“Hinduism is as much a way of life, as it is a religion”

1. History World’s oldest living religion No “correct” way to worship Different cultures Blending of Indian and Aryan No “correct” way to worship No one founder & no single text

2. Supporters/Sects 900 million people, mainly in India 4 main denominations or sects

3. Major Scriptures

The Vedas Originally oral Collection of traditions, rituals and“eternal truths” Oldest Hindu text

The Upanishads Means “to sit near” Helped to encode the Vedas Stories, parables and poems Help common people understand the “truths” in the Vedas

The Mahabharata & Ramayana 2 epic poems Hindu mythology & beliefs Reveals morals Guide on how to live one’s life

4. Goals Moksha Liberation (total freedom) Ultimate goal Freeing of one’s soul from the body To be one with Brahman Break the cycle of reincarnation This may take many lifetimes or not at all

Path of Attainment Puja Ganges River Daily rituals/worship Done at home or temple Bathe, recite prayers, light fires, make offerings fasting Ganges River Bathing = spiritual cleansing Cremation along the banks, ashes swept into the river

Beliefs Atman Ahimsa Essential self or true self Life force or soul of ALL things Ahimsa Hindu ideal of non-violence Respect for life Stems from the beliefs about atman

Beliefs- Samsara Reincarnation or rebirth Cycle of birth-death-rebirth Hindus strive to break cycle Form of ones incarnation is determined by how they live their life.

Beliefs Determining one’s future caste or life form Karma “deeds” determines the fate of one’s reincarnation Too many bad deeds=lower caste Good =move up or attain Moksha Dharma “duty” Doing one’s duty in this lifetime according to one’s caste

Deities (Gods)

Brahman Supreme Being 3 main gods & thousands of minor ones God above all gods Source of universal life 3 main gods & thousands of minor ones The thousand headed one Formless/nameless

Brahma The creator god Although present in many temples, not really worshiped

Vishnu The Preserver god Most popular branch of Hinduism Kind, benevolent Concerned about life and the world Appears as: Avatars: or incarnations

Shiva Destroyer god Has several forms Powerful, fickle and turbulent Often worshiped through female partner Shekti

6. Holidays

Devali (Diwali) Festival of light- renewal- new year’s Four days Dedicated to goddess Lakshmi She brings good luck Lights, new clothes, perform puja, clean homes October/November

Holi Celebration of spring In honor of Krishna (Vishnu) Brightly colored paint, chalk or water is thrown on people, animals, and sacred objects