Käsitesivu

Refers to the set of highly diverse beliefs and practices that generally denote the Indian civilization and culture of the last two thousand years. The religion heavily influences Indian art, literature, society and politics. Hinduism includes diverse religious beliefs and practices and therefore, instead of regarding other gods, other forms of worship and other religious concepts as wrong or irreconcilable, the highest divine powers are seen as complementary to one another. Religious truth is not conceived in dogmatic terms since it is believed that truth transcends all verbal definition. Instead of a set of doctrines, emphasis is placed on the right way of living (dharma). There are significant variations between different regions. Most forms of Hinduism emphasize the concept of reincarnation or transmigration; release (moksha) from the cycle of samsara is the ultimate spiritual goal of Hindus. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are the main Hindu deities and together form a triad, the Trimurti. There are many other lesser gods. Hinduism does not have a particular founder or beginning and there is no central authority. Hindu literature is rich and varied, with no one text considered uniquely authoritative. The Vedas, dating to the Vedic period (ca. 1200-500 BCE), are the earliest extant writings. Religious law books and epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata have been and continue to be highly influential.