Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the World. Hindu believe that their religion is without beginning or end and is a continuous process even preceding the existence of the Earth and the many other worlds beyond. The greatness of Hinduism is at once its complexity and its simplicity. Many ancient cultures in Asia have been greatly influenced by the Hindu cultural ethos.

The word Hindu is of geographic origin and was derived from the name originally settled on the River Sindhu. It was corrupted by foreign visitors to the word 'Hindu', and the faith of the Hindus was given the name ' Hinduism'. Scholars however call this the Brahmanical faith, for to attain the Brahman or the Universe Soul is the ultimate aim of all Hindu thought.

Hinduism is also called Sanatana Dharma or the Eternal Religion as it possesses great qualities of catholicity of outlook and free thinking. Even an atheist is not precluded from being a Hindu and neither hell nor doomsday is envisioned for the agnostic. Hinduism is also tremendously tolerant of other religious faiths and beliefs. It allows a Hindu to worship is a church, mosque, or gurdwara as freely as he does in a temple.

Hinduism is not just a religion but a way of life. It permeates totally the life of every Hindu from the moment of his or her birth, be he or she a believer or non-believer, a scholar or an illiterate.

Introduction to Hinduism by Shakunthala Jagannathan

"Hinduism is a rare faith with few "do's" and "don'ts" postulated, but one which has many signposts showing the different spiritual paths available to different types of people," says Shakunthala Jagannathan. "It accepts the reality that there are varying intellectual and spiritual levels in each one of us and all cannot therefore take the same path, although the goal may be the same. Hinduism therefore offers different approaches to persons of different aptitudes, depending on whether he be a philosopher or a poet, a mystic or a man of action, an intellectual or a simple man of faith."

This is a unique feature of the religion as it permits the greatest of freedom of worship and insists that each person must be guided by his or her own individual spiritual experience. It does not accept dictatorship in religious guidance."

Indian philosophy has viewed each individual as trying to realize his identity. Rama,   a combination of the Divine in the human and the human in the Divine, is the supreme example of how people should conduct themselves in the world, how a country should be governed, how the integrity and morality of human beings should be protected. High-minded actions, ideal qualities, and sacred thoughts are basic foundations of his character. "Rama is immanent in the entire cosmos. Rama is present everywhere. Hence you have to love all, serve all.," said Shri Sathya Sai Baba.

Indian philosophy has always encouraged people to raise themselves above day-to-day episodes of life, seek higher meaning in usual happenings, and connect purpose of life with a super-ordinate meaning.

"India preserves the knowledge that preserves the World." ~ Sri Aurobindo

Action

Action is greater than inaction. Perform therefore thy task in life. Even the life of the body could not be if there were no action.

Failure

On this path effort never goes to waste, and there is no failure. Even a little effort toward spiritual awareness will protect you from the greatest fear.

Love

Still your mind in me, still yourself in me, and without a doubt you shall be united with me, Lord of Love, dwelling in your heart.

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