[History] Bhagwan Swaminarayan History Picture Book

An Introduction to Hinduism Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, if not the oldest dating back many thousands of years. The original name of Hinduism is Sanãtana Dharma, or "The eternal principle”. The word sanatana implies that it... More

An Introduction to Hinduism Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, if not the oldest dating back many thousands of years. The original name of Hinduism is Sanãtana Dharma, or "The eternal principle”. The word sanatana implies that it always existed and will always exist; as such its principles are beyond any religion, race, colour or creed. Unlike other religions, the Hindu Dharma did not originate from a single person, a single book, or at a single point in time. The foundations of this religion were laid by ancient rishis (sages), who taught their disciples the eternal principles of life they had discovered through their meditations. It is thought that these principles were passed down from one person to another by word of mouth and that it was much later that the Hindu philosophy and scriptures were formally written down. The rishis did not claim authorship of these spiritual principles. Although some names are mentioned in scriptures, no Less