World Religions

Hinduism is considered one of the oldest religions and as such has a couple different sects. The religion is henotheistic since most followers worship one god but recognizes other gods and goddesses. These being Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Shaktism, and Smartism. The Hindu religion does not have one singular holy book but a collection of holy texts these being The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, The Puranas, The Vedas, The Upanishads, and The Bhagavad Gita. The Holy language of the religion is Sanskrit. Hinduism also has a caste system separated into 4 castes these being Brahmin: the intellectual and spiritual leaders, Kshatriyas: the protectors and public servants of society, Vaisyas: the skillful producers, and Shudras: the unskilled laborers. The basic tenants of Hinduism are that of birth, death, and then reincarnation this is known as the doctrine of samsara. In addition, Hinduism follows the concept of karma (the universal law of cause and effect).

Hindu Sacred Texts