HINDUISM

BACKGROUND Third-largest religion after Christianity and Islam Originated in India Main religion in India Sacred texts: the Four Vedas (contain hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India) Myths and epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata

Hinduism: polytheistic or monotheistic? -Worships many gods and goddesses -One supreme God: Brahma (other gods and goddesses as facets, forms, manifestations, or aspects of that supreme God => henotheistic)

BELIEFS reincarnation (samsara): endless cycle of birth (Brahma), death (Vishnu), rebirth (Shiva) (the cycle is repeated over and over again until one reaches moksha) karma: material actions resulting from the consequences of previous actions => religious justification for the caste system personal duty (dharma)

HINDU WAY OF LIFE Moksha - the release of the soul (Atman) from the cycle of rebirth. The individual soul (Atman) unites with Brahman the universal soul. There are different ways to Moksha. spiritual - involves acquiring spiritual knowledge through yoga and meditation. devotion to god working selflessly for the good of society. How a person is reincarnated is determined by karma. Dharma - the code for leading one's life. Respect for elders is considered important and many consider marriage as a son's religious duty. Artha - the pursuit of material gain by lawful means. Karma- through pure acts, knowledge and devotion, you can reincarnate to a higher level. The opposite achieves the contrary result.

THE SYMBOL OF “AUM”/ “OM” -Intonation that transcends barriers of age, race, culture and even species -The basic sound of the world containing all other sounds -The mantra (prayer) in itself -Can penetrate to the center of one’s being, the atman (soul)

"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence … is Om. This syllable Om is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma." ~ Katha Upanishad I

PRACTICES -seek awareness of God -Puja (worship/veneration) at home or in a temple -Yoga (methods to reach Samsara) -Diwali (festivals of lights/ celebrate the New Year)

DIWALI

HINDU GODS Brahma: the Creator

Vishnu: the Preserver

Shiva : the Destroyer

Saraswathi: wife of Brahma/ Goddess of music, knowledge and art

Laksmi: Wife of Vishnu, Goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth

Ganesha: son of Shiva and Parvati

Hindu home shrine

THE CASTE SYSTEM