Page 7 - Hinduism
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CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Hinduism is one of the most important of living religions in the world; it is the oldest of all and is called Sanātana Dharma. No study of religion can be complete without taking its finest and highest forms as revealed in its sacred scriptures and as interpreted by its leading exponents and realised by its seers, sages and saints. Hinduism in a sense supplies the fullest material for the study of religion and can claim to be the one religion which is most comprehensive and universal.
It is not an historical religion, but it is a religion without any historic founders and it has eternal foundation. Historical religions base their doctrines and dogmas on the revelations of their prophets. Hinduism is based on the Vedas, the eternal scriptures revealed to the seers and sages and testified to by the Smṛtis and transmitted in an unbroken tradition. The Veda is the word of God and is God Himself and is therefore eternal or nitya. It is apauruṣeya, impersonal, not manmade. Hinduism is sanātana religion without beginning and end and is one continuous revelation consisting of the Veda, Vedāngas, Smṛtis, Itihāsas, Purāṇas, Āgamas, the hymns of the Ālvārs and the Nāyanmārs. It deals with eternal spiritual truths adopted to changing conditions and is therefore
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