HINDUISM Oldest (~3000BCE) The symbol Om or Aum, is the symbol for Hinduism. It represents Brahmin, or God. Hindus repeat the word Om in order to transcend their individual thoughts and merge with God.

1. Name of people and # who belong USA = ~ 2 million Hindus Mainly found in India ~ 900 million

Where Hindus live in the world.

Where Hindus have migrated to in the world.

2. Gods they worship p. 24 & 25 Polytheistic = many gods in different forms God exists everywhere in many forms (p. 24) Trinity Brahma = creator Shiva = destroyer Vishnu = preserver Pictures & explanations to follow…

Brahma is considered the mystical creator, the supreme presence, or God. His four faces stand for the four corners of the universe. He holds a sacrificial ladle, the four Vedas, a jar of holy water from the Ganges, and a necklace of prayer beads. Like all Hindu gods, he sits upon a lotus throne.

Shiva is the destroyer or purifier Shiva is the destroyer or purifier. Shiva is called the Lord of the Dance and appears in different forms throughout Hindu legends. He dances in a halo of fire, representing the cycle of birth and death. He dances and crushes the dwarf, the demon of ignorance. In his right hand, he keeps rhythm beating a drum, while in his left hand he holds the flame of destruction, purification, and renewal. His other hands are in a position of blessing or refuge. Around his arms and neck he wears deadly snakes that symbolize his power over evil forces and fertility.

Vishnu is called the preserver and is one of the greatest gods Vishnu is called the preserver and is one of the greatest gods. His role is to maintain a balance between good and evil powers in the universe. In order to do this, Vishnu returns to earth in different forms, both animal and human. There are 10 incarnations of Vishnu: Matsya (fish) Kurma (tortoise) Varah (boar) Narasimha (man-lion) Vamana (dwarf) Parashurama (Rama w/ ax) Prince Rama Krishna (young hero) The Buddha Kalki

GANESHA is a popular god because it is seen to be the remover of obstacles.

3. Place of worship Temple = mandir Shrine at home

Hindu Symbols Swastika: ancient symbol of good fortune and protection, symbol of Vishnu, eternal wheel of life which rotates upon and unchanging center, God. This marking is believed to protect Hindus from evil spirits and natural disasters.

Lotus: symbolizes birth of the universe, manifesting itself in glory, symbol of the sun that rises in the navel of Vishnu. Cow: symbol of life, used in rituals, don’t eat beef, cows wander and are not harmed in India.

4. Holy scriptures p. 24 The Vedas are writings that contain hymns, poems, rituals, and religious reflections. These were written by Aryan Brahmins in Sanskirt. Epics/stories to teach lessons Often teach stories using comic book form/movies.

5. How and when the religion began Aryan invaders mix with people and cultures from the Indus River Valley, Persia, and Central Asia. This blending of ideas and practices created this religion called Hinduism. (handout story/p. 25) Believed to be the OLDEST RELIGION…several hundred years before JUDAISM.

6. Doctrine of Salvation The goal is to break out of the reincarnation cycle and for your soul to become part of Brahman and spend eternity in Moksha. This is done by good works!

9. Beliefs & Code of Conduct Worship Brahman through many gods & goddesses Dharma = life’s duties/morals **** Karma = cause and effect relationship in life * Samsara = reincarnation* meaning the soul is reborn until achieves perfection & goes to moksha Moksha = “heaven” the end of reincarnation cycle when soul reaches eternal happiness Varna = caste system…a way of dividing people into social groups ( p. 23)

India won independence because of him in 1947 Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948) “Father of modern day India” Led a struggle for independence with nonviolent protests to British rule: fasts, peaceful protest marches, boycotts India won independence because of him in 1947 Assassinated 1948 by a Hindu extremist

7. Holidays practiced (pictures next slide) Celebrations of gods/goddesses and what they are known for doing. Holi = spring harvest Honors god Krishna…colored water fights in the street Diwali = Good & Evil Welcomes goddess Lakshmi (wealth & good fortune) decorate home with lights, clean house, puja, celebration foods, lasts several days Mahasivratiri = god creates & recreates Honors god Shiva with fasting and feast Raksha Bandhan = sacred thread renewed/ bond of protection Promise of protection & respect, bracelet girls give to boys

8. Rituals Practiced Astrology Family shrines/prayers & puja Vegetarians Cows sacred Meditation & yoga FIRE is often used in rituals Pilgrimage to Ganges River (p. 26) Birth prayers, haircut, and offering Sacred Thread Ceremony Arranged marriages Death & cremation