There are 750 million+ Hindus in the world, most concentrated in India (pearls. Before elaborating on what beliefs and practices Hinduism has, perhaps it is helpful to first consider the "familiar to a Westerner" features that it doesn't have. There is no "founder" of Hinduism and no specific time it "began" (i.e. Jesus or Buddha's birth). There is not a set of scriptures that has authority over all other texts of its religion (i.e. Bible, Koran, Torah). The lack of a central, relatively unchanged uniquely authoritative text has let Hinduism become a true "living" religion. Into one that is continually developing through the addition of contemporary wisdom. There is not a central figure or institution interpreting a doctrine based on holy text (i.e. Catholic church and the Pope). Additionally, no individual is or has been central to their belief or practices (i.e. Jesus or Mohammed) (pearls.org). The concept of living a "good life" is not based on instructions from God (i.e. Bible and Koran) (pearls.org). There is not a "correct" form of belief or worship (pearls.org). And lastly, Hinduism does not insist it is the only "truth". As such, most Hindus are not out trying to "round up" others to their path at the bottom of the mountain - they are busy climbing (Smith, p. 73). .
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What Hinduism does have is an amazing array of beliefs and practices creating a unique tradition spanning over a long and rich history chocked full of mythology. The Hindu tradition has been evolving over 3,000 years and accepts " significant contributions entering the tradition continually." (Earhart, p. 723). Hinduism "remembers the cumulative experience of ages" rather than specific events or people throughout the centuries (Earhart, p. 727). That is not to say no events and people (Gods, Goddesses, rishis (the ancient sages), and ghosts) are important in Hinduism. The texts in Hinduism are regarded as "inspired" and the sages that brought them forth are revered.
