Hinduism and Sacred Texts Overview

Hinduism

• Hinduism is the third-largest religion, following Christianity and Islam.
• It has no single founder.
• The term "Hindu" originated from the Persian word "Hindu" (Sanskrit: Sindhu), meaning "river".
• The term "Hinduism" emerged in the 19th century to describe diverse belief systems in India.
• Historically, it was known as "Arya Dharma" or the "Aryan Way."
• The earliest Hindu practices date back to the Indus Valley Civilization (ca. 3000-1600 BCE), including Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
• The Aryans migrated to southern Asia (circa 1600-1200 BCE), influencing Hinduism.
• The oldest Hindu scriptures (Vedas) were compiled around 1500 BCE.
• Hinduism includes both pre-Aryan and Aryan elements from ancient times.

Sacred Texts - Shruti

• Sacred Hindu writings are categorized as Shruti and Smriti.
• Shruti literally means "that which is heard."
• Shruti was considered eternal truth, passed down orally until written down later.
• The Vedas form the core of Shruti, with four collections of texts.

Sacred Texts - Vedas

• The Vedas mean "knowledge" or "sacred lore".
• The four basic Vedic books are Rig-veda, Sama-veda, Yajur-veda, and Atharva-veda; including hymns, chants, rituals and spells.)
• Rig-veda: Collection of over a thousand hymns and verses for the Aryan gods.
• Sama-veda: Compilation of materials for rituals and sacrifices.
• Yajur-veda: Hymns and chants recited during sacrifices.
• Atharva-veda: Spells, incantations, and medicinal purposes.
• These texts were passed down through generations, using music, recitation, dance, and drama; Sanskrit is the language of the earliest known writings.