"The Hindu religion ranges from a level of popular belief to one of Ritual's, and philosophy. Hinduism is very broad, and has many Transitional stages, as well as many ranges of coexistence." "Magic, animal worship, and belief in demons are combined with the worshiping of personal gods or with small thoughts, discipline, and complicated and learned theological systems or doctrines only few understand." "The worship of local deities does not rule out the belief in pan-Indian higher gods or even in a single high God. Such local deities are also often looked down on as manifestations of high god."

Hinduism allows all forms of belief and worship without requiring the selection or elimination of any. "Hindus must respect the divine in every manifestation, whatever it may be, and are doctrinally understanding, allowing others - including both Hindus and non-Hindus - whatever beliefs su

orlds. The waters are called Nara, because they are the offspring of Nara; and since they were formerly the place of his movement (Ayana), he is therefore called Narayana . Being formed by that First Cause, indiscernible, eternal, which is both existent and non-existent, that male is known in the world as Brahma. That lord having continued a year in the egg, divided it into two parts by his mere thought."8

Hinduism is both a civilization and a congregation of religions it has, neither a beginning ,or founder, nor a central authority, hierarchy, or organization.4 "Being and non-being,"4 is the main reality in Hindusim, and the ultimate cause and foundation, source, and goal of all existence.4 This ultimate reality is called Brahman. "As the All, Brahman causes the universe and all beings to originate from itself, transforms itself into the universe, or assumes its appearance. Brahman is in all things and is the Self (atman) of all living beings."5 Brahman is the creator, preserver, or transformer and reabsorber of everything.5 This fundamental belief of Brachman is that " the One is the All."5 This belief has continued unchanged for more than 30 centuries, and has been the main focus of India's spiritual life5. "A more common view of Hinduism is that many feel that it is 'atheistic'. An even more common view is that it has been labeled 'polytheistic'."5 The term 'polytheism' mean!

he is said to have had originally five. He is dressed in white garments, and rides upon a goose. In one hand he carries a staff, in the other a dish for receiving alms."6 A legend in the "Matsya Purana", gives the following account of the formation of his numerous heads "Brahma formed from his own immaculate substance a female who is celebrated under the names of Satarupa, Savitri, Sarasvati, Gayatri, and Brahmani. Beholding his daughter, born from his body, Brahma became wounded with the arrows of love and exclaimed, 'How surpassingly lovely she is !' Satarupa turned to the right side from his gaze; but as Brahma wished to look after her, a second head issued from his body. As she passed to the left, and behind him, to avoid his amorous glances, two other heads successively appeared. At length she sprang into the sky; and as Brahma was anxious to gaze after her there, a fifth head was immediately formed".5 In current times, Brahma is not largely worshipped by the Hindus.7 It!

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the universe to destruction."6 It is said that without his consort Mother Goddess, no Hindu god is much use or value to anyone. He may strut about, but his powers are limited. To be complete he requires a Devi, "Goddess," who takes many different names and forms, but always embodies Shakti. In some myths Devi is the prime mover, who commands the male gods to do work of creation and destruction.2 Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, all three have their own consorts.

ll future. Some of these Avatars are of an entirely cosmic character ; others, however, are probably based on historical events, the leading personage of which was gradually endowed with divine nature, until he was regarded as the incarnation of the god himself."9 These are Fish (Matsya), Tortoise (Kurma), Boar (Varaha), Man-Lion (Narasimha), Dwarf (Vamana), Rama-with the Ax (Parasurama), King Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and the future incarnation, Kalki. Preference for any one of these manifestations is largely a matter of tradition. Krishna is one of the preferred ones.

Hindus actually worship many such beings we call God. But obviously this implies a very big difference in the understanding of what such a 'God' could be.1 It is often said that Hindus worship three gods and they are in fact called the Hindu Trinity.6 The gods involved are Brahma, Visnu and Siva. The first is supposed to create the world (at the beginning of each cosmic cycle), the second to maintain it in being, and Siva, at the end of a cosmic cycle, to destroy it again. But t

Some common words found in the essay are:
Upanishads Brahma, Hindu Hindus, Vishnu Preserver, BC Hindu, Arjuna Typically, Brahmani Beholding, Indians Shiva, Ganges River, Shiva Vishnu, Brachman All5, vishnu shiva, brahma vishnu shiva, hindus worship, hindu trinity, brahma vishnu, cosmic cycle, create world, shiva vishnu, person hindu, world produced, indiscernible eternal,
Approximate Word count = 2756
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)