Humanity was first recorded practicing the religion in Egypt around 4000 BC Hinduism is said to be older than the beginning of written history. Most people agree that Hinduism originated in northern India. (Lynne Gibson) Hinduism is the third most widespread religion in the world, but it is much more than that. Hinduism is described more as a way of life than a religion. This makes Hinduism very complex. Hinduism itself is divided into four main denominations, each with different beliefs. Many aspects of other religions come from Hinduism. How Nirvana in Buddhism derives from Enlightenment in Hinduism. In order to begin to understand Hinduism we must examine their basic beliefs, Brahman, Veda, karma, reincarnation and everyone's purpose in this life, as well as Enlightenment. There are nine basic beliefs of the Hindu faith. The first belief is that there is an all-pervading Supreme Being who is both immanent and transcendent, both Creator and Unmanifest Reality. Then we have the divinity of the four Vedas followed by the belief in reincarnation. Hindus also believe that t...