Hinduism

Early Origins Began in the Indus River Valley Present day India Originally an oral belief system passed down form generation to generation through songs and poems Is later written in the Sanskrit Thought to be the world’s first writings, perhaps dating back to 5000 BCE

The Books The beliefs are written into the Vedas (“Book of knowledge”)

Gods and Goddesses Three primary gods make up the “Hindu Trinity” Brahma “The Creator,” mystical creator All other gods originate from him Vishnu “The Preserver,” maintains a balance between good and evil powers in the universe Shiva “The Destroyer” or “The Purifier” represents rebirth and death

Hindu Beliefs Dharma Karma Reincarnation Caste System

Dharma Doing one’s moral duty in life Each Person has the responsibility to balance his/her own dharma

Karma Belief that every act or thought has consequences (i.e. “what goes around comes around”) A person experiences the affects of his or her actions Living in a balance universe If an individual disturbs this order, he/she will pay greatly If you live an ethical and moral life with undisturbed dharma you will be lead to happiness

Reincarnation Cycle of life, death, and rebirth in which a person carries his/her own karma A person’s worldly status depends upon actions in a past life People who fulfill their dharma gain good karma and are born into a higher social group in next life People who don’t live moral lives will be born as members of lower groups or as animals Over time Nirvana can be reached Souls final resting place

Hindu Caste System

Hindu Caste System Continued People are born into the caste of their parents One cannot move across caste lines during one’s life People are expected to marry within their castes One’s Dharma from their previous life determines their current caste Today the constitution of India prohibits the caste system and social distinctions But it is still found in different areas of the country