LAUREN

=Hinduism =

**Hinduism** is a predominant **religion** of the Indian subcontinent. Its a collection of religious beliefs that developed slowly over a long period of time. From time to time scholars have tried to organize the many popular cult, gods, and traditions into one grand system of belief. However Hinduism cannot be traced back to one founder witha single set of ideas. Unlike religions like Buddhism, Christianity, or Islam. It has social roots, along with origins and historical development. The Hindus share a common worldview. They see religion as a way of liberating the soul from the illusions, dissapointments, and mistakes of everyday existence.

The Upanishads are written as dialogues, or discussions, between a student and a teacher. In the course of the dialogues, the two explore how a person can achieve liberation from desires and suffering. This is described as **//moksha,//** a state of perfect understanding of all things**//.//** It distinguishes between atman and Brahman. They achieve perfect understanding and a release from life in this world. By believing in the process of reincarnation (rebirth), as well as karma.

Hinduism has gone through many changes over the last 2,500 years. The world soul, Brahman, was sometimes seen as having the personalities of three gods: However today Hindus are free to choose the deity they worship or to choose none at all.