The Hinduism

A millennial knowledge
 Some History…
• Ancient Persian people called the “Hindu” to the inhabitants of the
Sindhu River (Indus River)

• Ancient Muslims called the land of Bharat (name with which the ancient
habitants of India called their region): Al-Hind

• Finally, with the arrival of the English, the word “Hindu” was adopted to
refer to the spiritual tradition in India by nationalist Indian People.
 KEY CONCEPTS ETYMOLOGY
• Hinduism: Name given to the religious tradition of India
throughout the history by other peoples, the real name is
Sanatana Dharma which means:
-Sanatana: Eternal, permanet
-Dharma: It has broad connotations, Natural law , support,
sustain, path

“ Eternal path or Permanent Law”

The basis of Hinduism is the order of the cosmos (rita) and how
beings interact in harmony with the natural law (Dharma)
 About Buddhism and anothers traditions
• Buddhism and traditions like Jainism and Sikhism are considered
another aspects of the immense Sanatana Dharma.

• The principal difference between these and Hinduism is that they do

not fully accept the revelation and authority of the Vedas.

This different aspect between them is given that the Upanishads are
written in response by the lower castes to be able to access the
knowledge that the Brahmans (priests) centralized in those times.
Starts Buddhism and Jainism (600 BCE)