The World’s Great Religions Hinduism

The Hindu “Trinity” Brahman The Ultimate Reality The Absolute Shiva Lord of Creation, Fertility, Power & Sex The Creator Vishnu Lord of Grace, Compassion, Wisdom & Divine Love The Preserver

Brahman - Atman Dualism Brahman The Divine Force in all of Creation Atman The Divine Force that resides in each if us Questing Outer Questing vs. Inner Questing

Theological Questions What is the problem faced by all humans? Reincarnation – The River of Samsara How does Reincarnation operate? The Law of Karma dictates Caste How can the devout overcome Reincarnation? Pursuing the Purusharthas

The Caste System Individuals are born into a particular Caste Individuals cannot change Caste during their lifetime Interaction between Castes is prohibited or proscribed Caste system includes five principal groups Brahmin – the elites – originally the priestly class Kshatriya – the prosperous – originally the warrior class Vaishiya – the middle class – originally the property owning class Shudra – the poor – originally the laboring and landless class Chandalas – the outcastes – originally considered ritually dirty and not allowed to participate in Hindu society Each Caste is further divided into countless Jati (sub-castes)

The Four Purusharthas Dharma – Duty (beginning upon youth) The Obligatory duties according to Caste Artha – Wealth (beginning upon adulthood) The pursuit of wealth for family and community Kama – Desire (beginning upon adulthood) Pursuing desire in balance with desire of divine Moksha – Liberation (beginning anytime) Pursuing God through intellectual knowledge, doing good deeds, pious devotion or renunciation of all things

Core Concept of Hinduism Diversity Many Gods ManyPaths One Faith