$JES 911 Essence of World Religions Reference Book

Author(s): Pravin K Shah
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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Essence of World Religions
Hinduism
Founded Hinduism is the world's oldest living religion. It has no beginning as it predates recorded history. Hinduism: can be best defined as Sanatana Dharma, which is in essence the recognition of the spiritual essence of life and its infinite religious expressions
Founder Hinduism has no human founder. In reality Hinduism is not a religion but it is a culture of tolerance in India. Under the umbrella of this common culture many systems of religious philosophies such as; Nyäya, Vaisheshika, Sänkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Chärväk, Vedänta (Upanishad), Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism have been borne. Later on the Vedänta or Vedic religion is popularly recognized as a Hindu religion and is explained in this chapter. Hinduism is the majority religion of India.
Major Scriptures Hinduism believes that its original scriptures have no authors. The divine sages (Rishis) in their meditation realized the eternal and universal truth and later it is expressed in the scripture by learned sages. Scriptures are written in Sanskrit language. The Vedäs: The four Vedäs are the revealed scriptures (bodies of knowledge) which are written in verse and contain hymns, chants, prayers, poems, riddles, and legends. Other scriptures build upon the Vedic legacy. The Upanishadas consist many books, contain philosophical and mystical teachings of the ancient sages (900 BC to 200 BC). They
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