Exactly what is a Hindu?

I have had the opportunity, the privilege and honor to meet people of many races, religious beliefs, genders, and sexual orientation over the course of my life. There have been two things that I have found in common between all of them: 

1. People fall into 1 of 2 categories: Good or Evil 

2. Every non-Hindu I meet has asked me, at point or another, "Exactly what is a Hindu?"

For point one please reference, any or all of your respective religious books. As for Exactly what is a Hindu? Let me help clarify. Numero Uno - there is no such thing as "Hindu or Hinduism" All of it is known as Sanatan Dharm. Santana means "eternal" and Dharm means law. Followers of Santana Dharam are known as "manush" - otherwise known as human beings. The terms Hindu and Hinduism are products of foreign invaders having to call the culture and its spiritual beliefs as a religion. But for clarity's sake we will continue the use of the words Hindu and Hindusim. 

Sanata Dharm or "Hinduism" is way of life. The religious texts known as the Vedas seems to be more of manuals on how the Universe and the Earth work. The Bhagvad Gita is a conversation of how Karma is more important than emotional connections. A great summary of the Universe and mankind's importance in it. No evil or hurtful curses - an understanding that there is more than just what we see before us. Hindusim at the crux of it all explains everything in existence as energy and how that energy transforms and develops - in a constant state of change. The understanding of an Eternal Soul - that is an essence of existence and its creator, that comes into this world to learn and grow to one day go pass beyond the cycle of energy transformation into eternity one with existence and the creator. 

Manush or "Hindus" belief in one singular energy(God) that everything comes from.We also believe that during these cycles of transformation that singular energy comes into the earth to help direct mankind. That's why non-Hindus believe that Hindus believe in multiple Gods compared to one. But from a Hindu's perspective its the exact reason why we can believe in everyone's religious God's because that energy comes into this at its choosing. Hindus believe in respecting all whether good or evil because we know that God exists all around us and in everything. That is the man reason why when Hindus greet anyone they they hold their hands together and bow to one other. It's respect for the God that exists within you. 

You don't convert to become a Hindu - there is no such thing as a conversion process to Hinduism. You aren't born a Hindu - you don't die a Hindu. Sanatana Dharm teaches one to find that inner self, to have love and compassion in your heart always and to fear nothing - because while existence is forever it's is only one day at a time. 

Love all and let the light within shine bright. 

- Digital Hindu