Does anyone have an understanding of Hinduism?

Question

I'm just wondering about the texts. I've heard of the Vedas, The Upanishads and The Bhagavad Gita, but I'm not sure if they are all different books which I have to get seperate or together in a collection or what. Can someone please outline the way it works for me?

Answer 1

U may read one scripture like Bhagwat Gita, Yoga Vashistha, Astawakra, Shiv sutra, Bhakti sutra, Vedas and understand it, there wont be any need for the other scripture.

Understanding of the text alone is completely inadequate to understand truth spoken in these scriptures. Certain spiritual practices would be required with it.

One good source of such practices I know is "art of Living"

Answer 2

Hinduism contains a vast body of scriptures. Divided as revealed and remembered and developed over millennia, these scriptures expound on theology, philosophy and mythology, providing spiritual insights and guidance on the practice of dharma (religious living). Among such texts, the Vedas and the Upanishads are the foremost in authority, importance and antiquity. Other major scriptures include the Tantras, the sectarian Agamas, the Purāṇas and the epics Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa. The Bhagavad Gītā, a treatise excerpted from the Mahābhārata, is sometimes called a summary of the spiritual teachings of the Vedas.

The Vedas (Sanskrit véda वेद "knowledge") are a large corpus of texts originating in Ancient India. They form the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature[1] and the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism.[2]

According to Hindu tradition, the Vedas are apauruṣeya "not human compositions"[3], being supposed to have been directly revealed, and thus are called śruti ("what is heard").[4][5] Vedic mantras are recited at Hindu prayers, religious functions and other auspicious occasions.

Philosophies and sects that developed in the Indian subcontinent have taken differing positions on the Vedas. Schools of Indian philosophy which cite the Vedas as their scriptural authority are classified as "orthodox" (āstika). Two other Indian philosophies, Buddhism and Jainism, did not accept the authority of the Vedas and evolved into separate religions. In Indian philosophy these groups are referred to as "heterodox" or "non-Vedic" (nāstika) schools.

The Upanishads (Devanagari: उपनिषद्, IAST: upaniṣad) have been regarded as the crown of the Vedas[1] and form the Hindu scriptures which primarily discuss philosophy, meditation, and the nature of God; they form the core spiritual thought of Vedantic Hinduism. Considered as mystic or spiritual contemplations of the Vedas, their putative end and essence, the Upanishads are known as Vedānta ("the end/culmination of the Vedas").

The Upanishads were composed over several centuries. The oldest, such as the Brhadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanishads, have been dated to around the eighth century BCE.

Answer 3

'Blue Eyes' has given a comprehensive details of scriptures of Hinduism and one can start from Bhagwat Geeta[English traslations are availble],as it gives a gist of broad spectrum of Hinduism.Hinduism is actually not a religion but a way of life and unlike other religions is non linear.There are no strict DOs and DON'Ts and every body has the freedom to evolve in his own way.Wish you a meaning full journey and joyous discoveries.

Answer 4

All online.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/index.htm

Answer 5

idk