Hinduism This is a picture of a local temple in Riverdale, Ga (just south of the airport)

Where in the world are Hindus? map of religion

The Vedas 1200 BCE-600 BCE. written in SANSKRIT. Hindu core of beliefs: hymns and poems. religious prayers. magical spells. lists of the gods and goddesses. Rig Veda  oldest work.

Varna (Social Hierarchy) Pariahs [Harijan]  Untouchables Brahmins- priests and wise men Kshatriyas- warriors and rulers. Vaishyas- merchants, traders and small farmers. Shudras- peasants and field workers. Untouchables- perform jobs no one else will do http://youtu.be/j31veR74gSo Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas Shudras Pariahs [Harijan]  Untouchables

The Caste System WHO IS… The mouth? The arms? The legs? The feet? Brahmins WHO IS… Kshatriyas The mouth? The arms? The legs? The feet? Vaishyas Shudras

Do Hindus believe in God? Hindus officially are considered polytheistic. They believe in one impersonal Ultimate Reality – Brahman To make sense of this universal God Hindu developed many many gods to make sense of their religion

A few examples Brahma- the creator god

Vishnu- The Preserver and Sustainer

Shiva the destroyer

Gods, Gods and More Gods These gods all have other personalities or avatars that also are worshipped The gods are usually showed with human characteristics but are often bright colors or with multiple body partshttp://www.sanatansociety.org/hindu_gods_and_goddesses.htm - http://www.sanatansociety.org/hindu_gods_and_goddesses.htm

All these deities are but Manifest forms (attributes and functions) of the impersonal Brahman

What do Hindus believe? True essence of life – Atman, the soul, is the universal god in you.( Brahman) Reincarnation – atman is continually born into this world lifetime after lifetime (Samsara)

How do I change my status? We all have different roles in life and fulfilling these roles is called Dharma. This means our moral duty Karma – spiritual impurity due to actions keeps us bound to this world (good and bad) Ultimate goal of life – to release Atman and reunite with the divine, becoming as one with Brahman (Moksha)

Other beliefs There are rules and behaviors that are expected of Hindus like in other religions. The way people pray, the gods they worship and the rituals they practice can vary from place to place. This is called puja This is consistent for all Hindus Human life is supreme