A source-scoped introduction separating devotional traditions, philosophical schools, textual classifications, and attributed teachings.
This limited foundation introduces classifications, textual authority and attributed teachings. It does not offer an exhaustive taxonomy, a precise founding date, or a prediction of how Hindu individuals behave.
Devotional affiliations, philosophical schools, regional practices and institutional lineages are different ways of describing diversity. A single label does not capture every person or tradition.
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy rejects one comprehensive doctrine shared by all Hindus. Its introduction distinguishes Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Purva Mimamsa and Vedanta as systematic philosophical schools. Source [1], introduction.
Its discussion of defining Hinduism cautions against treating karma or a single theological description as a universally necessary or exclusive identity test. Source [1], “Defining Hinduism”. This is scholarly interpretation, not a population survey.
Hinduism Today presents Shaivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and Smartism as four principal denominations and describes their lineages, leaders, literature and temples. Source [2], opening paragraphs.
This is the publication’s organizing scheme, not four centrally governed churches or an exhaustive global classification. Its broader universal theological assertions are not adopted here. These devotional classifications remain distinct from the philosophical schools above.
HAF’s educational account classifies Shruti as “heard” and Smriti as “memory”, placing Vedas and Upanishads under Shruti, and Puranas, Ramayana and Mahabharata under Smriti. Source [3], “Key Hindu Sources of Knowledge”.
This supports an attributed community presentation. Revelation is a religious belief, not independently verified here; textual classification and authority vary. The IEP also discusses the distinction on specified traditional accounts. Source [1], “Secondary Texts: Smriti Literature”.
HAF’s “Sanatana Dharma” answer discusses karma, reincarnation, dharma or right living, and moksha or liberation. Source [4]. Many Hindu presentations discuss these concepts; this page does not claim an identical formulation accepted by every Hindu.
These are attributed teachings. Documenting a belief in rebirth or liberation does not establish its supernatural content empirically. HAF’s introductory description also notes the absence of a single central religious establishment. Source [3], opening.
TTD’s report describes its Tirumala free-meal program using Annadanam and Annadam terminology in a 2009 festival context. Source [5], opening and “Humble Origins”.
This supports a reported institutional program, not a universal terminology rule, current meal count or independently audited social outcome. The draft’s “annamaya” label for charitable feeding is not retained.
Detailed origins, comprehensive regional coverage and measured charitable outcomes remain outside this limited foundation. Caste relations, temple endowments, artistic contributions and Hindu nationalism require separately scoped evidence; the draft’s broad outcomes paragraph is not retained.
The general Gavin Flood reference remains a bibliographic lead. Cambridge frontmatter was inspected, but no substantive chapter passage or page-range claim is adopted. Missing evidence is not proof of falsehood.
The inspected sources describe diverse traditions and interpretations rather than one uniform doctrine or centralized institution. They support particular classifications and teachings within scope, without assigning common conduct to every Hindu.
Research can inform an individual character’s affiliations, beliefs and choices. No identity-based moral score, automatic behavior or new gameplay mechanic is approved by this foundation.
October 25, 2026 — Gemini via William supplied the draft. Rowan inspected sources and narrowed classifications, teaching claims and a reported institutional practice. Published with William’s authorization. Full Hinduism dossier: incomplete / Needs review.
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