When was hindu founded

In some ways Hinduism is the oldest living religion in the world, or at least elements within it stretch back many thousands of years. Yet Hinduism resists easy definition partly because of the vast array of practices and beliefs found within it. It is also closely associated conceptually and historically with the other Indian religions Jainism , Buddhism and Sikhism. Unlike most other religions, Hinduism has no single founder, no single scripture, and no commonly agreed set of teachings. Throughout its extensive history , there have been many key figures teaching different philosophies and writing numerous holy books.

For these reasons, writers often refer to Hinduism as 'a way of life' or 'a family of religions' rather than a single religion. The term 'Hindu' was derived from the river or river complex of the northwest, the Sindhu.

Sindhu is a Sanskrit word used by the inhabitants of the region, the Aryans in the second millennium BCE. Later migrants and invaders, the Persians in the sixth century BCE, the Greeks from the 4th century BCE, and the Muslims from the 8th century CE, used the name of this river in their own languages for the land and its people.

The term 'Hindu' itself probably does not go back before the 15th and 16th centuries when it was used by people to differentiate themselves from followers of other traditions, especially the Muslims Yavannas , in Kashmir and Bengal. At that time the term may have simply indicated groups united by certain cultural practices such as cremation of the dead and styles of cuisine. The 'ism' was added to 'Hindu' only in the 19th century in the context of British colonialism and missionary activity.

The origins of the term 'hindu' are thus cultural, political and geographical. Now the term is widely accepted although any definition is subject to much debate. In some ways it is true to say that Hinduism is a religion of recent origin yet its roots and formation go back thousands of years. Hindus often portray Vishnu dressed lavishly and having four arms.

Vishnu usually carries his symbols in his hands and often has a U shaped symbol on his forehead. Shiva is the aspect of perpetual change, destruction, and transition.

Shiva, also known as the "good One," is more complex than Vishnu. Hindus often portray Shiva as sitting upon a tiger or panther skin, having three white horizontal stripes upon his forehead, and a third vertical eye. Shiva's vertical eye gives light to the world.

Another popular Hindu God is Ganesha, who is easily identified by his elephant head. Ganesha is also deva god of intellect and wisdom and the patron of arts and sciences. Many believe the universe is recreated in karmic cycles. Many believe in Brahma as a Creator God.

After Death: The laws of karma govern the rebirth of one's soul in Hinduism. Ultimately, one's soul becomes enlightened and liberated from the cycle of death and rebirth, entering ultimate bliss and becoming one with Brahman. During one's cycle of death and rebirth, one's karma dictates which of the many heavens, hells, and lower life forms one may become. Is there Evil in the World, and Why? Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Occasionally, an ad appears in a column adjacent to my blog on patheos.

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