Hindu

A Hindu (Devanagari: हिन्दु), as per modern definition, is a person who is adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, the religious, philosophical and cultural system that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Hinduism is believed to be the oldest living religious tradition in the world.

Due to the wide diversity in the beliefs, practices and traditions encompassed by Hinduism, there is no universally accepted answer to the question, "Who is a Hindu?", or even an agreement on whether Hinduism represents a religious, cultural or socio-political entity. In 1995, Chief Justice P. B. Gajendragadkar was quoted in an Indian Supreme Court ruling:

"When we think of the Hindu religion, we find it difficult, if not impossible, to define Hindu religion or even adequately describe it. Unlike other religions in the world, the Hindu religion does not claim any one prophet; it does not worship any one God; it does not subscribe to any one dogma; it does not believe in any one philosophic concept; it does not follow any one set of religious rites or performances; in fact, it does not appear to satisfy the narrow traditional features of any religion or creed. It may broadly be described as a way of life and nothing more."

Origin of word

Hindu is derived from the Persian pronunciation of the Sanskrit word Sindhu (Sanskrit: सिन्धु, the name for the Indus River), located in what is now Pakistan. The Persians, using the word "Hindu" for "Sindhu", referred to the people who lived near or across the Sindhu River as "Hindu", and their religion later became known as "Hinduism." The religion had previously been known as Sanātana dharma (the eternal law), Vaidika dharma.

BKWSU's position

Although the BKWSU borrows substantial Hindu teachings, it and its God has officially disassociated itself from being Hindu. It does not see itself as a Hindu sect and its teachings state categorically that there is no benefit to be gained from following Hinduism, saddhus, gurus, reading the Vedas or attending temples; only downfall. At the same time, it claims to be the root of Hindus and that its followers will become the deities, or Gods worshipped on the Path of Bhakti in 2,500 years time.