 World's oldest living religion Originated in India around 4,000 years ago.  Most Hindus live in India  3 rd largest religion in world Over 900 million followers Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Basic Beliefs  No prophet or founder  Sacred texts Vedas (contain eternal truths) Upanishads (help explain the Vedas)  Henotheistic: Worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods Hindu Temple

Hindu Gods and Goddesses  Gods are all manifestations of one supreme being, Brahman or the Universal Spirit.  The universe has been created, sustained, and destroyed many times.  3 major expressions of Brahman who rule over the universe: Brahma, who created the world ○ G for generator Vishnu, who sustains the universe for 432 million human years ○ O for operator Shiva, who destroys the universe. This begins the cycle again. ○ D for destroyer

Reincarnation and Afterlife  Reincarnation is the rebirth of the soul after death into the body of another Resulted in a caste system.  Ultimate goal: achieve moksha, the union of atman (soul) with Brahman (Universal Spirit)  Whether one achieves moksha is determined by karma: every deed, mental and physical in this life affects a person’s fate in a future life

The Caste System  Developed in ancient times from the 4 social classes of the Aryans  Set up as a strict social and religious order  Born into one caste and stayed there for life  Could only marry within your own caste  Your caste is the result of karma  Each caste has its own dharma: duties and obligations to one’s caste  “Do your dharma, get good karma”