Hinduism+(Oliver)

=Hinduism =

__**Basic Beliefs of Hinduism**__
Hinduism is a diverse religion mainly practiced in India. The core of Hinduism is the belief in Brahman, the underlying universal life force that encompasses and embodies existence. According to Hindu scriptures, one's ignorance of the true nature of the self (atman) as one with Brahman is what traps one in the cycle of endless death and reincarnation (samsara). Thus, the highest goal of Hinduism is liberation (moksha) from the karmic cycle of death and rebirth.

Source: Basic Beliefs of Hinduism (2008) Retrieved August 05, 2010 from website: []

**__History of Hinduism__**
Hinduism is unique in that it has no single founder or date of origin. Also there is no central religious authority or single holy text. Hinduism is more a way of life that a religion in the sense of Christianity or Islam. Hinduism is thought to have originated around 2000 B.C. in the Indus River Valley.Hinduism is a religion of many traditions, and there is no definite starting point for Hinduism. Hinduism's history is linked with social events, such as the rise and fall of regional powers.

Sources: BBC History of Hinduism (2009) Retrieved August 05, 2010 from website:[| http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/history/history_1.shtml] History of Hinduism (2010) Retrieved August 05, 2010 from website:[| http://www.religionfacts.com/hinduism/history.htm] Hinduism: The world's third largest religion. (2010) Retrieved August 07, 2010 from website:[| http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism.htm]

**__Who do Hindus Worship?__**
Hinduism is a religion of Polytheism. They worship a variety of different Deities. Here is a link to some of the more recognizable Deities of the Hindu religion.

Source: Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Retrieved August 08, 2010 from website:[]

**__Facts of Hinduism__**
Hinduism is the 3rd largest religion in the world. With most Hindus living in India. Other countries with large numbers of Hindus are: Nepal, Bangladesh and Bali in Indonesia.

Source: Number of Hindus in the world (2010). Retrieved August 04, 2010 from website:[| http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism5.htm]

**__Images of Hinduism__**
To find photos and images of Hinduism visit these sites: [|Hindu Pictures from Hindunet.org] [|Wiki Commons Hinduism]

**__Recognizable symbols from Hinduism__**
The Bindi or Tilak is a representation of the third eye, it is located in the between the eyebrows representing the sixth chakra "seat of concealed wisdom." A red Bindi was traditionally worn by married women, now Bindis and Tilaks are commonly worn by individuals throughout the world and no longer by solely followers of the Hindu faith. Sources: Tilak Encyclodpedia Brittannica (2010). Retrieved August 10, 2010 from website:[] Bindi (2010). Retrieved August 10, 2010 from website:[] Bindi: The Great Indian Forehead Art (2009). Retrieved August 10, 2010 from website:[]

__**5 part video series on the introduction of Hinduism.**__
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**__Hindu Festivals__**
Hindus celebrate many festival. One of the most colorful celebrations is the Holi Festival (Festival of Colors) which celebrates spring.



Onam is another colorful festival which celebrates the harvest in Kerala in Southern India. The festival lasts 10 days and is known for its floral decorations.

Sources: Holi 2010 (2010) Retrieved August 02, 2010 from website:[] OnamFestival.org Retrieved August 02, 2010 from website:[]

Links to more information on Hindu Festivals: []

**__Prominent and famous Hindus__**
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi [|Wiki Page] [|BBC Biography.] M. Night Shyamalan [|Wiki Page][|Personal Website.]

**__Find a Hindu Temple near you__**
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All images courtesy of Wiki Commons unless noted.