Hinduism

Hinduism is the oldest religion in modern day. It does not have a specific date of creation, or even a specific origin. It is a unique religion in that sense. Hinduism originated in India, and it is currently practiced as the most common religion in that country. About % of the entire country practices Hinduism.

Hinduistic beliefs are widely varied. Some forms of the religion believe in many gods, others only one. Some variations of Hinduism also believe in one god with the acceptance of others. The one thing that intrigues most Americans, who rely on cattle and beef for much of their food sources, is that some forms of Hindu worship sacred cows.

Hindus used the cow for fertilizer, plowing fields, and as sources of milk. They view cows as givers of life and have since developed them into their religion. The belief that cows are sacred has lead to many Hindus being vegetarians. They will not eat, or hurt, any cow that they come across. Cow slaughter is legally banned in most of the states of India. Hindus believe that all living things have a spirit and that you must not kill any other spirit to live in a purified life.

Hinduism does not have to be practiced in India. Although it makes up most of the country, and is even practiced by the Vice President, it is written in the Indian law that Indians are allowed to practice whatever religion they choose without consequence. Most of the country however, practices the rituals of Hinduism on a daily basis.

They read religious scripts and sing hymns for the gods. Many things that are seen on television, such as the praying on the carpet in Buddhist temples are also things that Hindus do in their own religion. They pray at small family shrines.

Because the size of the communities in India is often small, everyone is considered family. Everyone is entitled to the same rights and respect that Hindus believe they should get and receive.

This is commonly referred to as kharma. This is often the characteristic that is taken advantage of when Hindus are affected by American crime when they choose to live in the United States. Hinduism is unique, varied, and old, but it is one of the most influential religions of the world.