Hinduism became India’s major religion. It teaches that a divine essence called Brahman is the essence of all things in the universe. This belief in the unity of God and creation is called monism. Hinduism teaches that the world we see is an illusion, called maya. People can gain salvation by recognizing and rejecting maya, which takes many lifetimes. Hindus believe in the rebirth of souls, or reincarnation. Souls advance by doing their dharma, or moral duty in this life. Karma is the good or bad created by one’s actions. Souls who grow spiritually can reach nirvana, a perfect spiritual peace. To outsiders, Hinduism appears polytheistic—based on a belief in many gods. To Hindus their gods represent different aspects of creation, so Hinduism is monistic. The Hindu god Brahma, for example, can be represented as Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Siva the destroyer. Other gods are represented as trees, animals, or people. Hindus practice mental and physical exercises called yoga. They celebrate religious festivals with rituals, music, dancing, eating, and drinking. Cows are viewed as sacred and are protected by law.