Chapter 5 Section 2 Origins of Hinduism

The Big Idea Hinduism, the largest religion in India today, developed out of ancient Indian beliefs and practices. Main Ideas Indian society divided into distinct groups under the Aryans. The Aryans practiced a religion known as Brahmanism. Hinduism developed out of Brahmanism and influences from other cultures. The Jains reacted to Hinduism by breaking away to form their own religion.

Indian Society Divides As Aryan society became more complex they began to divide into groups based on occupations. Strict rules were developed based on how these groups would interact and became central to Indian society.

The Varnas According to the Vedas, there were four main social divisions, or varnas in Aryan society.

Indian Society Divides Varnas Social divisions in Aryan society Brahmins Priests Kshatriyas Rulers and warriors Vaisyas Farmers, craftspeople, and traders Sudras Laborers and non-Aryans

The Brahmins The Brahmins were seen as the highest ranking because they performed rituals for the gods. This gave the Brahmins great influence over other varnas.

The Caste System As rules of interaction between varnas got stricter, the Aryan social order became more complex. This caste system divided the society based on birth, wealth, or occupation. 3,000 castes once existed in India.

The Caste System The caste a person belonged determined his or her place in society. On rare occasions, people could change caste. Both men and women belong to the same caste. Women had most of the same rights as men, but were limited later on.

The Caste System To keep classes distinct, the Aryans developed sutras, or guides, which listed all the rules for the caste. People were not allowed to marry anyone from a different class. People were not allowed to eat with another class. Those who broke the sutras, were banished from their caste and placed with the Sudras, or untouchables.

Brahmanism Aryan religion is based on the Vedas. There are four Vedas, the oldest is called Rigveda. It includes hymns of praise to many gods.

Later Vedic Texts Aryan Brahmins wrote down their thoughts about the Vedas, they were compiled into collections called Vedic texts. Collection of these texts describe religious rituals, such as how sacrifices should be made.

Later Vedic Texts A second collection of Vedic texts contain secret rituals that only certain people could perform. The final group is called Upanishads, which are reflections on the Vedas by religious students and teachers.

Hinduism Develops The Vedas, Upanishads, and other Vedic texts began blending with beliefs from different cultures, such as the people from Persia and other kingdoms of Central Asia, creating Hinduism.

Hindu Beliefs The Hindus believe in many gods: polytheism The Big Three are: Brahma the Creator Siva the Destroyer Vishnu the Preserver Hindus believe that each god is part of a single universal spirit called Brahman. Also that everything in the world is part of Brahman.

Life and Rebirth Everyone has a soul, or atman, which holds the persons personality. Hindus believe that a person’s ultimate goal should be to reunite their soul with Brahman, which by practicing to see through the illusion of this world that it can attained.

Life and Rebirth Since it is hard to see through illusions, it can take several lifetimes. That is why Hindus believe that souls are born and reborn many times, this process of rebirth is called reincarnation.

Hinduism and the Caste System (VC) The type of form that a person is reborn into depends on his or her karma. Bad karma leads to lower forms and therefore lower castes, while good karma will lead to higher castes. In due time, good karma will bring salvation, or freedom from life’s worries and cycles of rebirth, called moshka.

Hinduism and the Caste System Each person has a dharma, or a set of spiritual duties to fulfill. Fulfilling ones dharma's required accepting ones station in life, this would help preserve the caste system.

Origins of Jainism (VC) In 599 BC, established as an alternative to Hindu ritualism Based on the teachings of Mahavira, who abandoned his life of luxury to become a monk

Jainism The most worthy goal in life of Jainism is to never injure or kill another living thing. Jains are strict vegetarians. The Four Principles of Jainism Injure no life. Tell the truth. Do not steal. Own no property.

Sikhism (VC) Founded by Guru Nanak, who lived in the 1400s AD Guru is Sanskrit for teacher He blended Hinduism and Islam, his teaching were later expanded upon by nine other gurus.

Sikhism Sikhism is monotheistic, that there is only one God. For Sikhs, the ultimate goal is to be reunited with God after death. To achieve this goal, one must meditate to find spiritual enlightenment. They believe in reincarnation, that people should live truthfully, treat everyone equally, and pray several times each day.

Questions page 130-135 What were the four varnas? What could happen to someone who broke caste rules? What is the Rigveda? What are the three major forms of Brahman? What led to the development of Hinduism? What is karma? What are two religions that developed out of Hinduism?