Hinduism One of the oldest known religions in the world. Unlike most other religions, Hinduism has: -No single founder -No single scripture -No commonly agreed upon set of teachings

Hinduism Because of the previous things mentioned, scholars often refer to Hinduism as a ‘way of life’ or a ‘family of religions.

The term 'Hindu' was derived from the river or river complex of the northwest, the Sindhu. Sindhu is a Sanskrit word used by the inhabitants of the region, the Aryans (later used by other invaders to describe the land and its people). Indus River

Principles of Indian Hinduism Karma - The law of moral causation; explains why certain people have certain lots in life. –Why are the poor miserable? Why are the wealthy so comfortable? –Our status is the result of our own past actions and our own present doings. We ourselves are responsible for our own happiness and misery.

Principles of Indian Hinduism Dharma –Natural universal laws whose observance enables humans to be contented and happy, and to save oneself from degradation and suffering.

Principles of Indian Hinduism Examples of Dharma –nonviolence, not stealing, –truthfulness, refraining from speaking a truth which hurts, refraining from backbiting –control of anger and jealousy –practicing charity and kindness to all, –practicing hospitality, etc. –"Treat your mother and father as Gods.”

Principles of Indian Hinduism Samsara The process of passing from one body to another throughout all species of life. –Hindus believe that consciousness is present in all life forms –(1) aquatics, (2) plants, (3) reptiles and insects, (4) birds, (5) animals and (6) humans

Principles of Indian Hinduism Around and around it goes, like Shiva the cosmic dancer. Death Birth Rebirth Samsara or Reincarnation

3 Major Texts of Hinduism 1.The Vedas –The oldest and most important is the Hindu text First in the form of oral histories composed about 1500 BCE Then written in Sanskrit about 600 BCE –It contains 4 books: with hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India.

3 major texts of Hinduism 2.The Bhagavad Gītā (400 BCE) –A poem describing a conversation between a warrior Arjuna and the God Krishna. –700–verse scripture –Called the “Song of God”

3 major texts of Hinduism 3. The Upanishads (400 BCE) –They explain how the soul (Atman) can be united with Brahman. Through meditation and religious instruction with a guru (or a teacher)

Polytheistic Hindus believe in many deities –These very interesting looking gods are not to be taken literally The Big Guy: Brahman –The one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the universe; genderless

Polytheistic After Brahman, The Hindu Trinity (“The Big 3”): –The triumvirate consists of three gods who are responsible for the creation, upkeep and destruction of the world. –Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva

The Trimurti of Hinduism Vishnu The Preserver Brahma The Creator Shiva The Destroyer

Brahma: The Creator He is the father of Manu, and from Manu all human beings are descended. –Not to be confused with Brahman (The Big Guy) –He is clad in red clothes. –is traditionally depicted with four heads, four faces, and four arms…one for each of the 4 Vedas

Vishnu: The Preserver Brahma is the creator of the universe and Shiva is the destroyer. Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe. His role is to return to the earth in troubled times and restore the balance of good and evil. Vishnu is the essence of all beings, the master of and beyond the past, present and future.

Vishnu: The Preserver Human body, color of the clouds (blue colored) with four arms. –Conch: the sound this produces 'Om', represents creation –Chakra: symbolizes the mind (a wheel) –Lotus flower: existence and freedom –Mace: represents mental and physical strength Been reincarnated nine times ( only 1 more time)

Shiva: The Destroyer Shiva is commonly known as the God of Destruction, but it is more appropriate to call Shiva the God of Regeneration. –He is also associated with procreation. –Infertile women will pray to him in the hopes of bearing children. Also seen as the god of meditation and asceticism. –He will be depicted sitting cross-legged with his eyes half-closed.

Shiva: The Destroyer Weapon: red trident Third eye The Ganges River flows from the matted hair Seated upon a tiger skin Garlanded with a snake

Dancing Shiva Conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time. Shiva's dance is set within a flaming halo. The god holds in his upper right hand the a drum that made the first sound Om. His upper left hand holds a fire that will destroy the universe. With his lower right hand, he makes a gesture that wards off fear. The dwarflike figure being trampled by his right foot ignorance. Shiva's front left hand, pointing to his raised left foot, signifies refuge for the troubled soul. The energy of his dance makes his hair fly to the sides. The symbols imply that, through belief in Shiva, his devotees can achieve salvation.

Ganesha: Elephant Headed God Elephant-deity riding a mouse Most popular Hindu God He is the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of knowledge, wisdom and wealth.

Kali: Dark Mother Goddess of time, doomsday, and death, or the black goddess. Kali is the killer of human ego. Although she looks violent and aggressive she is considered to be a reflection of a mother protecting her children from evil.

Kali: Dark Mother Characterized as black or blue, partially or completely naked, with a long lolling tongue, multiple arms, a skirt or girdle of human arms, a necklace of decapitated heads, and a decapitated head in one of her hands

Moksha When a soul finally escapes the karmic cycle, it becomes one with Brahman when the last bodily incarnation dies. Moksha is not available for women so it is considered better to be born a man. The best position to be born into is that of a man of a high caste or a guru. These are the ones most likely to achieve union with Brahman and end the cycle of lives (reincarnation).

Hindu Traditions: Where’s the Beef? A large section of Hindus embrace vegetarianism in a bid to respect higher forms of life. While vegetarianism is not a requirement, it is recommended as a purifying lifestyle – About 30% of today's Hindu population are lacto-vegetarian – Another 20% of the Hindu population practice vegetarianism on religious days

Hindu Traditions: The Bindi The red dot Hindu women wear on the forehead –Its location over a chakra (energy point), is intended to help focus during meditation. –Also a symbol of good fortune. –Bindi was once only for married women but today is worn by girls and women of all ages.

Hindu Traditions: Mehndi The application of henna as a temporary form of skin decoration Described in the earliest Vedic ritual books Intended to be a symbolic representation of the outer and the inner sun; "awakening the inner light". Women have Henna applied to their hands and feet for their weddings and festivals