Hinduism, defined as a family of religions

Many philosophers have taken the approach of understanding Hinduism as a family of religions rather than a single religious entity.


By using this definition Hinduism is actually a medley of religious traditions, it is not a monolithic entity but rather a conglomerate of religions that share certain traits in common. These religions go by the names Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and many others.


A religion may be considered part of the Hindu family of religions if it espouses some variation on the following principles:

1. Belief in the divinity of the Vedas, the world's most ancient scripture as well as faith in the "fifth Veda", or the Epics and the Puranas, which are the main holy books of the Hindu religion.
2. Belief in one, all-pervasive Supreme Reality, manifesting as both an impersonal force, which is called Brahman, and as a personal divinity (known variously, according to whichever particular tradition one adheres to)
3. Belief in the cyclical nature of the time - that there are world ages that repeat themselves like seasons.
4. Belief in Karma, the law of action and reaction, by which each person creates his or her own destiny.
5. Belief in reincarnation - that the soul evolves through many births until all past deeds have been resolved, leading to ultimate liberation from the material world.
6. Belief in alternate realities with higher beings - God and His manifold manifestations - who can be accessed through temple worship, rituals sacraments and prayer.
7. Belief in enlightened masters, or gurus - exemplary souls who are fully devoted in God and who as a conduit for others to reach Him.
8. Belief in non-agression and non injury (ahimsa) as a way of showing love to all creatures. This includes the idea of the sacredness for all life and its concomitant universal compassion.
9. Belief that all revealed religions are essentially correct, as aspects of one ultimate reality. and the religious tolerance is the hallmark of true wisdom.
10. Belief that the living being is first and foremost a spiritual entity, a soul within the body, and that the spiritual pursuit is consequently the essence and real purpose of life.
11. Belief that an organic social system, traditionally called Varnashrama, is essential in the proper and effective functioning of humankind and this system should be based on intrinsic quality and natural aptitude as opposed to birthright.
    

Reference

Essential Hinduism by Steven Rosen