HINDUISM Definition & Meaning

Hinduism

or �ᾱ��·��Ǵ�·��

[ hin-doo-iz-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

/ ˈ��ɪ�Ի�ʊˌɪ��ə�� /

noun

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

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 .)

Discover More

Notes

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.

Discover More

�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of Hinduism¹

First recorded in 1820–30; Hindu + -ism

Discover More

Compare Meanings

How does Hinduism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

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

From

Today Nataraja is one of the most recognisable symbols of Hinduism.

From

Eventually, she converted to Hinduism and they wed, according to a British home department report.

From

However, IFS incorporates a recognition of the self that is almost spiritual in nature — similar to the soul in Christianity or Atman in Hinduism.

From

Browse