Hinduism, is a way of life, which combines the beliefs, philosophy and cultural practices. Hinduism is considered to be the world's oldest and third largest religion.
Central to the faith is a belief in reincarnation and one supreme god called Brahma who has multiple manifestations as either a god or goddess. Gods and goddesses can be spirits,trees, animals, and even planets.
Hinduism and Judaism are mothers of all modern religions in the world. Buddhism, Sikhism and to some extent Jainism and Zoroastrianism came from Hinduism. Of course, Jainism existed during Rig Vedic Period. Statues of Rishabha, the first Thirthankara and founder of Jainism was found in the Mohenjadaro, Harappa excavations. Islam and Christianity came from Judaism. Judaism, Islam and Christianity have Abraham as the common father figure. All three have many common prophets. There is even mention about Jesus Christ many times in the Holy Koran.
In short, Hinduism is a set of religious traditions and belief systems that originated in India. To be more specific, we may say that all religious traditions that originated in the Indian subcontinent, since prehistoric times, not forming part of Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism forms part of present day Hinduism.
By that definition Hinduism encompasses not only major theistic and atheistic traditions of Indian origin, but also numerous folk traditions,tribal practices and religious customs dating back to prehistoric times. Most of these traditions have been finely integrated into the fabric of Hinduism, so much so that it is difficult to identify them and distinguish them without studious effort.
Hinduism's three pillars are temple worship, scripture and the guru-disciple tradition. Hinduism strongly declares the validity of the three worlds of existence--physical, astral and spiritual--and the myriad Gods and devas residing within the inner worlds. Festivals, pilgrimage, chanting of holy hymns and home worship are dynamic practices. Family life is strong and precious. Love, nonviolence, good conduct and the law of dharma define the Hindu path.
Hindus are generously tolerant of other faiths. Hinduism explains that the soul reincarnates until all karmas are resolved and God Realization is attained. All souls, without exception, will attain this highest spiritual summit, though it may take many lives. This is a mystical religion,leading devotees to personally experience its eternal truths within themselves,finally reaching the pinnacle of consciousness where man and God are for everyone.
Hindus prefer cremation of the body upon death, rather than burial, believing that the soul lives on and will inhabit a new body on Earth.
Hinduism is also responsible for many valuable contributions to the world, such as that of the original concepts and practices of Yoga,Ayurveda, Vastu, Jyotish, Vedanta, karma, and much more.
Although it is not easy to define Hinduism, we can say with certainty that it is closely connected to India, its culture and its sacred texts – but it also extends far beyond them.