Hinduism

Hinduism is the world's oldest living religion, with roots stretching back over 4,000 years to the Indus Valley civilization and the Vedic period. It is the third-largest religion globally, with over one billion adherents, predominantly in India and Nepal. Unlike many religions, Hinduism has no single founder, no single scripture, and no single set of doctrines.

Hindu philosophy encompasses a vast and diverse range of beliefs, from polytheism to monotheism to philosophical monism. The major texts include the Vedas, the Upanishads (philosophical explorations of the nature of reality and the self), the Bhagavad Gita (a dialogue on duty, devotion, and the nature of God), and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (the foundational text of yoga philosophy).

Central concepts include Dharma (righteous duty), Karma (the law of cause and effect), Samsara (the cycle of rebirth), Moksha (liberation from the cycle), and Brahman (the ultimate reality). The tradition has produced profound contributions to philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and the arts.