Hindu

Hindu is a term that refers to an individual who follows the religion of Hinduism. The term was first used in the 14th century by the Arabs, Persians, and Afghans in India to refer to the people who lived beyond the Indus River.

Etymology

The term 'Hindu' is derived from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which was the historical local appellation for the Indus River. The ancient Greeks referred to the Indians as Indoi, which translates as 'the people of the Indus'.

Beliefs

Hindus believe in a variety of principles and have diverse beliefs. However, some of the core beliefs of Hinduism include Dharma (ethics and duties), Samsara (rebirth), Karma (right action), Moksha (liberation from the cycle of Samsara), and the belief in Atman (soul).

Practices

Hindu practices include rituals such as puja (worship) and recitations, meditation, family-oriented rites of passage, annual festivals, and occasional pilgrimages. Some Hindus leave their social world and material possessions and engage in lifelong Sannyasa (monasticism) to achieve Moksha.

Demographics

Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, with the majority of Hindus residing in India and Nepal. There are also significant populations of Hindus in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Fiji, Suriname, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

See Also

• Hinduism
• Dharma
• Samsara
• Karma
• Moksha
• Atman
• Puja
• Sannyasa

Hindu Resources
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