Hinduism

Hinduism, the oldest form of organized religion, is based on the practice of Dharma, which means “inner truth”. Strictly speaking, Hinduism recognizes a single deity, but acknowledges other gods and goddesses as manifestations or aspects of the supreme God. The entire universe is seen as one, with God (Brahman) working simultaneously with the universe but able to transcend it as well.

Vedanta, the basis of Hinduism, asserts that Brahman, the 'impersonal' God and the universal soul, is the Absolute Truth and that the human soul originates and merges with Brahman. Brahman has multiple roles to play: Brahma - the creator, Vishnu - the maintainer, and Shiva - the destroyer all in one.

While most urban Hindus observe and worship one of the forms of Brahman, many rural Hindus worship their own village goddess. She is believed to rule over fertility and disease -- and thus over life and death.

Hindus believe in the repetitious transmigration of the soul, where the soul moves into another body after death. This produces a continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth through their many lifetimes, called samsara.

Karma is the accumulated sum of ones good and bad deeds which determines how you will live in your next life. Through pure acts, thoughts and devotion, one can be reborn at a higher level. Eventually, one can escape samsara and achieve enlightenment. Bad deeds can cause a person to be reborn at a lower level, or even as an animal. The unequal distribution of wealth, prestige, suffering are thus seen as natural consequences for one's previous acts, both in this life and in previous lives.

The three goals of Hindus (pravritti) are:
Dharma – righteousness in their religious life
Artha – success in their economic life/material prosperity
Kama – mental, sexual, sensual gratification and enjoyment

Common rituals include meditation, yoga, daily devotions, public rituals, and puja, a ceremonial dinner for a God. The Hindu saying: "Ekam Sataha Vipraha Bahudha Vadanti," meaning "The truth is One, but different Sages call it by Different Names" exemplifies the Hinduism tolerance and acceptance of other religions.