Caste in Stone Introduction to Hinduism “There is only one God, but endless are his aspects and endless are his names”

The vast majority of Hindus live in India and Nepal. Approx. 83% of Indians belong to this faith.

Basic Beliefs No prophet No book No dogma Poetic phrases used to express their philosophy “Truth is one, the wise perceive it many ways”

How is this different from most other religions?

Gods and Goddesses Numerous gods, but all manifestations of one supreme being The universe has been created, sustained and destroyed many times Brahman- who created the world not worshipped by the individual

THE TWO MOST POPULAR GODS SHIVA VISHNU

Reincarnation  Reincarnation is the rebirth of the soul after death into the body of another. This belief has resulted in a caste system.  People may be reincarnated at a higher or lower level of existence depending on their karma from their present life.  People may be reborn as plants or animals or they may be elevated to a higher caste as a human.  Death is not final for Hindus as they expect to be reborn many times.

If you could choose, what would you want to be reincarnated as?

Caste System Four major castes  Brahmin : priests, highest caste  Kshatriya: warriors and administrators  Vaistrya: farmers, merchants, teachers, artisans  Sudras: servants,laborers  Outcasts and untouchables

How would your life be different, if the our country adopted the caste system?

The Sacred Cow All Hindus avoid eating beef since they venerate the cow. 40,000 cows wander the streets of New Delhi Why: Given years of faithful service to man Provide man with milk Provide man with fuel Cow was created on the same day as the Brahmins Symbol of motherhood