The Vedic Age (1500 BCE - 500 BCE)

Aryan Migration pastoral  depended on their cattle. Warriors Pastoral People pastoral  depended on their cattle. warriors  horse-drawn chariots.

The Vedas 1200 BCE-600 BCE. written in SANSKRIT. Hindu core of beliefs: hymns and poems. religious prayers. incantations. lists of the gods and goddesses. Rig Veda  oldest work.

Worship All Gods are incarnations of Brahman (the one supreme being) Hindus believe that they are free to worship any god they choose. IS HINDUISM POLYTHEISTIC? “Hinduism is the ocean into which the rivers of religion flow”

Rules and regulations Each caste has its own requirements/duties. These are known as DHARMA. In order to move up the caste system, everyone must do their duty. Every Caste has its DHARMA. As long as people follow the rules, they will have good KHARMA, and after death, will be REINCARNATED in a higher caste. “It is better to do your own dharma poorly, than another’s well.” This keeps those in power, in power!

Pariahs [Harijan]  Untouchables Social Hierarchy Why don’t the people in the lower castes revolt and take power? Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas Shudras Pariahs [Harijan]  Untouchables

How it all works The goal is to reach MOKSHA (heaven) and become one with Brahman “the god”. Must travel up the social “ladder”. Done through REINCARNATION. The ATMAN (soul) must be released from the body…HOW? From the highest caste the person is not reincarnated but reaches Moksha and becomes part of Brahman. Brahman the creator is part of everything