What is Hinduism?

I just watched the videos below and took notes. I've embedded Part 1 and links to the rest. You need about an hour but it's highly informative.

DISCLAIMER:  Hinduism is presented in a Christian show by a Christian. However, I felt they did a good job keeping it unbiased. They also include a great comparison to Christianity.

Here's Part 1:

Here are links to the rest:Part 2Part 3Part 4Part 5

Here's part 1 of the notes. In part 2, I'll go over what they claim are differences between Hinduism and Christianity.

What Is Hinduism - Notes:

• Hinduism is very hard to define in a "nutshell"
• In Over 5,000 years, there is "no particular way" to practice being a Hindu
• Very Pantheistic view - God is everything. Everything around us is God. The material world is just an illusion.
• God is called "Brahman" which is the same as the "Absolute" - which is a state achieved when you're free from the "illusion."
• An analogy used to describe the nature of Hinduism is the "Force" in Star Wars. There is a very "force controls all" nature to this religion.
• There are potentially millions of Gods and Celestial beings.
• The main AIM for a Hindu is to "Escape your body, your body is actually eluding you from the truth, the absolute (the Brahman). Your body is part of this illusion you are stuck in due to your Karma."

Hinduism Practices:

• Worship Idols (that represent the God), Offer food to these Idols and get blessed.
• Astrology - Foretelling destiny based on stars and planets
• All aspects of life are related to your astrology
• Many Hindus seek council from Astrologers for life advice (career, relationships, etc...)
• Palm reading - similar to Astrology. Used to foretell future and also give council. 

Alright next I'll do a post soon about the COMPARISON. Short and simple. Will stick to the basics only.