Hinduism is the world's third most popular religion,

Hinduism is a religion, or a way of life, found most notably in India and Nepal. With approximately one billion followers,  Hinduism is the world's third largest religion by population, and the majority religion in India, Nepal and Bali (Indonesia). Hinduism has been called the "oldest religion" in the world  and some practitioners and scholars refer to it as Sanātana Dharma, "the eternal law" or the "eternal way" beyond human origins. Scholars regard Hinduism as a fusion [note 3] or synthesis  of various Indian cultures and traditions,  with diverse roots  [note and no founder.  This "Hindu synthesis" started to develop between 500 BCE and 300 CE, after the Vedic times

Although Hinduism contains a broad range of philosophies, it is linked by shared concepts, recognisable rituals, cosmology, shared textual resources, pilgrimage to sacred sites and the questioning of authority.  Hindu texts are classified into Shruti ( "heard") and Smriti ( "remembered"). These texts discuss theology, philosophy, mythology, Vedic yajna, Yoga and agamic rituals and temple building, among other topics.  Major scriptures include the Vedas and Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Agamas.

Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include (but are not restricted to), the four Puruṣārthas, the proper goals or aims of human life, namely Dharma (ethics / duties), Artha (prosperity / work), Kama (emotions / sexuality) and Moksha (liberation / freedom);  karma (action, intent and consequences), samsara (cycle of rebirth), and the various Yogas (paths or practices to attain moksha).  Hindu practices include rituals such as puja (worship) and recitations, meditation, family-oriented rites of passage, annual festivals, and occasional pilgrimages. Some Hindus leave their social world and material possessions, then engage in lifelong Sannyasa (ascetic practices) to achieve moksha. Hinduism prescribes the eternal duties, such as honesty, refraining from injuring living beings (ahimsa), patience, forbearance, self-restraint, and compassion, among others.

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