We Indians have that tag really, especially if you are a Hindu. Our Culture is the oldest of all and has found strong evidences from all the over the world. People forget and misunderstand Hinduism rather than a way of life. Our cultural foundations and findings have given way to what is currently present in the world - Science, Technology, Knowledge. Everything were written in detail in Vedas.
The Vedas contain hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India. Along with the Book of the Dead, the Enuma Elish, the I Ching, and the Avesta, they are among the most ancient religious texts still in existence. Besides their spiritual value, they also give a unique view of everyday life in India four thousand years ago. The Vedas are also the most ancient extensive texts in an Indo-European language, and as such are invaluable in the study of comparative linguistics.
They also had a vast influence on Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Traditionally the text of the Vedas was coeval with the universe. Scholars have determined that the Rig Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas, was composed about 1500 B.C., and codified about 600 B.C. It is unknown when it was finally committed to writing, but this probably was at some point after 300 B.C.
For those of who doesn't know about Vedas, there are 4 Vedas in Hinduism, they are:
- Rig Veda -which contains hymns that treat Nature as GODS,
- Sama Veda -hymns which needs to be practised and chanted by priests,
- Yajur Veda - more powerful hymns chanted by priests and
- Atharva Veda - also contains material from the Rig Veda, but of interest are the numerous incantations and metaphysical texts, which this anthology (part of the Sacred Books of the East series) collects and categorizes.
All the scientific information on Atoms, Nucleus, etc were written already in the Vedas and were the source of information for millions of scientists who made theories and findings out of it including the great Einstein. Hinduism is the only form of practise which has so many powerful texts and benefits others. They teach us how to live, what is right and what is wrong practise.
It is absolutely great to imagine so much information that our so called 'religion' gives, we must respect and accept things and move on. Of course caste system came later, which was created by Lord Krishna according to Puranas. That is the only set back that our religion has as far as I know. Otherwise we need to teach and make people understand the power of our texts and follow a righteous path. You can find many FAQs in this website which will quench your religious thirst and many questions which you had in your mind. Enjoy browsing: http://www.webonautics.com/mythology/factsinhindu.html
Wait one more thing, did you know that the Thoppukaranam which we practise in front of Lord Vinayaga is a sort of Yoga which has many benefits. Don't believe me? Well Americans do. That's the situation now, Indians forget the culture which Americans love to adopt. And we? We are now following western culture by exposing everything for money and fun. Ok lets don't get diverted, the thing I wanted to say is there are many practices which we follow without knowing its importance or reason. One such is Thoppukaram performed in front of Lord Vinayaga. What benefits it has? Check this video:
The Americans will soon patent this yoga form named 'Super Brain Yoga' which is our own Thoppukaranam. There are many things like this in India which we perform without knowing the reason. All I can say is we are being diverted by some Money force, religious fanatics all around the globe and improper Spiritual Guide/Spiritual Leader.
