CategoryHierarchies.com

Hinduism is a spiritual and philosophical tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent, encompassing diverse beliefs, practices, and ways of life. As a significant cultural aspect of India, it has been intricately interwoven with the country's history, art, literature, and social structures. At its core, Hinduism is polytheistic, acknowledging a vast array of deities, each embodying various aspects of the divine. The religion emphasizes dharma (duty/ethics), artha (prosperity/work), kama (desire/passion), and moksha (liberation/salvation) as the four purusharthas or goals of human life. Hinduism's philosophical underpinnings are rooted in several schools of thought, known as darshanas, which explore metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. Among these are Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa, and Vedanta, each offering unique perspectives on ultimate reality, the nature of self, and the path to spiritual liberation. As a key element within the religious landscape of India, Hinduism has significantly shaped the country's cultural heritage and continues to be an essential force in shaping its contemporary identity.