History Hinduism began in the Indus Valley about 3000 BCE This civilization was advanced, although not as much is known about it as the Egyptian or Mesopotamian

Aryan Movements

Brahman Brahman: Absolute unchanging ultimate reality Some see Brahman as God Some see Brahman as God Others see Brahman as an impersonal power which is beyond all description Others see Brahman as an impersonal power which is beyond all description Salt and Water Analogy Salt and Water Analogy

Samsara Cycle of birth, life, and death People continually go through this cycle…they are reincarnated at either a higher or lower level depending on how well they fulfilled their dharma

Moksha Liberation from samsara Your soul (atman) becomes one with Brahman, the universal soul This happens when one’s karma continually fulfills their dharma.

Karma Karma Actions performed by each individual during a lifetime. Actions performed by each individual during a lifetime. Good action = a step towards a better rebirth Good action = a step towards a better rebirth Bad action = step towards a poorer rebirth Bad action = step towards a poorer rebirth Can be reborn as an animal—it will be harder for them to gain the knowledge they need to escape from samsara Can be reborn as an animal—it will be harder for them to gain the knowledge they need to escape from samsara

Dharma Your duty in life….what is right according to your caste If you live your life according to your dharma, you will receive good karma

Vishnu Preserver God His role is to maintain a balance between good and evil He returns to earth in different forms (avatars) both animal and human

Shiva The Destroyer God Dances in a halo of fire representing the cycle of birth and death He crushes the dwarf, the demon of ignorance

Shiva Left hand holds the flame of destruction, purification, and renewal Around his neck he wears snakes which symbolize his power over evil

Brahma The Creator God Four faces stand for the four corners of the universe Many Hindus believe that all Gods originate from Brahma

Hindu Trinity

The Vedas World’s oldest writings Initially, orally transmitted…eventual ly translated into Sanskrit The Rig-Veda tells of 33 gods all born of Brahman

Sacred Writings Vedas: collection of psalms, prayers, chants Rig Veda: oldest religious document 800 BCE Upanishads: origin of the universe, Brahman, struggles to achieve moksha Ramayana: Life of Rama (Vishnu) Mahabharata: longest poem in the world Bhagavad Gita: Krishna (Vishnu) and Arjuna

Practices Wash hands before prayer Cremated the same day you die Ganges River is a goddess Ganga Cow is sacred Worship in temples and in home shrines In India: most Hindus only attend temple on holy days or festivals Western Countries: temples have become more prominent as meeting places for Hindus to form a community. Pilgrimages to holy cites Varanasi Suttee

The Caste System Exploring differences in society

The Caste System (Varna or Jati) Brought by the Aryans in 1500 BCE Forced the Indians (Dravidians) to become their servants As a result, the caste system originated based on social and economic distinctions Today there are 300 sub-castes and four main castes. There is also a fifth group.

Caste Facts Once born into a caste, you stay in the caste Used to be only be able to marry within caste, but that is changing Each caste has its own rules and duties (dharma) Differences in class exists in each caste. It is possible to have a poor Brahmin and a rich Kshatriya. It is possible to have a poor Brahmin and a rich Kshatriya. Brahmin Wedding

The Main Castes People divided by birth and hereditary occupation. Brahmins: Priestly class and cultured elite. Kshatriyas: Warrior class and ruling aristocracy Vaishyas: Farmers, merchants, and professional class. Sudras: Low status laborers and artisans. Known as the servant class.

Brahmin Top caste About 5% of Indian people Usually educated and literate

Kshatriyas Ruler, Warrior, and Landowner class Second highest

Vaishya Shopkeepers and merchants Sell goods Third highest

Sudras Artisans, people who perform services Fourth highest class

Harijans (Untouchables or Dalits) Considered to be so lowly that they do not have a caste. Perform the despicable tasks like killing animals, tanning hides, sweeping and cleaning. Gandhi called them the children of God 1950 Indian Constitution abolished untouchability…but still exists

Harijans Perform unclean jobs such as making dung patties to be used for fuel

Weakening of the Caste System Greater educational opportunities Movement of people to cities blurs caste lines. blurs caste lines. Constitutional changes: all people have the right to vote. all people have the right to vote. The work of Gandhi Growth of industry & need for jobs Technology Gandhi Cities

Continuing Caste Strength Still strong in the villages (change is slow) Hard to separate from the Hindu tradition…it is entrenched! It is linked to Karma and Dharma

What connection is the between the Caste System and Hinduism?

Summarize: Write a paragraph using each of these terms BrahminKarmaDharmaDalit Caste System ReincarnationMoksha