In order to explain the beliefs of Hinduism and its evolution for the Aryans to the Guptas, we first need to outline just exactly what it is that Hinduism is.
Hinduism is the primary religion of the Indian subcontinent, and is known to its followers as 'Sanātana Dharma', which is a Sanskrit phrase which translates as 'the eternal law that sustains/upholds/surely preserves' among a number of other expressions. The religion includes a wide variety of beliefs and views on 'daily morality, and these are based on notions such as dharma, karma and other society grounded normalities such as the Hindu marriage customs. Hinduism is one of the few major world religions that grants a great degree of freedom into its beliefs and worshiping practices. Also notable is the absence of the concept of heresy.
Hinduism has no single founder of its religion, and is thought to be the oldest religion in the world because of its roots in the ancient Vedic religion of the Iron Age India.
Many texts are designated Hindu texts, as opposed to other religions that may only have just one religious text. These are divided into two categories: Śruti - or 'revealed' texts - and Smriti which means 'remembered' texts. The texts all discuss philosophy, mythology, theology, and provide many details as to the concept of practicing dharma, or religious living. Some other notable scriptures include the Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa epics, the Upanishads and the Purāṇas. Perhaps the most important scripture of all though, is The Bhagavad Gītā, which combines Yoga, Samkhya and Vedanta philosophy into its full depth deconstruction of life and good conduct.
Hinduism is entirely referential to a religious mainstream which has evolved almost entirely organically, spreading over a large territory as it has done so, especially being marked by ultra significant cultural and ethnic diversity. This was achieved both by regular innovations from within the belief system, and by assimilation of smaller, more external folds of tradition and cult. This leads to the aforementioned free range and diversity of practices. Sects of Hinduism range from an almost infinite number of unsophisticated cult-like organizations, to religious movements of unfathomable size comprised of millions of followers spread about over entire subcontinents.
Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include (but are not restricted to) Samsāra (the continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth), Dharma (ethics/duties), Karma (action and subsequent reaction), Moksha (liberation from samsara), and the various Yogas (paths or practices).
Hinduism is the primary religion of the Indian subcontinent, and is known to its followers as 'Sanātana Dharma', which is a Sanskrit phrase which translates as 'the eternal law that sustains/upholds/surely preserves' among a number of other expressions. The religion includes a wide variety of beliefs and views on 'daily morality, and these are based on notions such as dharma, karma and other society grounded normalities such as the Hindu marriage customs. Hinduism is one of the few major world religions that grants a great degree of freedom into its beliefs and worshiping practices. Also notable is the absence of the concept of heresy.
Hinduism has no single founder of its religion, and is thought to be the oldest religion in the world because of its roots in the ancient Vedic religion of the Iron Age India.
Many texts are designated Hindu texts, as opposed to other religions that may only have just one religious text. These are divided into two categories: Śruti - or 'revealed' texts - and Smriti which means 'remembered' texts. The texts all discuss philosophy, mythology, theology, and provide many details as to the concept of practicing dharma, or religious living. Some other notable scriptures include the Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa epics, the Upanishads and the Purāṇas. Perhaps the most important scripture of all though, is The Bhagavad Gītā, which combines Yoga, Samkhya and Vedanta philosophy into its full depth deconstruction of life and good conduct.
Hinduism is entirely referential to a religious mainstream which has evolved almost entirely organically, spreading over a large territory as it has done so, especially being marked by ultra significant cultural and ethnic diversity. This was achieved both by regular innovations from within the belief system, and by assimilation of smaller, more external folds of tradition and cult. This leads to the aforementioned free range and diversity of practices. Sects of Hinduism range from an almost infinite number of unsophisticated cult-like organizations, to religious movements of unfathomable size comprised of millions of followers spread about over entire subcontinents.
Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include (but are not restricted to) Samsāra (the continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth), Dharma (ethics/duties), Karma (action and subsequent reaction), Moksha (liberation from samsara), and the various Yogas (paths or practices).
