Hinduism

            Hinduism is the world's third largest religion. It differs from other religions in that it dos not have a single founder, a specific system, a single system of morality, or a central religious organization. Hinduism actually consists of many different religious groups that came about in India since 1500 BC. It is said to be the world's oldest organized religion, claiming about 762 million followers to this day. The origins of Hinduism are said to trace back to the religious roots of the Indus Valley civilization. The major influences came from the nomadic Indo-European tribes that they called Aryan. These Aryans brought with them their religion of Vedism. Several other invasions led to the further development of Hinduism over thousands of years. .
             The Hindu's hold the Veda as their sacred text, which includes the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. Hinduism recognizes one supreme God, the panenthesitic principle of Brahman, that all reality is a unity. However, Brahman is also visualized to some as a TRIAD including Brahman, Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer). However strictly speaking Hinduism is a henotheistic religion, which means it recognizes a single deity but also other gods and goddesses as well. Most urban Hindus follow either Viashnavaism (regards Vishu as ultimate deity) or Shivaism (regards Shiva as ultimate deity), which are the two main divisions on Hinduism. However many rural Hindus worship their own village goddess or god. All Hindus organize their lives around certain activities. Mediation is often practiced, and other activities include daily devotion, public rituals, Yoga, and ceremonial dinners for a God. Hinduism is a religion very tolerant of other religions; they are very into their devotions and live their lives every day according to their beliefs.