Hindu History
The phrase "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्) originates from the Maha Upanishad (Chapter 6, Verse 72):
“अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम् | उदारचारितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्”
Translation: “This is mine, that is someone else's – this is the thinking of a narrow-minded person; for the broad-minded, the whole world is a family.”
Hindu civilization has a 5,000+ year history of embracing diversity, offering refuge, and promoting peace—evident in India’s historical sheltering of Jews, Zoroastrians, Buddhists, and others.
ISMSA uses this ethos to promote interfaith harmony, minority rights, and cultural dialogue worldwide.
The Vedas – Eternal Knowledge of Sanatan Dharma
The Vedas are the most ancient and sacred scriptures of Hinduism, regarded as divine revelations. They are composed in Sanskrit and believed to have been revealed to ancient sages (Rishis) through deep meditation (shruti).
The Four Vedas
Rigveda (ऋग्वेद)
- Oldest Veda, composed of hymns dedicated to nature and cosmic forces like Agni (fire), Indra (rain), and Surya (sun).
- Contains 1,028 hymns (suktas) across 10 books (mandalas).
- Focuses on prayers, divine order, and rituals.
Yajurveda (यजुर्वेद)
- A manual for rituals and sacrifices.
- Contains formulas and chants used by priests during yajnas (sacred fire ceremonies).
Samaveda (सामवेद)
- A Veda of melody and music.
- Contains verses mostly from the Rigveda, meant to be sung during worship.
Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेद)
- Includes knowledge of everyday life, healing, and protection.
- Contains hymns for health, peace, success, and removal of negative forces.
Vedic Literature Components:
Samhitas – Collection of mantras and hymns
Brahmanas – instructions and commentary
Aranyakas – Philosophical discussions for forest dwellers
Upanishads – spiritual and metaphysical teachings
"The Vedas are not merely religious texts—they are a complete guide to life, philosophy, and universal truth." – ISMSA
The Ashram System – Stages of Human Life in Sanatan Dharma
The Ashram system (आश्रम व्यवस्था) is a unique Hindu framework that divides a human life into four progressive stages, each with its own duties and spiritual goals. It reflects a balance between worldly responsibilities and inner spiritual growth.
The Four Ashrams
Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य आश्रम) – The Student Phase
- Age: Approx. 0–25 years
- Focus: Education, discipline, celibacy, service to Guru
- Goal: Foundation of knowledge and character
Grihastha (गृहस्थ आश्रम) – The Householder Phase
- Age: 25–50 years
- Focus: Marriage, family, work, community duties
- Goal: Righteous earning (Dharma), family life (Kama), and provision for family
Vanaprastha (वानप्रस्थ आश्रम) – The Retirement Phase
- Age: 50–75 years
- Focus: Detachment, charity, mentoring, spiritual preparation
- Goal: Transition from worldly to spiritual focus
Sannyasa (संन्यास आश्रम) – The Renunciation Phase
- Age: 75+ years (or earlier by choice)
- Focus: Renunciation of material desires, seeking liberation (Moksha)
- Goal: Realization of the Self and union with the Divine
“The Ashram system teaches us that life is a sacred journey—not just of survival, but of spiritual evolution.” – ISMSA
Hinduism’s Contribution to Global Thought:
Area Contribution
Philosophy Yoga, Vedanta, Non-dualism, Karma theory
Health Ayurveda, holistic healing
Ethics Ahimsa (non-violence), Seva (service), Satya (truth)
Ecology Sacred rivers, trees, animals; rituals tied to nature
Peace Emphasis on inner peace and outer harmony
Hinduism: A Global Legacy of Wisdom, Peace, and Contribution
Hinduism, also known as Sanatan Dharma, is one of the oldest living religions in the world — not just a faith but a way of life rooted in peace, tolerance, knowledge, and spiritual elevation.
Over thousands of years, Hindu civilization has contributed significantly to the world in philosophy, science, art, medicine, ethics, and spiritual practice, earning respect and admiration globally.
Global Recognition of Hindu Values
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World is One Family)
- Accepted by United Nations and world leaders as a philosophy of universal brotherhood and inclusive progress.
- Reflected in India's global diplomacy, yoga diplomacy, and international peace missions.
Yoga – A Gift to the World
- Yoga, rooted in Hindu scriptures (Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita), is now practiced in over 190 countries.
- International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21 every year, adopted by the UN in 2014 after a proposal by India.
Ahimsa (Non-violence)
- The principle of non-violence, taught in the Vedas and by Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha (from Sanatan tradition), inspired Mahatma Gandhi, and through him, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and many global peace leaders.
Achievements of Hindu Civilization
| Field | Contribution | Global Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Concept of Zero, Decimal System, Algebra | Foundation of modern science, tech, finance |
| Astronomy | Aryabhata, Varahamihira’s work on planetary science | Basis for time-keeping, calendars, space science |
| Medicine | Ayurveda, surgery techniques by Sushruta | Precursor to holistic medicine, surgery |
| Philosophy | Advaita Vedanta, Samkhya, Bhakti movement | Influenced Western philosophers like Schopenhauer, Emerson, Thoreau |
| Languages | Sanskrit – the root of Indo-European languages | Used in AI, linguistic studies, and spiritual chants |
| Architecture | Temples of Khajuraho, Konark, Hampi, Angkor Wat (Cambodia) | UNESCO World Heritage recognition |
| Arts | Classical music (Raga), Bharatanatyam, Kathak, sculpture | Practiced globally through cultural exchanges |
| Spirituality | Karma, Dharma, Moksha, meditation | Widely adopted in wellness and mindfulness cultures |
Hinduism’s Global Presence Today
- Temples in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Mauritius, Fiji, Nepal, Bali, Cambodia, and Trinidad.
- Hindu community contributions in fields like IT, medicine, education, and business are shaping global economies and societies.
- Major universities globally offer Hindu Studies, Sanskrit, and Indology programs.
Sacred Hindu Scriptures – Eternal Wisdom for Humanity
Hinduism is rooted in a vast and profound tradition of scriptures that offer guidance not just for Hindus but for all humanity. These timeless texts encompass spiritual insight, moral clarity, philosophical depth, and practical wisdom. Together, they form the foundation of Sanatan Dharma — the Eternal Way of Life.
Vedas (वेद)
"Shruti – The Divine Sound of Truth"
- Considered the oldest scriptures in the world (over 5,000 years old).
- Composed of Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
- Contain hymns, mantras, and knowledge covering spirituality, science, medicine, and cosmos.
- Rooted in truth, universal harmony, and eternal principles.
"Vedas are not just religious texts, but a universal source of knowledge for all ages."
Upanishads (उपनिषद्)
"Spiritual Enlightenment through Introspection"
- Philosophical essence of the Vedas.
- Teach the path to self-realization, soul (Atman), and ultimate reality (Brahman).
- Emphasize Jnana (knowledge), meditation, and detachment.
- Studied by global thinkers and scholars for their non-dualistic wisdom (Advaita Vedanta).
Bhagavad Gita (भगवद गीता)
"The Song of the Divine"
- Dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
- Teaches Dharma (duty), Karma (action), Bhakti (devotion), and Jnana (knowledge).
- A universal guide to life, ethics, and spiritual growth.
- Translated into over 75 languages and studied worldwide.
"Whenever there is a decline in righteousness, I manifest myself." – Bhagavad Gita 4.7
Ramayana (रामायण)
"The Ideal Life of Dharma and Devotion"
- Written by Maharishi Valmiki, narrates the life of Lord Rama, the embodiment of virtue.
- Teaches values like truth, sacrifice, family, leadership, and devotion.
- Celebrated across India and Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia).
Mahabharata (महाभारत)
"The Grand Epic of Human Complexity and Dharma"
- World’s longest epic, written by Sage Ved Vyasa.
- Chronicles the Kurukshetra war, ethical dilemmas, and life lessons.
- Includes the Bhagavad Gita.
- A treasure of moral, spiritual, and social teachings.
Puranas (पुराण)
"Myths, History, and Eternal Truths"
- Narrate the creation of the universe, genealogies, legends of gods and goddesses.
- 18 Maha Puranas like Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, Devi Bhagavatam, Bhagavata Purana etc.
- Connect people emotionally and culturally with divine stories and values.
Dharma Shastras & Smritis
- Includes Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, and others.
- Provide ethical, legal, and social guidance.
- Teach the importance of truth, compassion, justice, and discipline in public and private life.
Why These Scriptures Matter Today
- Teach the values of non-violence, equality, truth, service, and universal welfare.
- Inspire millions in areas of yoga, meditation, science, ethics, and environment.
- Serve as a cultural and spiritual heritage for humanity.
ISMSA’s Commitment
We promote the study, preservation, and global awareness of these sacred texts to empower future generations and uplift Hindu minorities with pride in their heritage.
