Hinduism cultural definition

A religion of India that emphasizes freedom from the material world through purification of desires and elimination of personal identity. Hindu beliefs include reincarnation. (See Brahmins, pariah, Vishnu, and yoga.)

• Traditionally, Hinduism was linked to the caste system — a division of Indian society into several rigid groups, with members of a higher caste holding power over those of a lower.
• The sacred writings of Hinduism include the Vedas (which contain the Upanishads) and the Bhagavad Gita.