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Religions of the World: The Practices of Hinduism

Related Article: Learn more about Hinduism.

Focused meditation is an essential spiritual practice of the Hindu religion. Learn more about other Hindu religious practices in this video.

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What the Ancients Knew: Tai Chi (1:03)

On The Science Channel's "What the Ancients Knew," see how Chinese people stimulate their life force by practicing tai chi.

Worldwide Zen (1:52)

Monks at the Bukkokuji zen temple come from all over the world. Watch this Reuters video to see why practitioners spend up to 5 hours a day sitting cross-legged and meditating in front of a white wall.

How Feng Shui Works (1:31)

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of arrangement of space to achieve harmony. To learn more about Feng Shui, check out this HowStuffWorks video.

Taiwan Has Professional Mourners (2:11)

Watch this Reuters video showing how some families in Taiwan actually hire professional mourners to help stage a more dramatic funeral when their parents pass away. This is one of the highest signs of reverence in Taiwanese culture.

When a Headscarf is a Big Deal (1:10)

Watch this Reuters video showing how a headscarf can be a big deal. Turkey is 99% Muslim but the country's secular constitution bans the wearing of a headscarf at public universities. A recent proposal to ease the headscarf ban was strongly opposed.

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What the Ancients Knew: Tai Chi (1:03)

On The Science Channel's "What the Ancients Knew," see how Chinese people stimulate their life force by practicing tai chi.

Caught in the Moment: Karni Mata Temple (1:36)

The Karni Mata is a place where Hindus worship rats. To the Hindus, the rats are reincarnated souls of their dead relations. Learn more about this temple on Animal Planet's "Caught in the Moment."

China from Past to Present: Buddhism (3:01)

Buddhism is a traditional Chinese religion based on the teachings of Buddha. Buddha advocated compassion and love to overcome the desires of life.

China from Past to Present: Taoism (1:59)

Taoism is a traditional Chinese religion based on the Book of Tao and advocates living in harmony with nature.

China from Past to Present: Confucianism (1:17)

Confucianism is a traditional Chinese religion based on the philosophies of Confucius. Confucianism led to the foundation of Chinese culture and government.

Buddhism: A Way of Life (28:10)

Buddhism can be described as more of a way of life than a religion. Not based on a belief in God, its goal for humanity is to transcend the world perceived by the senses in order to achieve true happiness and peace.

Religions of the World: Hinduism (28:00)

'Hinduism was born of a civilization that existed nearly 5,000 years ago in the Indus valley of India. It is believed to be the world's oldest living religion.

Varanasi: Death Rituals in Varanasi (5:10)

When a Hindu dies in Varanasi, the body is cremated and the ashes are placed in the Ganges River. Hindus believe the soul will be reincarnated, although monks are believed to already have achieved immortality and will not be reincarnated.

Religions of the World: The Beliefs of Hinduism (0:48)

One of the most well-known beliefs of Hinduism is the sacred nature of cows, revered because they give so much of themselves. Learn more about the beliefs of Hinduism in this video.

Religions of the World: The Music of Hinduism (3:10)

Specific music is played in the morning, afternoon and night; these pieces are called ragas. Learn more about the music of Hinduism in this clip.