Brian Healy, age14, of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, for his question:

IS THERE A SUPREME GOD IN HINDUISM? ~

Hinduism recognizes about 330,000,000 goods. But Hinduism also teaches that above all of the numerous gods is the invisible, supreme deity called "Brahman."

According to Hinduism, which is the traditional religion of India, Brahman created all forms of life and all other gods. The religion had its origins long before the time of Christ. It started with Aryan tribes that settled in northwestern India about 1500 B.C.

Hinduism is sometimes known by its classical name of Brahmanism. One of Hinduism's most significant features is its belief in the sacredness of the soul. Hindus believe that all living organisms, including insects, have souls. For this reason, many devout Hindus eat only vegetarian food.

Among all animals, the cow is considered most sacred by the Hindus. Cattleare valued not only as a source of milk but also veneratedas living symbols of the earth goddess. Other important animals which are regarded either as incarnations or messengers of various gods include the monkey, serpent, elephant, bull, horse, buffalo, dog and mouse. Certain birds are also treated with reverence by the Hindus.

Hindus believe that all living beings share something of the divineessenceof Brahman. The goal of Hinduism, from ancient ,times up to the present has been the union of the individual soul, or spirit, with this divine essence.

All Hindus believe in the transmigration of the soul. That is, they believe that the life of the soul does not end with the death of the body. Instead, the soul reincarnates or passes into a new body. Hinduism also teaches that whatever we do in this life will have moral consequences in the next life. After going through numerous cycles of life and death, those who improve their moral nature constantly will come closer to the divine nature.

Hinduism says that the highest moral act is selfless service that will lead one's soul to the final state of liberation, or moksha, from the cycle of life and death. Once freed from this cycle, the soul can achieve union with the supreme deity.

Every Hindu is encouraged to choose his own patron god, and he worships the image of this god every day, paying tribute with flowers and incense.  According to Hinduism, another way to union with the Divine Essence is through the acquisition of divine wisdom. To achieve this wisdom, one must control the passions, purify the body and mind and meditate on the meaning of life.

While the Republic of India is not committed to any religious faith, Hindus are an overwhelming majority in the population. There are also practicing Hindus on the island of Bali and in some parts of South Africa and South America. Some missions can also be found in North America and Europe.