2. Basic Facts Oldest living religion Predominant religion of the Indian subcontinent Known as a polytheistic religion, but there is only one God in essence Bhagavat Gita is the main book A little over 14.5% of the world’s population follow Hinduism
3. History Has no definite founder of date of foundation Earliest records of Hinduism is found in the Bronze Age of the Indus Valley Civilization The Aryan Invasion Theory has been gaining doubt
4. Scriptures Vedas – four complex books about arts, medicine, economics, and hymns Upanishads – a simpler version of the vedas for the common man Puranas – consists of stories from the beginning of the universe; stories of epic kings Bhagavat Gita – conversation between Arjun and Lord Krishna, like the bible to Christians
5. Beliefs Ultimate God is Brahman: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva in one Reincarnation – soul is reborn Karma – all actions have good or bad consequences Dharma – eternal duty in life Nirvana – release of the soul from the cycle of reincarnation
