Hinduism

Or Hin·doo·ism

[hin-doo-iz-uhm]

noun

1. the common religion of India, based upon the religion of the original Aryan settlers as expounded and evolved in the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad-Gita, etc., having an extremely diversified character with many schools of philosophy and theology, many popular cults, and a large pantheon symbolizing the many attributes of a single god. Buddhism and Jainism are outside the Hindu tradition but are regarded as related religions.

Hinduism

/ ˈhɪndʊˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the complex of beliefs, values, and customs comprising the dominant religion of India, characterized by the worship of many gods, including Brahma as supreme being, a caste system, belief in reincarnation, etc

Hinduism

1. A religion of India that emphasizes freedom from the material world through purification of desires and elimination of personal identity. Hindu beliefs include reincarnation. (See Brahmins, pariah, Vishnu, and yoga.)

Traditionally, Hinduism was linked to the caste system — a division of Indian society into several rigid groups, with members of a higher caste holding power over those of a lower.

The sacred writings of Hinduism include the Vedas (which contain the Upanishads) and the Bhagavad Gita.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hinduism¹

First recorded in 1820–30; Hindu + -ism

Example Sentences

This phase saw major cities, powerful kingdoms and the rise of Vedic culture - a foundation for Hinduism.

From BBC

While roughly 85% of Kenyans are Christian, there is also a large Muslim population of about 11%, along with other minority faiths including Hinduism and traditional African religions.

From BBC

The imagery which depicted gods, goddesses, supreme preachers and enlightened souls of three ancient religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism - was reimagined from symbolic to more recognisably deriving from human form.

From BBC

The woman had accused Smitha - a Dalit woman from the most discriminated against caste in Hinduism's entrenched social hierarchy - of stealing her daughter's earrings and then refused to pay her.

From BBC

Her studies fostered deep empathy for humanity, leading her to later criticise fundamentalism across religions, including Hinduism.

From BBC