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Exploring India’s Rich Civilization: An Insight into Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism
India is known for its rich history, culture, and spirituality. Over the centuries, India has been home to several religions and philosophies, each with its own unique beliefs and practices. As an Indian, I often get asked by my western friends about the cultural, religious and spiritual heritage of India.
In this article, I aim to provide an exploration of India’s rich civilization, focusing on Hinduism (हिंदू), Buddhism (बौद्ध), Jainism (जैन), and Sikhism (सिख) — the four major religions that have shaped India’s cultural and spiritual identity.
Hinduism
Hinduism is the oldest and one of the most widespread religions in India. It is considered the third largest religion in the world and has been in existence for over 3,000 years. Hinduism is a complex religion, with diverse beliefs and practices, but it is based on the idea of reincarnation and the ultimate goal of reaching a state of liberation known as moksha. The religion is polytheistic, with thousands of gods and goddesses, but it also recognizes a single ultimate reality known as Brahman (ब्रह्मा). Hinduism has had a significant impact on Indian culture and has greatly influenced other religions, including Buddhism and Jainism.
