How old is Hinduism (Earth, tradition, beliefs, translation, eternal)

[Wannabe Yogi]

I believe Hinduism can be traced back to the neolithic.

What do you think ?

[Buttons*]

It depends on who you ask But most people guestimate around 3,000 years

[Wannabe Yogi]

quote=Buttons*;1465409]It depends on who you ask But most people guestimate around 3,000 years[/quote]

This use to be the case now there is much more evidence that calls these very late dates in to question.

Rigveda like many other ancient Hindu texts contain several statements of astronomical significance. The Rigveda records the vernal equinox in Mrigashira Constellation pointing to a date around 4000 BCE. The Vedas also talk about a pole star that is visible and its a different pole star then we have today. This citation ( plus many more ) gives a normal range of dates for that event. The astronomical dates put the Historical date of the Rig Veda before 4000 BC.

[Buttons*]

Originally Posted by Wannabe Yogi

This use to be the case now there is much more evidence that calls these very late dates in to question.

Rigveda like many other ancient Hindu texts contain several statements of astronomical significance. The Rigveda records the vernal equinox in Mrigashira Constellation pointing to a date around 4000 BCE. The Vedas also talk about a pole star that is visible and its a different pole star then we have today. This citation ( plus many more ) gives a normal range of dates for that event. The astronomical dates put the Historical date of the Rig Veda before 4000 BC.

I suppose, but are you REALLY counting Vedas as hinduism? They don't really teach the same sorts of things... for instance, the Isa Upanishad suggests that we should NOT eat any flesh of any creature unless it is already dead.

On the other hand, some traditions from back then also discuss ancient horse sacrifices that took place in order for the new king to "show off' more or less. These are two conflicting scriptures. Depending on what modern Hindus do, wouldnt' it be fairer to date your traditions to the furthest back those traditions go, versus how old the Vedas are?

[Wannabe Yogi]

Originally Posted by Buttons*

I suppose, but are you REALLY counting Vedas as hinduism? They don't really teach the same sorts of things... for instance, the Isa Upanishad suggests that we should NOT eat any flesh of any creature unless it is already dead.

On the other hand, some traditions from back then also discuss ancient horse sacrifices that took place in order for the new king to "show off' more or less. These are two conflicting scriptures. Depending on what modern Hindus do, wouldn't' it be fairer to date your traditions to the furthest back those traditions go, versus how old the Vedas are?

Hinduism is not one belief system but many,its a family of faiths. Some sects of Hinduism still only practice the old Vedic methods of fire worship.

I am not familiar with the verse you quote from the Isa Upanishad.

But this is from the Yajur veda Samhita 12.32

You must not use your God-given body for killing Gods creatures, whether they are human, animal or whatever.

A very common misconception in the west is that the Vedic Religion is not Hinduism. All the practicing Hindu’s that I know trace our faith back to the Vedas. Much of the modern scientific evidence also contradicts many of the old beliefs of the western thinkers about the Vedas.

Much of these misconceptions are due to the very poor Vedic translations of early european indologists.

[zenzero]

Friends,
Personally Sanatan Dharma means The Eternal Path and a Way of life.
Eternal to mean; without beginning or an end.
Besides it also connotes that any human that follows any path as his way of life falls under this category of Sanatan Dharma.
Such a concept would mean that it is as old as the first appearance of humans on earth.
Besides it makes no difference to ages of any religion as lonf as humans become enlightened.
LOve & rgds

[Buttons*]

Originally Posted by Wannabe Yogi

Hinduism is not one belief system but many,its a family of faiths. Some sects of Hinduism still only practice the old Vedic methods of fire worship.

I am not familiar with the verse you quote from the Isa Upanishad.

But this is from the Yajur veda Samhita 12.32

You must not use your God-given body for killing Gods creatures, whether they are human, animal or whatever.

A very common misconception in the west is that the Vedic Religion is not Hinduism. All the practicing Hindu’s that I know trace our faith back to the Vedas. Much of the modern scientific evidence also contradicts many of the old beliefs of the western thinkers about the Vedas.

Much of these misconceptions are due to the very poor Vedic translations of early european indologists.

Well, that may be so. I did learn about Hinduism in a Western University... however the professor who taught it made sure we were all aware of "orientalism" and how it affects our readings. He tried to give us the best translations, and really made an effort to help us understand it in a "non-west" light. However, it wasn't a very in depth study. We didn't spent a lot of time arguing about the age of Hinduism itself. The professor claimed that most people believe, at least in academia, that it's around 3,000-4,000 years old. BUT, he also made the point to say that ancient Hinduism really isn't anything like modern Hinduism is today. *shrug* I only know a little after that.

[santdasji]

Kaliyug itself started over 4000 years ago so how can it be only 3-4000 years old? The advent of Shri Raam has been calculated to be over 10,000 years itself. Dont think your professor was a very good one at calculating time.

[Seyorni]

How old is Hinduism? How can you answer this without defining Hinduism? You'd have an easier time herding cats.

[santdasji]

I agree.