HINDUISM

WHAT IS HINDUISM? The World’s 3rd most popular religion The oldest of the major religions in the world Originated in North India The main symbol of Hinduism is called the ‘AUM’ 1st bullet point – add that there are over 750 million followers of Hinduism worldwide, 80% of the Indian population are Hindu’s 2nd bullet point – no one knows exactly when it was founded but it goes back atleast 5000 years. 3rd bullet point – developed from brahminism 4th bullet point – The sound is that heard in the deepest meditation and is said to be most suited to god

BELIEFS Hinduism teaches that there is one great power called ‘Brahman’ also known as Atman or the soul. Reincarnation – when you die your soul moves in to another body. Karma – Your actions and behaviour dictate whether good or bad things will happen to you in your next life. 1st Bullet point – translation of brahman = ultimate reality. Brahman is everywhere and everything. Believe nothing would exist if Brahman was not in it. (They use example of salt in water to explain it, it cannot be seen but is present in even the smallest drop of water). 2nd bullet point – another body could be a human,animal or plant. 3rd bullet point – Hindus try to live so that in their next life they are living better.

WORSHIP Worship at least once a day Worship may include; meditation, repeating the names of god or listening to readings from holy books. Most common form of worship is called ‘Puja’. ‘ http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/puja/4799.html 3rd bullet point – PUJA – Making offerings to the murtis in the shrine, a holy place. Bottom left – Worlds largest HINDU temple – 100 acre complex in New Delhi. Bottom right – example of a shrine, most hindus have a shrine at home where they worship atleast once a day. Most important part of a shrine is the image of a god/goddess.

HINDU GODS AND GODDESSES Hindu’s only believe in ONE God, Brahman, BUT there are many different God’s sent to help people find Brahman. Vishnu – the preserver, Shiva – the destroyer, Brahma – the creator. There are many other gods/goddesses – no one knows exactly how many there are, some Hindus believe thousands, some millions. VISHNU - Preserver BRAHMA - Creator SHIVA - Destroyer The three main Gods that make up the ‘Trimurti’. They work together to maintain the circle of life in the universe.

CELEBRATIONS DIWALI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrrW3rO51ak Most important festival in the year. Takes place at the end of the month of Ashwin, carries on into month of Kartik (October-November) our calendar. Usually lasts for five days. Not all Hindus celebrate it in the same way, Includes beginning of the financial year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrrW3rO51ak