Hinduism Unit 1: World Religions

Breakdown by Continents

Polytheism vs. Monotheism

Hinduism Founder: Age: Developed over centuries Atman Brahman There is no one founder Age: Developed over centuries Name comes in the 16th century In order to differentiate from Muslims 4,000 years of tradition Atman Individual Soul Brahman World Soul Contains all Atmans

Indian Early Society 1 – Priests and Teachers 2 - Warriors 3 – Merchants, Farmers and Landowners 4 – Peasants

Every Action has an Equal and Opposite reaction Concepts of Hinduism Karma: Person’s action in life determine future state of their soul. Bad Actions against Dharma Newton’s Law Every Action has an Equal and Opposite reaction

Concepts of Hinduism Dharma-has many meanings Applications One’s role you play or position in life OR Set of rules that must be followed to be promoted Applications Different people have different rules What’s right for one may not be right for another Where you live, who you marry, profession etc.

Caste System Untouchables – Butchers Grave diggers Trash collectors – Caste system determines: Work Marriage people whom you could dine with, etc Untouchables – Butchers Grave diggers Trash collectors – Exist outside the caste system It can be changed through reincarnation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFNKdMSl2A0

Caste System – Social Stratification Main Castes: Priests (Brahmins) Warriors (Kshatriyas) Landowners (Vaishyas) Servants-Peasants (Sudra) Untouchables More then 3,000 Sub Castes

Concepts of Hinduism Reincarnation: Upon death, a person’s soul moves into another living thing. Moksha=Goal End of Death and Rebirth Cycle Over come desire. Perfect understanding

How do you achieve Moksha Three ways to end the cycle of reincarnation Be devoted to any of the Hindu Gods or Goddesses 2. Meditation. Acknowledge life as an illusion and realize that Brahman is the only real thing – Yoga 3. Dedicate oneself to various religious ceremonies

Hinduism’s impact on Society

Caste System Today Untouchables Cities Villages Outlawed in modern India in1950 Gov’t jobs given to ex-untouchables Cities Lines beginning to blur Universal suffrage Globalization Villages Still strong Change is slower

The Hindu Gods Polytheistic

Hindu Gods Brahma: Least worshiped God First God Created the World Created all creatures Least worshiped God Obsessed with Shatarupa – his female creation Punishment was not to be worshiped.

Hindu Gods Second God Preserver/Protector of the Universe Vishnu Second God Preserver/Protector of the Universe Appeared 9 times on earth

Hindu Gods Third God Destroy the Universe in order to rebuild Shiva (Siva) Third God Destroy the Universe in order to rebuild

Religious Texts Vedas Sacred Literature 4 collections of prayers, magical spells and instructions for performing rituals Most important – Rig Veda Upanishads Teacher’s comments Were written down as discussions between students and a teacher

Major Religious Practices Holy Pilgrimages to Benares On Foot Wash hands & Feet before Prayer Bathe in Sacred rivers like Ganges

Major Religious Practices Person Cremated the same day that they die. All life is sacred Especially cattle Most Hindus are vegetarians

Hinduism Meaning of Life Dharma Ones Role in society Karma Good and Bad deeds Moksha Release from the Reincarnation Cycle

Sikhism Founded 15th Century in Punjab region of India Founder attempted to combine Hinduism with Islam Monotheistic (Muslim) but with Hindu traditions