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 .)

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hinduism¹

First recorded in 1820–30; Hindu + -ism

Example Sentences

"Some people ask me: 'There are so many people suffering and in poverty, how can you care about animals?' But I tell them: 'Hinduism says to value every living being,'" she said.

From Salon

The Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh is one of Hinduism’s most sacred shrines.

From BBC

Representatives of Sri Lanka's other religions - Islam, Hinduism and Christianity - were also present during the oath-taking, highlighting the new president's emphasis on diversity.

From BBC

Indonesia has six officially recognised religions -- Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.

From BBC

When Mr. Modi came to power in 2014, he promised economic progress, an end to corruption and to promote Hinduism as being central to India’s identity.

From New York Times