Hinduism

Brahman Supreme God Everything part of Brahman Goal in life to unite atman (the soul) with Brahman Hindus build temples and shrines

Multiple Gods Hindus believe in MANY gods- POLYTHEISTIC Gods and goddesses are part of Brahman Most important gods: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva Holidays honor the many Gods

Dharma Sacred duty Individual dharma determined by personality, age, gender,social class Each class has its own duties Nonviolence- no harm to animals

Karma Sum of good and bad actions Good and bad actions affect future life-what form the soul will take Karma justifies the caste system

Samsara Belief in reincarnation Continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth Goal in life is achieve moksha and be released from samsara People make pilgrimages and unite with Brahman to escape the cycle

Sacred Texts Veda –Written in Sanskrit –Word Veda means “knowledge” Upanishads –Earliest reference to reincarnation –Originally in oral form

Worship and Sacred Place Most Hindus worship every day at a home shrine Hindus make offerings to a murti. A murti is a sacred statue of God or goddess Mandir- Hindu Temple

Major festival- Divali New Year Festival/ Festival of Light Celebrated all over the world 5 days Usually celebrated in October/November

Rituals-Sanskar Wedding- can take several hours Baby rituals- Ceremony during pregnancy; Naming ceremony and many others

What is the red dot? Known as a bindhi, tika or tilaka “Third eye of Shiva”- represents the center of knowledge or symbol of respect for ancestors Used to be worn only by married women and on holidays- now worn by men and women as fashion

Other Practices Ganges River is holy place Pilgrimage to sacred places important Fasting Belief in reincarnation very important YOGA- form of physical and mental exercise - means “Union”- provides a path to Brahman