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Hinduism – An Overview

Hinduism: An Overview

The word ‘Hindu’ can be derived as “him apasabdam dusayati khandayati iti hindu” – one who is righteous, is a Hindu.

Hinduism, represent a broad range of beliefs, practices and spiritual goals, but virtually all concur on certain bedrock concepts.  Unlike other religions, Hinduism does not have a historical origin.  While other religions trace their religions to their respective founders or prophets, Hinduism has its basis in the Vedic tradition and it has various sages and saints who follow the path of seekers vs. believers of a specific founder or prophet.

Many Hindus do not see their customs constituting a religion but rather a lifestyle that reveals a culture based in the Vedas, a body of knowledge understood as a tradition.

Hindus believe in one Supreme Reality, though they call it by many names. There is no eternal hell, no damnation, in Hinduism, and no intrinsic evil–no satanic force that opposes the will of God. Hindus believe that the cosmos was created out of God and is permeated by Him–a Supreme Being who is omnipresent and formless. Each soul (alma) is free to find his own way, whether by devotion, austerity, meditation, yoga or selfless service.



