WHAT IS HINDUISM

Hinduism is the religion of Hindus. Hinduism is oldest religion in the world and became a way of life. Hinduism can be explained as under:

1. Since the origin date of Hinduism cannot be fixed, it is “eternal”, hence also called as Sanatan Dharma.
2. The principles and teachings in Hinduism are the expression of spiritual intuitiveness of innumerable ancient rishis (Seers) & sages and guidelines given by god himself which are incorporated in Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagwat Gita etc.  
3. Hinduism allows widest freedom in matters of faith and worship.
4. Hinduism allows absolute freedom with regard to nature of God, soul, creation, and form of worship and the goal of life.
5. Hinduism does not lie in the acceptance of any particular doctrine, nor in the observance of some particular rituals or form of acceptance.
6. Hinduism is extremely liberal and pays respect to all religions and faiths.
7. Hinduism believes in re-birth.
8. For many Hindus, religion is matter of practice rather than beliefs. 

Swami Vivekanad, the Hindu monk of India, during his address at world Parliament of religions at Chicago in September, 1893 explained the Hinduism as under:

1. Hinduism means the religion of vedas.
2. The Hindus are associated with the idea of holiness, purity, truth, omnipresence of God and such other ideas with different images and forms.       
3. Hindu system does not consist in struggles and attempts to believe a certain doctrine or dogma but is centred in realising the divine. Idols or temples or books are only the support.
4. The whole object of the system is constant struggle to become perfect, to become divine, to reach God.
5. The Caste is simply a social institution.

 
Reference:

1. All about Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda
2. The complete works of Swami Vivekananda, volume I, by Swami Bodhasrananda, Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, Champawat, Uttarakhand.​

​