Hinduism is the oldest organized religion in the world. It is the Sanatana Dharma, the Eternal Law. It has no known origin and no founders - it is a synthesis of various Indian cultures and practices from as early as 4000 BCE.
Hinduism differs from Christianity and other Abrahamic religions in that it does not have:
>A single founder, >A specific theological system, >A single concept of deity, >A single holy text, >A single system of morality, >A central religious authority, >The concept of a prophet.
Hinduism is neither polytheistic, monotheistic, trinitarian or henotheistic, yet it is all at the same time.
The development of Hinduism was influenced by many invasions over thousands of years. The major influences occurred when light-skinned, nomadic "Aryan" Indo-European tribes invaded Northern India (circa 1500 BCE) from the steppes of Russia and Central Asia. They brought with them their religion of Vedism. These beliefs mingled with the more advanced, indigenous Indian native beliefs, often called the "Indus valley culture."
>Rulers will become unreasonable: they will levy taxes unfairly. >Rulers will no longer see it as their duty to promote spirituality, or to protect their subjects: they will become a danger to the world. >People will start migrating, seeking countries where wheat and barley form the staple food source. >"At the end of Kali-yuga, when there exist no topics on the subject of God, even at the residences of so-called saints and respectable gentlemen of the three higher varnas [guna or temperament] and when nothing is known of the techniques of sacrifice, even by word, at that time the Lord will appear as the supreme chastiser."
With regard to human relationships
>Avarice and wrath will be common. Humans will openly display animosity towards each other. Ignorance of dharma will occur. >People will have thoughts of murder with no justification and will see nothing wrong in that. >Lust will be viewed as socially acceptable and sexual intercourse will be seen as the central requirement of life. >Sin will increase exponentially, while virtue will fade and cease to flourish. >People will take vows and break them soon after. >People will become addicted to intoxicating drinks and drugs. >Teachers will no longer be respected and their students will attempt to injure them. Their teachings will be insulted, and followers of Kama(lust) will wrest control of the mind from all human beings.
I'm currently reading a book on Indian history and am admiring their perspective on warfare - it's not about obliterating your enemies and total subjugation, it's about limited warfare and extracting an admission of vassalage, which usually came with only a light yoke. "Two armies could be fighting in a field, and the next field over people could till their crops in perfect safety and peace of mind". The philosophy which motivates such behavior I suspect of being more admirable than the brutal, fanatic centralism of most other civilizations' traditions.
Kayden Stewart
We had laws that prevented the commoners to be ever affected by war, but that pacifist attitude led to our downfall
