Page 8 - Hinduism

fixed in essentials and flexible in non-essentials like rites and rituals.
The term Hinduism is of foreign origin and vague. The term Sanātana Dharma is therefore preferable to it and it has a rounded perfection and is comprehensive; but the name Hinduism is sanctioned by usage. Dharma applies to righteousness exemplified in practical life, individual and social, and implies also mokṣa-dharma or the nature of freedom from the ills of life or Saṁsāra. It is thus a way of life and a view of life and includes both theory and practice. The Veda is the chief authority or pramāna for Hinduism, and as aids to its practical understanding are the other scriptures like the Smṛtis. There are four Vedas, the Ṛg-veda, the Yajurveda, the Sāmaveda and the Atharvaveda. Each Veda has three divisions, namely the Mantra, the Brāhmana and the Upaniṣad. One who knows the inner meaning of the Mantras and the Brāhmaṇas is a Mantra-dṛś, who acquires mastery over nature, internal and external. It is wrong to say that the Vedas belong to the child stage of humanity. An ancient Vedic text which says that the Sat or God is one and the seers call it variously contains the keynote of Hinduism and its universality. The Upaniṣads or the Vedānta are the most sublime teachings of Hinduism and are called Brahma Vidyā, containing the wisdom of Brahman, by knowing which everything is known. They are the solace of life and death. Vedic knowledge is summed up in 8