The Rise of Hinduism
Hinduism has been around for over 5,000 years. It is probably the oldest religion on Earth. It is important to understand Hindu history and beliefs. Archaeologists say a group of people in the Indus Valley grew between 4000 and 1500 B.C. Archaeologists found many items tied to Hinduism in the ruins there. They include statues of gods and goddesses. They also include temple tanks for bathing and sculptures of people doing yoga.
Then the people in the valley moved suddenly. Nobody knows why. They moved to live among people in northwestern India. The people there believed in a religion called Vedism. Historians think the beliefs of these two peoples combined. When they did, they started Hinduism.
Hindus Choose Their Own Paths
Hinduism stands out for many reasons. It wasn't started by one person, like Christianity. Also, there isn't just one Hindu book, like the Bible. Hinduism is more about behaviors rather than beliefs. It asks people to choose their own path. One Hindu might pray to famous gods such as Vishnu and Shiva. Another might pray to other gods. Both would be good Hindus. But they would have to honor each other's choices.
Good Karma
Hindu beliefs were written down around 1300 B.C. They are in a book known as the Vedas. Hindus believe the Vedas are eternal truths. They believe those truths were written by holy men.
The Vedas say time and life move in a cycle, almost like in a circle. After death, a person's soul leaves the body. It is reborn, or reincarnated. The soul returns to earth and enters a new body. It could be in another person, an animal or even a plant. This constant cycle of birth and rebirth is known as samsara. Each new birth is measured by karma. Good acts give a person good karma.
Hinduism Divided Into Sects
Good conduct can include marrying within one's caste. A caste is a social group. Good conduct can also mean doing good deeds. That might include not eating meat. Eating meat from cows is looked down on. Cows are believed to be sacred. One Hindu goddess is even usually shown in the form of a cow.
There are writings called the Upanishads. They explain how to escape the cycle of rebirth. Over time, Hinduism divided into many groups, called sects. These are smaller groups of believers within a religion. But the new sects' beliefs were accepted. Because of such tolerance, Hinduism still thrives.
Hinduism has been around for over 5,000 years. It is probably the oldest religion on Earth. It is important to understand Hindu history and beliefs. Archaeologists say a group of people in the Indus Valley grew between 4000 and 1500 B.C. Archaeologists found many items tied to Hinduism in the ruins there. They include statues of gods and goddesses. They also include temple tanks for bathing and sculptures of people doing yoga.
Then the people in the valley moved suddenly. Nobody knows why. They moved to live among people in northwestern India. The people there believed in a religion called Vedism. Historians think the beliefs of these two peoples combined. When they did, they started Hinduism.
Hindus Choose Their Own Paths
Hinduism stands out for many reasons. It wasn't started by one person, like Christianity. Also, there isn't just one Hindu book, like the Bible. Hinduism is more about behaviors rather than beliefs. It asks people to choose their own path. One Hindu might pray to famous gods such as Vishnu and Shiva. Another might pray to other gods. Both would be good Hindus. But they would have to honor each other's choices.
Good Karma
Hindu beliefs were written down around 1300 B.C. They are in a book known as the Vedas. Hindus believe the Vedas are eternal truths. They believe those truths were written by holy men.
The Vedas say time and life move in a cycle, almost like in a circle. After death, a person's soul leaves the body. It is reborn, or reincarnated. The soul returns to earth and enters a new body. It could be in another person, an animal or even a plant. This constant cycle of birth and rebirth is known as samsara. Each new birth is measured by karma. Good acts give a person good karma.
Hinduism Divided Into Sects
Good conduct can include marrying within one's caste. A caste is a social group. Good conduct can also mean doing good deeds. That might include not eating meat. Eating meat from cows is looked down on. Cows are believed to be sacred. One Hindu goddess is even usually shown in the form of a cow.
There are writings called the Upanishads. They explain how to escape the cycle of rebirth. Over time, Hinduism divided into many groups, called sects. These are smaller groups of believers within a religion. But the new sects' beliefs were accepted. Because of such tolerance, Hinduism still thrives.