Hinduism originated in India somewhere between 1300 and 1500 BC. It existed for so long that a number of other traditions have combined themselves in with Hinduism, so that pieces of almost a number of religions can be found in it. Yet, it does not aim to convert others; one must be born a Hindu. As a Hindu, one's purpose in existence is to become closer to the Absolute. The better one lives in this life, then they shall be accordingly rewarded in the next. The higher one's caste, the closer one is to the Absolute. The universe, the human, and the Absolute all combine in such away in Hinduism that they are almost inseparable
The universe was created by the Absolute, for the human. "He is the Creator of the earth-the righteous Creator of the sky, Creator too of oceans bright, and far-extending waters" (21). The Absolute created the entire universe, without him nothing would exist. "He is the one God hidden in all beings, all-pervading, the self within all beings, watching over all worlds, dwelling in all beings, the witness, the perceiver" (16). He exist in every piece of the universe, so humans treat the universe the same way they treat the Absolute. The human's job while in the universe is to live life properly and create peace and harmony, through "truth, self-control, asceticism, generosity, non-injury, constancy in virtue" (18). The values, when obeyed in ones life create positive Karma. Karma, a Hindu value, follows the idea of cause and effect. Depending how one acts in this life, determines what life they will live in the future. "Thou canst not gather what thou dost not sow" (18). This quote states that one cannot feel the rewards with out the appropriate amount of work. In order to live a happy life in the future, one must foll ...