Hinduism The graphic on this page is the Ohm: AUM (OM, OHM) within Hinduism symbolizes the unborn non-dualistic, omnipresent, impersonal Absolute, which incoperates all forms of life; which is life. The sacred AUM symbol above represents both the unmanifest, nirguna, and manifest, saguna, aspects of the Absolute. By sound and form, AUM symbolizes the infinite Brahman* (ultimate reality). A stands for Creation U stands for Preservation M stands for Destruction or dissolution This is representative of the Trinity of God in Hindu dharma (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) www.muktinath.org/hinduism/om-aum.htm

The Origins of Hinduism When and Where it Began Unlike the monotheistic religions, Hinduism was not founded by a single religious leader. Instead it developed as more of a way of life among the early settlers of the Indus River Valley, in the northwest corner of the Indian subcontinent. The Indus River Valley was originally settled by the Harappans, but around 2000 BC a new group of people called Aryans crossed into India through mountain passes and spread south into central India. Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less).

The Origins of Hinduism When and Where it Began The Aryans brought an oral tradition of poems, myths and stories with them that were passed down in their spoken language, Sanskrit. Eventually this tradition, along with their rituals, were written down by Aryan priests in a book called the Vedas Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less).

The Vedas The Vedas are the sacred scripture of Hinduism. They consist of four books that were copied down over a period of 900 years, between 1400 and 500 BC. The oldest of the Vedas, the Rig-Veda, has over 1000 hymns praising many different gods. The Yajur-Veda is a handbook for priests, describing how to do rituals. The Sama-Veda contains chants and melodies to be sung during worship, and The Atharva-Vedas contains the Upanishads, which is a collection of philosophy. Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less).

Basic Beliefs Hindu’s believe there is a universal spirit that they call Brahman, who created everything in the universe. Everything in the world is part of Brahman. Every person has a soul that will someday be joined with Brahman. People are reincarnated many times before they achieve union with Brahman. A person’s karma affects what a person is reincarnated as. Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less).

Basic Beliefs Lord Brahma Siva Vishnu Hindus believe in many gods, but believe that all of them are a part of Brahman. Brahman himself is often represented as a trio of gods: Brahma, the creator god, Siva the Destroyer, who battles the enemies of god, and Vishnu the preserver, who protects god’s world. Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less). Lord Brahma Siva Vishnu

Reincarnation The goal of the human soul is to achieve Nirvana – union with Brahman and release from the cycle of reincarnation. A person’s karma is based on the good or evil they have done in their past lives . Practice of good works and Ahimsa – non-violence - help a person achieve Dharma. Dharma is the fulfillment of a person’s purpose in life. Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less).

Sacred Animals Many Hindu's worship animals as a symbol of god, and some believe that a person can be spend one of their reincarnations in animal form. The god of good luck, Ganesh, is pictured in the form of an elephant The cow is considered particularly sacred. Because of this, many Hindu’s are vegetarians. Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less).

Hindu’s Sacred Sites Hindu’s build magnificent temples to worship their gods. Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less).

Hindu’s Sacred Sites The city of Varanasi, in India, is a traditional pilgrimage site, as is anywhere on the Ganges River. Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less).

Hindu’s Holidays Holi is a popular spring festival. Holi commemorates the slaying of the demon Holika by Lord Vishnu's devotee Prahlad. Celebrants toss colored powders and paint on each other. Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less). Another important festival is Diwali, the festival of lights.

Diffusion and Spread Hindus do not typically seek converts but the belief has still spread to many parts of South and Southeast Asia via trade routes. There are 1 billion practitioners worldwide (3rd largest world-wide) Theme: Movement

Philosophy He who hates nothing of all that lives, himself compassionate, free from arrogance and love of self, unchanged by good or ill; patient, contented, firm in faith, true to his word, seeking me heart and soul, vowed to me; that man I love. (from Krishna 's dialogue in the Bhagavad-Gita) Ask students to summarize this into one short sentence (10 words or less).

Hinduism in the World Today Theme: Location Have students describe the relative location of Hindu population This map can be found at: http://www.wadsworth.com/religion_d/special_features/popups/maps/matthews_world/content/map_01.html