Hinduism, one is tempted to say, can be anything to anyone. Hindus themselves are fond of describing Hinduism as a way of life rather than as a religion.

Hindus do not turn to the same book for moral guidance as Muslims do to the Quran or Christians to the Bible.

No one has any idea whether Hinduism accepts converts to its religion. Hare Krishnas, the most visible sign of Hinduism's spread to the West, emphatically declare that they do not view themselves as Hindus. The word "Hindu" itself is not of Indian origin, and Hindus did not describe themselves as such until the 18th century. Yet, Hinduism's adherents characterize it as the world's oldest faith.

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