Hindu MythologyCosmic myths concern the world and the way it is ordered. They seek to explain the origin of the world, universal catastrophes and natural disasters such as fires or floods, as well as the afterlife. Almost all mythologies tell stories about creation. This type of story is technically known as cosmogony, which means "birth of the world." (T Lansford, 2006) These creation stories also include myths about how human beings first appeared and how death and suffering entered the human experience. In my assignment, I chose to describe the creation myth of Hinduism because I am a Hindu myself. I will begin by creating a clear understanding of Hinduism and then discuss the various creation myths of this culture as well as its many religious beliefs. Finally, I will conclude my essay. Hinduism is currently followed by a fifth of humanity. (A Michaels, 2004: 12) It is a religious tradition of Indian origin, embracing the beliefs and practices of the Hindus. Hinduism is a religion made up of various gods and goddesses. This includes elaborate rituals and a striking tolerance for diversity, or the possibility of different spiritual paths for many different people and at different times in their lives. (PF Lurquin & L Stone, 2007: 25) Our Hindu festivals tend to be vibrant and lively, and are celebrated with great devotion and purity. Unlike Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, each of which conforms to a single religious book, Hinduism has numerous religious texts. (PF Lurquin & L Stone, 2007: 25) Books such as the Rig-Veda and the Bhagavad-Gita come to mind. The Rig-Veda is the oldest Hindu sacred text and does not present its version of creation as fact. (PF Lurquin & L Stone, 2007: 25) Bhagavad-Gita...... middle of paper ...... m. " Microsoft® Encarta®, Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006. • Dallapiccola, AL, “Hindu Myths”. University of Texas Press, 2003. ISBN 0292702337, 9780292702332. • Doniger, W., “Bhagavad-Gita”. Microsoft ® Encarta® 2007, Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2006.• Leerning, DA, “A Dictionary of Asian Mythology,” Oxford University Press, 2001.• Lurquin, P.F. & Stone, L., “Myths of Evolution.” and religious creation: how scientists respond. Oxford University Press USA, 2007. • Michaels, A., “Hinduism Past and Present, Oxfordshire, 2004. • Powell, BB, “ A Brief Introduction to Classical Myth.” Pearson Education, Inc., New Jersey, 2002. • “Mythology” Microsoft® Encarta®, online encyclopedia 2008. Available at: http://uk.encarta.man.com © 1997. ' 2008, Microsoft Corporation.