tives for why a person becomes religious. With religion being such a diverse and complicated issue it tends to be interpreted and approached on many different levels. Consequently it is difficult to completely define religion from one perspective. It would be easier to describe or characterize some of its history and practices, and why they are relevant. Hinduism has a diverse background and has been philosophized in many and numerous ways, through those many point of views it can further be described infinitely.Hinduism in itself is a vast denomination especially for a religion that pretty much confines itself within India. This religious institution, by shear numbers and diversity of the communities, varies with the beliefs and practices of each individual, who will profess to be Hindu. In fact the term "Hinduism", originated in the west, and is not the name of one whole tradition. Instead it is a diverse group of Indian religions that collectively have a respect for the early Vedic scriptures. Like many religions, Hinduism has a rich and profound history. It has progressed over approximately four to five thousand years (some authorities say longer), and again like many religions has gone through numerous changes, traditionally, philosophically, ritually and so forth. This religion is so old and diverse that it is often misunderstood and easily confused. "Of Hinduism, for example, it has been often and truly said that nothing can be asserted about it that cannot also be denied." With numerous traditions and characterizations it is hard to specifically pin point all the correct objectives of the religion. A great deal of Hinduism's philosophies, traditions and rituals has evolved from the first of the recorded Hindu scriptures, the Vedas. The Vedas are four books; the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and the Atharvaveda. These collections contain rituals, hymns, sacrificial formulas, spells and incarnations. The practices ...
