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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.
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