I.

Hinduism.

If you ask about the origin of Hinduism to a person who has perceived the essence of Hinduism, the answer will be a simple smile. This is because Hinduism has no history, it believes in the present. This might be hard for a common man to digest because we live in a world which gives so much importance to history. The question of origin of Hinduism arises because other religions in the world have an origin. Modern education also might prompt a person to ask about the origin. So, many Hindus are forced to give a period of origin or a particular era. A lot of Hindus have an issue with a defining sense of an identity. Is it about a deity? Is it about a Purana? Is it about Vedas? Is it about Yoga? Their identity seems more influenced by being a complete and good citizen of their environment. In Hinduism, there is not just one purpose of human life, but four. Fulfilling one's purpose, prosperity, enjoyment, and enlightenment are vital in completing this goal. Dharma and karma are the underlying principles of nearly all conceptions of morality and ethics in Hinduism. The best way to think of dharma is to say, "that which upholds or sustains the positive order of things: the nation, the community, the family and ultimately even the universe." At a social level, every individual has a particular dharma according to their place in life. Hindus believe that it is Karma or the 'Law of Cause & Effect' that can lead one to salvation. The destiny of the world to a Hindu is that although it will be destroyed, it will come back again. There are transitions from one form to another. For example, you burn a log. The log turns into ashes and carbon debris. Eventually this Carbon debris is reabsorbed by other trees and used for their benefit and creation of more trees. Destruction of a world is not the end, it is a transition for more creation. II. Compare/Contrast to Christianity You can compare the origin of Christianity and Hinduism by looking at the individual. Every day someone brings Christianity into their life and the infancy of religion is created. Hinduism believes in the present time. In contrast Christianity has a documented beginning as Hinduism does not. Identity can be associated between the two religions as a common entity of doing and living the right way and being the best person they can be. The difference is that while Christians celebrate a concrete identity of what a Christian should embody, many Hindus do not believe in a religious identity per se. In the purpose of things, Christianity and Hindus are similar by the quest for fulfillment. There are religious goals by both that encourage living individual lives to the fullest. There is an obvious difference, however. Christianity focuses on serving and pleasing Gods will. Hinduism is more concerned on serving the community and environment. Morality is very similar in regards to the beliefs of the two religions. The conscious effort to distinguish right and wrong behavior, and practice this notion in your daily life is agreed upon. In contrast, Christians morals

were designed by Gods will and commands. Hindus do not place this on a god or entity, rather a product of a peaceful and perfect world. Destiny is similar between the two religions by the belief that there is something after death. What differs is the place and possible vessel. Christians believe in Heaven or Hell, while Hindus believe that one form can reincarnate into another form.