Hinduism

/ˌhɪnduˈɪzəm/

/ˈhɪnduɪzəm/

Definitions of Hinduism

1. noun

   a body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and based on a caste system; it is characterized by a belief in reincarnation, by a belief in a supreme being of many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils
   synonyms: Hindooism

   types:

   Darsana

   (from the Sanskrit word for `to see') one of six orthodox philosophical systems or viewpoints on the nature of reality and the release from bondage to karma

   Mimamsa

   (from the Sanskrit word for `reflection' or `interpretation') one of six orthodox philosophical systems or viewpoints on ritual traditions rooted in the Vedas and the Brahmanas as opposed to Vedanta which relies mostly on the Upanishads

   Vedanta

   (from the Sanskrit for `end of the Veda') one of six orthodox philosophical systems or viewpoints rooted in the Upanishads as opposed to Mimamsa which relies on the Vedas and Brahmanas

   Krishnaism

   worship of Krishna the 8th avatar of Vishnu

   Shivaism, Sivaism

   worship of Shiva one of the 3 chief gods of the Hindu pantheon

   Saktism, Shaktism

   worship of Shakti as the wife of Shiva

   Vaishnavism, Vaisnavism, Vishnuism

   worship of Vishnu one of the 3 chief gods of the Hindu pantheon

   yoga

   Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility that is achieved through the three paths of actions and knowledge and devotion

   Vedism

   the form of Hinduism that revolves primarily around the mythic version and ritual ideologies in the Vedas

   type of:

   faith, religion, religious belief

   a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
2. noun

   the religion of most people in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal
   synonyms: Hindooism

   types:

   Brahmanism, Brahminism

   the religious and social system of orthodox Hinduism

   type of:

   faith, organized religion, religion

   an institution to express belief in a divine power