Hinduism
Very ancient, complex and pantheistic (i.e. belief in many gods/goddesses);
the dominant religion of India it includes many traditions and beliefs and is
subject to continual revision and refinement.
Basic belief:
Man seeks unity with the absolute (Atman or Brahman) thus escaping the wheel
of existence (Samsara). Release (Moksa) comes through right deeds/actions (Karma).
The cycle of lives continues (reincarnation, transmigration of souls) until
Moksa is achieved. This has led to a deep respect for all forms of life and
creation of the caste system reflecting the amount of Karma from an individual's
last existence.
Sacred Texts:
There is no fixed holy scripture but the central doctrines are found in certain
ancient works - Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanishads, Bhagavad-gita.
Observances:
There is no single path to Moksa. Hinduism tolerates a great variety of beliefs
and practices and there is freedom of choice in adopting ideas or modes of behaviour.
The Holy Man or Guru may act as a guide to a particular route to release. Some
Hindus argue that the religion is not, strictly specking, polytheistic (worship
of several gods), but that the gods can been seen to represent different aspect
of a single Deity.