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Hinduism 101: Orientation to Hinduism

The correct name for Hinduism is "Sanatana Dharma" or religion based on eternal truths. The name Hinduism is a misnomer, dating back to the ancient Persians who called the land of India the land of Hindus, after the Sanskrit name for the Indus River (known as Sindhu), the largest river of western India. Hinduism is thus a geographical term.

Sacred texts that form the foundation of Hinduism

The foundation for Hinduism is based mainly on three canonical works of Hindu Scriptures called prasthanatraya (three sources of authority):

Other notable scriptures

In order to communicate the subtle truths about Dharma (the art of righteous living) and Brahma Vidya (knowledge of Brahman) and generate devotion to seek the highest Truth among people, individuals Rishis have presented the Truth through stories and parables wherein the scriptures provide the science of life and the art of living:

Basic tenets that underlie Hinduism

Yoga and Hinduism

The Four Purusharthas

The Four Ashramas or Stages of Life

Traditionally Hindus view human life as divided into four Āshramas:

The Four Varnas

In early societies the varna system provided security for the functioning of society. There seems to have been a natural division of labor based on people's inborn abilities and propensities. Hinduism saw society as falling into four divisions:

Indicators of Dharma

The most important concept in Hinduism is dharma. Dharma is said to be determined by four things: Vedas, smrithi (literature authored by Rishis as remembered and interpreted from the Vedas to assist people; it is time sensitive, not carrying the same authority as Vedas, and can be changed to suit different generations), society's standards for good and noble conduct, and one’s own joy or pleasure. Our actions should be in accordance with all four.

Integration of Materialistic and Spiritual ideals

According to Hindu scriptures, the twin ideals of material prosperity and spiritual emancipation are complementary, and in fact material prosperity is meaningful only when it is oriented to spiritual ideals. The following five principles are recommended in the education of every Hindu: