Hinduism

There are many different religions that are represented throughout the world today. One of those religions is Hinduism. "Although the Hindu religion is strongly monotheistic and follows the revealed scripture, the distinct feature of Hindu religion is an equal respect for all religions and scriptures." (TPP, 2007) The religion of Hinduism was originated in India and is the main religion that is still practiced within the country today. Hinduism is said to be the oldest and more complex religion of all the religions that are represented in the world today. Hinduism is not only being practiced in India, but also in parts of Africa and Asia. Many who practice Hinduism feel that it is more than a religion, but it is also a way of life.

The Hindu religion is made up from a set of beliefs that were created for good living while on earth. "Beliefs about sacred matters--God, soul and cosmos--are essential to one's approach to life." (Himalayan, 2007) These nine beliefs were originated by the Himalayan Academy in San Francisco. The beliefs are a way for Hindus to determine their thoughts and attitudes when dealing with life and by following the beliefs it helps to direct their actions. They have strong feelings that their actions help to determine their destiny while on earth. Some of these beliefs are, " Hindus believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation and dissolution and Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds." (Himalayan, 2007)

In India, where more than 80% of the population follows Hinduism, many believe that it plays a important part in the way they live their lives. There are many rituals and other forms of religious activities that are used on a daily basis and the people find that their religion helps to guide their social life. The many devout Hindus make sure to perform some daily chores, including worshipping at dawn after bathing and receiting religious scripts at a shrine that they have at their homes with their family members, to connect with their religion and their God.

Hindus believe in a single Supreme Being that can be present in all things around them. They also believe that there are other Gods that come from the one Supreme Being. "In the Hindu pantheon there are said to be three hundred and thirty-three million Gods. So, Hinduism has one supreme God, but it has an extensive hierarchy of Gods." (Himalayan, 2007) Some of the people were told at on time that the Gods represents some form of spiritual symbols that have come from the Supreme Being, when in fact they are individual soul beings that have been reincarnated throughout time. "One of the unique understandings in Hinduism is that God