Hinduism

Origins Hinduism does not come from the teachings of one person Hindu is a Sanskrit word meaning “river,” it was once used to describe all Indians The teachings of Hinduism have three main sources: The traditions of the Indus River valley culture The traditions of the Dravidian peoples And the beliefs of the Aryan invaders

Aryan Invasion When the Aryans invaded India, the native Dravidians responded in three ways: Fleeing to southern India and preserving their culture Becoming slaves to the Aryans Merging with the Aryans to form a new culture in northern India-this was the beginning of Hinduism

Hindu Texts Hindu beliefs come from a collection of texts known as the Shruti, “that which is heard” Other texts are called Shmriti, “that which is remembered”-these are great stories The Upanishads are part of the Shruti and answer questions about Hindu beliefs and practices

Hindu Beliefs The one true reality is Brahman, the mighty spirit that creates and destroys. Brahman is One, but expresses itself as many One part of Brahman is the Self, or Soul. This is called Atman. Atman is found in every living thing

Hindu Beliefs Nothing living dies entirely. The Atman continues in a cycle of rebirth All Hindus strive to achieve moksha, a state of spiritual perfection. Once moksha is achieved, the Atman merges with Brahman Moksha is achieved through margas: knowledge and insight, appropriate action and works, and devotion to god All diversity in the universe is an illusion (maya)-the true nature is Oneness

Hindu Gods and Goddesses Brahma the Creator Vishnu the Preserver Shiva the Destroyer Shakti (Feminine energy force responsible for fertility and creativity; manifests itself in many female forms) Hindus believe in the Oneness of Brahman, but often have devotions to other gods

Caste System 1. Brahmins 2. Kshatriyas 3. Vaisyas 4. Sudras Created from the mouth, made up of priests 2. Kshatriyas Created from the arms, rulers and warriors 3. Vaisyas Created from the thighs, merchants, farmers, artisans 4. Sudras Created from the feed, servants and slaves

Dalits (Untouchables) The Dalits, or Untouchables, are even lower than the Sudras They had no rights in Hindu culture Members of other castes would not speak to them, touch them, drink from the same well, etc.

Justification The justification for the caste system is Karma-your behavior in this life will determine your status in the next life Good karma is accrued by following Dharma Dharma is the set of rules for proper behavior for each caste

Goals of Life No matter what caste, there are four purushartha, or goals of life: Dharma, artha (success), kama (pleasure) and moksha A Hindu expects to pass through four ashramas, or stages of life: Brahmacarya-Student Grihastha-Householder Vanaprastha-One who withdraws for reflection Samnyasin-One who renounces the world