Unit 2: Part II-Hinduism The World’s 3 rd Largest Religion About 837 million followers - 13% of the world's population.

The World’s Oldest Living Religion Traces back to the Indus Valley Civilization Traces back to the Indus Valley Civilization No individual founder- developed over time No individual founder- developed over time Dominates modern day India and Sri Lanka Dominates modern day India and Sri Lanka

The Basics The God of Hinduism is Brahman The God of Hinduism is Brahman He is the absolute, unchanging, ultimate reality that exists beyond the everyday world He is the absolute, unchanging, ultimate reality that exists beyond the everyday world He has the power to take different forms He has the power to take different forms He embodies the concept that: The entire universe is seen as one divine entity who is simultaneously at one with the universe and who transcends it as well. He embodies the concept that: The entire universe is seen as one divine entity who is simultaneously at one with the universe and who transcends it as well.

Beliefs Each person has a soul known as Atman…many believe that Atman and Brahman are one in the same. Each person has a soul known as Atman…many believe that Atman and Brahman are one in the same. For Hindus, Atman and Brahman are the only real things-the rest is considered illusion. For Hindus, Atman and Brahman are the only real things-the rest is considered illusion.

The Cycle of Samsara Endless cycle of Hinduism; includes: life, death, and rebirth. Endless cycle of Hinduism; includes: life, death, and rebirth. Also called reincarnation Also called reincarnation Hindus hope to eventually be freed of this cycle Hindus hope to eventually be freed of this cycle Karma: the power that keeps the Samsara cycle going Karma: the power that keeps the Samsara cycle going This also refers to the actions performed by each individual during their lifetime. This also refers to the actions performed by each individual during their lifetime. Good actions take Hindus toward a better rebirth, and bad actions toward a poorer rebirth Good actions take Hindus toward a better rebirth, and bad actions toward a poorer rebirth

Other beliefs of Hinduism It is possible for a human to be reborn as an animal It is possible for a human to be reborn as an animal The release from the Samsara Cycle is known as Moksha-which is literally rebirth and suffering. The release from the Samsara Cycle is known as Moksha-which is literally rebirth and suffering. You can only achieve this when one replaces their ignorance with wisdom. You can only achieve this when one replaces their ignorance with wisdom.

Dharma People live their lives according to this People live their lives according to this Dharma is the behavior or duty that governs lives Dharma is the behavior or duty that governs lives An Individuals duty is determined by their position in society and by the stage of life they have reached. An Individuals duty is determined by their position in society and by the stage of life they have reached.

4 Main Social Groups According to Hinduism Priests and Teachers Priests and Teachers Rulers and the Military Rulers and the Military Merchants Merchants Manual Workers Manual Workers

Other Customs Sacred text is the Vedas- collection of prayers and teachings Sacred text is the Vedas- collection of prayers and teachings Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic religions. They recognize a single deity, and view other Gods and Goddesses as manifestations or aspects of that supreme God. Most forms of Hinduism are henotheistic religions. They recognize a single deity, and view other Gods and Goddesses as manifestations or aspects of that supreme God. Henotheistic and polytheistic religions have traditionally been among the world's most religiously tolerant faiths. However, until recently, a Hindu nationalistic political party controlled the government of India. Henotheistic and polytheistic religions have traditionally been among the world's most religiously tolerant faiths. However, until recently, a Hindu nationalistic political party controlled the government of India.

The Ramayana Example of Hindu Literature Example of Hindu Literature Written 2500 years ago Written 2500 years ago Serves as an example of correct behavior of living one’s dharma Serves as an example of correct behavior of living one’s dharma The text is used as a code of right and moral behavior in Indian/Hindu Society The text is used as a code of right and moral behavior in Indian/Hindu Society

Assignment for Book: Follow directions on handout to dedicate 2 pages of your World Religions book to the “Journey of Life” in Hinduism. Follow directions on handout to dedicate 2 pages of your World Religions book to the “Journey of Life” in Hinduism.