Definition of Hinduism

"Acceptance of the Vedas with reverence; recognition of the fact that the means or ways to salvation are diverse; and the realization of the truth that the number of gods to beworshiped is large, that indeed is the distinguishing feature of the Hindu religion."
B.G. Tilak's definition of what makes one a basic Hindu .

Hinduism is the world's third most popular religion,with around 900 million followers. Those who follow this faith are known as Hindus.About 80% of the population of India regard themselves as Hindus.Hinduism is the fourth most popular religion in Britain with around 400,000 followers.

Hinduism is the name given to a family of religions and cultures that began and still flourish in India.Hindus do not separate religion from other aspects of life. For Hindus in India, Hinduism is an inextricable part of their existence, a complete approach to life that involves social class, earning a living, family, politics, diet, etc., in addition to the things Westerners view as religious.

Is Hinduism a religion or is it a culture? The truth is - it is both a religion and a way of life. India gave to the world the original, oldest and most profound philosophy of life. The brilliant ancestors of present-day indians explored the Truth behind our existence and gave several philosophies and theories to define the Truth. At the same time, they created a set of rules for "good living" on this earth. The philosophical concepts that Indians gave to mankind are eternal and constitute no religion by themselves. However, the rules for good or "Dharmic" living that they laid down constitute the Hindu religion.

The meaning of the word "Hindu": it has its origins in the word "Sindhu", Sanskrit for the river Indus. A philological search would reveal that the people living around and to the east of the river Indus were the ones called "Hindus", Islamic invaders used the word 'Hind' to describe India during medieval period ( In Arabic India is still called ' Al Hind') and they described the people living in India as Hindus. The word "Hindu" was officially adopted by the British during their forced occupation of India to distinguish people of Indian origin who followed faiths that originated before Christ or Mohammed.

Receptivity and all-comprehensiveness, it has been aptly stated, are the main characteristics of Hinduism. Since it has had no difficulty in bringing diverse faiths within its ever-widening fold, it has something to offer to almost all minds. The strength of Hinduism, lies in its infinite adaptability to the infinite diversity of human character and human tendencies.

The country lying between the Himalayan mountain and Bindu Sarovara (Cape Comorin sea) is known as Hindusthan by combination of the first letter `hi' of`Himalaya' and the last compound letter `ndu' of the word 'Bindu'. The origin does not matter except for the historians who want to date everything exactly. Hinduism can be called mother of all eastern religions since it provided the cradle from where other religions like Buddhism and Jainism originated. These religions which originated from Hinduism compliment each other in beliefs.