Hinduism
Hinduism Basics Founder: None Year: around 1500 BCE Origin Region: Indus Valley God(s): Brahman (many “forms”) Sacred Writing(s): Vedas, Upanshads, Brahmana Place of Worship: Temple
Hindu Temples
History of Hinduism The Dravidians of the Indus Valley (India) are invaded by light skinned Aryans of Persia Their religious beliefs merge together to form the Hindu religion The caste system is developed to control jobs and village life It also prevents “light and dark skins” from intermarrying to keep the Aryans “pure” Hinduism spreads throughout Indian and south east Asia
History of Hinduism In 1947, the British Indian Empire (composed of Hindus and Muslims) gains independence (under pressure from Ghandi’s non-violent civil disobedience. The Empire is partitioned into two countries based on the main religions of the region. India (Hindu) Pakistan (Muslim) Today, Hinduism is the world’s 3rd largest religion. http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=57A8CDD0-3388-447F-BB8E-AE428CC80A92&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US
Main Teachings and Beliefs Polytheist – belief in many gods Brahman is the supreme presence (god) of which all other gods originate Hindus are free to worship Brahman in any way that is useful and meaningful to them – worship different gods that represent different aspects of Brahman Holy Trinity: Brahma (creator of the universe), Vishnu (preserver of the universe), and Shiva (destroyer and restorer of the universe)
Holy Trinity Brahma Shiva Vishnu http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=3F965105-CDAF-4459-A8E8-80A8BB0F06BB&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US
Main Teachings and Beliefs Dharma – moral balance and religious discipline (treat people well and practice Hinduism) Karma – people experience the consequences of their actions (every act and thought has its consequences) Good Dharma = Good Karma good things happen to good people Samsara – reincarnation (soul is reborn); a person’s worldly status in their present lives is determined by their actions in their previous life Moksha – union with Brahman (like Heaven); must live a life of moral integrity and religious devotion (may take many lifetimes)
Caste System BRAHMIN Priest/Teacher VARNAS (groups) KSHATRIYA http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=A822A65D-07A8-4E86-949F-900E1D128AF8&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US BRAHMIN Priest/Teacher VARNAS (groups) KSHATRIYA King/Warrior VAISYA Merchant, Farmer, Artisan SUDRA Peasant/Labourer UNTOUCHABLE So Far Below Other Groups They Are Not Even PART Of Caste System
Hindu Celebrations Holi - 2 day celebration after the full moon in early March; celebrates good harvests and fertility of the land; and a legend from Hindu mythology (a faithful worshiper of Vishnu doesn’t burn when thrown in a fire); there are lots of bonfires and people run around and throw coloured powder and water on each other. http://www.pakistan.tv/videos-steve-mccurry-on-holi-incredible-india-cnn-[xUk4saC4feY].cfm
Hindu Celebrations Divali - 5 day celebration in the fall welcoming Laksmi, goddess of wealth; candles & lamps are lit as a greeting to Laksmi; gifts are exchanged and festive meals are prepared. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrrW3rO51ak&feature=fvw