Indian civilization, Hinduism in particular, is based on a broad enough philosophical foundation to encompass individuals of all faiths and beliefs. The early historian Williams in Brahmanism and Hinduism (455) emphasized that the interest in Hinduism lies in its ability to be continually adaptable to the continual diversity of human character. Philosophers appreciate the religion's spiritual and abstract aspects. The poets enjoy its aesthetic and ceremonial offerings. Individuals who relish seclusion, laud its contemplative and peaceful aspects. Practical people like the more pragmatic notions. It is this ability to appeal to many different individuals that has allowed for the culture's continued popularity. Noting the continued importance of Hinduism Williams stated:

ve circumstances in the history of India is more worthy of investigation than the antiquity and perseverance of her institutions. It has existed almost unaltered since the description of its organization in Manu's code two or three centuries before Christian era. It has survived all religious, political and physical convulsions from which India suffered from time immemorial. Invader after invader has ravaged the country with fire and sword but the simple self-contained township has preserved its constitution intact, its customs, precedents, and peculiar institutions unchanged and unchangeable amid all other changes. (455)

Myths about Vishnu abound because of his popularity throughout the centuries. Throughout the Vedic Hymns, Vishnu is seeing as a majestic and powerful god.

The Judeo/Christian God and Brahma are very different: In the former, God is the one who creates: He is not his creation. That is, God is not a tree or river or animal; these are instead manifestations of God. In the latter, Brahma is his own creation. The universe is not a creation, but rather his own emanation   Everything in the world, such as inanimate objects, humans, animals, and gods, is part of him. Thus, every person's soul is Brahma (Bulfinch).

Noted in Vishnu and His Avatars (64), as the preserver of the cosmos, Vishnu upholds the laws of the universe. When order rests in the world, he sleeps on the coils of Sesha, ruler of the Nagas, who floats along the cosmic ocean. However, when the universe is in disorder, Vishnu either mounts his vehicle, Garuda, and fights the forces of chaos, or sends one of his Avatars or incarnations to save the world. It is believed that Vishnu has ten Avatars, the most popular being Rama and Krishna. These are: 1. The fish Matsya ; 2. The turtle Kurma; 3. The boar Varaha; 4. The man-lion Narasimha; 5. The dwarf Vamana; 6. The warrior-priest Parashurama; 7. The prince Rama; 8. The cowherd Krishna; 9. The sage Buddha-Mayamoha; and 10. The horseman Kalki. Vishnu uses either trickery and guile as noted in the story above or force to succeed.

Brahma is most often shown as a peacock sitting upon the lotus, because he grew out of the sacred water lily issuing from Vishnu's navel. His wife is Sarasvati, the Goddess of Eloquence, who has the attributes of the warrior conch (Hackin 118). Although Brahma is the supreme being of the triumvirate, Vishnu and Siva predominate and have absorbed all the myths, ancient and new.

It is such universal and cosmic concepts of Hindu mythology, which encompass so many world beliefs, that continue to make this Eastern tradition so vital thousands of years after it first came about.

This statement about Hinduism's continued importance is just as relevant today as it was a century ago, as noted by Williams.

In one myth where the gods and giants are battling, Vishnu takes r

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Approximate Word count = 1916
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)