Hinduism

Guide Note

Hinduism, often referred to as the "eternal path" by its practitioners, is the oldest major religion in the world that is still in practice. It is the third largest religion in the world, after Christianity and Islam. Combining a variety of ancient beliefs and philosophies, Hinduism does not have a single founder and draws from an extensive body of scriptures. Perhaps a result of this diverse tradition, modern Hinduism is extremely difficult to summarize in a general way. While most Hindus incorporate some understanding of an ethical duty, or Dharma, the continuous cycle of rebirth, or Samsara, action and reaction, or Karma, the release from rebirth, Moksha, and the following of a specific ritual practice, or Yoga, specific doctrines are rarely universal across denominations and devotees. It is estimated that there are more than a billion Hindus in the world today, with more than 900 million of them living in India and Nepal.

Fast Facts

1. Practitioners: Approximately 1 billion
2. Significant Scriptures: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita
3. Often called "Sanātana Dharma," meaning "the eternal path" by practitioners
4. Third largest religion in the world, after Christianity and Islam
5. Oldest religion still in practice

1. Dharma: Every person's ethical duty
2. Samsara: The cycle of rebirth or reincarnation
3. Karma: The understanding that action will have subsequent reactions, likely taking place in the next life
4. Moksha: Release from the eternal cycle of rebirth
5. Yoga: A ritual path or practice