Hinduism
What is Hinduism? - One of the world’s oldest religions (3000 years old) - The religion of the Indian people - Influenced many other religions, including Buddhism and Sikhism - A polytheistic religion (multiple gods)
What do Hindus Believe? True essence of life – Atman, the soul, is Brahman trapped in matter Reincarnation – Atman is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime Karma – spiritual impurity due to actions keeps us bound to this world (good and bad) Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman
What do Hindus Believe? “We are not human beings having spiritual experiences; We are spiritual beings having a human experience!”
Hinduism in daily life Respect for all life – vegetarian
Hinduism in daily life Respect for all life – vegetarian Human life as supreme: Four “stations” of life (Caste) - priests & teachers, nobles & warriors, merchant class, servant class
Hinduism in daily life Respect for all life – vegetarian Human life as supreme: Four “stations” of life (Caste) - priests & teachers, nobles & warriors, merchant class, servant class Four stages of life – student, householder, retired, renunciant
Hinduism in daily life Respect for all life – vegetarian Human life as supreme: Four “stations” of life (Caste) - priests & teachers, nobles & warriors, merchant class, servant class Four stages of life – student, householder, retired, renunciant Four duties of life – pleasure, success, social responsibilities, religious responsibilities (moksha)
Who do Hindus Worship? Brahma The creator god
Who do Hindus Worship? Vishnu The preserver and protector god
Who do Hindus Worship? Shiva The destruction god
Who do Hindus Worship? Shakti The Divine Mother
All these gods are but forms (attributes and functions) of the impersonal Brahman