FREE ESSAY ON HINDUISM

HINDUISM

Hinduism
It is not sure where the earliest practices of Hinduism came from. The best evidence
suggests that it originated from the Indus valley civilization around 4000 B.C. to 2000
B.C. During this time period Hinduism was influenced by many different invasions. Around
1500 B.C. the "Aryan" Indo European tribes invaded Northern India. With this invasion
they brought their religion of Vedism. The Vedic Arians influenced the practices and
beliefs of the Indus valley people and gave Hinduism its distinct identity. It is also
said that this theory may not be accurate. Some people say that the time the Arians
invaded India does not agree with other historical dates. What was clear was that there
was a combining of cultures lead to what is Hinduism today. 
Hinduism is not really considered a religion; it is a way of life. It consists of
thousands of religions that have evolved in India over the years. The beliefs of the
Hindu religion are, in short, that goals like salvation, transmigration, and rebirth are
looked upon with reverence. Hindus believe that the realization of some goals is beyond
us and should be made a part of our activities while we are still living. They believe
that everything we do (Karma) is accounted for by the celestial presence (Chitragupta)
and has implication on our next life or rebirth (Punarjanma).
The Hindus do not have one leader that tells them a sermon, or oversees what they do.
They believe that all jivas (a persons soul) will move through a system of castes or
there place in society. There are four castes, followers or unskilled workers, producers
such as farmers, administrators, and the Brahmins or seers. The Brahmins are considered
the leaders of Hinduism. 
Each Hindu is expected to perform several rituals everyday as part of there worship.
These rituals include things like: making offerings to the gods, to all beings, to
departed souls, and especially before eating, and to show hospitality to others and a
continuous remembrance of God through the study of Holy Scripture. Hindus meditate, visit
holy temples, and do charitable work on a daily basis.