multiple deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi often interpreted as reverence to different aspects of the divine.

Important scriptures include the Vedas and Upanishads, the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata (which contains the Bhagavad Gita), and the Puranas. Philosophical schools range from dualistic theism to monist positions like Advaita Vedanta, as well as other traditions such as Vishishtadvaita and Dvaita.

Practices commonly include puja (ritual worship), temple rites, festivals (e.g., Diwali, Holi, Navaratri), yoga and meditation, pilgrimage to sacred sites, and the performance of samskaras (life-cycle rites). Hinduism emphasizes pluralism and tolerance, with a long history of philosophical inquiry and cultural adaptation.

Geographically, Hinduism remains dominant in India and Nepal and has a global diaspora, continuing to influence culture, art, and social life while adapting to modern contexts.