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Definition:
Hinduism is a broad label and is difficult to define with any exactness, but it is
used by scholars today to refer to the traditional religious beliefs of the people in
India, both past and present. The term "hindu" itself means the inhabitants of the
"land beyond the indus river," and was used by the invaliding Muslim armies of the 8th
and 9th centuries who entered India from the northwest.
Hindi has no actual word for "religion" - Hinduism is not a compartmentalized belief system so much as it is a way of life. As a result, some argue that Hinduism isn't really a religion afterall. It is, however, more like a religion than anything else, but it is important to keep in mind that it isn't a "religion" just like Christianity or Judaism are religions.
It is because Hinduism has developed over the course of 3000 years that it is difficult to define, but scholars are able to distinguish several forms and stages. Among some of the categories are: Vedic Hinduism, Brahmanic Hinduism, Philosophical Hinduism, Devotional Hinduism, and Reformed Hinduism.
Most people regard Hinduism as polytheistic - an idea which is both true and false. It is true that Hinduism has polytheitic elements, but it also as monotheistic and atheistic elements as well. It is diffiicult to describe, but polytheism is simply one way for a person to look at Hinduism. The variety of deities provides people with a variety of ways to fulfill their spiritual needs. Some go further and regard all of the deities as merely aspects of a few, or perhaps of just one deity. Some fo further yet and regard it all as manifestations of a single, impersonal ground of being - not theistic at all. In the end, Hinduism is what one makes of it.
Also Known As: Brahmanism
Alternate Spellings: Hindooism (much older spelling)
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
